Paddling to a Mini Castle on a Mini Island in the Middle of a Scottish Loch. Sounds Easy... 

Easily my favourite RU-vidr. Nothing flash and fancy, no ego; just someone enjoying themselves exploring the lesser seen parts of Scotland and more ‘unfashionable’ country’s and taking us with them.

Another great video. You may know this but for any that don’t: Dunalastair House was designed by Andrew Heiton, a Perth-based architect, who also designed the Atholl Palace Hotel and Dunkeld railway station. It was really only used fully up until the First World War because after that the staff needed to run such a big house were no longer available. During the Second World War it was requisitioned and used first as a Polish boys’ and then girls’ school and during this period it was considerably damaged, which included the loss of a Millais painting which was destroyed in a fire in the drawing room. The house’s contents were sold in the mid fifties after the current owner’s grandmother’s death and the house was badly vandalised in the sixties when the lead was stolen from the roof. In those days it was not viable to repair it and no grants were available and it deteriorated very quickly from then on with most removable parts being stolen. Various ideas have been put forward for restoring it, but the cost would be very great indeed, and nothing has so far come of any of them.

You know how to add everything that I love in the one video. Water, boating, and fish and chips! With the most importantly being the fish and chips. Love the little Folly on the island. Thank you so much for risking life and limb to make these videos for us. Alicja is really a trooper! The sound of the water coming up on that island is just the best ever! Thank you once again. Be well, stay safe, paddle far, love from Texas.

I just love the sound of nature on your videos! It's incredible! 🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇮🇪🙋🙂

What a wonderful surprise. I always stay on the Dunatastair Estate and know the area well. I was last there six weeks ago. Pity you didn't know more about where you were at Dunalastair House. Just up the hill there is the Clan (Robertson) burial ground. An interesting plot and great view down Loch Rannoch. I also have a picture of the house from when it was occupied. Sad to see the delapidation now.

We ate our lunch on that wee island when staying at the Stirling University Outdoor Centre by the shore on a week long school trip there 1973/74. We were canoeing,orienteering,hill walking etc was great i remember it cost £1!

Another great video!!! Love when you include Alicja she is such a treasure. I am glad the weather here in Alberta is improving because you make me want to go out and explore, lol! Have a wonderful week and look forward to the next one!!!

Mr. Marsh, I always enjoy your episodes. Thank you for showing the world Scotland at a pedestrian level. Someday I'd like to visit that beautiful land. I often feel as though Scotland is my home too. Thank you.

I was a bit worried about the combination of sharp rocks and anything inflatable, glad you had someone looking out for you. Absolutely beautiful as always and a much needed tonic for me

By far the biggest thing I miss about cars is the ability to just jump in and go wherever the road takes you. :) But I've found a few gems on my bike, especially as I get fitter. One of them is a ruin you can get in. It was part of a second home for a noble family. They just let the big house go while keeping the stables and characterful old tower. Of course, I also had to pay admission. If it's not one thing, it's another. ;) "Just as much a part of the history of Scotland..." I really like that. :) Great little adventure on the loch! Though I'd have been happier knowing from the beginning there was someone looking out for you. Then again, I am highly atypical. I stayed with a family in Pitlochry once -- Polish family. I don't remember too much as my health was poorer in those days. Besides, it was... oh, 30 years ago already! I remember the car ride from... ohh... _from_ the station in Pitlochry to whatever little town or village they lived in. It was a long drive, but it was special: moonlit snow with not a streetlamp for miles! I've essentially never seen the silvery colour of that landscape anywhere else. The other thing I remember is failing at skiing. ;)

Hi Steve. The folly on Loch Rannoch is actually built on a man made island or crannog called Eilean nam faoileag. While crannogs are considered sheltered dwellings, I think you will agree that it would be impossible to safely live on this island. Interestingly Scotland has many boulder islands whose purpose remains a mystery. There is a second crannog near the Bridge of Gaur but as the reservoir was raised 6 ft, this is now underwater.

WHAT A LOVELY LUMP OF FISH TO END A RISKY BUT BEAUTUFUL DAY, GREAT STUFF, THANK YOU

Last time I was at Schiehallion a rescue chopper flew past when we were at the summit. It was a "paraffin budgie", yes, that long ago! The birds looked like Ospreys.

Thank you Steve and Alicja for taking us to some fabulously scenic places. Loch Ranoch and the area were looking superb. I hope you enjoy making the videos as much as I like seeing them, and I hope the fish and chips helped you to recover after your voyage across the loch.

