Old Treasures

That's enough sight seeing and history lessons for a while... Anyway while I was over in Islay catching up with my cousins, I was given some really old tools that belonged to some of my family, this really meant a lot to me, I will restore the best of these . I'm already in love with an old coffin shaped wooden plane with a Robert Sorby iron it cuts like a dream!! Here's a peak at these old treasures ;)

Kildalton

Kildalton churchyard Islay, here stands one of the finest early Celtic crosses still standing today. And a shell of stone work from the old Kildalton parish church, with a load of history absorbed into it's walls. Some more really old graves with connections to the lordship of the Isles are here  too. A ewe with her lamb stopped for a while to get a picture taken on my way back to the car... :)

Lordship of the Isles

Finlaggan, on the Isle of Islay, Where the lords of the Isles held council the small island pictured is the council island where all the important stuff was decided I suppose.. Names such as Somerled, Angus Ogg and Brian Boru. Are just some of those who were connected to Finlaggan. The Lords of the Isles kept the Vikings from rampaging Islay back in the day.. My Aunt used to tell me stories of the Lordship as a boy. I hope you enjoy these pictures and the brief history lesson... ;)

Monument

Mull of Oa, near Port Ellen Isle of Islay a pleasant walk with spectacular sea cliffs. Then on up to the monument which was built with stone quarried from the cliffs, erected for the men lost on the Tuscana and the Otranto both ships that went down in the great war WW1. There is also a plaque gifted by American President Woodrow Wilson!! Then on the walk back we disturbed some wild goat's who showed off their skills on the cliffs with the sea boiling below.... ;)

Island

A few views around the Island, the bank in the picture was built by Our Great Grandfather and my Great Uncles a long time ago!! And the oak mantle in place, told you I hoped to see it one day!! Bowmore Main street Isle of Islay a beautiful village where my Mothers family come from .... ;)

The Crossing

I got a beautiful calm sunny day for the 2 hour crossing here's a little of my journey... ;)

A Little Trip

I headed off early on Friday morning to catch a ferry, I drove through some beautiful country!! Here's what I saw along the way ... :)