Highland
Warrior Picture Book
Welcome to Monica's illustrated
guide for readers who
like visuals to accompany
their reading pleasure.
Take a journey
through history
as she brings the pages
of her books to life
with pictures.
Views
of Loch Ascog, Isle of Bute, where I placed Ascog Castle, “the stronghold
of Lamont of Ascog, […] a simple rectangular tower house of four stories
and a garret surrounded by a sturdy barmkin wall situated on a small
rise on the northern edge of the loch.” (Chapter Two). Northern edge
is pictured at the top. For a glimpse of what the castle might have looked
like during my period see
drawing here. Note: the actual castle was located across the Kyle
in Cowal.
Archibald Campbell, the 7th Earl of Argyll plays an important part in my Highlander series and Highland Warrior in particular. Curious as to what “Archie” the grim really looked like? A painting of him that hangs at Inveraray Castle, here’s a link to part of it.
Remains
of Dunoon (Dun-nain) Castle, Cowal.
A
view of the Firth of Clyde from top of castle hill—me with Iain and Veronica.
Dunoon was “located strategically on the western shore of the Clyde on
a small promontory, providing an excellent vantage from which to repel attackers.” (Chapter
Seven). Argyll was the hereditary keeper of the royal castle. (Chapter Six).
:: Watch
Monica's slideshow
Toward Castle, Cowal, stronghold of Lamonts of Toward, where Caitrina takes
refuge with her kinsmen. (Chapter Nine).
I’m
standing before Queen Mary’s Gate, “the arched gateway between
the chapel and guardhouse.” (Chapter Ten).
:: Watch
Monica's slideshow
Looking
to the Isle of Bute from Toward. “She [Caitrina] loved the desolate and remote
feeling of standing on the very tip of Cowal, looking across the blue sea to the
Isle of Bute—to home.” (Chapter Nine).
Want to see how Toward Castle might have looked? See drawing here.
Rothesay
Castle, Isle of Bute, “the luxurious former Stewart stronghold with its unique
design of circular towers” where Jamie and Caitrina stay during the rebuilding
of Ascog. (Chapter Thirteen)
:: Watch
Monica's slideshow
