Day 7- Fyvie, Aberdeenshire, Stonehaven

Began the day with the fluffiest omelet and very strong coffee, which was much needed after a late night of music and fellowship with strangers who are fast becoming friends.

A quick drive up the coast to Portsoy in Aberdeenshire. We are learning about the many different accents and the way the language around different parts of Scotland is so widely varied. Up here “Doric” is prevalent- and surprisingly it’s not that difficult to understand as long as the people don’t talk too quickly!

After a scenic photo-op at the harbor in Portsoy, (filming site of several movies and shows- including Peaky Blinders) we continued on towards Fyvie Castle through Banff- where we learned the tale of James Macpherson (1675–1700), a famous Scottish outlaw and fiddler, who was condemned to hang. He played his self-composed tune “Macpherson's Farewell" at the gallows, and broke his fiddle before his execution so that no one else could ever play it.

Fyvie castle is a magnificent fortress in the heart of Aberdeenshire, and is a sterling example of Scottish Baronial architecture. Inside, the rooms are filled with antiques, armour and lavish oil paintings. There is a picturesque lake and an unusual glass-roofed racquet ball court and bowling alley on the grounds.

Ghosts, legends and folklore are all woven into the tapestry of Fyvie’s 800-year-old history. Scots are notoriously superstitious and love a good tale- even ones that aren’t entirely true- but what is known for certain is that William the Lion was at Fyvie around 1214 and later Robert the Bruce and Charles I were among its royal guests.

From Fyvie we went on to Pitmedden Farms which is a re-created Scottish Renaissance walled garden. It’s packed with vibrant floral designs and hedges and was a tranquil place to sit and rest for awhile and drink in the surroundings.

We then traveled to our home for the next 3 nights- Stonehaven. Another group dinner at the Cool Gourmet Cafe - which was ridiculously delicious…followed by a concert featuring Scottish folk musician-Pete MacCallum.

It was absolutely brilliant. He was so engaging and friendly and performed a mix of old folk songs with new original songs and a few other favorites. At the end of the night he let me sit in and sing with him for a moment and it was such an honor.

Had a dram on the pier with some of our new friends and then met some of the hotel staff who told me my Scottish accent was “spot-on”. Which I accept humbly and with gratitude. Coached them on some Texas-isms… but their “ya’ll” needed some work. 😂

Now off to bed to prepare for tomorrow’s adventures. It was truly an excellent day. I love this place and these people.Read more