King Haakon's fleet sighted 14th August 1263 
Last night, King Haakon IV of Norway, Mainland Scots and these Islands, arrived in Kyleakin with his fleet of 120 ships. An observer was heard to say that "their passage through the sea currents was like lightning of the sky" and the King's own ship was described as having "a fine dragon's head, all gilded and so to the neck". Each ship bears between 50 and 100 men in fighting condition. The fleet sails South to defend King Haakon's territory on the West Coast against the claims of King Alexander III of Scotland and put an end to the atrocities we have suffered during the Earl of Ross's forays to Skye.
Haakon's Fleet in Tatters 20th September 1263
Haakon's fleet hammered in great sea battle at Largs - fleet shattered, ships sighted limping home northbound!
Forest Fire by Castle Maol Medieval Legend
Rumour is circulating that Princess Mary of Norway (also known as "Saucy Mary"), wife of a MacKinnon Chief, started the dreadful fire which destroyed the entire plantation created by her husband. This is, allegedly, and act of revenge for our husband regular long absences from their home at Castle Maol.
Wildlife Diary 
Otters are regularly seen in this area often crossing the green from the Kyle to the Obbe, and seen to the thriving. They appear to be undisturbed by boats and ferries. An otter can stay underwater for four minutes, and then swim at least 400 meters without surfacing. Their main food is fish, but they also eat, mammals, water side birds and shellfish, grasping the food with their forepaws and usually eating it on land. The West Coast of Scotland is one of the best places to see otters. Although an endangered species in Britain, they are now gradually increasing in numbers.
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Copyright (c) Ray Shields, 2006.
Most recent revision, 11 September 2006