I ended last week’s post with a ewe and cry about The Sheep Detectives movie opening. We did go see the very enjoyable film. And that inspired digging up some other Scottish sheep images.
A short bus ride from Edinburgh is Blackness Castle which is shaped like a ship and juts into the bay. If you’ve watched Saoirse Ronan’s Mary, Queen of Scots, or Outlander, or Mel Gibson’s Hamlet, the very rocky interior of this 15th century castle is unmistakable. Taking a stroll along Blackness Bay outside the castle, you might run into some of these black-faced creatures.
Much farther out in the Atlantic on Garry Beach on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides was another one enjoying the sea-sprayed flavored grass near the shore.
Farther south and closer to the mainland are the Inner Hebrides. A few years ago, I posted of a place I want to return to and spend more time—the tranquil Isle of Iona. To get to the ferry to that island, you first need to get across the much larger Isle of Mull. Of the many beautiful sites there, is another 15th century castle called Moy which you get to by a lovely stroll along Loch Buie and you’ll share the route with some grazers.
Moy Castle on Loch Buie
The road map showed an ancient stone circle not far away, so I found a place to park and walked through some boggy farm fields. There, I had two memorable animal encounters—one enchanting and one very uncomfortable. Because much of the land is so boggy, you need to stay on the narrow path near a farm fence most of the way. Several cattle were in the field but fortunately a distance away. You finally get through yet another farm gate, and there in the distance are the Lochbuie standing stones—and some sheep.
Lochbuie Stone Circle, Isle of Mull
One of the sheep seemed to take a liking to me and followed me around as I walked among the Neolithic structures. And then he followed as I headed back to the gate, and I told him he’d need to stay. He seemed disappointed that I was leaving.
The walk got more interesting. While I was visiting the stones, the Highland cattle had moved over to the path. One young fellow was being a bit frisky with the ladies. As I got closer, he approached me from behind and gave a few headbutts. I’d grown up next to cattle in Florida, so I knew a little of their language. I had a few words with him and walking backwards with my eyes on him, assured him I had no interest in the ladies in the field. And he let me pass.
This fella seemed to find some humor.
And on a final note, so ewe don’t forget.
