A few days in Scotland
After welcoming Jay into Edinburgh we then set off to explore Scotland.
We spent the first night in the Spittal of Glenshee. Stunning views and no people. We went for a walk the following morning and spotted a large herd of red deer in the mountains. Very special.
We then drove up to Aberdeenshire to catch up with a very good friend of ours, Sarah Mackay, who had very kindly offered to put us up for the night. On our way we stopped at the Lonach Gathering and Highland Games in Strathdon. Every year about 150 men from the area dress up in their traditional Highland dress and take part in the March of the Clansman. They carry with them battle pikes and axes and are accompanied by drummers and bagpipe players. On the way to the showground, which involves a trek of about 6 miles over the mountains, they stop at all the big houses en route (including Billy Connolly's) and partake in a 'wee dram' needless to say, by the time they get into the showground there are a few a little worse for wear. and you can see why traditionally there is always a horse and cart bringing up the rear to pick up the 'tired' ones!
It was a stirring spectacle and has been going on since 1823. Really worth seeing and wonderful to see how proud everyone was of their Scottish ancestry. Quite rightly so.
We then met up with Sarah and had a great walk up a 'wee hill' before supper. A lovely afternoon and evening.
In the morning we left not really sure where we were going, but ended up heading towards Pitlochry. I had been there before many years ago and knew that there was a really interesting hydro centre and fish ladder. Our only concern was the tourists but we needn't have worried as there was barely anyone else around. It was really interesting and even though it was slightly out of season we saw some great salmon jumping. We then took the dogs for a lovely walk by the side of the loch. Lunch in Pitlochry and then on to Loch Tay, spent the night in Killen, in a hotel right by the Falls of Dochart, by the side of the River Tay. Killin is overlooked by Perthshire's highest mountain, Ben Lawers (1214 metres). We wished we had more time as it looked very tempting but we had to make our way home to get things ready for Burghley, where we had booked a trade stand. A really great break. If I was Scottish I would be very tempted to live there. Beautiful wild countryside with very few people to spoil it. The only downside is the lack of racecourses (and hunting). We will be back....
