Mealt Falls, Kilt Rock and A Day of Wedding Stuff 27th Dec 2019

After breakfast, and the sunrise (around 8.30am) we all headed out into the raging wind and rain for the day. We have been so far blessed with “reasonable” weather on Skye but today its blowing a gale - literally!

Aad and Mike are doing their own investigating today towards Dunvegan Castle, whilst Vince and I were off to Portree, to meet with Davina McCluskie, of Scottish Highland Weddings, who will be our celebrant at 12.00pm at the Cuillin Hills Hotel, which overlooks Portree Harbour.

We decided to again take the road along the Eastern side of the Island (as we had not yet been that way in daylight). Not far from home we came across a field with two black Heilan Coos in it so Vince pulled over and I got out. I had only brought my wide angle lens with me (anticipating shots of Portree from the great View at the Cuillin Hills Hotel) so I was limited in what was possible, but none the less I wasn’t going to miss this opportunity. The rain had stopped briefly but the wind was howling and gust physically knocked me backwards, so I had to try to brace myself to take the shot. I found out later I lost my lens cleaning cloth and I’m pretty sure this is where it happened - must have fallen out of my pocket.

Back in the car headed South, we pulled into the lookout for Mealt Falls and Kilt Rock. We were fortunate that we were one of only two cars there, so pretty much had the place to ourselves. We met Susan from Seattle and Janelle, an American living in Glasgow. They told us that it’s often a long line of traffic to see this iconic landmark. The Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr were completely shrouded in cloud and rain.

Another brief cow stop - in the pouring rain and mud for a fold eating from a red trailer, then it was on to Portree. I had a few things to try to pick up for the wedding - including a matching tartan shawl - which was unsuccessful, but Vince did by himself a Harris Tweed Cap (he had originally been trying on a Deer Staker) for 25 pounds (cheaper than some other shops we had seen).

At Inga’s Sweet Shop we had a chat (we had seen her on the Hebrides on the return Ferry trip from Lewis the other day) and I bought some liquorice for 1.50 GBP to help with my digestive issues. Unfortunately, much to my surprise, it was Dutch Licorice and tasted like FISH, it was so salty it tasted like medicine!

We arrived ahead of time at the Cuillin Hills Hotel, and waited near the Malt Whiskey Bar. I ordered a scotch and dry (called ginger ale here) for 5 pounds and Vince just had a water as he was driving. We waited, and waited and waited - no Davina. I called and left a message, I texted and eventually at 12.30pm I called again and got through. She had forgotten but would soon be on her way from Lydale, Edinbane and arrive in about an hour. She suggested we meet at the Granery in Somerled Square instead. So we packed up and went there and had a spot of lunch whilst we waited. I had tomato soup and Vince had a chicken burger.

Davina arrived and was just lovely, quickly making us feel at ease and willing to incorporate whatever we wanted into the ceremony and rituals. At the end of an hour or so of chatting we had abandoned “wedding talk” for “travel talk”. Debrief afterwards confirmed that we both think she is the perfect choice for officiating at our wedding.

We stopped in at the Charity shop but it was closed (until 3rd Jan), so the broken baking dish will have to wait to be replaced.

The return journey was via the Western road as we wanted to call into Rankins (the general store and post office), in Uig - we found a thermos for just under 9 pounds (so we can take hot things out with us now like soup or tea) and I had intended to discuss having the replacement glass microwave plate delivered there for us to collect, but the dutch licorice hit and with no toilet available it was a mad dash to the ferry terminal at the port where there were public toilets. I only just made it, and when I got back to the car I had to rush back into the building again! Vince came in to check on me as I had been gone so long, but I was so drained and exhausted I had to just sit a few minutes to regain my strength. NEVER eating that kind of licorice again!

We headed back home around 3.30pm only to find the boys already there. They had been rained out at the Castle (which was closed until 1.4.2020) anyway and come home early. Mike had busied himself cooling a dutch treat ‘Oliebollen) which translates to Oil Donut Balls. He had been a bit ambitious making 43 of them for the four of us - but they were so delicious I ate 3! I offered Aad and Mike some of my Dutch Licorice but they quickly refused - they already knew what it was like!

The wind had damaged the electrical box, so I contacted Lorraine, but she was away so will pop in tomorrow - everything on Skye happens according to “Island Time”.

Vince cooked dinner (sausages and bubble and squeak) and Aad chatted to him in the kitchen catching up on old times. I downloaded my photos from the day (I’m getting way behind on this stuff) whilst Mike answered emails from their business.

After dinner we had some of the Kerstkrans they gave us at Christmas - it was absolutely delicious - it had a strong almond/marzipan flavour which I love!

We watched the end of the 007 movie, Skyfall, which we had started two nights ago then it was off to bed.