I freaking enjoy these videos. Thanks for showing us more hidden Scotland!

There can be few people around who are bonkers enough to travel with an inflatable dinghy, just is case (you might need to explain the meaning of 'bonkers' to Alicja). And there can be few people who can turn a simple trip out to an abandoned ruin in the middle of a lake (loch) and make it so entertaining to watch. I've said it before - you have a very special talent for this. Always one of my weekend highlights, seeing what you come up with next,

Such a relief to watch after looking for news and hoping for good. It’s here on Steve Marsh channel. What a place.

I remember visiting Dunalistair house in the 70's when it was abandoned but still had it's roof on. There was a baby grand piano lying on the floor of one of the rooms and there were lovely fireplaces too.

"not even a gift shop" 😄 Reminds me of what I thought at the William Wallace memorial: when Wallace was asked for a last wish before being executed, he said "I want a memorial with a visitor centre and a shuttle service!"

Hello Steve, always one of the week's highlights to see your journeys.

Please do more kayak videos. They are a great opportunity to show off Scotland's stunning scenery. Years ago I had an inflatable kayak. The best trip was from Ardrossan (nipped in front of an Arran ferry!) and landed on Horse Isle, much to the annoyance of a million gulls. Great fun and another great video guys.

One of my students here in France, who is ex-army, has an inflatable kayak which he and his wife carry in their campervan and use on holidays in the mountains and in the Mediterranean. He showed me photos last week of his latest modification which is an electric fishing outboard strapped to a homemade bracket. The 12 volt battery hidden under the rear cover gives him around 3 hours of power and is particularly useful when the wind gets up and they have trouble making progress by paddling. Great visit as always!

"Copiose et opportune" Plentiful and in time. Interesting! ❤

What a.beutiful building 👷‍♀️ and your abnd Alicija's.Journey's 👍

Google is your friend. "Loch Rannoch Folly Eilean nam Faoileag is a tiny island at the western edge of Loch Rannoch. It would be entirely unremarkable if it were not for the tower that sits eerily on top of it. In architecture, a ‘folly’ is an extravagant building that seems to suggest the folly of those who constructed it, and this out-of-place tower certainly fits the bill. It was reputedly built by Baron Granbley in the 19th century and is well worth trying to find, if only to ponder why it was made." Stayed in Pitlochry at the Hydro twice, only walked the town once as we used it for a base to explore surrounding areas. Keep making the great videos.

Steve I so enjoy your videos and your cheerfulness shines through - a real tonic. Many thanks and take care. D

Hi Steve from Spain. Nice to see the wee quine oot and aboot.

Love Alicja's 'let's do it' approach!

Another enjoyable outing. Thank you for taking us.

Great quality of light - big blue skies...

Never mind the Brutalist architecture, it's Scottish Baronial all the way Steve! I think that the two birds at the beginning were Buzzards, Great video from you both.

Love your videos and this was superb. I am sure you are following us as so many of your videos are where we have just been lol. Was in Pitlochry just a couple of weeks ago for 3 nights. Had a week up near Schiehallion last June and went to Kinlochrannoch. The roads were scary with so many log trucks belting down those single tracks 😮

Scotland really does have some of the best random places to explore!

A great adventurous day out! I’ve been to Edinburgh twice, and took a few day trip tours into the areas just outside of the city. Have always wanted to get further out into the wilds of Scotland on my own though. Absolutely love the smaller villages, and the scenery. It’s that driving on the left that keeps me from doing it. Doesn’t seem too difficult in the countryside…it’s near those bigger cities that gets me.

Gosh an inflatable in that wind and those jaggy rocks! Folly looks like one on Loch Scolpaig on NW North Uist. I think the Victorians loved building follies...this one 1830.

Marvellous guys ❤🎉

I have confidence that your toolbox would be up to the task of refurbishing the casle - be brave It looked a wee bit risky on your trip to the folly- brave souls that you are the pair of you. Glad you managed to get your chippie tea looked good . Great FAB video once again 10/10 VG

Get in the boat Steve 😂 🚣🏻🚣🏻‍♀️ Brilliant!

Early Saturday morning in Michigan USA 🇺🇸 😊

An enjoyable and unusual trip...your were very adventorous

As soon as I saw the title, I knew this was Loch Rannoch. I a couple of holidays there staying at one of the lodges next to the Hotel. It is a stunning place, waking up to views of the Loch and Schellellion. Has to be one of the most beautiful places in UK

Good morning Steve, I'm sure that you must persuade those that have never been to Scotland to give it a go. I meet so many people that in London that tell me that they would love to visit. They often ask me where to go due to my connection with Scotland (i'm first generation English for my sins). I always tell them Edinburgh, Inverness or Fort William and work it out from there.

