Murdo's latest entry
Dubrovnik, Croatia
November 21st 2025
Hi,
Dubrovnik had been on my list long before a famous TV series was shot there. As you'll remember I took my first trip to Croatia in 2022 and loved it. I had always planned to return to visit Dubrovnik, often called 'the Pearl of the Adriatic.' I booked a flight and self-catering accommodation for one week with Jet2 f…
Alan Squires I made a similar trip in 2016 for my ancestor Kenneth McKenzie and Janet Nicholson. They lived on Rona in the early 1800's. There son William came to Australia in 1852 (my great grandfather). Kenneth accidentally drowned in 1822 during a storm. From then on Janet put a light in her Bothy window to show sailers the entrance to the harbour.
re: Visit to Rona, Island of my MacLeod ancestorsKate What a great trip - looks like you had lovely weather.
re: Family travels in Scotland August to October 2024MURDO Thanks to all for these kind comments. It's rewarding when a blog generates so much interest with people from the opposite ends of the earth!
re: Visit to Rona, Island of my MacLeod ancestorsMairi Nicolson I am coming from Australia too with my sister Deborah, the keeper of our family history! Thanks for the wonderful blog. We're very excited to be coming to Raasay again and hopefully Rona.
re: Visit to Rona, Island of my MacLeod ancestorsDeborah I can't believe I chanced on this today. I too am planning to realise a long-held dream of mine to visit the birthplace of my grandmother, Barbara MacLeod and that of my grandfather's Nicolson family. Having been to Raasay several times, Rona always seemed not quite within reach. But this September I'm making it happen. Thanks so much for your photos - they will help in planning my trip (e.g. bring wet weather gear... I am coming from Australia!!) No doubt you are related, so mhath slainte and many thanks again.
re: Visit to Rona, Island of my MacLeod ancestorsSeonaid MacLennan A well written and interesting blog.Rona is such a beautiful island but our ancestors must have had it hard. I felt so honoured to be part of the group to visit Rona along with you Murdo. To also re-connect as cousins, perhaps far related but none the less related !
re: Visit to Rona, Island of my MacLeod ancestorsStewart Really interesting Blog and atmospheric pictures ! well done
re: Visit to Rona, Island of my MacLeod ancestorsAlan Very interesting trip even if the weather did not help the photography. It is difficult to see how your ancestors mad a living on Rona. Looking into one's past is fascinating and I have managed to get back to late eighteenth century on both sides. On dad's side they were all miners. Next time you pass Hogganfield Loch imagine a row of miners' cottages. My great-grandfather lived there and my grandfather as a boy used to swim out to the island in the middle.
re: Visit to Rona, Island of my MacLeod ancestorsKate What a fascinating trip!
re: Visit to Rona, Island of my MacLeod ancestorsPJ Claffey Murdo great to hear about your travels in the Irish midlands. I am from a village called Kilbeggan which you passed on the way to Moate. The next time you come over you could visit Locke's distillery in Kilbeggan. I still remember our good times in Vietnam last year. Off to India in October. Recovering from a hip replacement op last week and hope to be fit again to walk in India in October. Best wishes PJ Claffey
re: County WestmeathBrian Mc Cabe Nice to see you visiting our little emerald (if somewhat wet this year) isle. Pity you did not get into Charleville castle - it has the reputation of being one of Ireland's most haunted castles. There have been numerous TV programmes about it and it has featured on Ghost Hunters International. Also, don't know if you got to see the old high cross on the grounds of Kinnity castle. If not, I can send you a photo. My wife and I stayed in the castle a few years ago (for my birthday)
re: Athlone Castle