Paddling to a Mini Castle on a Mini Island in the Middle of a Scottish Loch. Sounds Easy...
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ย. 2024
- Good weather prompted us to chuck the kayak in the van and head off inland in search of a paddling adventure. We ended up stumbling upon a couple of castles we knew nothing about. Well, I say castles - one was really a house and the other I could only describe as a folly. The folly was a little more tricky to get to though. Welcome to a lovely wee random day in Scotland :)
Map courtesy of Google Maps
Music courtesy of epidemicsound.com
Hi, I’m Steve, a travel reviewer from Scotland. Join me on my adventures as I discover my own country, often visiting places for the first time, so hopefully it's as much of an eye-opener for you as it is for me! Don't expect expert opinion, just a very honest journey of discovery. Sometimes featuring my intrepid sidekick Alicja, sometimes featuring adventures beyond the borders of Scotland. Enjoy!
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Another great video. You may know this but for any that don’t:
Dunalastair House was designed by Andrew Heiton, a Perth-based architect, who also designed the Atholl Palace Hotel and Dunkeld railway station. It was really only used fully up until the First World War because after that the staff needed to run such a big house were no longer available.
During the Second World War it was requisitioned and used first as a Polish boys’ and then girls’ school and during this period it was considerably damaged, which included the loss of a Millais painting which was destroyed in a fire in the drawing room.
The house’s contents were sold in the mid fifties after the current owner’s grandmother’s death and the house was badly vandalised in the sixties when the lead was stolen from the roof. In those days it was not viable to repair it and no grants were available and it deteriorated very quickly from then on with most removable parts being stolen.
Various ideas have been put forward for restoring it, but the cost would be very great indeed, and nothing has so far come of any of them.
Thanks for the info. Appreciate that and hate to see it deteriorate.
Thank You for sharing all the info, Ian! Such a beautiful building.
@@alicja4139 I agree Alicja. It’s a great shame that buildings like that are left to decay away. Thank you for taking us to that little tower in the middle of Loch Ranoch.
Dunallistar house is in the area where a castle once stood. It's the Clan Seat or my Clan, Clan Robertson. The whole area is the clan area. Not far from Dunallistar house you'll find a small cemetery where some of the old cland chiefs are buried.
The Robertson clan is one of the oldest, most traceable Clans in Scotland.
If you drive to the very end of the road there's a lovely tearoom at Rannoch train station.
The crest:
TRIA JUNCTA IN UNO
PER MARE PER TERRA
Three joined together in one
Through sea Through land
Any history of family?
--a Yank who wants to visit UK again...
Here is a wee bit of history on Dunalistair House that you might not know. It may be a of interest to Alicia. I am not sure of the exact dates but during WWII at one point it was used as a military high school for young Polish soldiers. One of those soldiers was my father, Captain Stanisław Szafran. I believe he was there during the early 1940's until graduation and then he got his assignment to Italy and fought at the famous battle of Monte Cassino. My father passed away in 2012 at the age of 89. One of the few memories of the war that he shared was about his time here and the gallivanting that took place in Pitlochry during their stay. I have many photos of the house during that time. It was a brilliant castle. One of my father's last wishes was to have some of his ashes spread at the castle. Two years before he passed we visited the ruins, very emotional. In 2014 we went back to the castle and fulfilled his last wishes. Boy, that was quite an emotional moment. There were no fences surrounding the castle at that time. There is more to the story but I won’t bore with the details. Every time I see a video of the castle I get chocked up. This was a very pleasant surprise from you and Alicia. Thank you. I hope you see this comment.
Easily my favourite TH-camr. Nothing flash and fancy, no ego; just someone enjoying themselves exploring the lesser seen parts of Scotland and more ‘unfashionable’ country’s and taking us with them.
So glad that comes through in the videos, thank you SO much! Comments like this keep us going!
Exactly my thoughts as well!
I heartily agree!
Just recently found you, have binged watched all day. Never even to Scotland, but really want to visit.
Steve I so enjoy your videos and your cheerfulness shines through - a real tonic. Many thanks and take care. D
Hey thanks so much David! 😊
What a.beutiful building 👷♀️ and your abnd Alicija's.Journey's 👍
We ate our lunch on that wee island when staying at the Stirling University Outdoor Centre by the shore on a week long school trip there 1973/74. We were canoeing,orienteering,hill walking etc was great i remember it cost £1!
