Krissy and Paul's Highland Adventure: Dunvegan Castle

Today we trekked in the rain to Dunvegan Castle, still on the Isle of Skye. This is an active castle of Clan McLeod (my peeps). When Paul and I entered the front of the castle a German television station was doing a documentary and filmed the docent inviting us in and giving an introduction to the castle! Paintings of the clan chiefs through the generations donned the walls and all kinds of McLeod memorabilia nicely scattered about. I saw the famous 'Fairy Flag' (over a thousand years old) that has magical powers and protected the clan in battle for centuries. There was a lot of history of the Jacobite Rebellion and stories of my new hero, Flora McDonald McLeod, who smuggled Bonnie Prince Charlie out of Scotland after the failed uprising. There was even a lock of Prince Charlie's hair on display.

As we exited the castle, I was permitted to sign the "special guest book" reserved only for McLeod descendants to sign! On the comment section I included my great grandmother's name, Nellie McLeod, so she could be with me. After the castle we toured the surrounding gardens (in the pouring rain), and they were beautiful. By the time we left we were soaking wet and went off to dry in a nearby pub. Actually, we found the oldest pub in Skye and it was the coolest little place just off the bay on back roads.

Tonight is the last night in the Isle of Skye. I am very proud to have genetic contribution from this beautiful and unique place. This is a rugged island off the western Scottish coast and I imagine people had to be tough to live here in more primitive conditions. No wonder my great grandmother was tough enough to raise twelve kids in the back country in Arkansas. I can't believe people would leave this wonderous place but so many had to leave during the highland clearances and famine, and most ran into the arms of America to start a new life and help build our country. I'm hoping my kids and my cousins can come to this place and get to know a little about who they are.
Tomorrow off to Inverness