The Fairy Bridge of Dunvegan
One of the most treasured possessions of the clan MacLeod is the famous Fairy Flag of Dunvegan. The story behind the flag is one of the greatest romantic tales in all the highlands.
MacKenzie Victory because of a Washer Womans Blunder
The ruins of Castle Strome sit in the picturesque headland which once formed part of the ancient earldom of Ross. It became the focus of Clan fighting due to it’s strategic location between the lands of the MacDonalds of Glengarry and the MacKenzies of Kintail. The castle was built in the early 15th Century and […]
The Crystal Balls of Clan Campbell
A number of Highland families are in possession of crystal balls which are said to all share certain magical abilities such as the unexplicable cure of humans and animals, as well as ensuring the safe return of men from war or travel. Suprisingly enough, Clan Campbell seem to hold quite a number of them. None […]
Tales From The Cuillins #1: The Beginning
The Cuillins or The Black Cuillins to be more specific are as dark as their name, a mass of pinnacles and sharp rock ridges violently indented against the sky. It is of no suprise that they play host to many legends. I have begun to collect a few while I’ve been in Skye, here […]
John Ross – The Scottish Cherokee Chief
John Ross was considered one of the greatest chiefs of the Cherokee tribe, having been chief for nearly 40 years from 1828 to 1866, the year of his death. However, John was not how many would have imagined a typical 19th century chief of a Native American tribe to be like. Infact, Ross was politician […]
MacRae Graves at Clachan Duich
This ancient church overlooks Loch Duich inbetween Dornie and Shiel Bridge, near Morvich. Known as Clachan Duich or St Dubhthach’s church the graveyard contains many MacRae graves and even a memorial to the MacRae Clan Chief, Sir Colin George MacRae. There is thought to have been a church on this site as early as 750 […]
The Five Sisters of Kintail
Legend tells us the range of mountains called ‘The Five Sisters’ came into existance by the Grey Magician of Coire Dhunnid. The local Chief had seven daughters, the youngest two of these were loved dearly by two Irish princes. A deal was agreed with the Chief that they would be allowed to marry his youngest […]
Somerled – the heroic grandfather of Clan Donald
“A well tempered man, in body shapely, of a fair piercing eye, of middle stature and of quick discernment.” Somerled is the first known historic figure of the medeival Hebrides. He was celebrated as a purely Celtic hero, but like all good heroes, his story is a gloss of myth and legend. His name in […]
The Church at Kilmore, the history of three churches
The current church of Kilmore stands in an idyllic position on the coast of Skye with great views over the water towards the main land. The history of this church is in fact the history of three churches. The now Parish church stands on a site sanctifed by successive places of worship since the dawn […]