The magnificent Highlands of Scotland!

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Well actually we're in Thomshill, just a few miles from Elgin............

So continuing from the last blog which seemes like a lifetime ago - we've now spent about 9 days in England (Lancashire) and 10 days in Scotland so far. Scotland has had much better weather than England, it has been hot and sunny almost every day. But I digress!

I have done a little (!) shopping in England already, well with Debenhams advertising a huge 50% off it would have been criminal not to pop in and see what Wallis and Principals had to offer. And then of course there's M&S and the amazing Per Una collections to browse through........... It's been wonderful just looking at all the vibrant colourful clothing here and the immense choice, such a change from the last few years shopping in NZ!!!!!!

We've caught up with some family and friends, though by no means all, as being initially without a car it was not so easy to get around. It seems that whichever hemisphere we're in the same issues of rising food and petrol costs prevail, but bus fares in England have been a real shocker! Maybe we've just been away too long.

The journey to the highlands, via Glasgow, was pleasant, moreso as we got deeper into the highlands. Nothing but green, green, green every which way - rolling hills, forests, isolated farms, ruined abbeys and cathedrals, stunning coastline in the distance here and there. We've been based mostly in Thomshill but also Burghead.

Our trips have included Findhorn, Spey Bay, Randolphs Leap, Logie Steading, Elgin Cathedral, the Black Isle, Fortrose Cathedral, Rosemarkie, Inverness, Roseisle, Kinloss Abbey, Dunphail, Pluscarden Abbey, Birnie Kirk, Lhanbryde and finally Ballindalloch Castle today; a magnificent still-habited castle in extensive grounds.

We've just a few more days here before returning briefly to Lancashire before heading over to Estonia and Finland - more later!

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Photos

Major driftwood
Spey Bay

Glenlossie Distillery
Thomshill

Black Isle
Dolphin spotters