Farewell to our ripping views in Fort William and the 3 highland cows. A quick look back through the town and we headed off towards The Isle of Skye. We were again constantly surprised by how "big" the scenery is in this part of Scotland with imposing snow topped mountains, vast valleys and water filled Lochs.

First stop though was Eilean Donnan castle, just before the bridge crossing onto Skye. An interesting castle that was transformed from a derelict one into a residence by a clansman (forgotten the name) between 1915 and 1935. As such, much of the heritage from before that time wasn't really depicted and to be honest, it was all a bit confusing. A bit of a dig online showed that indeed, the castle and its strategic location, that its history was indeed bloody with even the occasion Spaniard coming to help the Scots in their many skirmishes with the English during the middle ages.

The day had started out sunny but had turned misty rainy by the time we got to the castle, and indeed the wind made its presence felt too. On leaving the castle we soon crossed the 2 bridges that join Skye to the rest of Scotland, built in the 1950s. Then, we found some pretty wild weather blowing in from the west. A lack of trees and other vegetation of any real size on the drive across made some very very wild driving conditions. Narrower roads (even A roads), potholes and other drivers who are familiar with the roads was a bit of a rapid introduction to the Isle.

We arrived at our accommodation about 2pm and were greeted by our really lovely host for the next 2 days. The place was immaculate and it was a real treat for the time we stayed. Touches from softer toilet paper, coffee pod machine and fridge in room, amazing breakfasts (full cooked and just delicious...yes haggis is still making a regular appearance in my big feed starts to the day)...it will be hard wherever we go to next. With the weather being wild outside, we decided to head to one of the local providers Skyeskins about 30 minutes drive away in Waternish. We had a free tour explanation of the process of tanning taking the salted skins from the abattoir all the way through to the finished product. See photo for the steps involved! Upstairs we had a look at all of the amazing skins and products they had in their showroom/shop that overlooked a striking bay/inlet...that in the wind was a wild scene. Particularly apparent is that even under grey gloomy skies, the water is a unique green/blue similar to sphalerite. We'd finally found somewhere that wasn't cheap imported stuff and had an authentic unashamed pride in their place, their products and the location. Accordingly, 2 new jumpers were purchased and will be worn with pride!!!!

Dinner at the Isles Inn nearby our accommodation was also our first really authentic feeling pub vibe with the 6 nations rugby on in the bar while we were sitting at close tables with other guests was fun. Yummy steak and ale pie for me and Bronnie had Cullen Skink (thick soup of smoked Haddock, potato and cream base). Yum. Tomorrow we'll be catching up with my old friend Rachael...let's hope the improved forecast is accurate. Today was WINDY!