Superb Jim!
Mr. Marsh, I always enjoy your episodes. Thank you for showing the world Scotland at a pedestrian level. Someday I'd like to visit that beautiful land. I often feel as though Scotland is my home too. Thank you.
Hoping you get here one day, thanks for visiting via my videos :)
"Copiose et opportune" Plentiful and in time. Interesting! ❤
Actually as these are adverbs, it's more like 'Abundantly and opportunely'. The other coat of arms at 3:54 was 'Tria iuncta in uno' or 'Three joined in one'. (From your friendly local Latinist.) Both quite mysterious in fact.
Great singing great vlog
Voice of an angel
Kudos to Alicja for that excellent camera work on the bumpy car ride, and the rocks at the Folly. Another amazing video of a gorgeous location. Steve always has the perfect combination of talking points and music, it's absolutely seamless. Loved the sounds of the lapping water. So excellent as usual. Glad you decided to do it. Amazing!!!
Thanks so much Wanda! Kind words indeed :)
One of my students here in France, who is ex-army, has an inflatable kayak which he and his wife carry in their campervan and use on holidays in the mountains and in the Mediterranean. He showed me photos last week of his latest modification which is an electric fishing outboard strapped to a homemade bracket. The 12 volt battery hidden under the rear cover gives him around 3 hours of power and is particularly useful when the wind gets up and they have trouble making progress by paddling.
Great visit as always!
Oh no, you're giving me ideas to empty my wallet...
Another great video!!! Love when you include Alicja she is such a treasure. I am glad the weather here in Alberta is improving because you make me want to go out and explore, lol! Have a wonderful week and look forward to the next one!!!
Thanks so much, and yes she is a treasure :)
I just love the sound of nature on your videos! It's incredible! 🙏🏴🇮🇪🙋🙂
Love Alicja's 'let's do it' approach!
She's a gem :)
Such a relief to watch after looking for news and hoping for good. It’s here on Steve Marsh channel.
What a place.
I was a bit worried about the combination of sharp rocks and anything inflatable, glad you had someone looking out for you. Absolutely beautiful as always and a much needed tonic for me
Aye it would have been scary without the watchful eye!
Thank you Steve and Alicja for taking us to some fabulously scenic places. Loch Ranoch and the area were looking superb. I hope you enjoy making the videos as much as I like seeing them, and I hope the fish and chips helped you to recover after your voyage across the loch.
The fish and chips were AMAZING! Although we'd have eaten anything after paddling, soooo hungry!
Fantastic video.
What a surprise.
Cheers Dougie! Was a surprise for us too :D
Marvellous guys ❤🎉
Thanks so much!
An enjoyable and unusual trip...your were very adventorous
Cheers Chris! A fun wee random trip :)
Steve and Alicia ,another beautifully shot video. Showing Scotland at its best.
Cheers Chris!
Great quality of light - big blue skies...
WOW.....this is one of my favorite videos!!! Thank you for taking us on this journey. I loved reading all the comments on the history of Dunalastair House, we definitely don't have anything like this in San Diego, CA. It would be lovely if they could restore it. My favorite though was the kayaking, very impressed on how you handled the winds and choppy water. Such a beautiful Loch! Thank you Steve & Alija!!!
What a delightful and unexpected adventure in the heart of Scotland! Your kayak journey to the mini castle on a mini island sounds like a true hidden gem. It's always exciting to stumble upon unknown places and uncover their stories. The mix of castles, houses, and follies adds a touch of mystery and intrigue to your exploration. The picturesque landscapes and tranquil loch create a perfect backdrop for your paddling adventure. Thank you for sharing this lovely and random day in Scotland with us-it's a reminder of the surprises and beauty that can be found off the beaten path.
Another interesting video from the Dynamic Duo. I am counting down the days til, I stay at the Loch Tummel Hotel (29thMay for 7 days). If your in the area I would love to buy you both a beer.I have to agree with you Steve that some of these towns and villages are spoilt by too many tourists (myself included) , but people like yourself with your videos make it possible to see the real Scotland from our armchairs. Thankyou mate. See you soon ,take care both.