Hi Steve & Alicja ,The Chippy always save the day ! Loch Rannoch lovely part of our Country

That was intrepid! And all's well that ends well at the chip shop.

I went canoeing on Loch Rannoch and had otters swim up fairly close to the boat!

Pitlochry? Touristy? Never! 😂 Anyway, glad you decided to take the camera; the Loch Rannoch area looks beautiful.

Kudos to Alicja for that excellent camera work on the bumpy car ride, and the rocks at the Folly. Another amazing video of a gorgeous location. Steve always has the perfect combination of talking points and music, it's absolutely seamless. Loved the sounds of the lapping water. So excellent as usual. Glad you decided to do it. Amazing!!!

Thank you both for another amazing insight into our beautiful country 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Your advice on the inflatable kayak versus jaggy rocks, and guarding it while Alicja went to investigate was invaluable. Wet-suit and life jackets 100% 👍🏼Another place added to my bucket list ! You should be getting paid by the Scottish Tourism board for this work ❤ Cheers - from Fife 😊

The folly looked like it was built on a man made island. 👍

Thanks for showing us around Scotland and all the Loch and bit chilly and the castle left empty and nice weather and nice to see you both and glad you have your camera in the van Thanks you both

What a wonderful episode!!! I am so grateful for your videos!!!

Great singing great vlog

Another interesting video from the Dynamic Duo. I am counting down the days til, I stay at the Loch Tummel Hotel (29thMay for 7 days). If your in the area I would love to buy you both a beer.I have to agree with you Steve that some of these towns and villages are spoilt by too many tourists (myself included) , but people like yourself with your videos make it possible to see the real Scotland from our armchairs. Thankyou mate. See you soon ,take care both.

Used to run through there almost every day when at my holiday home at Rannoch gorgeous area

Steve and Alicia if you'd have carried on along the 26 mile road (longest approach road to a station in the world apparently) to Rannoch station you'd have got food there. Have been recommended that. Nice vid here though, glorious weather!

Hi Steve and alicja. I do enjoy looking at old places

Steve and Alicia ,another beautifully shot video. Showing Scotland at its best.

Loved it!! Thank you for sharing your "wee" adventure. Me and my fiancee watch your videos and we love how you use a "wee" bit of "wee" for everything. Looking forward to visiting Scotland one day :)

Fantastic video. What a surprise.

What a really nice day out, thanks for taking me with you 😊

Beautiful another area of Scotland I’ve never been to, thanks Steve and alicja. You deserved that tasty fish supper, lovely village remote castle beautiful loch all for free

I love your kayak trips Steve. Always entertaining, always fab views. You've got to do a vid up Schiehallion someday too? BTW, I think those birds were buzzards or red kites?

I think that’s the quietest I’ve seen Pitlochry . Along with Aveimore and Calander they always seem full of tourists.

Afternoon Steve! Years since I've been up at Loch Rannoch. The Folly is on Eilean nan Faoileag, and was built by Baron Granbley in the 19th Century!

2:09 There’s your still shot! Oh, my, that ruin was magnificent! (Maybe the “Ghostie” has to make another appearance! 😉🤣 Outstanding little paddle. Glad you had someone keeping an eye out. Stay safe, and ATB!

Looked like a lonely lookout post. Beautiful view❤

You never cease to amaze me Steve with Scotland's wonderful scenery! Barra is on my bucket list but you will be the inspiration for the before and after! I won't be getting on no inflatable kayaks but I'l have to go back to (England, where I was born) the UK one day and when I do, I'll be making a beeline for Scotland!

Steve, in an earlier video you made mention of doing a video on the Falkirk wheel. The estate directly across the canal from the wheel is where I grew up. Where the wheel is located is on the site of what was a large tar works and a stone's throw east from the wheel was a fish factory that used to convert rotting fish into fertilizer. As you can imagine when the wind was blowing from the south, between the tar works and the fish works the smells were pretty bad. The main reason for this response is that just behind the Falkirk Wheel is Antonines Wall. When you turn onto Lime road on the way to the wheel is a National Trust sign which is right beside the wall and has some interesting info. A hundred yards or so from this sign on Lime road is a good view of the ditches that the Romans dug with the dirt being piled up on the South side of the ditch on which the wooden piles were located to creat the Wall. If you do get to the Falkifk Wheel sometime in the future the Roman history wil be all around you. You guys have a wonderful style on how you ae creating these first class videos.

