DOWN DAYS IN DORNOCH

Before heading up to Dornoch on Monday, we traveled a short distance back to Kirriemuir so that Patricia and Murray Henderson could have a listen to her Piobaireachds. She had a great lesson where she was very appreciative for their feedback in input, then on the road to the far north of Scotland with a pit-stop in Pitlochry for dinner.

Day 1

We had a Tescos stop, Maggie caught up on some school work, Delwyn her work and had a little relaxed for the day. A home cooked meals today - something that is a treat when we are bouncing around Scotland so much.

Day 2

Today, a roadie to John O Groats. One of the reasons we decided to stay as far north as Dornoch was a trip planned to to top of Scotland. The two hour trip took us up past some lovely Scotland coastline and a bit of cross country via some very scenic B-roads. We are not sure we will get a chance to get up that far north again so while there was no piping scheduled it was a good chance to do so. We didn't see any Puffins but we did see some talking Kiwis!

Day 3

Originally the plan was to take the ferry to the Isle of Lewis and re-step (without the ship sinking) the Iolaire by visiting Stornoway. Unfortunately the ferry times didn't work out for a decent visit so we decided to go Castle hunting again. This adventure took us up the road by 15 minutes to Durobin Castle - home of the Earl of Sutherland. A fairytale type structure with beautiful gardens and some great examples of ancient pipes and a hand written Piobaireachd.

Day 4

We had time to explore Dornoch today. Off to the famous and beautiful Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Tee times were not booked with a round including caddie, club hire at about 300 quid! Maggie did get a swing in one of the practice nets and managed to crack a ball in half. The golf club is next to the beach so of course a little beach walk was called for. It was rather beautiful and great to get in some fresh sea air. A little bit more golf with a cheaper option of going to a driving range just up the road from where we were staying. As the rain came down with no glove, Maggie's club might have travelled further than the golf ball on one of her shots! The nice man in the next bay let her borrow his glove and she was back on track.

As we left town a little "Dornoch Highland Gathering" on the chanter was in order.....