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Clan Donald (Macdonald)
Clan Donald is a large clan
with a proud history. Such was its far reaching influence that
it would be impossible to explore all this clan heartlands in
one trip. Instead, we have concentrated on the lands to the west
of Scotland, particularly the Isle of Skye, one of the most romantic
- and most beautiful - areas in the whole of the country. If
you have additional time available we can offer extensions.
The Clan Donald were once rulers
of the 'sea kingdom' on Scotland's west coast and found particular
success in Skye where they become the self-styled Lords of the
Isles. A visit here, and some of the other notable homelands,
would provide a truly memorable experience for Macdonalds everywhere.
Day 1 & 2
Arrive in Edinburgh and begin to explore Edinburgh's many historic
sites that have played such a large role in the life of Clan
Donald. Starting with Edinburgh Castle, you can meander down
the Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace with opportunities to visit
Gladstones Land - a 17th century merchants shop and home, Lady
Stair's House, now the Writer's Museum, St Gile's Cathedral,
Mary King's Close - an amazing tour through the hidden world
underneath the Royal Mile, John Knox's House and more. In the
evening you could take part in one of the city's many ghostwalks
or a literary pub walk stopping at the favoured haunts of Scotland's
literary greats.
Day 3
Depart Edinburgh this morning and proceed to Inverness, the beautiful,
bustling capital of the Highlands. For a truly atmospheric experience,
as you approach Inverness visit the battleground of Culloden
where, in April 1746, 'Bonnie' Prince Charlie's Jacobite rebellion
was crushed by Government forces. This landmark battle signaled
the destruction of clan society as it had been for hundreds of
years. Learn all about Clan Donald's participation in the rebellion
at the new Visitor Centre.
Day 4
Inverness via Loch Ness to Skye. A stunning drive, in the shadow
of mountains, by the shores of Loch Ness, takes you past the
ancient ruins of Urquhart Castle (a Macdonald stronghold on Loch
Ness, and Eilean Donan Castle to the Kyle of Lochalsh and the
bridge to the Isle of Skye. Over the bridge, head south to the
Armadale Castle Gardens and Museum of the Isles. Built in 1825
as the MacDonald clan seat, this neo-Gothic castle has been recently
restored to create a museum charting the clan's reign as Lord
of the Isles. This is also an excellent source of genealogical
research for members of Clan Donald and others that have heritage
in the Highlands.
Day 5
A full day to explore the fabled Isle of Skye. Drive north to
Skye's largest settlement, the picturesque harbour village of
Portree, where, in 1746, Bonnie Prince Charlie bade his final
farewell to Flora MacDonald. It was Flora who had helped Charlie
escape to Skye following his defeat at Culloden; the flight immortalised
in the Skye Boat Song ('Speed bonnie boat...'). You can visit
Flora's grave at Flodigarry north of Portree. While here, a visit
to the Skye Heritage Centre at nearby Aros is worth the small
detour. If time permits, a trip to Dunvegan affords a wonderful
opportunity to visit Dunvegan Castle and other local attractions,
including the Colbost Croft Museum where the smoke from the peat
fire creates an evocative atmosphere.
Day 6
Like Bonnie Prince Charlie afore ye, it's time to bid a fond
farewell to Skye. But, fear not, your route takes you along the
"Road to the Isles" to Glenfinnan where Bonnie Prince
Charlie was welcomed by the clan chiefs on his arrival from France
in 1745 then on to Glencoe, the darkly beautiful site of the
infamous 1692 massacre of more than thirty members of the Macdonald
clan by the soldiers of Clan Campbell. A stunning new Visitor
Centre can be found at nearby Inverrigan, where the whole bloody
story unfolds in a memorable audio-visual experience. Your route
takes you along Loch Lomond where you will either continue to
Islay to explore the centre of the ancient Lordship of the Isles,
or turn east through Braveheart country to Stirling.
Day 7
Stirling is one of the gems in Scotland's crown - perhaps best
publicized in recent years in the film "Braveheart"
which took liberties with Scottish history! Get the real story
by visiting the Bannockburn Battlefield and Visitor Centre, Stirling
Castle and the Wallace Monument located nearby at Bridge of Allan.
While not a site specific to Clan Donald, Stirling Castle would
have been familiar to clan chieftains. Continue to Edinburgh
for your last evening in Scotland.
Day 8
Depart from Edinburgh
Prices are available on request
Extension to Islay:
Day 6
Like Bonnie Prince Charlie afore ye, it's time to bid a fond
farewell to Skye. But, fear not, your route takes y ou along
the "Road to the Isles" to Glenfinnan where Bonnie
Prince Charlie was welcomed by the clan chiefs on his arrival
from France in 1745 then on to Glencoe, the darkly beautiful
site of the infamous 1692 massacre of more than thirty members
of the Macdonald clan by the soldiers of Clan Campbell. A stunning
new Visitor Centre can be found at nearby Inverrigan, where the
whole bloody story unfolds in a memorable audio-visual experience.
Your route take you along Loch Lomond where you will continue
west to Islay to explore the centre of the ancient Lordship of
the Isles.
Your route continues west to
Inveraray where you will spend the night…despite the fact
that this is a Campbell village! Time permitting you could visit
Inveraray Castle - seat of the Dukes of Argyll, another option
is to take in the Inveraray Jail where no doubt some Macdonalds
were incarcerated - ask the jailer or the matron if they know
of any.
Day 7
Today's travels take you south along the Kintyre peninsula to
Kennacraig where you board a ferry to cross to Port Ellen on
Islay. Islay is a timeless small island most famous in the modern
world for its' malt whiskies - be sure to visit one of the distilleries
during your stay. Islay was the ancient centre of the Lordship
of the Isles which extended from the west coast of Scotland across
to what is now the north coast of Ireland. The installation of
the Lords of the Isles took place here on the Council Isle (Eilean
na Comhairle) located on Loch Finlaggan. This was the administrative
centre of Clan Donald in the thirteen, fourteen and fifteenth
centuries. On going archaeology exploration is fascinating to
see at the Finlaggan Centre (open from Easter to October) Dunyveg
Castle which was once a Macdonald stronghold and now lays in
ruins is also here on Islay.
Day 8
A day to relax and explore Islay. Apart from the Clan Donald
sites you may want to visit one of the eight distilleries, play
a round of golf, visit the workshops of local craftsmen, have
a look in at the "Round Church" in Bowmore. The ancient
carved cross at Kildalton is one of the finest carved Celtic
crosses in Scotland and well worth a visit.
Day 9
Return by ferry to Kennacraig and drive north on Loch Fyne past
Inveraray. Continue through the Trossachs to Stirling. Time permitting
you could visit Bannockburn this afternoon.
Day 10
Stirling is one of the gems in Scotland's crown - perhaps best
publicized in recent years in the film "Braveheart"
which took liberties with Scottish history! Get the real story
by visiting the Bannockburn Battlefield and Visitor Centre, Stirling
Castle and the Wallace Monument located nearby at Bridge of Allan.
While not a site specific to Clan Donald, Stirling Castle would
have been familiar to clan chieftains. Continue to Edinburgh
for your last evening in Scotland.
Day 11
Depart from Edinburgh
Prices are available on request
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