Fly like a bird by Motorhome
Loch Maree
Motorhomers should enjoy the wonderful scenery of the Loch
There is a lovely Campsite at Gairloch
Eilean Donan Castle
At the entrance to the Castle is an information board displaying the history of Eilean Donan
I have chosen one story in particular which I hope you may enjoy
Lachie’s Tale
The story tells of the Chieftain of the clan’s youngest son Lachie
The boy fell out of favour with his dad for no apparent reason
He was made to sup his first taste of wine from out of a raven’s skull
This gave Lachie the power to understand the language of the birds
When the boy was still young his father asked him what the birds were saying
The lad replied that they said one day his father would wait upon him as a servant
Greatly displeased his father banished his son and his cat Tabbie from the Castle
Many years later Lachie and his faithful cat landed in France
He heard that the King was being disturbed by a messy invasion of pigeons
Offering his special talents he was able to discover what the birds were saying
He told the King that the birds said that they were going to obliterate his Chateau
The Ruler asked for his help so Lachie set Tabbie the cat among the pigeons
The King was pleased although he thought privately the boy was away with the birdies
He presented Lachie with a fully manned ship in which to continue his journeying
On one of the voyages he was invited to dine with the Ruler of a distant country
Lachie saw that the Palace was infested with rats some even sat at the dining table
The next evening he returned to the dining table with Tabbie in a bag under his cloak
When the rats had gathered around the dining table he let the cat out of the bag
Hundreds of rats began to attack Tabbie he ran out of the Castle over the drawbridge
Lachie ran after the cat and when all the rats were across the moat he witdrew the bridge
The Ruler was so pleased to be rid of the vermin that he gave the boy a barrel of gold
After many adventures a fine ship with a young man aboard anchored off Totaig
The sight of such a vessel caused a stir with everyone wondering who this rich young man was
The youth was received by the old Chieftain with great courtesy and invited to stay for dinner
Sitting him at the table the grey haired old man waited upon the young stranger himself
Thereby fulfilling the prophecy of the birds
After his father had sat down at the table and filled his belly with pheasant Lachie spoke
‘Father, I’m Lachie, I was away with the birdies but now I’m home’
The Chieftain was now reconciled to Lachie whom he now acknowledged was his heir
Footnote:- For lovers of a happy ending;
Tabbie’s bones were later found unharmed and returned to Lachie.
Perhaps you would enjoy reading the adventures of Francie and Josie.
http://purepoetry.co.uk/links_15.html
