Birthday Castles, Curry, and Chocolate Domes

Birthday day today 😊 Even though I’d technically started celebrating yesterday afternoon — thanks to the time difference and a little Aussie logic.
The morning kicked off perfectly with cards from Ros and my parents, and that warm fuzzy feeling that comes from being thoroughly spoiled before you’ve even left the suite. I knew this was going to be a top-tier day because:
1. I’m with Ros

2. I’m in Scotland

3. I’m living my best life

“Happy Birthday, Little Jimmy”

We were heading off to visit Eilean Donan Castle — but not before the crew reminded me all day that it was my day. The best birthday shout-out came from Brad at the front desk, who yelled “Happy Birthday, Little Jimmy!” as we passed. I don’t know whether to laugh or trademark it – I reckon trademark it! He got me by surprise and I laughed my way out of the Scenic Lounge, great way to start the day!!

The drive to the castle was about an hour — scenic, winding, and full of anticipation. Eilean Donan, perched where three lochs meet, is pure Highland magic. Its weathered stone, arched bridge, and mountainous backdrop are so picture-perfect it’s no surprise it’s been featured in films like Highlander. Originally built in the 13th century to fend off Vikings, it’s seen battles, rebuilds, and clan drama aplenty before being lovingly restored in the 20th century.

Visiting Eilean Donan is like stepping into a time capsule. Inside, the restored rooms are filled with period furniture, antique weapons, and family portraits, giving a glimpse into what life might have been like for those who once called it home. The views from the battlements are just as captivating — sweeping vistas across the lochs and the distant Isle of Skye. Even on a moody, misty day (which, let’s be honest, feels quite on-brand for the Highlands), the castle has a haunting beauty that makes it feel all the more magical.

We arrived with the tide low and the wind curling off the water — a fittingly dramatic entrance. Walking across the stone bridge toward the castle felt like crossing into another world. It’s not hard to see why it’s such a beloved stop for travellers: Eilean Donan has that perfect blend of raw Scottish history and cinematic charm. Whether you're a history buff, a photographer chasing reflections (unfortunately not for me today), or just someone chasing a moment of awe, this castle delivers.

Birthday twins and a big prawn lunch

We even met a castle guide with a “It’s My Birthday” badge. He wasn’t quite as upbeat about working on his special day — I, on the other hand, was doing it very right.
Back on board, we headed to the Yacht Club for lunch. On the menu? The most enormous prawn cocktails we’d ever seen. I grabbed one for Ros and one for me, followed by a buffet sampling and some dessert to round things out. Birthday lunches don’t get much better.

Massage mode: activated

At 3pm it was massage time. My only goal was to stay awake and savour the whole thing — I failed spectacularly. I think I managed a few minutes of consciousness, but mostly I floated in and out of blissful relaxation. No regrets.

Indian feast with a view

Dinner tonight was my pick — Night Market, where the rotating menu just happened to feature Indian cuisine. With Lumiere repeating its duck menu and sushi not quite hitting the birthday vibe, this was the perfect choice.
From our table, we had dual entertainment: the sunset scenery of Portree fading into the distance, and the chef whipping up dishes at the live station. Every dish was bursting with flavour, and while I couldn’t finish them all, I made sure to at least try each one. Not the best of times for me to lose my appetite …

Towel cake confusion and a sweet surprise

After dinner, we stopped by the bar for a dram of Royal Salute, then headed to our room — and were greeted by pure birthday magic. The room was decked out with decorations and towel animals, including one mysterious creature hanging from the ceiling. We weren’t sure until Ravin our butler confirmed it was a monkey that Francis our housekeeper had made. Ros kept saying that the monkey was a mini little Jimmy haha.

On the table sat a towel cake, and Ros insisted there was a “real cake” somewhere. I tried to convince her that no, this was a towel-based culinary illusion… until our Butler arrived with the real deal: a giant chocolate dome mousse cake and a bottle of champagne. Ros had secretly arranged it all because she knew how much I loved the smaller version. It was every bit as divine as expected — rich, velvety, and way too big to finish after a full Indian feast.

We spent the rest of the night relaxing, watching the Scottish coastline glide by, and soaking in all the joy of the day. It was an unforgettable birthday — full of laughter, love, castle magic, and just the right amount of towel-based confusion.