The weather for Andrew's second week is beastly! Cold, wet, windy, and as I type, a blanket of thick fog has rolled in from the Minch and engulfed all! I can't see the front gate! 

 Ah Skye - what else do you have up your sleeve?

Irrespective, we seek out heritage . The MacCrimmons, traditional pipers to the Lord Dunvegan, are buried at St Mary's Church, Dunvegan. Andrew is delighted to read the inscription commemorating them. Our great, great, Grandmother - Euphemia MacCrimmon ( a proficient player of the pipes herself ) was the daughter of Iain Dubh who was the Chief Piper to the then Laird of Dunvegan Castle. According to Andrew, many of the tunes he wrote are still in use today. We have both seen his pipes which are housed in Dunvegan Castle.

As we leave the church we read an inscription that indicates the existence of a MacCrimmon Memorial at Borreraig. We understand that a ceremony was held every year to honour/thank the MacCrimmon pipers. They would gather on the high point (where the monument now stands) and pipe in the Laird of Dunvegan Castle as he arrived with his entourage on the black pebbled shore below.
 
It is thrilling to imagine that our great, great Grandmother Euphemia MacCrimmon, would have witnessed this as a young girl! We need to find this - and we do!  

The 'beehive' memorial is high on a point overlooking Loch Dunvegan. The assent across a field is steep and it is very windy with gusts that buffet you. Climbing over a rickety turnstyle does not help! The memorial commands a magnificent view. The plaque is in Gaelic! But it is all worth it!

We then explore the ruins of Lephin Croft (which we look out to every morning across the Glen) where Grandmother, Margaret Nicholson, grew up . Cousin Sam takes us through.

Digby and I are most saddened by the extensive deterioration over sixteen months! As the roof has now collapsed, Sam is of the opinion that the stonework will last only a few more years before succumbing to the rain and frost. Devastating!

The croft is large and extends to the moor just over the ridge of the background hill. Lephin means 'half-penny'. According to Sam this most probably would have been the original cost!

Andrew tackles the huge stone that apparently was held aloft by a distant relative making him 'the strongest man in the Glen'. It is now mandatory for all successive males to attempt the same! No luck!
 
We explore, find 'treasures' and climb high to the moor above the croft where we learn about the lifestyle of our Grandmother and ancestors. Sam has an amazing knowledge of the history, custom and culture of the area. 

And as a crofter today - he is living the tradition!

This has been a most special day for us all and especially for Andrew and me. 

Heritage explored and family remembered! 

We need a generous lotto win to secure and refurbish Lephin Croft! I buy a ticket in Portree!