Invergorden, Scotland

How to describe today, overwhelming really..!
Arrival into the Firth Of Cromaty ,on a perfect morning. Invergorden is small and of note as it repairs and maintains Oil Rigs ,so a few nearby ,along with unusual ships and their tenders ,for the Wind Turbines, a major industry in these parts. The farms come down to the water on both sides, green and lovely,growing rye, oats and barley ,for the whiskey production. Our mooring was a source of amusement , our view of the proceedings this morning, a team of 11.!!! They bumbled and fumbled ,and had so much safety gear on could barley walk,, it took forever, like Monty Pythons Flying Circus at times…! The Mariner here was appalled…!
Anyway,, on ships you have a choice of perhaps 5/6 excursions at the most, so I try to research ,and sort which may be best, as this is a little out of the way for being off on our own, I chose Dunrobin Castle, mainly as Dawn [Sister] had visited a few years ago and thought it lovely.. Well I was spellbound..!
Our journey through the Highlands seemed to take some time, fields of the “Tatties”, doing so well, good sheep, like Texel, or maybe Dorset variety ,then some of the Black Faced ones too, so much feed. [ I know some sheep, my sister drummed that into me as a little child, ]..and I like them too…Cattle lolling about, fat and shiny ,most animals seeking shade, which may not always be the case here, but not a cloud in the sky today.
The village of Tain, one of the first Royal Boroughs, narrow main street and pretty old cottages. Onward to higher ground ,and the stone walls that are everywhere, perfect still from times long past ,such a huge effort from such a small and beleaguered population. The trees ,oaks and more that are so tall and border many fields…
Dunrobin has a history that is far from good, but to draw up at the simply stunning Castle, coming through the drive of trees, to the open courtyard, was so gorgeous, but what was ahead was beyond what we have seen before anywhere. I saw a side door that said Gardens, and popped out before anyone could mar the beauty, and what awaited really took my breath away…the gardens below, and the flat calm blue sea, sparking beyond, just so beautiful ,we were enthralled…! Inside we toured the Castle, early, so nobody there, extensive access to everything, the paintings, beautiful, the rooms cosy, sunny ,and gorgeous, the Dining room, the Study, the Nursery ,with the rocking horse, Dolls house, and train set and Night nursery,[had an ensuite ] The prams, the children’s clothes and little shoes, christening gowns ,lovely dresses, it was just so, so lovely. Throughout there were arrangements of stunning fresh flowers, the crockery, it just went on and on, Scottish ladies to guide that looked like Auntie Enid. The tapestries, well took up whole walls in parts. The bedrooms had intriguing furniture , hand painted and delicate…just so much .! They did have quite a few Deer, the taxidermist had been busy…fine heads of many points..but what a delight around every corner, and there were many, so much to see. Tartan carpet ,but even that was in keeping.
The Sutherlands were the first occupants, but it has been enlarged over time and in the later 1800’s the owner made it what it is today, one man Sam talked to ,said he had been there ,working, as a boy of 15, and nothing had changed in this time.. Beautiful beyond compare…so far…
Out to the gardens, set out to be viewed from above, formal and huge, kept so well, dry like everywhere, but not causing harm so far ,the Gunnera was massive. The formal garden, had Obelisks in each corner of the beds, some with sweet peas, like Mum’s. Some had roses, some had berries. Circular ponds in the centre, and lots of box hedging. Vegetables in another section, Kale and parsley bordering the beds. Roses espaliered along the outside walls ,not out yet, just so much to enjoy. There were Falcons, to be performing, not keen, but went to see them ,before hand, had a wee chat, they had been rescued, from various fates, so maybe okay, one was a European Eagle Owl, huge and so beautiful.
A small museum in the grounds, full of the stuffed animals, which our guide said perhaps not, but, inside was the story of the Picts, who are fascinating, their stones/tablets etc, found in the area ,as they lived in this part of Scotland, they had an alphabet, hard to decipher, but some words they have understood, I think way, way back in time ,before the Vikings ,I need to study..so much to take in.. I have taken so many photos today, I will be able to have a book of Dunrobin Castle…! We had time for coffee, and a cheese and pickle sandwich, they had all the old baking we know from our Grandmothers, also big Cream Sponges with the raspberry jam.. A gift shop, of such wonder, where I was able to get Mums Birthday gift, so special…
There is of course a very dark side to this, Sutherlands were responsible for ordering many thousands of people from their homes, killing and burning ,during the Highland clearances. Hated to this day, and the Scots say, [Sutherland ,the original ,was English apparently ,his wife Scots…] that should there be independence, and there almost was recently, they will tear down his monument, huge ,on a hill top, and cut his limbs from him, and other not nice things…to avenge the genocide he took part in.[His very large memorial was placed by his wife.] I focused on the fact he did not make this beauty…did chose the sight… Still today, land ownership is very much in the hands of a few, about 400 people…so plenty of lairds still about perhaps.!
That aside, we loved every minute ,and Sam said it wasn’t a musty old castle ,as he expected, he enjoyed it all as well. Sad to leave such wonder, but coastal views coming back, which were so nice as well…the heather is particularly vibrant this year, and foxgloves, everywhere, so pretty .Bruce our guide, in a tartan suit, I think had misgivings about the Sutherlands ,and was not so forthcoming in many respects…
We had a piper this morning, more entertainment later, from a local group, dancers, piper, accordion ,and singer, all good, but didn’t do the songs we knew…The highland dancers were very good, something I longed to do as a child, so I knew them all, the sailors hornpipe, the Irish jig, and a few flings.. All taking me back as they were all a part of our growing up.
Pipers on the wharf as we departed, all in different kilts, young men and very good. We have sailed out a huge distance ,past pretty Cromaty ,still in sight of land ,many, many birds up here, gulls, terns ,gannets ,as we slowly make our way to the Orkney’s. You will tune out ,I’m sure, as its very Port intensive on this leg of our journey… More tomorrow…Read more