A SCOTTISH SOJOURN

Over recent years, the author's intention has been to visit certain parts of the British Isles, probably for the final time. We have just returned from a nine day skirmish of the western side, north of Hadrian's Wall, with a view to concentrating on the opposite flank within the next two years, age and faculties permitting. The majority of Scotland is bristling with wonderful scenery and is full of water, mostly in the lochs (lakes). The cuisine is delightful, although fairly straight forward: Succulent steaks, fresh salmon, venison, not forgetting haggis/tatties/neeps. It is also recommended to start the day with a Loch Fyne kipper.

Some Scots have the wonderful habit of drinking their ale with a whisky chaser, not advised for drivers. I indulged in this most acceptable of habits on two occasions, the first was with a familiar single malt, Bunnahabhain, which was recommended to me around thirty years ago when in a bar in Inveraray. The second was in the hotel bar earlier this week, at a place called Denholm, between Hawick and Jedburgh. The landlord recommended the delightfully smooth Ledaig (Tobermory), an almost colourless spirit, and he was right, it is excellent.

On our last leg home, we were caught up in something that could have been a mirage, a rally of Bugatti vintage cars, from drop heads to small racing jobs. There were literally dozens of them, all appearing to be right hand drive. This was a magnificent sight; finishing off a wonderful few days.

The roads are pretty good, sometimes it's possible to drive for miles without encountering a vehicle travelling in the same direction.

WE MIGHT SEE YOU THERE.