Well I've arrived, Orkney is bloody cold, windy and magnificient!! I'm driving around in a little red Vauxhall Corsa which was left for me in the airport carpark unlocked with the keys in the glovebox. I think that says it all.
so while I sit in the wonderful drawing room in my hotel, sipping on an 18 year old Viking Pride from the local distillery I'll bring you up to date.
Yesterday I did a Loch Ness cruise and wandered the ruins of Urquhart Castle in bright sunshine, Nessie failed to make an appearance, but I had the company of some very nice people and a beautiful Golden Retriever, see my last post about dogs!!
The scenery is just amazing with the mountains behind and the
loch shining in the sunlight, I had a terrific time, the commentary on the boat was informative without being intrusive, and the ruins made for an enjoyable ramble.
When we got back I headed to Beauly to visit the Priory and spent an enjoyable couple of hours wandering around. The village of Beauly is the seat of The Frasers of Lovet and it retains all the charm of a highland village, it reminded me of the Farnborough I left all those years ago. I had a really nice lunch in The Frasers Arms and then headed back to Inverness via Glen Affric.
Today I boarded the plane for the 40 minute trip to Orkney leaving a warm Inverness and arriving on a cold Orkney at 10:15.
I did a bit of a drive around and then headed into Kirkwell for coffee, after which I visited The Cathedral of St Magnus which was built in the 12th Century. Guess what, it's open to the public, take note St Giles!! It is a truly beautiful Church and I am going to go back tomorrow and walk around the grave yard. In the church there are tombs dating back to 1500's and the stained glass windows are spectacular.
Then I headed to the highland park distillery for my tour and whisky tasting. It was a terrific tour and because I was driving, they put the tasting whisky's into little bottles for me to take away. So very considerate, I'll enjoy them later.
Now some photo's.... Will blog again in a couple of days - I'm heading to the neolithic village of Skara Brae tomorrow.
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