A quick visit to Skye

To get away from the boxes yet to be unpacked and to revisit the plot of land we hope to buy - just to check it's still there as just as nice as we remember it.
Will also be interesting to time the journey from Alloa and check out the options for future trips.
Journey out was via Callandar and Lochearnhead then on to meet the A85 at Crianlarich then on by the "normal" route through Glen Coe, Fort William and Kyle of Lochalsh. As we drove at a reasonable speed through the Kintail / Shiel range, we were caught and overtaken by a large lorry which appeared to be fully loaded with 10 live fish tanks. The driver had no problems with overtaking on a winding A road at more than 60 mph. I was happy to let him!
Stopped for coffee and a 20p pee at Kyle - finally, loos that merit the entrance charge. Plants, posters, information booklets and clean and sweet smelling. And they have their own poem.
Settled into our lochside B&B for the night in a room with windows a stone's throw from the water's edge. You could hear the tide going in and out - very peaceful. Could also hear the main road through but not so that it interrupted a good night's sleep.
Monday morning dawned with sunshine and showers. We decided to visit the north of the island as we hadn't been up there before. Headed out, parked up and climbed up to the "Old Man of Storr" A 45 minute walk up some steep ground through a stunning natural ampitheatre to these amazing rock formations. Even on a cool October morning it was busy with tourists taking a look. The final 50 metres was a scramble on loose scree and rock. We passed a Japanese couple; he with camera and water bottle, she in Harris tweed coat, red trews and riding boots. She appeared to be absolutely terrified and at one point was physically unable to lift one leg to progress. She did make it to the top of the Old Man but whether (or how) she managed on the descent we can only guess. 
Picture shows the Old Man and the sheer cliffs and rock formations behind it.   

The Old Man is the rock spire to the right and in front of the cliffs.

There were many Dutch and German tourists walking and climbing around the Old Man. Some poorly equipped for the ground conditions and the scramble and many wanting to know "How far is it to the top?"
We were lucky and avoided the rain for the time we were out and about. Decided we could have spent the whole day up there and will certainly return another time. The views back across Skye, to the mainland and to the Cuillins were amazing.  Gary is determined to return with camera gear so watch out for some atmospheric photos in the months to come.
Drove across one of the most remote roads on the island, complete with beautifully tended graveyard half way (no habitation at all) and ended up back in Uig.
Checked out a couple of houses for sale (beautiful lochside location) just in case and found a couple that we would consider if it all goes pear-shaped with the plot.


Tuesday was another variable weather day and we drove through a tremendously heavy shower to get to Fernilea. Vivid rainbows to compensate though. Still like the location, still like the plot. Met up with Mary and her oppo, Ian. He lives locally so could tell us about the area / the people etc.
Once they were kitted out in full waterproof gear, we waded onto the house plot and Ian showed us where the corner stakes setting out the plot boundaries were. No wonder we couldn't find them in the summer - it was difficult even with the bracken dying down. Mary and I were shoulder deep at times.
There is a small burn on the plot along with a number of natural trees which will give some shelter from the winds. The site is down below the road so the house will benefit from low visibility and more shelter. All good so far. If we can get the croftland too there is a small wood, plenty of heather and goodness knows what else in the undergrowth. It will be an interesting adventure finding our way to the loch.
Thankfully, the site is even more lovely than we remembered. Mary was already designing and placing the house. I was imagining the views from the floor to ceiling windows and Gary and Ian were being more practical.
Bottom line - now the house is sold and we have moved into our new home, it is time to get this purchase moving.
Calls to solicitors and vendor imminent. We (with Dualchas) can apply for outline planning permission if that unblocks the impasse, so that is our fallback position. 
Photos show the house plot.

View from plot (house) showing loch and trees.

                                If you look really hard, you can just see one of the boundary stakes                                                       (right of centre and in line with river valley across loch)

Back home via the A85 and the A9 - you have to try out the different options but this won't be one we do again in a hurry. Too winding (A85) and too busy / dangerous (A9)


House is looking more like home. Will unpack a few more boxes tomorrow then it's off the the Lakes for a week. Once we return from our final holiday this year I have to start thinking seriously about work!