Why you should visit Scotland
My first visit to Scotland was in 2011 with sisters-in-law Susan, Peggy and Debbie. After spending the night in London, we took a train into Glasgow and later rented a car. Susan is an expert at driving on the "other side" of the road, so we let her! Stepping off of the train and onto Scottish soil (OK, it was pavement, SCOTTISH pavement!), all the emotions exploded from my heart and burst out of my eyes. Mindful that my McIntyre ancestors lived here so long ago and fueled by a wee bit of jet lag I quickly deposited "sloppery" tears on Debbie's offered shoulder. It was an overwhelming feeling to connect with the McIntyre heritage that runs through my veins and dna, even though I knew little of great grandfather Alexander, but soon became determined to find out more. Too bad no one was playing Scotland the Brave on the pipes, as the moment was truly memorable and in my heart and soul I felt at home.
My daughter Kelly Kennedy came along several years later, joined by her cousins Sarah and Anna. Kelly is an expert photographer and her beautiful images certainly captured the magnificence that is Scotland. The textured landscapes dotted with the right amount of shimmering sea-lochs, and earthy aroma and glorious midnight sunsets are precious memories portrayed by her artful eye. One of my favorite locations was Loch Maree. We stayed in the cozy Loch Maree Hotel where Queen Victoria stayed long ago. We were truly treated as cherished guests!
Queen Victoria Monument at the Loch Maree Hotel, Scotland
Inscribed in Gaelic which translates to:
"On the twelfth day of the middle month of autumn 1877 Queen Victoria came to see Loch Maree and the surrounding areas. She spent a night here in yonder hotel and kindly agreed to this memorial to the pleasure she gained from visiting this part of Ross"
Loch Maree
Photo by Kelly Kennedy
Although this area of Scotland was not where Alexander and his family lived, these images lend substance to what life may have been like for Alexander and his family. Such beauty may have been a comfort to behold, contrasting the hardships of their lives. What prompted Alexander to leave his beloved homeland and forge over new waters and lands is unknown speculation. However, it's not a stretch to recognize the difficulty it must have brought upon him and his family. The website link below is full of information regarding the area surrounding Blair Atholl. What struck me the most is the many Robertson, Gow, McDonald, Campbell and McIntyre, McGregor and Stewart families inhabited the area. Some of the parish session minutes are a stark reality of their lives. There are mentions of what level of "mort-cloth" (death covering) was paid for (best, course etc) and fines imposed for engaging in illicit affairs or fathering a child out of wedlock, or receiving charitable benefits. It truly is a glimpse into what the community struggled with.
Not far from Blair Atholl is Stirling where this photo was taken. Kelly is seated on steps made so long ago leading up to a cemetery adjacent to an old church. We visited this area while Sunday services were being held. The beautiful music swirled around the outside adding an ancient ambience to the surrounding gravestones, trees and worn walkways. It was a magical moment to experience!
Kelly on the steps of a cemetery in Scotland
Valley Cemetery, Stirling, Scotland
A McIntyre headstone at Valley Cemetery, Stirling, Scotland
There is so much "old" or said more politely, "historic" in Scotland as is the case in much of Europe. Experiencing the old and ancient is easy while visiting Scotland's castles and ruins. One of my favorite castles is the most famous of all, Eilean Donan, a short distance from the Isle of Skye.
Photo by Kelly Kennedy
An interesting summary of Eilean Donan's fascinating history can be found here:
I have had the pleasure of visiting the castle on several occasions and each time reminded of the fragile delicacy of it's history. As you will read in the above link, the castle has suffered at the hands of battles and time but has been restored to its present state without compromising her elegance in spite of her age. Clan Macintyre was not far from where the castle stands, and most certainly known by the communities that were settled near by. According to the link above:
Eilean Donan also played a role in the Jacobite risings of the 17th and 18th centuries, which ultimately culminated in the castle’s destruction…In 1719 the castle was garrisoned by 46 Spanish soldiers who were supporting the Jacobites. They had established a magazine of gunpowder, and were awaiting the delivery of weapons and cannon from Spain. The English Government caught wind of the intended uprising and sent three heavily armed frigates The Flamborough, The Worcester, and The Enterprise to quell matters. The bombardment of the castle lasted three days, though met with limited succ " ess due to the enormity of the castle walls, which in some places are up to 14 feet thick. Finally, Captain Herdman of The Enterprise sent his men ashore and over-whelmed the Spanish defenders. Following the surrender, the government troops discovered the magazine of 343 barrels of gunpowder which was then used to blow up what had remained from the bombardment…"
Whether or not Alexander ever witnessed the destruction and ruin of Eilean Donan, will never be known. But Eilean Donan and Alexander occupied the same proximal space in this historical time and upon my visits to this site I am reminded that my eyes were gazing upon the same sites that Alexander and his forefathers did. That reaches into my very core.
Backside of Eilean Donan
Photo by Kelly Kennedy
Causeway bridge leading up to the castle
Photo by Kelly Kennedy
Thank you for coming along on this journey and hopefully this has been a helpful glimpse into what Scotland may have looked like to our forefathers. More to explore so keep your backpacks handy for the next journey. In the meantime, make your reservations to visit Scotland!!
Tìoraidh an-dràsta!! (Bye, just now!)
Teri
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