Mull & Iona, Scotland
Oban Bay lay shimmering in the early morning sunlight as the Lord of the Glens slipped out, past the ancient castle of Dunollie, ancestral seat of the Clan MacDougall, into the waters of the Sound of Mull. Soon we were cruising below Duart Castle, high on its dark rock where it has guarded this sea-route since the days of the Vikings.
Before long, it was time to experience the Island of Mull from the landward side as we crossed through villages, moor and mountain on our way to the ferry to Iona.
Iona is an island apart, chosen by Saint Columba in the 6th century AD as the place for his monastic foundation which was to lead to the Conversion of Scotland and more to Christianity. Here the Book of Kells was created, and many other exquisite works of art and sculpture produced, before it was ravaged by the pagan Northmen. But it rose again, becoming the sacred centre for the Kings and Lords of the Isles. Today, it imbues us with a timeless sense of peace and tranquillity.
The afternoon concluded with a chance to explore Duart Castle, and to admire the panoramic views from its high battlements. Equally delightful, however, was the ‘fold’ of hairy long-horned pedigree highland cattle that greeted us on our arriving and leaving of the castle. It was a full and fascinating day, concluding with a breathtaking live demonstration by ‘Wings over Mull’ with their birds of prey on board ship.
Oban Bay lay shimmering in the early morning sunlight as the Lord of the Glens slipped out, past the ancient castle of Dunollie, ancestral seat of the Clan MacDougall, into the waters of the Sound of Mull. Soon we were cruising below Duart Castle, high on its dark rock where it has guarded this sea-route since the days of the Vikings.
Before long, it was time to experience the Island of Mull from the landward side as we crossed through villages, moor and mountain on our way to the ferry to Iona.
Iona is an island apart, chosen by Saint Columba in the 6th century AD as the place for his monastic foundation which was to lead to the Conversion of Scotland and more to Christianity. Here the Book of Kells was created, and many other exquisite works of art and sculpture produced, before it was ravaged by the pagan Northmen. But it rose again, becoming the sacred centre for the Kings and Lords of the Isles. Today, it imbues us with a timeless sense of peace and tranquillity.
The afternoon concluded with a chance to explore Duart Castle, and to admire the panoramic views from its high battlements. Equally delightful, however, was the ‘fold’ of hairy long-horned pedigree highland cattle that greeted us on our arriving and leaving of the castle. It was a full and fascinating day, concluding with a breathtaking live demonstration by ‘Wings over Mull’ with their birds of prey on board ship.
