Due to the efficient disembarking, we were on the road heading for the 100m high cliffs of Sumburgh Head 45kms from Lerwick, the southernmost section of mainland Shetland, on which stands the lighthouse and the famous breeding cliffs for puffins and numerous other birds. Jane was as ‘happy-as-Larry’ upon seeing the puffins. She spent ages photographing them. The scenery here and around every corner that we have travelled so far is sensational and ranks amongst the best I have seen on my travels. As we worked our way along both coastlines (they are not far apart) back towards Lerwick we began to feel pretty ‘bombed out’. Even though the ferry was soundless and the journey smooth, trying to sleep in a pod does take some getting used to. We found our accommodation at about 2pm, slept ... read more

The crunch of boot upon a gravel and stone track was all that could be heard when we had left the funicular to climb to the summit of the Cairngorm, the UK’s 6thhighest mountain at 1 245m in the National Park of the same name. Considering this is the windiest, coldest and wettest place in the UK, it was surprising that all we could hear was the boot crunch. The day was glorious. We had come prepared for mountain cold. The ascent from the 900m level was not strenuous (superbly fit!!) however, the descent needed care. The weather station at the summit sends out minute by minute data to the mountain weather site on the internet.... read more

We took the road least travelled for our trip to Boat of Garten, a small village in the Cairngorm National Park, south of Inverness. The day was forecast to be sunshine, however the first few hours the cloud hung low covering the mountains we were travelling through. Upon clearing it opened up a different vista. Even though the sun had not been shining we did 'get-out-of-the-car' and walk, with one outing being the trail into the Rogie Falls. It was the beauty of the forest and filtered light that caught our attention more so than the falls, not saying they weren't a thing of beauty too. We wandered the very small village of Carrbridge and took our first selfie on a stone bridge with a stone arch over the running stream. Our stay for the next ... read more

Our first stop was the Murchison Monument, short walk through the vegetation to a hillock overlooking Loch Alsh. (Read the photographed inscription.) Crossing the 500m free road Skye Bridge which spans the sea between Kyle of Lochalsh (mainland) and Kyleakin (Isle of Skye) we briefly explored Kyleakin before taking in the magnificent scenery to Sligachan and its famous bridge, built between 1810-1818. The rubble bridge consists of three arches, although these are of uneven size. The bridge is single track and has a hump over the central arch, which is characteristic of the time. From the bridge the mountain scenery is stunning. Our appreciation appetites fully aroused we headed to Glendale and the Neist Point Lighthouse beyond it. We could not rush as the drive had us continually stopping to view the, yes say it again, ... read more

Today we did our own thing until the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Scottish Youth Choir. Jane chose to do the Hop on Hop off bus with the Art Gallery being her main focus. I chose to walk along the path alongside the River Clyde and the streets of Glasgow viewing the bridges, buildings and people … one of the three was a definite eye-opener. Glasgow Celtic, managed (coached) by the Australian, Ange Postecoglou, were playing Aberdeen too. It was 1st versus 3rd. The result was 5 – 0 in favour of Celtic, so the street celebrations were in full force. I managed to be hugged and kissed … by … a few (drunk) blokes! Meeting up with Rob, Mary, their daughter Vicky and her son, Robert took us away from the mayhem on the ... read more