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Clan MacLeod
The ancient ancestor of the
MacLeod clan was Leod, the son of King Olaf the Black. Leod married
the daughter and heiress of MacRaild and they had two sons Torquil
and Tormod. Leod was left in possession of nearly half of the
Hebridean islands after King Haakon of Norway was defeated at
the Battle of Largs in 1263. Tormod and his descendants occupied
the lands in Skye, with their principal seat at Dunvegan, in
Harris and in Glenelg, which is on the Scottish mainland. Torquil
and his descendants occupied the lands in Lewis, in Raasay and
in Assynt, Cogeach and Gairloch, which are on the Scottish mainland
north of Glenelg.
This itinerary takes you to
these islands and across the Highlands in the north of Scotland.
The islands have a legendary, wild beauty, with long stretches
of golden, white sands, secluded coves and rugged hills. The
Gaelic language retains its vibrancy in these parts, with long-held
traditions of culture, language and community handed down through
generation after generation. Here we will highlight just a few
of the stories and places where the MacLeods and their followers
have left their mark. You can experience the peace and tranquillity
of inspiring Scottish landscapes, the evocative splendour of
ancient castles, the hospitality of the local people and much
more.
Day 1
Arrive in Inverness, the beautiful, bustling capital of the Highlands.
A fine introduction to the area can be found at Inverness Museum
Then, for a truly atmospheric experience, make the short journey
to the battleground of Culloden where, in April 1746, 'Bonnie'
Prince Charlie's Jacobite rebellion, supported by the MacLeods
of Raasay, was crushed by Government forces.
Day 2
We will now make our way west towards the ancestral lands of
the MacLeods. Head south-east to the villages of Kingussie and
Newtonmore, where you'll find two fascinating Folk Museums .
Here, more than 400 years of Highland history are brought to
life in exhibitions which track the everyday experiences of clansman
and crofter. Travelling via Invergarry stop at Eilean Donan Castle
then over the spectacular bridge to the Isle of Skye.
Day 3
The picturesque harbour village of Portree is 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...'). While here, a visit to the Skye
Heritage Centre at nearby Aros is worth the small detour. Now
go to Dunvegan Castle the principal seat of the MacLeod chiefs.
Among its many stories and treasures you will find the Fairy
Flag, whose magical powers have offered the MacLeods protection
at the times of their greatest need, the Dunvegan Cup - a 15th
century silver chalice - and Rory Mor's Drinking Horn, used in
the ritual rite of passage for each MacLeod chief.
Day 4
A short distance to the west of Dunvegan is the Colbost Croft
Museum where the smoke from the peat fire creates an evocative
atmosphere. To the south you will see the flat top mountains
of Healaval More and Healaval Bheag traditionally known as MacLeod's
Tables. At Trumpan, north of Dunvegan is a ruined church which
was the site of another battle between the MacDonalds and the
MacLeods in 1579. All but one of the MacLeods worshipping in
the church were killed. The survivor escaped and fetched help
and all the MacDonalds were slain in revenge. Now make your way
to Uig to take the ferry to Tarbert on Harris.
Day 5
Tarbert (Tairbeart) is at the meeting point of the Isles of Lewis
and Harris, which as you can see are the same land mass. The
treatment of Lewis and Harris as two separate islands is a consequence
of the split in the MacLeod clan which has dominated events in
the Western Isles for many centuries. Now we will explore Lewis,
the ancestral lands of the Torquil MacLeods. Travel back to Tarbert
and on to Stornoway, the capital of the Western Isles. The town
developed around the best natural harbour in the Western Isles,
where for centuries, sea travel was and still is of the utmost
importance.
Day 6
Visit the Stornoway Museum and Arts Centre to view collections
illustrating the archaeology, and history of the islands. There
is also an active local historical society in the town and you
might be lucky enough to join in with the music, dancing and
laughter at a Ceilidh! To the west and north of Stornoway you
can visit the Callanish Standing Stones.
Day 7
Depart from Stornoway and travel back to Ullapool by ferry -
looking out for dolphins, porpoises and seals as you go. The
two hour sailing across The Minch offers breathtaking views to
distant Skye and the mountains of Coigach and Assynt all of which
have been the lands where Clan MacLeod has lived for many centuries.
Return to Inverness across the rugged landscapes of Ross-Shire.
Prices are available on request
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