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Clan Morrison Itinerary
The heartlands of the clan Morrison lie to the west of Scotland, on the windswept shores of the Outer Hebrides. These islands have a legendary, wild beauty, with long stretches of golden, white sands, secluded coves and rugged hills. The Gaelic language retains its vibrancy in these parts, with long-held traditions of culture, language and community handed down through generation after generation.
It is thought that the clan's origins are in County Donegal in Ireland, with a branch venturing westwards to Habost on the north-east coast of Lewis. The Clan Morrison Society held its first official gathering in July 2002, centred around the old clan stronghold of Ness on the Isle of Lewis. The highlight of the event was the opening of the bridge to the ancient hill fort of Dun Eistean, the clan's ancestral home.
Day one
Arrive in Inverness, the bustling, beautiful capital of the Highlands. In the nearby villages of Kingussie and Newtonmore, you'll find two fascinating Highland Folk Museums. Here, more than 400 years of Highland life are brought to life in exhibitions which track the everyday experiences of clansman and crofter.
Day two
A stunning hour long drive, in the shadow of the Fannich mountain range, takes you to the thriving harbour town of Ullapool where you board the Caledonian Macbrayne ferry for Stornoway (Steornabhagh in Gaelic), capital of the Western Isles.
The two hour sailing across The Minch offers breathtaking views to distant Skye and the mountains of Coigach and Assynt. Upon arrival at Stornoway, drive northwards to the coastal settlement of Ness, home to the Morrison clan; you'll find an interesting historical museum here too.
Day three
Travel down to Tarbert (Tairbeart), a town at the meeting point of the Isles of Lewis and Harris. Here, following two long centuries of feud and unrest, the Morrisons were defeated by the Macleods and the Macaulays. A few miles further south lies the village of Northton (Taobh Tuath). And it's here that you'll find a true treasure trove for family historians. Co Leis Thu? (Who do you belong to?) is the only genealogy centre of its type in Scotland, with records on every Western Isles family, some of which go back more than 200 years. Bill and Chris Lawson are your knowledgeable and helpful experts.
Day four
Return to Stornoway where a visit to the local Museum and Arts Centre is well worthwhile. There is also an active local historical society in the town and you might be lucky enough to join in with the music, dancing and laughter at a ceilidh! Or you may wish to slip into one of Stornoway's many hostelries to hear the distinctive Hebridean lilt of the Gaelic language.
Day five
Depart from Stornoway and travel back to Ullapool by ferry - looking out for dolphins, porpoises and seals as you go. Take the road back to Inverness and the end of your sojourn into the Clan Morrison heartlands.
Provided by www.ancestralscotland.com