The Black Isle

Well, it's official. We're leaving the UK. Penny and I have put our notices in at our work, we've started packing, and we're counting down the weeks! So as a result we've started our good byes. This weekend we went up to see Fi and Al in Fortrose before we go. They're friends of ours who moved up north, for those who don't know...Fortrose is near Inverness, and the Black Isle. I'd heard of the Black Isle, but didn't know much about it. What I do know is that it was quite pretty, and it got it's name from the colour of the soil, which is....black! We arrived Friday night, and just caught up with Fi and Al, mostly talking house sales as they're trying to sell their old house in Menstrie.

Saturday we tried to get on a walk to see a waterfall, and some sea cliffs...sadly the rain sent us scurrying for lunch and cheesecake! Which was followed by a wet walk back to their place, passing by an interesting old smithy's house they're interested in buying to renovate into a home (they're renting at the moment). Then it was a game of Trivial pursuit, and a great curry made by Fi's caring hands....and last but not least some of Fi's world famous brownies! We all went to bed stuffed and happy.

Sunday was a beautiful and sunny day, so we walked down to the lighthouse where we saw a dolphin, and enjoyed plenty of fresh air, as well as a bit of history as we stopped by the Fortrose Cathedral which dates back to around the 15oo's, then walked back to Fi and Al's for some lunch before heading home. It was a very relaxed weekend, and it was great to see Fi and Al before we go. Some piccies below:

Welcome to Whyte Manner

We're here!!

Welcome tooooo the Blaaaaaaack Isle (the sheep were in another field, not their back yard)

A more welcoming welcome, Penny, Al and Fiona

There's a story in there...we just don't know what it is!

Fi and Al's pet weevil or beetle or whatever it is

Dude's going Sea Kayaking down at the beach...have fun!

Fi and Al, enjoying a stroll along the beach, on a sunny spring day

Penny, Fi, and Al enjoying a stroll on the beach on sunny spring day

One of worlds most successful sea (and land) survivors

A pheasant, crossing the road....anyone know why?

Fort George, built in the late 1800's. There was a dolphin or two in the sea, but sadly no pics.

Fi and Al in a Sweeney-esque style photo

Defo a spring photo!

The Fortrose Cathedral, or what's left of it

The other side of the cathedral

One of the sculptures inside the cathedral, this dude needs more sleep

Another grumpy old dude in the Cathedral

Read the sign for a taste of Fortrose's wild side

A sunfish....ha ha

I think it's a finch?