Wishing you a fantastic time mate! And if we're in the area, you know I won't be able to turn down a free beer :D
Love your videos and this was superb. I am sure you are following us as so many of your videos are where we have just been lol. Was in Pitlochry just a couple of weeks ago for 3 nights. Had a week up near Schiehallion last June and went to Kinlochrannoch. The roads were scary with so many log trucks belting down those single tracks 😮
Haha we're right behind you 👀
I have confidence that your toolbox would be up to the task of refurbishing the casle - be brave
It looked a wee bit risky on your trip to the folly- brave souls that you are the pair of you.
Glad you managed to get your chippie tea looked good .
Great FAB video once again 10/10 VG
Cheers Gavin! It was so shallow, I'm sure I could walk out there to do the place up :)
Hello Steve, always one of the week's highlights to see your journeys.
Thanks Will, a wee random one this week!
Thanks for showing us around Scotland and all the Loch and bit chilly and the castle left empty and nice weather and nice to see you both and glad you have your camera in the van Thanks you both
Thanks Elaine! Glad we survived that wee paddle :D
Stunning scenery! Lovely to go out on the kayak with you.Another great video ... thankyou.
Thanks so much Sarah!
Hi Steve & Alicja ,The Chippy always save the day ! Loch Rannoch lovely part of our Country
Best chippy ever after a day on the water!
Another enjoyable outing.
Thank you for taking us.
Beautiful surroundings, we have good memories of that
Loved it!! Thank you for sharing your "wee" adventure. Me and my fiancee watch your videos and we love how you use a "wee" bit of "wee" for everything. Looking forward to visiting Scotland one day :)
Haha I do get the most out of that wee word eh!?
Beautiful another area of Scotland I’ve never been to, thanks Steve and alicja. You deserved that tasty fish supper, lovely village remote castle beautiful loch all for free
It was an unexpected wee day out!
Please do more kayak videos. They are a great opportunity to show off Scotland's stunning scenery. Years ago I had an inflatable kayak. The best trip was from Ardrossan (nipped in front of an Arran ferry!) and landed on Horse Isle, much to the annoyance of a million gulls. Great fun and another great video guys.
Oh Scott, you're giving me ideas! Aye, the wee kayak sure gives a different perspective, they are tricky to film from though :D
Ah love your wee adventures👍🏻
Cheers Jamie, very last minute this one, but was a lot of fun!
I remember visiting Dunalistair house in the 70's when it was abandoned but still had it's roof on. There was a baby grand piano lying on the floor of one of the rooms and there were lovely fireplaces too.
Wow would have been great for photos back then!
Hi Steve.
The folly on Loch Rannoch is actually built on a man made island or crannog called Eilean nam faoileag. While crannogs are considered sheltered dwellings, I think you will agree that it would be impossible to safely live on this island. Interestingly Scotland has many boulder islands whose purpose remains a mystery. There is a second crannog near the Bridge of Gaur but as the reservoir was raised 6 ft, this is now underwater.
Top info, cheers!
Afternoon Steve! Years since I've been up at Loch Rannoch. The Folly is on Eilean nan Faoileag, and was built by Baron Granbley in the 19th Century!
Glad I didn't know that - imagine me butchering the pronunciation!
Google is your friend.
"Loch Rannoch Folly
Eilean nam Faoileag is a tiny island at the western edge of Loch Rannoch. It would be entirely unremarkable if it were not for the tower that sits eerily on top of it. In architecture, a ‘folly’ is an extravagant building that seems to suggest the folly of those who constructed it, and this out-of-place tower certainly fits the bill. It was reputedly built by Baron Granbley in the 19th century and is well worth trying to find, if only to ponder why it was made."
Stayed in Pitlochry at the Hydro twice, only walked the town once as we used it for a base to explore surrounding areas.
Keep making the great videos.
Cheers Mike! I'm glad my phone signal was patchy, wouldn't like to attempt saying the name of the wee island!
A great adventurous day out! I’ve been to Edinburgh twice, and took a few day trip tours into the areas just outside of the city. Have always wanted to get further out into the wilds of Scotland on my own though. Absolutely love the smaller villages, and the scenery. It’s that driving on the left that keeps me from doing it. Doesn’t seem too difficult in the countryside…it’s near those bigger cities that gets me.
