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the MACLEAN CLAN GATHERING JUNE 2007 on MULL

16th June ...

As we travel north 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 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!  Your hotel is the 4 star Columba Hotel overlooking the River Ness and Inverness Castle. We are really well placed here for an evening stroll along the river, off to enjoy a local pub, or simply relax and enjoy the evening after dinner. The hotel bar is good and we will try to get some entertainment arranged - no promises.

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 (hopefully letting the other driver know!). 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.

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. 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 still 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.

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? The hotel sits in 360 acres of private grounds with dramatic views across the River Clyde to Ben Lomond and the hills beyond, plenty of time for that last walk on Scottish soil to think back on all you have seen and done, no tears please, we hate to see grown men cry, not very Scottish you know!

a further informative guide to the luxury coach tour route

for the Maclean Gathering tour 2007 with mcleanscotland

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