The West of Scotland, with hundreds of islands and deep Lochs stretching into the mainland, can only be experienced by boat. Changing winds and strong tidal currents, hardly a place to anchor because of the depth, where no anchor can hold a vessel, a bigger sailing vessel is in constant peril to founder.
The English could rule the world with their sailing vessels, but that was impossible at the West coast of Scotland.
The Vikings, from 800AD to 1100AD, controlled the West with their dragon boats, which were sailed and rowed, and could be dragged up the beach. The boat of the local clans, the Birlin, was similar to the Viking boat. From 1200AD to the 18th century it was the number of Birlins deciding the individual Clan power and supremacy.
With MV FYNE SPIRIT, we will follow the classical routes of those boats, looking out for the castles, those strongholds of the Clans along the rugged coast. Clasach, pipes, Gaellic songs and mystic lore will be our guide.
|