I think you'd be fine after a while, and some of the roads are so narrow, there aren't even different sides :D
Last time I was at Schiehallion a rescue chopper flew past when we were at the summit. It was a "paraffin budgie", yes, that long ago!
The birds looked like Ospreys.
Wow what a sight that would have been!
What a really nice day out, thanks for taking me with you
😊
Cheers David!
What a wonderful episode!!! I am so grateful for your videos!!!
Julianne thanks so much! :)
loving your videos guys , i’m even watching during my breaks on nightshift 😊
Haha thanks so much 🤣
Never mind the Brutalist architecture, it's Scottish Baronial all the way Steve! I think that the two birds at the beginning were Buzzards, Great video from you both.
Thanks so much! Turned out well after zero planning! :D
Great video you two....Alicija you do all the work !!! In my humble opinion!!😊😊😊😊😊.Love your adventures ❤
You never cease to amaze me Steve with Scotland's wonderful scenery! Barra is on my bucket list but you will be the inspiration for the before and after! I won't be getting on no inflatable kayaks but I'l have to go back to (England, where I was born) the UK one day and when I do, I'll be making a beeline for Scotland!
Scotland is always the star of these videos, it blows me away sometimes
Hi Steve from Spain. Nice to see the wee quine oot and aboot.
Well said :)
Looked like a lonely lookout post. Beautiful view❤
Aye indeed! I wouldn't mind a lookout shift there :)
thank you for the adventure !!
Hi Steve and alicja. I do enjoy looking at old places
"not even a gift shop" 😄 Reminds me of what I thought at the William Wallace memorial: when Wallace was asked for a last wish before being executed, he said "I want a memorial with a visitor centre and a shuttle service!"
Gosh an inflatable in that wind and those jaggy rocks! Folly looks like one on Loch Scolpaig on NW North Uist. I think the Victorians loved building follies...this one 1830.
Ohhh another one to explore!
Do love watching your Saturday morning adventures 👍
Thanks so much!
Thanks for showing us a little known area of Scotland, and it was worth the risk of paddling there. Youre both so lucky to have all that so close to you.
Cheers Mike! A fun wee random day out, and we appreciate so much being able to have places like this on our doorstep!
Good morning Steve, I'm sure that you must persuade those that have never been to Scotland to give it a go. I meet so many people that in London that tell me that they would love to visit. They often ask me where to go due to my connection with Scotland (i'm first generation English for my sins). I always tell them Edinburgh, Inverness or Fort William and work it out from there.
Hey Colin! Great places and even better starting points for adventure!
brilliant again steve, glad you got your slow puncture fixed on your we boat,,,,,, keep them coming,,,,,, brian d.
Haha just as well eh! Spikey rocks were scary though
As soon as I saw the title, I knew this was Loch Rannoch. I a couple of holidays there staying at one of the lodges next to the Hotel. It is a stunning place, waking up to views of the Loch and Schellellion. Has to be one of the most beautiful places in UK
It's a wee gem of a place eh! We need to get to know it better though!
And finished off with fish and chippy Perfect !!
Here here!
Just excellent !
Cheers John!
Used to run through there almost every day when at my holiday home at Rannoch gorgeous area
Superb!
Absolutely splendid Steve. What a lovely day for your excursion. That abandoned house looks like where Edward Scissorhands lived on the hill😊. What a magnificent structure. Hard to comprehend that it is abandoned. Such a pity. Regardless, another worthy and wonderful addition to your comprehensive collection of videos. Brilliant as ever you two. Oh and those birds of prey... could they have been Ospreys?
Cheers Ric, it was such a random little adventure but so glad we go a video out of it! Both places (and the birds) were fascinating!
That was very interesting guy's...I had a ball going along with you this outing...😂😂😂
Thank you both for another amazing insight into our beautiful country 🏴 Your advice on the inflatable kayak versus jaggy rocks, and guarding it while Alicja went to investigate was invaluable. Wet-suit and life jackets 100% 👍🏼Another place added to my bucket list ! You should be getting paid by the Scottish Tourism board for this work ❤ Cheers - from Fife 😊
Thanks so much Jorge! Aye, inflatable kayaks are fun, but not without some thought on what you are undertaking!
