A slightly vintage feel today – all black, white and grainy, as I remember a lively road trip in Scotland during a few unseasonably warm autumn days anno 1990.
I was there with a group of friends to celebrate a major birthday of my then young life. Driving along the Western coast, we spotted a sign for Caol Loch Aillse, Kyle of Lochalsh, landing stage for the short ferry ride to the Isle of Skye. Five years later, Skye Bridge was built and the ferry was no longer needed.
Of course we jumped at the chance to do a bit of impromptu exploration of the Hebrides. We found rooms with a lovely old lady, too. Gave us a most excellent Full Scottish breakfast, she did.
Red telephone box, Skye
The red telephone box, once so prevalent throughout Britain, is much less common today. I wonder if this one remains standing along the way side on Skye. (Interestingly, my old uni, the University of Oklahoma, has these red telephone boxes scattered about campus. Installed after my time. I think…)
As has so often been the case when travelling in Britain, we were childishly excited to find remnants of the island’s Viking past. Tarskavaig must surely be the same as the Norwegian name Torskevåg, meaning Cod Bay. Worth a photo for sure. Even back in the pre-digital day.
While I have your attention: This castle could be on Skye, but I rather think it’s somewhere near, on the Scottish mainland. Thoughtlessly, I didn’t note the location. I’d be ever so pleased to find out where it is. Perhaps you know?
Very interesting about the Viking connection. Very possible. I love all these photos. They have that lovely bleak feeling about them that you get in bad weather in the hills.
Julia
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Thanks, Julia. I like them, too. Got lucky with the weather and clouds in the last one.
I love the vintage feel of those photographs.
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Yeah, it’s a bit like they’re from another era. Long before 1990, even
Lovely – just a handful of years away but technology has changed so much that the photos look as though they could be from much further into the past.
I wonder whether @tourscotland on Twitter would know where the castle is located? I would like to know myself
what with us now living in Edinburgh.
The castle looks like somewhere that David Balfour from Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel ‘Kidnapped’ might have stayed in.
David Bennett recently posted..Lambing In Scotland
So true! I remember having to use phone boxes very well, but my 10-year-old can barely remember not having a mobile phone. I’ ve been wondering about that castle for ages, and just read Gillian’s comment below. Blogging can be so wonderful.
It’s great the Gillian knows where it is.
Right, it’s on the must-visit list
David Bennett recently posted..Lambing In Scotland
Love these, Sophie!
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That must be such a beautiful and strange place! I wish I ever had the chance to get there…I really like the mood of your shots!
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Hm… gray is not mine
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Your photos fit well with the northwest highlands!! The castle you photographed is supposedly one of the most (if not “the”) most photographed castle in Scotland – Eilean Donan Castle – was the castle used in Highlander, Entrapment and other movies!
Gillian, thank you for that! I’ve been wondering about that for quite a few years. It does look cool, so no wonder it has been used for film locations. Thanks again
The photos definitely have an eerie look to them. Reminds me of some old school horror movie perhaps. The castle is really cool too. Did you figure out if it was on Skye or not?
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I did! It’s Eilean Donan Castle in the northwest highlands – not on Skye but on the way
It’s the fist time I’m surfing into this your website Ann! I was impressed by the pictures and read the post! These photos are stunning!!! Thanks a lot!! I’ll be back to enjoy ither posts and pictures of your!
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I love these pictures! They’re creepy…but in a really great way.
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Thanks, Nichole. I agree. The landscape looks spooky, yet oddly appealing.
I love these vintage photos. That castle looming in the distance looks so incredibly spooky and thrilling. Wonder if I would have dared to spend a night there…
I think I would have dared. I think…
Hey marvellous photos and memories! I’ve got a random and lonely red telephone box on a Scottish island photo somewhere myself
Love the slightly grainy textures and you were obviously seduced by the landscape.
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Thanks, Natasha. Yes, even though it was more than 20 years ago, I still remember the landscape well. Very special place, Scotland.
I always enjoyed stories about Vikings so it was really exciting to know that you’ve seen a place that is somewhat connected to their past. Beautiful shots!
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A bit like home for me