Dinna Fash Sassenach - Day 8

Figures in the Landscape

Had a day exploring the eastern edge of Skye, first stopping at Sligachan to see the Cuillin Hills (main blip). The sculpture is of John Mackenzie (who was the first British professional mountain guide, experienced to Alpine standards) and Professor Norman Collie, a regular climbing client and life-long friend. Together they mapped and named many of the Cuillin peaks. It was an impressive work of art.

Next stop Portree. The town was absolutely heaving so we didn't hang about. The Storr was rammed with tourists as well so we didn’t stop and headed up to one of Norm's favourite viewpoints which feels like you're on the edge of the world.

Afterwards we drove up to the Quiraing - the amount of people, cars, coaches and camper-vans there was ludicrous and took all of the magic away for me. The strange thing was that no one even looked very happy to be there. How different to Wester Ross where we have vast beaches and cliffs all to ourselves. The contrast couldn't have been greater. Norm said that when he first visited years ago there was one small car park, now there were 3 huge ones. It sounds strange to say but I felt a bit ashamed to be part of the problem.

After that and the long stoppy-starty drive back to Balmacara my energy reserves were somewhat depleted. Had to have a nap when we got back to base!

I'm glad to have visited Skye, and it is very beautiful, but I've definitely decided I'm more of a mainlander sort of girl ;-)

Added an extra of the Tattie Bogal Clan carved bench outside the bakery in Portree - loved the irony of the rook on her head, like an act of defiance hehe:
"Tattie-bogle or -boodie is a Scots term for a scarecrow especially one in a potato field or constructed of potatoes..."