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Published: September 13th 2011
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Waking up on the outskirts of Aberdeen and seeing some sun we felt quite optimistic the day would be a pleasant experience on our drive to Inverness. We haven’t spent much time in cities on our journey north. The small towns and villages have a far greater appeal.
This morning we decided to drive into the city centre and, as it was Sunday, we expected light traffic. We found a large carpark as part of a shopping mall in the heart of the city. Walking through the mall we could have been in any city in the UK. Once outside the mall we knew we were in Scotland, but for a brief moment we could have been in Dunedin, NZ, walking along Castle Street, or Union Street, or ... The local council has restored one of the university buildings and taken it over as their new chambers. They have done a magnificent job. The wind was quite cold and after bowls of hot broth we left Aberdeen.
We took the Coastal Trail passing through small villages and with the North Sea not far away. Each time we stopped to take photos we had difficulty keeping the camera still as the wind
was getting quite strong. Driving into Cruden Bay we detoured to Port Errol. The sheltered harbour with its high protective concrete wall was taking a battering. Large waves were creaming towards the beach with the occasional wave crashing over the wall. The little fishing boats were bouncing around hanging onto secure ropes and on the sandy beach brave Sunday family frolics were taking place.
Continuing north through the coastal towns of Boddam, Burnhaven and Peterhead, with the wind whistling and rain threatening, we wondered what people did on a Sunday afternoon. Arriving in Fraserburgh we were about to find out. We needed a coffee and most shops were shut, but we found a furniture shop open with its own cafe and free parking. So in we went. As we entered the cafe we stopped short and did a double take. We thought we were in an old folks’ home. The cafe was full of elderly people all sitting around drinking tea or coffee, selecting delicious cakes from a cake trolley, and talking quite loudly in strong Scottish accents. The waitress assured us we would be welcome but the order would take some time. So we sat and listened and observed
what an old folks’ Sunday bus trip must be like. As we were in the middle of our coffees, scones and cream, the word must have gone out that it was toilet time, pay time and leaving time. Suddenly everyone was out of their seats and within a few minutes we were on our own. The poor waitress let out an audible sigh of relief as the last of more than 30 satisfied customers left and quietness returned.
As we got closer to Inverness the sky was a picture of cloud formations and colours as the late afternoon sun tried hard to break through. The beaches along this coastline must look inviting on hot summer days; this was certainly the case on a replica of an old railway poster enticing people to the area. The poster did not reflect today’s reality.
On the outskirts of Inverness we took a detour to the famous battlefield at Culloden Moor. From research undertaken by family members it has been revealed that some of our ancestors were part of the ill-fated charge against Government forces in 1746. Buildings in Inverness are relatively ‘new’ because throughout history it has been continually destroyed following the many
battles.
Tomorrow we are expecting the effects of Hurricane Katia. We will certainly be listening to the radio and taking all necessary precautions. By the time we get to Thurso the sea could be quite spectacular.
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