Eilean Donan 1

Eilean Donan 1In 2008, my British mom proposed a trip, inspired by childhood memories of Nairn, Scotland, where she lived during World War II while my grandfather served in the Royal Air Force. Shed spent four years there from 1941, when she was two, and the Highlandsbagpipes and allnever left her. She wanted to decorate her theater room with Scottish castle photos, so we planned a five day, 1,000 mile quest to photograph 16 castles. Mom drove, and I navigated. We

In 2008, my British mom proposed a trip, inspired by childhood memories of Nairn, Scotland, where she lived during World War II while my grandfather served in the Royal Air Force. She’d spent four years there from 1941, when she was two, and the Highlands—bagpipes and all—never left her. She wanted to decorate her theater room with Scottish castle photos, so we planned a five-day, 1,000-mile quest to photograph 16 castles. Mom drove, and I navigated.

We started at Edinburgh Castle, then hit Doune, Fraser, Cawdor, Stirling, Dunnottar, Glamis, Eilean Donan, Claypots, Fyvie, Dunvegan, Kilchurn, Stalker, St Andrews, Urquhart, and Crathes. Each castle had its charm—some rugged, others serene. We also explored Portree on Skye, snapping beached boats, Scottish fishermen, and Highland cattle, and crossed St Andrews’ famous bridge. Mom’s nostalgia shone at Cawdor and Crathes, while Eilean Donan stole her heart.

The black-and-white sepia photos captured a timeless Scotland. Five days of wrong turns, tea breaks, and awe later, we returned with a camera full of memories and a bond deepened by our castle chase. This collection became my very first art show, proudly displayed at our local Starbucks and best in show at an art show!