MacNicol’s, Nicoll’s, Nicholson’s
View of Scorrybreac lands on the Isle of Skye
Continued from Page 3
. From the cold air, which with refreshing vigour, played around his throbbing temples, he knew he had gained the outside of the castle, but whither to wend his steps he knew not. There were numerous caves formed by nature, in the rocks around the castle, and his impression was, that he had entered one of them;—at one time, indeed, be thought he heard the sound of the distant wave, but it might be the echo of his footstep as it slipped on the uneven rock. He followed, however, in the direction whence he thought the sound proceeded, and, advancing with caution, he was convinced he was not mistaken,—for a few paces more brought him to the bay, on which a cloudless moon was shedding her silvery beams, and proclaimed the welcome intelligence that he was once more free. Next day, all was confusion in the castle, the prisoner had escaped, and Macalliser knew he had every thing to dread from his vengeance. The cave through which he made his escape was examined, but no trace of him could be found. The country was scoured, but no word of him beard. It was, therefore, concluded, that, —a proscribed outlaw, without home or followers—he had left his country, and his exploits began to be talked of as something which had more the appearance of the chimeras of romance, than of the deeds of a man, whose re-appearance could be expected. Indeed he would probably have soon been forgotten, but that the anniversary of hiscapture was held in the Castle asa holiday, to which their friends in the surrounding country were often invited. The fifth anniversary was far more splendid than any of the preceding, McAllister had contracted an alliance for his son, with the daughter of the chief of Islay, and he had made sumptuous preparations to welcome the stranger. The costliest wines were drunk by the vassals. The gates were thrown open for the reception of all who chose to grace the hospitableboard, andevery luxury which affluence could procure was handed round in careless munificence. The night had now far advanced, and the drowsy warder was performing his duty, when his hand was arrested by a tottering minstrel, on whose beard—which swept his girdle—the snows of many years had shed their whitening influence. He was admitted, and the wassailers gathered round him to listen to his lay, which he accompanied with a small harp, his only companion. Sleep had now overcome the greater part of the rioters, and the minstrel was left to share the couch of CalumBhig* Macnicol, a boy who was spared at the destruction of DonackadhGruamach's keep. During the evening he had become much attached to the minstrel, and, from his first entrance, glances of recognition passed between them, unobserved by the rest, who were busily enjoying themselves on the merry occasion. Silence now reigned throughout the castle, each slumbering in security, nor dreading any danger, when they were aroused by the cry of “Fire," which was seen bursting from several quarters at once. The flames raged with uncontrouled violence, the roof fell in with a horrific shock, and, in a few hours, there was not a vestige of the noble structure left, save a confused mass of scorched rubbish. When the terror had partly subsided, they all met in the castle-yard, and only Calum and the minstrel were wanting; but, as they had not been seen since the commencement, it was supposed they had perished in the flames. It need scarcely be remarked that, the minstrel was DonaclutdhGruamachin disguise, who, having secured one of his clansmen (a domestic in the castle) in his interest, he this night put his horrid plan of revenge into execution, expecting to have involved the whole in one undistinguishable mass of ruin. It is not well known what became of him afterwards: some say that, in attempting to cross over to Ireland, he was lost at sea; others, that he arrived in safety, and associated himself with the manners and customs of that people.
TarbetCastle was afterwards built, but on a much smaller scale, scarcely any tracef of the former remaining, save the extent of its walls; but the cave is still pointed out to the inquisitive stranger, and is known at Tarbet by DonacJiadhGruamach's grotto.
Recipe of the month…Scottish Scones