Stunning scenery! Lovely to go out on the kayak with you.Another great video ... thankyou.

Absolutely splendid Steve. What a lovely day for your excursion. That abandoned house looks like where Edward Scissorhands lived on the hill😊. What a magnificent structure. Hard to comprehend that it is abandoned. Such a pity. Regardless, another worthy and wonderful addition to your comprehensive collection of videos. Brilliant as ever you two. Oh and those birds of prey... could they have been Ospreys?

Thanks for another fantastic video Steve. I spent my 50th birthday in 2006 at the self catering apartments next to the hotel at Loch Rannoch. We drove up from Sheffield and spent one night in Dumfries, then on to Loch Rannoch for 3 nights. From there we went to Inverness for 1 night and had another night in Oban. My favourite place however was Queens View at Loch Tummel, magical.

Very cool little island with the little Castle. I would love to kayak in Scotland. If you ever get a chance to paddle a real Sea Kayak go for it. You we love it.

Great video you two....Alicija you do all the work !!! In my humble opinion!!😊😊😊😊😊.Love your adventures ❤

Takes me back to my student days, took my degree in Dundee. Tayside is a lovely region to explore.

What a delightful and unexpected adventure in the heart of Scotland! Your kayak journey to the mini castle on a mini island sounds like a true hidden gem. It's always exciting to stumble upon unknown places and uncover their stories. The mix of castles, houses, and follies adds a touch of mystery and intrigue to your exploration. The picturesque landscapes and tranquil loch create a perfect backdrop for your paddling adventure. Thank you for sharing this lovely and random day in Scotland with us-it's a reminder of the surprises and beauty that can be found off the beaten path.

That was very interesting guy's...I had a ball going along with you this outing...😂😂😂

Very enjoyable excursion, thanks! You live in a beautiful part of the world.

brilliant again steve, glad you got your slow puncture fixed on your we boat,,,,,, keep them coming,,,,,, brian d.

And finished off with fish and chippy Perfect !!

thank you for the adventure !!

Once again, really fun and interesting. We were a bit concerned at the intro that it was going to be a musical, but no. It's a thought though...

Ah love your wee adventures👍🏻

Love watching your Videos!!

loving your videos guys , i’m even watching during my breaks on nightshift 😊

Sure by Tummel and Loch Rannoch and Lochaber I will go…….lovely part of the world. Often cycled around the Lochs on many a trip to Pitlochry. Beautiful scenery. Where you paddled to is Eilean nam Faoileag (Island of Gulls) and is an entirely man made island on Loch Rannoch build in the 19th Century. The Riverbank cafe in Kinloch Rannoch is superb.

so good

Beautiful surroundings, we have good memories of that

Your videos keep getting better and better!

Another enjoyable & feel good video well done both of you & good luck on the next one 👍👍

Very enjoyable, going to watch all your Scotland vids!

Do love watching your Saturday morning adventures 👍

That folly looked interesting but I’m not sure I could have resisted temptation and not looked at it. Steve you both live in a beautiful part of the world, I’ve been twice so far this year and the next visit is already planned for later this year after the midgies. We visited Lewis and Harris earlier this year and fell in love with the island, fantastic that everything is closed on a Sunday.

great vid you two , really enjoyed it , it just looks stunning

A fantastic little adventure! Thanks for sharing!

A wee bit hairy crossing the Loch to the island, but well done for doing it for everyone to let us see the tower.

Wow, you gave me a fright in Pitlochry, driving over on the wrong side of the road to park! We would get arrested if we did that here in Oz. Lol. That was a choppy wee trip over to the “folly” ! The Fish & chips looked mouth watering!

Oh, man, you're in my ancestors' country. Dunalastair House was built on the site of the previous home of the Robertsons of Struan, chiefs of clan Donnachaidh, my forbears' clan, back when they existed. The original home was burned after Culloden, because the then Robertson of Struan was a notorious Jacobite, who had been out in the Jacobite risings of 1689, 1715, and - at the age of 75 - 1745. After the battle of Prestonpans, he returned to Dunalastair in Gen. John Cope's carriage, captured after the battle. Oh, and as always, Alicja is game as hell.

Another outstanding adventure with you both. Magnificent.

Just excellent !

Another great video, thanks guys xx