PORTREE, ISLE OF SKYE

Our tour commences with a journey across the wonderful landscape to the north of the island. The road weaves its way around Loch Snizort before arriving at Dunvegan Castle – stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years, and still their home. Dunvegan Castle, stunningly situated beside Loch Dunvegan, is Skye’s most famous landmark and one of the most visited attractions in Scotland.

Our tour commences with a journey across the wonderful landscape to the north of the island. The road weaves its way around Loch Snizort before arriving at Dunvegan Castle – stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years, and still their home. Dunvegan Castle, stunningly situated beside Loch Dunvegan, is Skye’s most famous landmark and one of the most visited attractions in Scotland. Among the castle’s treasures is the 17th century four pint drinking horn from which each male heir has to prove his manhood by successfully draining the horn filled with claret. The ‘Fairy Flag’ of Dunvegan is said to possess miraculous powers for members of the clan – legend has it that the silk banner was given to the family by fairies. A lock of hair clipped from Bonnie Prince Charlie’s head by Flora MacDonald as a keepsake is preserved in a locket. Owing to the small size of the rooms in the castle, our guide cannot give a room-by-room commentary. A detailed introduction will be made and then we are free to explore, with the guides remaining on hand to answer any questions. The gardens of Dunvegan Castle were originally laid out in the 18th century and offer paths through woodland glades, by shimmering pools and burns fed by cascading waterfalls. Views are amongst the finest in Scotland. Looking across the loch we may be lucky enough to see seals playing. Eagles are also sighted here, including the Golden Eagle and, more recently, the rare white tailed Sea Eagle. We will explore the gardens independently. We return to our ship in Portree via the scenic southern route.

This tour is not suitable for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchairs. It involves many steps and uneven surfaces. We shall spend approximately one and a half hours at the castle. Please note that the buses used may not have air conditioning or toilets. The tour may operate in reverse order.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC CRUISES