You know that any country who claims the unicorn as its national animal is going to be magical. As we left the Borders behind, heading north into the Highlands, it was easy to set logic aside and firmly believe there were unicorns, hidden in the deep shadows pooled beneath stately forests.
Because of the courage and skill of my sister, Debbie, we journeyed by car. The further north we went, the more wild the countryside became.
These additional photos capture some of the rugged beauty of the Highlands.
The Highland Coo (cow).
Mysterious Loch Ness
The ruins of Castle Urquhart overlooking Loch Ness.
Heart piercing beauty outside the car windows.
There are numerous waterfalls cascading down the Highland slopes.
Sitting pretty, Eilean Donan Castle, near the Isle of Skye.
From the hotel room window, Isle of Skye.
Near the Fairy Pools on Skye.
Since my return, I have been watching episodes of Outlander, a story of survival, challenges and romance, set in the Scottish Highlands in the 1700s. The breathtaking scenery captured on film is familiar and brings me joy, while it simultaneously stirs the desire to return to Scotland.
The female star of Outlander, Caitriona Balfe, who portrays the heroine Claire, said, “The Scottish Highlands are incredible. There seems to be magic and poetry everywhere.”
I so agree. I have experienced the magic of the Highlands and the poetry found there roots around my heart, waiting to be born through expression.
I’ll keep my heart open.
