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MACLEAN CLAN
GATHERING JUNE 2007 on MULL
ON THIS PAGE WE HAVE JOTTED DOWN SOME
WEE NOTES TO HELP YOU GET THE FEELING OF WHAT THE
TOUR WILL SEE AND WHERE WE WILL DRIFT OFF TO!
Colin will be doing the drifting!
  
16th June ... As
we travel north from Edinburgh we will point out
certain landmarks of interest, most likely stopping
at Caithness Glass in Perth for rest rooms
and your chance to enjoy a drink or bite to eat
(what - after that huge breakfast at the hotel!).
North through stunning scenery as the highlands open
up just past Dunkeld, we see Blair Atholl castle on
our right, further north the scenery changes into
wild moors and glens. At one of these - Dalwhinnie -
we turn into Glen Spean and travel along this
dramatic route to Spean Bridge. Here we stop
at the woollen mill. Refreshments available,
rest rooms and free nips of whisky! Aye,
don't often see Scots giving away whisky, so make
the most of it. There is also a fantastic whisky
shop here. After the mill we head east along the
great glen, stopping after a mile or two to marvel
at the views along the glens at the Commando
Monument - briefly. Along the lochs of Loch
Lochy, Oich and Ness we travel, stopping (for
photos only) at Urquhart castle on Loch Ness.
If we are lucky, Colin may deem to stop a wee while
at Fort Augustus! Sweeties usually works quite
well with him.
17th June ... We visit Culloden
Battlefield this morning - any of you who bought
a stone will see it this morning! Then briefly to
Clava Cairns - standing stones around burial
cairns, step back in time here, it's fantastic,
cameras at the ready! The rest of the day is a
mystery to us . Colin can NEVER be told what to do,
so he will make his own mind up on the route to
Ullapool.
That wee man and myself are always fighting about
this, he just does what he wants! If it wasn't for
him being related to me (Paul) I think he may be a
bit shorter by now, who else could put up with him
eh? Best of friends we two and it may show a little.
Again we will see what we can do about some fun this
evening. The Ceilidh Bar is always good for a
giggle and drink.
18th June ...
Another day of "Colinism" as we head
north to Durness and Smoo Caves. And
so to Ardvreck Castle, the castle comprises a
finger of stone, pointing accusingly at the sky.
Just enough remains to identify it as once having
been a three storey tower: traces of the original
defensive ditch here can still be seen. The castle
dates back to about 1490 when the lands were owned
by the Macleods of Assynt. We hope to get to the
castle, depends a lot on the weather and how we have
done for time today, there is a little walking
involved here. Return to Ullapool for dinner.
19th June ... A special day for some, all
revealed on the day. More Colin torments to Paul,
but for the sake of the tour I can cope with this
wee numpty man, I'll be glad to get away from him
for a while as we visit Eilean Donan, a grand
place for a visit. Scene of the famous movie
Highlander, starring Sean Connery - did you know,
Sean's mum was a Maclean and he wears our hunting
tartan kilt! So, one of the most famous of Scottish
men (after myself and Colin of course) is a Maclean.
Glencoe, what can we say? It's a haunting,
lovely scenic place full of ghosts and myths. We
will see it all tomorrow. We stay in the glen
tonight - not actually IN the glen, but a good 4
star hotel. It has a swimming pool so bring
the swimming thongs!
20th June ... We
see Glencoe in all its glory as we stop at
the heli pad (not sightseeing helicopter tours, but
mountain rescue), fantastic views, one of Liz's
favourite views, and she is English! St Conan's
is a wee gem, those who have never seen it will
be in for a nice surprise, it is quite unique. I
won't say more to spoil it. Oban - time on
your own, see the distillery maybe? There is plenty
to keep you occupied in my home town. Good story
here, either Colin, Liz or maybe even myself will
tell you that one. Back to the hotel via Appin, the
longest unsolved murder happened here - more later.
Dinner time and a final Glencoe drink!
21st June Thursday,
More surprises today as you will see, the Corran
ferry is a strange one, this five minute crossing
offers great views along Loch Linnhe. Colin has to
stay on the route today as there are no other roads!
Ha! Got you wee man. We take another ferry to Mull
and head to Tobermory to allow registrations. DON'T
FORGET YOU HAVE TO REGISTER BEFORE LEAVING HOME
direct with the Clan Association. Dinner at the
hotel in Craignure, with views to Duart Castle in
the distance. We are offering something a wee bit
different this evening - Scottish birds of prey will
visit the hotel - with handlers, och come on, we are
good but we don't know these birds personally as to
get them to come along by themselves! We are also
trying to get some alcohol mixed in to the evening,
more soon. (not for the birds!)
22nd June Friday,
As the main website page for today. Anyone not going
to Tobermory for evening events, don't worry, always
something to see and do at the hotel for you.
23rd June Saturday,
the main Gathering at Duart Castle. As main
gathering webpage
24th June Sunday
... leaving Mull - Ah yes we leave Mull and head
south, here we go again with Colin attempting to put
his own slant on the day. We will stop en masse at
the Campbell stronghold of Inveraray
and try to intimidate them! A farewell dinner
tonight, the last time - for most - we will all be
together in a group. A good night to swap business
cards, addresses and photos! Why not sign up for the
next one? No tears please, we hate
to see grown men cry, not very Scottish you know!
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