Chapter 2- On to The Scottish Highlands

Our route in the Scottish Highlands

We were very excited to start our five day tour of the Scottish Highlands with Rabbies Tours out of Edinburgh, Scotland. A few years ago when we visited Scotland, we used them for a “Day Tour” and found them very professional. Of course, it does always depend on the “driver / guide”, of which I was quite anxious. We would be spending the next five days with him, and what if he was a dick ?!

We had to meet the driver and eight people for the rest of the bus terminal, Gate K, which is quite lovely and within walking distance of our hotel. As we got there early, always the plan, finding a coffee house and luncheonette within the bus station was a pleasant surprise.

“Look ! It’s Nessy” 🙂

“Two Cappachino’s to go please” 🙂

“So Graham…What ya got under that kilt”?

At 8:30 AM, our driver Graham arrived in a Scottish hat and kilt ! A very personable chap with a thick accent and great smile. I knew we would get along just fine.

The luxury-style van was super comfortable, with plenty of room for our luggage. FYI we had two pieces of luggage, 22x17x10, airline “carryon size”, along with a small bag for personal items.

Off we went with a full van, for the first day / night in Iverness at the Dalmore Guest House, a B&B En- Suite. We were lucky as we watched the other climb the stairs to their rooms with luggage, as we entered our first floor suite :).

Marsha “shopping for trinket’s” with the local “Nessie Spotter”, Yup …she bought two for grandkiddo’s

On the way we had the opportunity to visit Loch Lomond, famous the the Lock Ness Monster.

I tried my best to spot “Nessy” but to no avail:)

We got to meet quite the character, who has lived on the lake for many years, searching for Nessy. He lived in an old camper on the waterfront and made trinkets and little nessy figures, which he sold to live on.

Yup! I’ll take a dram o dat !

After checking into our hotel in Iverness, we found a great seafood restaurant, and dined on local seafood. After a long day, we headed back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.

The next day we jumped into the van after a really good hotel buffet, on our way to the John O Groats ? Gillis Bay Ferry Boat, accross the Pentland Firth to Orkey Archipelago.

We visited a “prisoner built” chapel on the island, built during WW2 by French prisoners.It was quite the experience.

On the ferry back to mainland.

We also visited the Viking Stronghold in Kirkwall as well as the Viking Cathedral.

We also visited my personal favorite pace on the whole tour….the Dalwhinnie Distillery in of course, Dalwhinnie, Scotland. Now this distillery is quite famous for its Highland Single Malt Scotch. I had already decided I would purchase a bottle to bring home.

Looking at their “menu” of available bottle tastings, I chose three of their best, a ten yeat old single barrel,a twelve year old single barrel, and then their best scotch available, a 30 year old, single barrel, small special batch.

Marsha found a pay phone so I could call for security to guard my “prize” 🙂

The ten was tasty, the twelve, which was recommended by our guide, was awesome, and then I sipped the 30-year-old. And the party in my mouth seemed to last forever. I decided I had to bring a bottle of the 30 yo back to the stated. I proceeded to the purchasing agent and asked to have a bottle of that beautifully tasty Scotch.

I could not believe my ears when he told me no bottles were left for sale! I asked him why they offered a tasting, and he said so visitors could experience the “best of the best”., but tastes were poured out of the last bottle.

So many castles across the highlands.

I had a “discussion” with him about the fact that just like wine, distillers always keep one bottle for themselves, especially when it is so precious. I wanted that bottle.

Sometimes, ya just need a cold one 🙂

He made a call, and shortly, a finely dressed gent arrived and was brought to me. He introduced himself as “The Stewart of the Distillary” and asked if I truly wanted a bottle of the 30. I said yes, and as I did, a little voice whispered in my ear (my wife Marsha), have you asked how much for that bottle? I replyed, “no”, and asked. I figured it would be in the neighborhood if $200-300 U.S.

I asked and was told I could have the last bottle for more than double my anticipated price.

And I said “yes”. 🙂

Back in the van, “Labeled safe” from Gary’s shopping spree 🙂

As they were wrapping up my purchase, the Stewart explained how he had bought a similar “last bottle” of a small batch a few years ago and had just sold it to a collector for over $5,000. He firmly said, “Don’t crack it”! 🙂 …..I don’t plan to 🙂

I purchased the outstanding bottle, had my photo taken with the stewart and my guide, for theDistillery’s annual magazine, and off we went.

FYI, Marsha told me as we left, that I had just “shot my load” of gifts for myself. 🙂

Immediately found a bank….. “gimmy what ya got” ! 🙂

The next day we continued our discovery tour of Kirkwell, by visiting the Ancient Skara Site, a 5000 year old village.

Also we visited the Stone Circle and Standing Stones of Stenness.

We traveled to Ullapool, where we spent the nite at the Caledonian Hotel. The following day we sailed by ferry back to the mainland. We visited Andvrek Castle and Loch Broom on our way back to Edinburgh.

I have to say that words and photos can in no way reflect what you experience in “first person.” The little villages, rolling Scottish moors, ancient castles in the middle of nowhere, and scenery easily transport you back to the days of Braveheart and Rob Roy.

We returned to the bus terminal in Edinburgh and walked to our Royal Scots Hotel Hotel.

The next day was our “day off” with no plans at all. We like to take a day after major travel around areas. Maybe so Haggis, Scotch Whisky and Bagpipes ?

We then take off for Copenhagen, and a whole new adventure. See you tomorroe.

The Pirate

Say Hello to my “Little Friend”., Commonly referred to here as “Harry Coos”.