Ailsa Craig, a location featured in Her Wild Highlander (Highland Bodyguards, Book 8), is a real island off the western coast of Scotland. Its unusual sheer sides, composed of granite columns, and its domed top are a result of the fact that it is an ancient plug on a now-extinct volcano. It has been used as a landmark for sailors traveling between Ireland and Scotland, alerting them that the Scottish (or Irish, depending on which direction you’re traveling) mainland wasn’t much farther. Though it means Fairy Rock in Gaelic, it came to be known colloquially as “Paddy’s Milestone” because of this.
The island has seen an exciting and rich history. It sheltered Highland pirates and smugglers (a story for another day!), was the site of a sixteenth-century castle, was invaded by Spain so that it could serve as a safe haven for Catholics fleeing the Scottish Reformation, and more. Now it is a protected bird sanctuary. Fun fact—it’s also the location where stones for the sport of curling are quarried. Every stone ever used in Olympic curling competitions has come from Ailsa Craig!
See this beautiful location—and the history behind it—come to life in Her Wild Highlander.