Acorn House in Inverness is a charming, bustling B&B hosted by Dugie and Fiona, who are accommodating, friendly and happy to share their knowledge of the Highlands. Breakfast was a cheerful event with the breakfast room full of nationals - Brits, Scots, Aussies and 2 Canadians. Lots of international banter with most thinking we were somewhat crazy to be heading to a golf course in the stormy weather.
Off we ventured into the Highlands, specifically Sutherlandshire, land of some of my Scottish ancestors. Two destinations were about one hour NE from Inverness- Dunrobin Castle, seat of the Sutherland clan, and Royal Dornoch GC, rated #16 in the UK and on RP's bucket list. The road was the best we have encountered; it was a mix of sensible, well signed rounders with a few features we have on North American highways. We crossed two Firth bridges and were warned of otters crossing at several points on the highway. No otters to be seen but they must be problematic. There are no passing lanes but pullouts, which slower vehicles use courteously. The cars are seldom slow but the lorries and farm vehicles have limitations. It is harvest season and the barley is on the move.
Dunrobin Castle, located on the outskirts of the village of Golspie, is spectacular. Even RP was impressed. The castle is the seat of the Sutherland clan, ruled by either a duke or a countess since at least the 15th century. The castle is more of a home than a fortress, although it does have areas of refuge, which were used during the clan wars. It has been well preserved with spectacular paintings, artifacts and furnishings on display. Think our Craigdaroch but much older and even more opulent.
We were treated to a raptor demonstration in the lower garden. The next photo is of one of two upper gardens on the estate.
In the bird demo. We met a hawk, an owl and a falcon. The hawk swooped so low its feathers softly brushed my neck.
The owl was a 16 year old sweetie who loved his trainer and was very happy to pose for photos after he had been well fed.
The Perigrin flew much too quickly for me to capture a photo.
The tour complete, it was time to head to another small town called Dornoch for the 1:30 tee time.
It seemed,for awhile, that the weather would improve as the wind died down, the rain stopped and the clouds were breaking up. As it turned out, the break was merely momentary. George, the jovial starter, welcomed RP to the course and off he went all by himself. Some had ventured out earlier in the day but the afternoon weather had discouraged a rush to the links.
Umbrella in hand, I wandered off to the nearby village with 4 hours to spare. First stop, a cemetery just out of curiosity. Celtic crosses were abundant.
Then onto the museum, which was not in the least inspiring or interesting; good thing I only paid 2 pounds for entry. The village, although quaint and charming, does not offer much to explore for more than an hour or two.
I found a small cafe where I could have a bite to eat and thought I would start the blog post and wait out the rain. No luck with that as the satellite service was not available. After all, we are far north and in the rural Highlands of Scotland. I poked about in a few shops before trudging back to the car at the golf course. The 3G service worked there and I was able to check my email before a very wet, wind blown golfer returned. In spite of the weather he enjoyed yet another bucket list experience on a very challenging and spectacular course set on the North Sea.
As hungry, weary travelers we returned to Inverness and went to dinner at the sister restaurant of the one we dined at last evening. On the other side of the river was The Mustard Seed. The sister restaurant of yesterday wins the prize. Although the food tonight was good the service was more than appalling. At least the flower arrangement was lovely - this time sunflowers, glads, lilies and the tropical, .
We are very tired, relaxing watching the telly while the wind continues howl. Tomorrow is the Isle of Skye and another amazing experience.
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