On this dreich morning, some of us set out with naturalist Ian Bullock to experience the grand mountains on the Isle of Skye. Our hike commenced at pub and hotel at Sligachan. The trail headed up a spectacular glacier-scoured glen that separates the Red and Black Cuillin ranges.  

The Red Cuillins are primarily granite whereas the Black Cuillins are composed of the igneous rock called gabbro.    

Others went by coach to explore Eilean Donan Castle, which was reconstructed in the early 20th century by Lieutenant Colonel John MacRae. It has been the location for many movies, appears on postcards, and in all sorts of advertisements, thus making it the most recognizable castle in all of Scotland.  

From the castle, we drove to the quaint village of Plockton, sometimes referred to as the “Jewel of the Highlands,” where the television series Hamish McBeth was filmed and the movie The Wicker Man.  

Once we were all back on board Lord of the Glens, we set sail for Armadale on the Sleat Peninsula of the Isle of Skye for a tour of the Clan Donald Center with their museum and lovely gardens. Along the way, photo instructor Stewart Aitchison gave a presentation on the use of digital cameras and tips on composition. During his talk, the weather continued to improve, with more sun and a number of rainbows arching across the clearing sky.  

From Skye, we sailed back toward the mainland. A rare basking shark, the second largest fish in the world, was spotted. Unlike most of its fish-eating relatives, this animal feeds on plankton. Ironic that some of the earth's largest creatures prey on some of the smallest. A few gannets, related to boobies, were seen diving for fish. And here and there were groups of guillemots, the northern hemisphere's ecological equivalent to penguins. All this wildlife is a testament to the richness of these waters.  

During dinner, we arrived at Inverie, the location of mainland Britain's most remote pub, the Old Forge Inn, only accessible by boat or a rugged 16-mile hike over mountainous terrain. A couple of local children helped secure the ship to the pier, a task that they enjoyed doing, in part because of the promise of sweets.  

Afterwards, many of the guests went ashore to explore this special place and, of course, to enjoy a wee pint.