Scotland Part III: More Highlands
Scotland, like Japan, had a profound effect on me. I’m not sure I can put it in words…but with the help of some photos, I will try my best to impart unto you my feelings on the subject of Scotland.
Located in the western Highlands of Scotland, at the confluence of 3 sea lochs, is Eilean Donan Castle. Originally constructed in the 13th century, it was the victim of many attacks, through many uprisings in Scotland’s history, with the final blow being in the 17th century. The castle you see today is a 20th century reconstruction. But being there and looking at, and up at it, you would think it was much older than that. There is nothing but water surrounding it and that, it my humble opinion, makes it a perfect place to live! The majestic Highlands surrounding the water’s edge, the brilliance of the silence and the sound of the lapping current against the island on which this beautiful castle sits.
I have never had a standard, run o’ the mill imagination. I could stand in the inner courtyard of this castle, close my eyes and imagine what life was like back in the days of feet and horses being the only transport, far more forested lands and hamlets and villages scattered throughout. I hold a place special, in my mind and heart, that gives me a moment of pause to where I can imagine it as it was centuries ago.
Between 1870 and 1872, St. Mary’s and St. Finnan Catholic Church was erected. Its Gothic design over looks Loch Shiel in the western Highlands of Scotland. Even on an overcast day, the beauty of this part of Scotland almost brings a tear to one’s eye. And I know for a fact that the beauty this place holds cannot be described. It just can’t. It is something you have to partake in and bear witness to. The quietness, if you go in the Autumn, coupled with the scenery, closing one’s eyes…it’s moving.
Not a very far walk, a quarter mile at best, from the catholic church mentioned above, is the Glen Finnan Monument. This monument is in honor of Bonnie Prince Charlie. In 1745 a Jacobite uprising began on these shores of loch Shiel where Prince Charles Edward Stuart raised his banners. 70 years later, this monument was erected to remember that event. The view was again, staggering. From the waterline to the place we hiked up to to get this shot, no bad shots to be had anywhere. And, this is home to another item that has been in movies that have entertained bazillions of people, virtually everywhere…
This is the Glen Finnan Viaduct. A 180 degree turn from the Glen Finnan Monument gives you a view of this viaduct. This is a railroad viaduct that carries the West Highland Line and was built 1897 to 1901. What brings this place to the attention of the world is, it is the same viaduct and train line that takes all the wizards to Hogwarts Academy in the Harry Potter movies. To my chagrin, we had just missed the train going across the viaduct by mere seconds. I just got to see the tail-end of the train and the smoke stack steam billowing out of the treeline. One day we will go back and I will capture that train going across that viaduct…
So, I just wanted to post a few more photos that I took in various places in the Highlands of Scotland. The amount of stone bridges that are in Scotland alone will give any photographer glee! And if you can believe, the second shot in from the left was an abandoned mansion/castle. I have looked high and low and cannot find anything about it. Go to Scotland, people. Go and experience a little of the Scottish hospitality and the beautifully, warm-hearted folks that live therein. You will have a wonderful time and will bring back some great memories and, if you’re anything like me…you’ll want to go back…in earnest! Next time, I will finish Scotland and get into Northern England. Until then, travel and be well!
