Torran Bay Hostel
We were escorted to our accommodation by the owner's of Torran Bay Hostel Joachim and Sheila Brolly who were both very helpful and accommodating! The Hostel was situated in front of a beautiful fishing lake, a perfect location for our stay, we were only there a little while but where very pleased with the service and amenities as we had to supply all the children with breakfast, packed lunches and supper.
Thanks for a great stay Toran Bay!! |
Castle Sween
Castle Sween is located on the eastern shore of Loch Sween, in Knapdale, on the west coast of Argyll, Scotland. Castle Sween is thought to be one of the earliest stone castles built in Scotland, having been built sometime in the late twelfth century. The castle's towers were later additions to wooden structures which have now since vanished. Castle Sween takes its name from Suibhne, whose name was Anglicised as "Sween". He was thought to have built the castle. Suibhne was thought to have been a grandson of Hugh the Splendid O'Neill who died in 1047.
In the thirteenth century, the Clan MacSween governed lands extending as far north as Loch Awe and as far south as Skipness Castle on Loch Fyne.[2] In the later half of the thirteenth century the MacSween lands of Knapdale passed into the hands of the Stewart Earls of Menteith. Our visit to Castle Sween started with a greeting by Tayvallich Pupils in Medieval Costume and the sounds of band pipes seeping through the rupture's of the old castle giving the beginning of our tour a great authentic Scottish feel, we were took up to the castle and given a fantastic tour by the Tayvallich children with great stories acted out by the children about Castle Sween! This was a great end to our trip although children were tired the children were still enthusiastic and very captivated with the experience of Castle Sween. |
The Journey Home
The Year 6 pupils from Mill Strand Integrated School were a credit to the school, their parents and themselves throughout the trip. We had squeezed, what seemed like three weeks, into three days.
Bob, our bus driver, navigated his way back towards Largs for a late afternoon meal at Nardini's stopping off for a 'pit stop' in Inverary, a beautiful coastal village where we stretched our legs for a while and in Dumbarton, other side of the road but same story as the outward journey.... 30 adults and children 1 toilet.... the joys of school trips :-) The journey around the coast was stunning, as was the venue for our last meal in Scotland at Scotland's most famous café, restaurant & ice cream parlour, Nardini's. Originally opened in 1935 and re-opened in December of 2008 following a multi £m refurbishment that has seen the landmark art deco building restored to its past glory. Miss McCambridge has ordered our meals in advance and the food disappeared almost as quickly as it appeared on our arrival. We took longer choosing our ice cream, such was the range of treats on offer. Even Leila forgot her loyalty to Morrelli's for a few minutes. After a play in the park in Largs we made our way to the boat and the crossing home. On board we celebrated Sean and Amy's birthday, without setting of the smoke alarms and sprinklers with the candles on their cakes, much to the relief of Mr Reid!!! By the time we arrived back at school around 11pm, everyone was tired, happy to be home yet sad to have had to say goodbye to our new found friends in Tayvallich after such a wonderful, educational and enjoyable fun packed trip. |