18th May 2006

Off to Aberdeen
Before leaving the north, we had to visit the real most northerly point of Scotland, Dunnett Head. Lookout posts still stand there, erected during WWII. Since it was really only more sand and sea, plus it was bitterly cold, we bid farewell to the edge of Britain and headed off drove down through the middle of Scotland via Bonar Bridge. That part of the world feels so isolated. You hardly pass a car, see a farmhouse or signs of civilization. You are kept on your toes though dodging sheep and lambs.

The image here is of a place near John O'Groats called Duncan's Head.

When we arrived at Tain, we took the time out this circuit to visit Glenmorangie Distillery. They almost found a whisky Kazza liked ( a Madiera 'flavoured' whisky). But in the end, I had to help her finish it as it was still too strong for her. I felt it was my duty to ensure her dram found a good home. It turns out this particular distillery is the biggest in Scotland. I actually hadn’t heard of it before but it certainly did enough for me to part with ₤18 for a bottle of their 15 yo single malt.

We quickly scuttled through Inverness and pressed onto the “oil town” of Aberdeen. Folks, it is unwise to go to Aberdeen without accommodation pre-booked. Oil has made this town wealthy and busy. We did, in the end manage to find a guest House near the city. It was quite expensive at ₤25 each but it did offer a warm bed, good shower, the typical big breakfast and Internet access.