Day 4. Drimsdale to Liniclate
Monday 9th May 2022
Day 4 Schedule
| Distance |
Time |
Elevation in meters |
Km |
Elapsed
Hrs-Mins |
Moving
Hrs-Mins |
Gain |
Loss |
Min |
Max |
| 23 |
|
6H45 |
80 |
85 |
|
70 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Base map courtesy of www.explore-western-isles.com
| Two route advisories applied to this section as there was a bridge down on the section between Drimsdale and south of the statue "Our Lady of The isles" and the section after the statue heading to Lochcarnan, which was badly flooded. |
| Our activities for the day were somewhat curtailed due to the advisories on the route and the fact the wind was near gale force a storm came in from the Atlantic on the Monday. We visited the Kildonan Museum, had a look at the statue Our Lady of The Isles and visited the Hebridean Jewelry shop. Jim and Lesley, anxious to get some walking in despite the weather, walked from Aird Mhor to the Dark Island Hotel at Liniclate. |
Sunday night's weather forecast for the Monday........
not looking good!
Kildonan Museum
Kildonan Museum and Culture Centre is situated on the main road that runs through South Uist (A865) and is approximately 7 miles north of Dalibrog. The Centre is a heritage and cultural amenity which includes a museum, a craft shop, a Fèis room for ceilidhs, music and dance, a café and an archaeology room. The museum (Taigh Tasgaidh Chill Donnain) is managed by South Uist Historical Trust and is fully accredited with Museums Galleries Scotland.
Kildonan Museum holds over 10,000 items related to the social, domestic and cultural history of South Uist. During the 1950’s and 1960’s the late Father John Morrison, parish priest of Lochdar in South Uist collected nearly 700 items representing the cultural identity of South Uist. These items were displayed in a small thatched cottage. Father Morrison signed over his collection to be held on behalf of the people of South Uist.
The collection’s time line is vast including ancient archaeological finds and items related to townships, crofting and agriculture. It holds the Clan Ranald stone, thought to have been carved to commemorate John of Moidart, chieftain of the Clan Ranald in the late 1500s. |
The Clanranald Armorial Stone
The stone came from an ancient religious settlement at Howmore, the most ancient Church site in South Uist. It was thought to have been originally built into the wall of one of the Chapels. As the Chapel fell into disrepair, the panel was left lying against a wall in the graveyard.
It was noticed in early 1990 that the stone was missing. The Police were notified, but said no action could be taken as no ownership could be established.
Appeals by the local community and publicity in the press were to no avail. The stone had disappeared without a trace.
In late 1995 the stone turned up in a flat in Euston, London. A Mr & Mrs Mabon had come from Canada to clear out the flat, which had been occupied by their son who had recently died. They found the stone and photos of the stone being removed from Howmore. Their son and a friend had taken the stone. Mr mabon noticed the ornate carving and contacted the British Museum who in turn contacted the National Museum of Scotland. The stone was undamaged in spite of its 600 mile journey and three house moves. The stone was cleaned and returned to South Uist in 1995.
Many believe that a curse on the stone was responsible for the death of Lawrence mabon at the age of 33. A verdict of death by misadventure was recorded at the inquest of his death. |
This is as close that we came to an otter.... a stuffed one in the Kildonan Museum!
Our Lady of The Isles
(On a very wet and windy day!)
Our Lady of the Isles (Bana Thighearna nan Eilean) was commissioned shortly after the Ministry of Defense proposed a missile testing range be constructed. This caused concern it would destroy much of the island's way of life, culture and language. Resistance to the proposals was led by Canon John Morrison, the local parish priest. The statue was intended to be both an expression of the devotion of the people of South Uist to the Blessed Virgin Mary but was also intended to be a public and permanent reminder to 'strangers' that they were entering a 'different' world. People of all denominations supported the project through fund raising and the giving of their labour to construct the road and the foundations for the forty ton statue.
The statue is situated on the west side of Reuval and can be accessed vis a pathway from the main road. There is a stunning view from the statue as you look north to Benbecula and North Uist and southwards to South Uist. |
| Corrodale Cottage (Taigh Choradail) .... A typical crofting house on the road to the Hebridean Jewelry shop at Lochdar, South Uist |
Another crofters cottage along the same road
| The Knights, determined to get some walking in even if it was along the road, as they stride off into the gloom towards The Dark Island Hotel. |
Accommodation
Dark Island Hotel, Liniclate
Tel: 01870 603030
|
