Scotland - Day Seven

Day 7, as so often happens, we headed off in the opposite direction to that which we were going, so that the Favourite Husband could feed his coffee addiction. And because he is still the current favourite, I don’t mind. Plus, we need him awake and alert for the driving. At least he didn’t need the loo within 30 seconds of setting off which is also one of his favourite party tricks.

Before embarking on the days’ drive, with coffee on board, we headed up to McCaig’s Tower. The story behind this unusual structure overlooking the town is an interesting one.

It was started in 1897 by a local banker John McCaig to give work to local stonemasons and to create a legacy for the McCaig family. The intent had been for it to house art and statues of his family within the roofed structure. But our friend John, perhaps incapacitated by his overinflated ego, popped his clogs after only 5 years of construction. Interestingly John died on my birthday so as well as an overinflated ego in common we share an important date. (The day and month, not the year - stop sniggering at the back.)

He had made an allowance in his will to finance the ongoing construction should he die before completion, but his family, who were perhaps more grounded than he, fought it in court and won. Hence the unfinished Roman/Greekesq tower.

On discussion with the Favourite Husband, I think it a thoroughly reasonable consideration to have a family mausoleum overlooking our town and may investigate the required building code when we return home. He didn’t appear to share quite the same enthusiasm, but as with most things I am sure he will see I am right in the long run.

From Oban we were heading to Glencoe to explore the countryside and soak up the beauty of the area. After discussion last night we agreed that we need to reconsider some of our itinerary now we are “on the road.” The Favourite Husband is an excellent driver but he describes it as “taxing” due to having to be on high alert constantly. Not that he wouldn’t be at home, but add in the narrowness of some roads, not knowing the route and the car being unfamiliar, combined with Miss Leading sending us on wild goose chases, well; I get his point. In an unusual and brief moment of kindness I did offer to drive, and his face was one of abject horror, so I’m guessing it’s not his preference.

It was a pleasant and easy drive from Oban to the Glencoe lochan trail where we had an enjoyable walk around. The photos don’t do the Autumnal colours justice. We then got the money shot of the rainbow over the hills and Loch Leven that made my heart sing.

From Glencoe we continued North to Fort William. This stop was meant to be in tomorrow’s itinerary, but the Favourite Husband had been told about a really interesting museum here, so he went rogue and off plan and now leaves me having to pick up the pieces restructuring tomorrow’s plans. It was a job for gin this evening.

From Fort William we headed to the Ben Nevis Mountain Gondola. When I asked the lady in the Fort William tourist information centre how far away it was, she gave me a really interesting hint that I chose to ignore. After telling me it was about 6 miles away, she said, and I quote, “I’ve just rung them to check if they’re still operating in this wind and surprisingly, they are.” Oh ok, says I, clearly not utilising my active listening skills.

So off we went. Now as I may have previously mentioned, I’m scared of everything. Heights and bananas probably being my top two. But I was pushing myself, cheering myself on to be brave. How bad could it be? Well, dear friends, the answer to that was very bad, very bad indeed.

That gondola swayed and the wind whistled and there may have been tears. Although in his defence I was gripping his leg very hard. I resorted to holding the back of the seat, eyes closed, and singing the entire songs from Cats the musical in my head. And then we were there.

Was it worth it? Yes. It was absolutely worth it.

From there we set off to our next overnight stay in a small, off the beaten path village of Arisaig. If you were to ask me why we’re staying here I wouldn’t be able to tell you. I don’t really recall from when I was booking these places about 9/10 months ago what the reasoning behind it was.

But we are in Clan Cameron country now and there is much to be researched and explored in the area, so we’re going with that being the logic behind it. Along with the outstanding food offerings. Really outstanding.

I’m tired today so I’m looking forward to a bit of a quieter afternoon tomorrow and maybe even reading one of the 3 books I lugged to the other side of the world with me! Well, a chapter at least. Opening paragraph?