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Published: September 18th 2011
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This morning the sky was pale eggshell blue and not dark with rain clouds. From our window we could see the shining waters of the loch reflecting little boats and hills: truly a morning to be glad about. The plan today was to drive around the southern part of Skye, stopping wherever we wished and taking as long as we wanted. This being Scotland, we found beautiful views around every corner so our cameras were kept busy. The two lane highway we took quickly became a narrow one lane road with frequent passing places, all well signposted. The most successful approach was to pause at each passing place just in case, then drive to the next, keeping an eye out for oncoming traffic. In most cases we were able to meet at a suitable passing place, but occasionally some reversing was necessary, all carried out with impeccable manners. No sign of road rage here.
On our drive we enjoyed views of the huge jagged Cuillin Hills towering above shimmering water and expanses of heather-sprinkled moor land. Tiny whitewashed houses, sometimes in groups, dotted the water’s edge or appeared on lonely hillsides. Regal looking white and black sheep moved freely around and
along the road, managing to make living with great curled horns look so easy.
We stopped at a craft and souvenir shop and were captivated by the sound of Scottish airs being played through the sound system. Just what we need for the car while we’re driving through this breathtaking countryside, we thought. Our discussion with the shop assistant was more than cordial. She was delighted to share her love of Scottish music and answer our questions about places we had seen. We asked about the origin of the names of two little islands we had seen this morning, Rum and Eigg. Our first thought had been perhaps something to do with a well known spirit and eggs, maybe generated by the shape of the islands. Since none of the shop assistants were able to cast any light on the question, apart from sharing the local saying “You can’t see Muck for Rum and Eigg!” they decided to phone the town’s Tourist Information Office. No luck there, only a recorded message, so they phoned the head office in Portree and put the question. After several minutes earnest discussion it was clear there was still no resolution, in fact this question
had not been asked before. We enjoyed the fun of the quest and learned that there is another tiny island called Muck, so the local saying is very true!
After some further exploring, we decided to pop across the Sky Bridge and visit the little village of Plockton, down by the lochside. Some Highland cattle were grazing by the roadside and we managed to zoom in for some great shots as we slowed down. Then we realised one very large beast with splendid horns was leading us along the road to Plockton. With the animal walking slowly and sedately right in the middle of the tiny road there was no option but to follow the leader. Finally we reached a passing place and both made an effort that allowed us to carefully overtake, leaving as much room as possible for the horns.
Plockton is delightful. We walked along the row of cottages at the edge of the water, with the tide beginning to come in and float the little boats again. Across the road from each cottage, but above the high tide mark, was a well kept small garden, each one different, with fences to mark it out from the
next one in the line.
Back at the hotel we enjoyed a brisk after-dinner stroll along the waterfront, finishing off a very good day’s exploring.
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