Beautiful landscape and scenery, hope you enjoyed your chippy, super filming
Oh that dinner hit the mark!
Your videos keep getting better and better!
Thanks so much Lynne!
Love watching your Videos!!
Thanks for another fantastic video Steve. I spent my 50th birthday in 2006 at the self catering apartments next to the hotel at Loch Rannoch. We drove up from Sheffield and spent one night in Dumfries, then on to Loch Rannoch for 3 nights. From there we went to Inverness for 1 night and had another night in Oban. My favourite place however was Queens View at Loch Tummel, magical.
Oh the Queen's View is special eh! I see a lot of buses on the wee road to get there, I'm not sure how they do it!
@@steve-marsh Magical place.
That was intrepid! And all's well that ends well at the chip shop.
Ain't that the truth!
The folly looked like it was built on a man made island. 👍
I do not think it was a folly but a place where the clan chief could shut up his undesirables, during w,w,2 a machine gun was mounted on the island, as the loch was one of the few that were long enough to allow the landing of flying boats. I was at school at Dall during the 60`s
Such a great video and again beautiful villages and loved that tower, it makes you wonder what stories it would tell if it could ....
Another enjoyable & feel good video well done both of you & good luck on the next one 👍👍
Thanks Michael! Just a random wee jaunt :)
Steve, in an earlier video you made mention of doing a video on the Falkirk wheel. The estate directly across the canal from the wheel is where I grew up. Where the wheel is located is on the site of what was a large tar works and a stone's throw east from the wheel was a fish factory that used to convert rotting fish into fertilizer. As you can imagine when the wind was blowing from the south, between the tar works and the fish works the smells were pretty bad. The main reason for this response is that just behind the Falkirk Wheel is Antonines Wall. When you turn onto Lime road on the way to the wheel is a National Trust sign which is right beside the wall and has some interesting info. A hundred yards or so from this sign on Lime road is a good view of the ditches that the Romans dug with the dirt being piled up on the South side of the ditch on which the wooden piles were located to creat the Wall. If you do get to the Falkifk Wheel sometime in the future the Roman history wil be all around you.
You guys have a wonderful style on how you ae creating these first class videos.
I've bookmarked this comment for a future video! Thanks so much!
@@steve-marsh I heartily endorse the Antonine Wall suggestion on the ridge behind the Falkirk Wheel. The path takes you along to a Roman Fort that is called 'Rough Castle.' From there, you can not only see the outline of the fort itself but the awesome ditch stretching off to the West as JOC indicated. When at the fort at the point where the burn flows through the wall, see if you can spot the anti-personnel traps the Romans dug on the North side. These are called 'Lilia' I believe, each of which was a round hole with a spike at the base - an ancient mine field, if you like. 😲
Thank you for taking me along your adventure today., ( The cool waters of the Loch cooled me off in this wretched humid heat.) I love how you and Alicja discover such nooks in impromptu journeying. I did a pitstop in Pitolochry on my last tour of Scotland and it is too touristy I agree but good fish and fries. Looking forward to your next adventure...Take care , time for a iced coffee ☕
Cheers! And enjoy your iced coffee! I'm just back from Europe, and it's lovely to feel the cold air of Scotland again, wish I could send you some!
Another wonderful and very entertaining video! Thanks.
It's great you have your kayak, as it must be lovely to satisfy your spirit of adventure by paddling out to an island, particularly if it has a folly (or other structure) on it. Marvellous!
BTW, the fish 'n' chips looked good too.
Oh it was a good dinner! And aye, always great to have the kayak there just in case we see something like this :)
Thanks guys another excellent video 👍
Cheers James, a random wee trip that one!
Very cool little island with the little Castle.
I would love to kayak in Scotland. If you ever get a chance to paddle a real Sea Kayak go for it. You we love it.
Steve and Alicia if you'd have carried on along the 26 mile road (longest approach road to a station in the world apparently) to Rannoch station you'd have got food there. Have been recommended that. Nice vid here though, glorious weather!
Ohhh you're giving me ideas for a whole new video here Janet!
Excellent. Thankyou :)
Cheers!
WHAT A LOVELY LUMP OF FISH TO END A RISKY BUT BEAUTUFUL DAY, GREAT STUFF, THANK YOU
Birds are Common Buzzards .
