Scotland Blog May 28, 2014
May 28, 2014 at 6:10 PM
Scotland Blog - Wednesday May 28th, 2014 Jacobite (Harry Potter) Train
With a blow the whistle .... train steam whistle we were off to the north coast on the Jacobite Train, also made famous from the Harry Potter movie as the mode of transport to Hog Warts. A compartment complete with tea and shortbread, add in the beautiful landscape and we were off on our two hour train ride to Mallaig.
After lunch in Mallaig, another great opportunity for Cullen Skink we were departed via Ferry to the Isle of Skye. The forty minute sail was on calm waters and the warm weather front that has moved in made for a easy crossing. This afternoon was spent at Armadale Castle owned by the Clan Donald. This 20,000 acre estate, castle ruins with gardens and woodlands gave way for many photo opportunities. Then on to our home for the next two evenings the Dunollie Hotel.
Tomorrow we will be visiting the beautiful town of Portree, Talisker Distillery, Dunvegan Castle and Ferry Bridge. Enjoy some of the images from todays adventure.
The Jacobite Train getting ready to depart from platform number 1
The group getting ready to board the train this morning.
Joan and Don settle into our compartment on the train.
Our train as it approached the valley at Glenfinnan.
Crossing the viaduct which you may recognize from the Harry Potter movies.
Another view from the valley.
Bonny Prince Charlie Monument at Glenfinnan.
Dave Chidley rushes to capture one more image.
The train arriving in Malliag.
Ruth and Joan enjoying the view.
Val capturing a few images from the window.
Bill taking a few shots at the train arrives in Malliag.
Interesting painting at Mallaig harbour.
A close-up of one of the sections of the mural.
Malliag harbour
Our coach being loaded onto the ferry to the Isle of Skye.
The Waverley is one of the world’s greatest historic ships and the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world. Restored with towering funnels, timber decks. In 1975, at the end of her working life, she was famously bought for £1 by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society.
Meet Mrs McGowan, I had the pleasure of meeting her today on the ferry as we crossed to the Isle of Skye. Her husband David McGowan wrote the book Paddle for a Pound, which documents the history of the Waverley steam ship. He also was the official for the steam ship society that presented the ferry company with the one pound note for the payment of the ship 40 years ago.
Here's a black and white image of the Waverley as she steamed into Malliag today. Look like it could have been photographed 60 years ago.
These boys were having some fun in Mallaig today, not sure if it was coffee break or miller time????
Jacqui working on some close-up images at the Donald Clan gardens.
Father David delivering this afternoon message at the outside garden service. Too bad only this photographer was in attendance!!
Jacqui and Diane discussing some ideas.
Water droplets.
Garden stairs.
Archway view to the bay.
James, Ruth, Jacqui, and Diane working on panoramic images.
We will finish tonights blog keeping the yellow theme going with these daisy's shot at Clan Donald today.
That's it for todays report, tomorrow a day of photography and exploration on the Isle of Skye.