Varrich Castle, Scotland

Varrich Castle is the ancestral home of Clan Mckay, a clan the boasts such illustrious descendants as Richie McCaw and Gretel Roberts. Descended from celts and norse the clan was known for its warrior like attributes, attributes that have undoubtedly been passed down through the generations.

Looking out over Kyle of Tongue estuary on the north western corner of Scotland, the clan expanded to control much of northern Scotland before the clearances reduced their power.

Even today many of the businesses located near the northern coast of Scotland carry the McKay name.

Northern Scottish Coast

The beaches on the northern coast of Scotland are remote, wild and golden. The only people we met were surfers, all a depressingly very small fraction of our age.

Dunnet Head, Scotland

Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of the mainland UK, is home to a lighthouse designed by Robert Stevenson - grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson. The setting likely provided inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson to write his stories of adventure.

The Firth of Moray

Above Inverness, the Firth of Moray is home to a number of oil rigs and the 12th oldest golf course in the world. Despite freezing water temperatures, the yacht club was vibrant with a fleet of at least 25 lasers dodging the icebergs.

Bonnie Prince Charlie

The last land battle on British soil was the 'Battle of Culloden', on the 16th April 1746. Bonnie Prince Charlie fought the Government Jacobites in a bloody battle in which most of his army of 6,000 men fell, or were butchered in the weeks that followed.

The battle field has been preserved, along with the stone walls that the Jacobite forces breached to attack the Prince Charlie from the rear.

Thankfully Gretel's ancestors, the McKay's, fought for the government.

The breach in the wall.

Loch Ness

Gretel looking for the monster.

Is that it?

Trying to catch it.

Tea with The Queen, we visit Balmoral

The Queen was 'in residence' when we called in, however was unfortunately unable to have morning tea with us. We were forced to make do with jam on bread that was purchased from the same baker in  Ballater who supplies Her Majesty with her daily loaf.

We also called in to the church that The Royal Family attend when they are at Balmoral.

No amount of persuasion would induce Heather to open the gates

The church close to Balmoral attended by the Royals

We were forced to make do with a royal loaf in the luxurious surroundings of our motorhome

The village of Ballarter, close to Balmoral

The church

The Royal pews accessed by a special side entrance.

Approaching Balmoral, the bridge over the river Dee