Day 4: We found our land!

First, I’ve been remiss in ignoring posts about our AirBNB’s.  We had a great stay in Bulloch last night at Dumbain Farm.  The host was friendly and set us up well with heat on, extra blankets, breakfast and fruit. It was close to town as well and she made great recommendations for restaurants. 

This was our morning view!

We got up and we’re out of the house by 8 so we could make it to Dunan’s Castle for our tour and to finally see our land!  

Along the way, we pretty much took a turn on 2 wheels to stop and see Loch Lomond.  I had to let mom know as it relates to Spaceballs the Movie😂  Definitely worth the stop!

Back to Dunans…

Back in 2010, Lisa and I each bought a square foot of land (because it’s the only way we’d ever be called ladies!).  Krissy got on board and bought land as well. 

We got to Dunan’s (pronounced Dah-moons) a little early.  As we were waiting at the gate (that said wait here for your guide) a man pulled up and parked. He got out of his car and we assumed, since he was wearing the tartan pants, that he was our guide; but he walked through the gate and down the hill (mumbling something but not acknowledging us).  We waited for our time and he came back.  Turns out he was our guide. He has us move our car then let us in. We walked down the hill and he started the tour telling us about the bridge and how they are repairing it.  From the bridge, we had our first view of the castle.  

We then walked up to view true castle and he gave us a history of the clans in the area and the history of the castle (including the stag party that burned it down in 2001 and how the owners insurance wouldn’t cover the repairs because he didn’t have a water reserve built 😒).

The house to the side of the castle that was repaired first. 

They are hoping to have the roof up by this time next year and begin rentals soon after.  

Our guide had so much knowledge of the area and castle I thought maybe he was a descendant of the clan, but he said no, he’s just an employee. He was a really great guide but never told us his name (even when asked) and definitely doesn’t like our sense of humor!  Lol. 

Eventually we did find out his name is Gordon.  

Gordon then took us down to see some of the work done on the bridge.  They have the see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil along the side. 

He then showed us where our land is. Lisa and I thought we were next to each other but she is near the bridge.  We walked along and Gordon pointed into the bushes and said my land was in there but too dangerous to get too!  Lol

Turns out Grover got the best spot! He’s right up near the castle!

After our photo shoots on our land (which I’m pretty sure Gordon thought we were morons taking), we walked down the super slippery steps to walk along the River. 

There’s some seriously old trees 

We walked up and got a view Od the side of the castle. 

We leaned they used to hold pagan weddings near the scarlet rhododendrons. 

And as we were waiting for the owner to come meet us, Gordon explained the plaque that shows the history of the castle and we found out the meaning behind the tartan colors:

Blue for the River
Scarlett for the rhododendron 
Green for the grass 
Grey for the castle

Once the tour was finished, we hopped back into Nessie   The owner suggested we stop at the Oyster Bar Restaurant and Deli in Cairndow for lunch then go into the tree shop for the best carrot cake.  

Lunch was amazing  Krissy and I got langoustine which I thought we shrimp but they’re more like mini lobsters   They were really good.  

Driving by, you’d think the tree shop and cafe was just a nursery but, Dave was right, the carrot cake they had was phenomenal (second only to mom’s of course)!

And this weird dude outside…

When we left lunch, we headed over to Inveraray to see the castle.  It is where pet of Downton Abbey was filmed and A Very British Scandal is based on. 

We took a walk over the bridge and down the path to see the area   The river was beautiful with lots of thistle and florals growing alongside  

After our walk, we headed back to Nessie to finish our drive to Loch Ness.  We’re staying at the Highland Club. 

Lisa took pictures along the way as I was driving.  The scenery is breathtaking.  Everything is so green!  

Lisa saw Coos but it was too late for me to stop.  I’m sure we’ll see them tomorrow.  

For now, we arrived at the AirBNB that is in an old abbey.  It’s really cool and right on Loch Ness!  Watch out Nessie, we’re coming for you!