Project journals

Pat Trotter

Footsteps Day 6

The slab hunters were off again this morning to view one of the best collections of medieval grave slabs we have seen on the trip at Keil Church near Lochaline. The intricacies of the carvings are fascinating and sadly some of the slabs were re-purposed by the Victorians who carved

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Footsteps Day 5

This was a purely magical day beginning with the ferry from Mull to Ardnamurchan.  The crossing was magnificent with dramatic clouds over the mountains on the islands.  First stop was Mingary Castle for a cup of coffee and a quick look around.  This is a completely restored castle that is

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Footsteps Day 4

Tobermory was built as a fishing port in the late 18th century and is now the main town on Mull. It is a picture-postcard of a place with the brightly painted buildings along the main street to the pier and the high woodland-fringed hills surrounding the bay. Of significance to

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Footsteps Day 3

Another busy day in the footsteps of the Lords of the Isles. Began by taking the ferry to Mull and driving over to Duart Castle which was restored 100 years ago after returning to the ownership of the original clan MacLean.  The MacLeans held Duart during the time of the

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Footsteps Day 2

After a hearty breakfast it was of to Dunollie castle of the Macdougall  Clan. Met Robin who is the heir to the clan chief and he showed us the extent of the land held by the family. Next stop was Temple Wood where there are a series of 3000 year

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Footsteps Day 1

Met up with my guide, Tom Miers and off we went  for day 1 of our journey through the territory of the Lords of the Isles.  Since Robert the Bruce and the Campbells figure prominently in the story of the Lords of the Isles and the MacDonalds we went to

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Edinburgh, May 2

Back in beautiful, magical Edinburgh, Scotland.  Staying at Hotel Ibis in St. Andrews Square. I like to stay in different places when I am traveling. This one is good, would stay here again. The real work on the book about the Lords of the Isles begins tomorrow when I head

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