Applecross

We crossed to the bay by Bealach na Ba

Came down where the sands meet sapphire blue sea;

Looked out over Raasey, sunlit afar

From the homes by the shore at Camusteel.

Then it’s north up the coast road to Shieldaig,

Along by the Sound to Torridon’s shores;

Past blackhouse and crofthouse, white, brown and grey,

Through sheep-grazed land that is peopled no more.

The greed of the few put sheep here to roam,

Emptied the crofts and drove people away;

Few houses left, just holiday homes,

The old houses in ruins, left to decay.

Yet though this land has been ravaged by men

It’s beauty cuts deep, again and again.

© C P Brooks 01/10/07