Now the UKs most numerous bird of prey .
Ahhh thank you!
A wee bit hairy crossing the Loch to the island, but well done for doing it for everyone to let us see the tower.
It was a tough 200m! :D
I think that’s the quietest I’ve seen Pitlochry . Along with Aveimore and Calander they always seem full of tourists.
Aye by the busload!
It's Saturday night and time to enjoy another fine video from you both, what I would give to have the where with all to buy and restore that castle to its former glory, absolutely magnificent. So good to see you both out and about enjoying that magnificent day and stunning scenery, until next time stay safe and well and thanks, cheers.
I couldn't even do up the castle on the island mate :D
@@steve-marsh Likewise, but I could afford a very nice doormat for it.
Takes me back to my student days, took my degree in Dundee. Tayside is a lovely region to explore.
Once again, really fun and interesting. We were a bit concerned at the intro that it was going to be a musical, but no. It's a thought though...
Haha yes!
That water looked cold, it’s a lovely part of the world
Every time I'm sure it's the coldest I've ever been :D
Another great Marsh production. Greetings from Australia.
Cheers Richard!
Last winter I had an Airbnb on the southside of Loch Rannoch, - great location - it looked out on that tower I wondered about it too, thanks for visiting it for me
Superb location for a wee holiday :)
That folly looked interesting but I’m not sure I could have resisted temptation and not looked at it.
Steve you both live in a beautiful part of the world, I’ve been twice so far this year and the next visit is already planned for later this year after the midgies. We visited Lewis and Harris earlier this year and fell in love with the island, fantastic that everything is closed on a Sunday.
I believe it's still frowned upon to hang your washing out on a Sunday! I can't wait to have the opportunity to explore there, I have some ideas for a theme, but accommodation prices putting me off until after summer (and it'll be nice without the midges too!) :D
Aye, binoculars conquer distances and keep your bum dry.
Pitlochry? Touristy? Never! 😂
Anyway, glad you decided to take the camera; the Loch Rannoch area looks beautiful.
Haha yeah true!
Another relaxing scenic video to enjoy on Saturday morning. Thanks Steve!
Thanks so much!
Excellent video, as usual! Thanks!
Thanks Hunter!
@@steve-marsh I have been to Scotland many times, but I'm thinking about an extended stay, 6 to 12 weeks. i'm using your videos to help me plan where i want to be. so your work is much appreciated! keep it up.
I do hope someone will restore that palace. It seems worth it. 👍🏼
Aye, I wonder if it's all down to money, but surely someone with enough of it could make a perfect home there!
This video brought back so many happy memories for me. My parents had a "week in perpetuity" at the time share of Loch Rannoch estate and we visited every July for years. I climbed Schehallion many times and even cycled right around Loch Rannoch on a racing bike.
Thank you for the wonderful video! ❤
Wow I wish I had some of that energy!!!
Awesome! I've had my eye on that little island for quite a while, maybe next time I'm in the UK with the kayak. The little tower looks to be in way better shape than that big castle!
It's so shallow I'm sure you could walk there :D
Mornin Steve and Alicja my grandson Alisdair would love exploring that castle I did get a bit afraid when you paddled out hope the kayak didn’t deflate success as usual take care stay safe see you around 😘🌼
We are forever worried about losing air now :D
By far the biggest thing I miss about cars is the ability to just jump in and go wherever the road takes you. :) But I've found a few gems on my bike, especially as I get fitter. One of them is a ruin you can get in. It was part of a second home for a noble family. They just let the big house go while keeping the stables and characterful old tower. Of course, I also had to pay admission. If it's not one thing, it's another. ;)
"Just as much a part of the history of Scotland..." I really like that. :)
Great little adventure on the loch! Though I'd have been happier knowing from the beginning there was someone looking out for you. Then again, I am highly atypical.
I stayed with a family in Pitlochry once -- Polish family. I don't remember too much as my health was poorer in those days. Besides, it was... oh, 30 years ago already! I remember the car ride from... ohh... _from_ the station in Pitlochry to whatever little town or village they lived in. It was a long drive, but it was special: moonlit snow with not a streetlamp for miles! I've essentially never seen the silvery colour of that landscape anywhere else. The other thing I remember is failing at skiing. ;)