Monday, July 12, 2010

Banffshire Coastal trip

Monday 12th July 2010. A local holiday in Aberdeen and a day off for M so we set off for a drive along the Moray Coast between Fraserburgh and Cullen, stopping off at a few places on the way, as well as a detour inland via Keith for lunch at the Boogie Woogie Cafe/Shop.

Pennan Inn


The red telephone box as seen on Local Hero in 1983. Still there to this day and probably one of the biggest visitor attractions.


The village of Pennan


The only local resident we saw


Angel Cottage. Obviously owned or rented by an Artsy-Farty type. That has to be the most miserable Angel I've seen. Maybe preparing for the wave pounding she'll get once winter sets in.


Another Artys-Farty display. No boats within 50 miles need a mooring rope of this size but it does look good.

K took this photo of Pennan Sue


A cracking photo taken by D. Good, balanced composition.


Crovie (pronounced Crivie)
The unique conservation village of Crovie deserves the title of best preserved fishing village in Europe. It perches precariously at the edge of the shoreline under high cliffs. The only road in is steep and twisting and visitors are asked to park in the car park and walk down into the village. It can also be reached by the original access, a footpath from Gardenstown. The village has no road so the local's goods and belongings are transported by barrow along the narrow walkway.

Before the great storm of 1953 Crovie had a population of 300. The village was almost washed away and the residents sold their cottages to summer visitors. Many artists and photographers are attracted to this magical place and the locals host an art competition entitled “The End of the Pier” which attracts prominent artists from all over the country
You can see where the cars are parked and access from there is by foot


The footpath leading to Gardenstown. Not to be tackled in rough weather

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Stonehaven half marathon

Getting ready to set off on the Stonehaven half marathon. Loads of hills and reckoned to be one of the hardest half marathons in Aberdeenshire. Not to mention the 30mph winds and horiziontal rain. At least it wasn't a scorcher, which is far worse, believe me!!!!



Michael contemplating going to the toilet one last time before heading off. From the look on the dark haired guy's face it's probably too late.


Glad it's all over. Malcolm - PB of under 1h 50m, while Michael was more than happy finishing in under 2h 09m (13.1 miles or around 21 km).

Britain's got Talent

D, C and K went to see "Britain's got Talent" (Really. Does it?) at the AECC.

Twist & Pulse. Very original.


Spellbound, the winners of the show.


Spellbound dancer


Another Spellbound dancer


Kieran the drummer-boy. Oh I will play my drum for you tra-la-la-la-la.


Bloke from "Connected". Nice hair.......and PJs!

Ythan Challenge

The Ythan Challenge. An absolute scorcher.

Bad conditions for an 11km obstacle course.

The two M's hiding in the shade to keep cool before the start



Before the start



We're off


Michael crossing the finishing line


After the event. Far too hot. Dehydration meant a headache and sleepless night ensued.

Peterhead 10K

The Peterhead RNLI 10K. All proceeds go to a good cause. A slight imrovement for Michael, completing it in 57m.

Bob and Mike before the start


M & J before their 5K race


J (with medal) after completing her first 5K race in a very good time.

Mary's 70th

We were very fortunate to be invited to our neighbour, Mary's Birthday Party. It was held at Delgatie Castle in the "Yester room" with post meal, traditional Scottish entertainment in the form of a family trio - singer (eldest daughter), keyboards (mother) and fiddle (youngest daughter). A wonderful and memorable evening.

Mary and Alan


Top table, Mary with Alan on her left and eldest brother on her right, all the way from Australia.

Broch 10K

Broch 10K. From left, Malcolm's mate Gordon, Michael, Boby and Malcolm. Getting warmed up.......not!



M & M after the run. Glad it's all over. Malcolm did a PB of 46m, Michael was just glad to make it in under an hour while Bob did very well on his first 10K at 53m.


The celebratory BBQ after the 10K.