Slains Castle & Bullers O' Buchan

Before getting into our Slain's Castle trip K wanted to show you this little bunny rabbit. (S)He is quite small and could fit in the palm of your hand. Very inquisitive and wandered right up to the house. It was quite amusing as it appeared not to have found its feet, jumping and skipping as it went, a bit like Bambi learning to walk.

We have passed Slains Castle numerous times and have seen it from the road but the pending conversion into holiday apartments pushed us into visiting and taking some pictures before the opportunity disappears forever. Once work starts I'm sure access will be limited or non-existent.

A view down the gorge, on approach to Slains Castle


The Castle as seen from the path

Looking North, along the seaward side of the Castle


The shoreline, looking North from the castle


The shoreside face of the Castle


The base of a spiral staircase. The staircase was completely intact but we didn't venture up in case something gave way


Looking up the same tower. The spiral staircase can be seen quite clearly through the 1st floor window


Looking into the cellar. The flash provides the light that is missing as you peer into the dimness


Inside the cellar. On descending it was pitch black and very eerie, reminding you of a crypt or similar. The storage areas on the wall could quite easily be perceived as the resting places for those long departed. It was strange stepping down into this area and I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck rise as the torch picked out the detail. From the scattered beer bottles and cans it obviously didn't have the same effect on others!


Another view looking North from the shoreside main entrance. D & K add scale to the picture


Arial photographs. No I didn't venture up in a helicopter. These were nicked off the web. On the first picture the North wing is out of view to the left
I'm glad I found these as it puts a completely different perspective on what we saw from the ground

Slains Castle in 1900, before the roof was removed in 1925. Quite an impressive building in its day. It's easy to see where Brams Stoker found his inspiration!http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/crudenbay/slainscastle/index.html


The Bullers O' Buchan

This spectacular coastal feature was created by the action of the sea causing the roof of a sea cave to collapse. The sea enters through a natural arch and this, combined with the wheeling seabirds and the 200ft cliffs produces one of the most spectacular sights in Scotland.

This is a dangerous place so think twice if visiting with young kids.

K was a little disappointed we didn't see any Puffins. Maybe next time.

A view to the South from the Bullers O' Buchan

After visiting the Bullers O' Buchan we stopped off at the Ugie estuary in Peterhead to feed the swans. So endeth a lovely day for bird lover K!

Wildlife at Home

Whilst we were living in Australia the wildlife made themselves quite at home. The rabbits moved in. A variety of wild birds have been nesting, everything from the little Robin right up to big Woodpigeons. To her great surprise Delia woke early and spotted a young deer in the back garden. Amazing. Didn't have the camera at hand unfortunately.

Rabbits at play. We have seen up to five at any one time. Not so good for the grass and plants but nice to see.


It seems Kaitlyn's bright red bird table hasn't stopped the birds from visiting. There are five different types of birds in this one photo alone.


Nothing seems to phase the Blue Tits. They are always the last to scarper when you move in for a closer look


Who's watching Who?
This one had us guessing and even with the RSPB online identifier we still aren't sure if it is a female Siskin or a Corn Bunting. Let us know if you find out which it is


Juvenille Coal Tit we think

Another Blue Tit

Female House Sparrow.

Our resident Woodpigeons. Every night these two "lovebirds" perch on the swings.

Yeuchhhhhhhhh

Granny & Granda's House - holiday fun

All of the grandchildren have been visiting Granny and Granda off and on during the holidays. Fortunately on this visit the weather was better at Granny's than anywhere else in the North East.

B with a very "BIG" bike

L relaxing in the pool

Is it a rabbit, a dog, a cat perhaps. Could it be Superman?

Noooooo.......It's me, J!

We went 10 pin bowling with Granny followed by an evening meal at the Leisure Centre.

Buddies - Napkin roses in hair

Buddies - Napkin Pirate hats.....Aaaarrrrrr me hearties!

Drinnie's Wood & Aden Park

We got together again this Sunday, meeting up at Drinnie's Wood Observatory. Rumour has it you look really crazy if you stand on the wooden posts at Drinnie's Wood.......

Wow it's really true!

Only 25 miles to go

Almost there. Bright light at the end of the tunnel!

Worrying similarities between J and his Dad! See Broch Watts Blog

We were fortunate enough to see some Woodland Pixies on toadstools

Aden Country Park

A new roof, a couple of windows and she'll be good as new


Peek a boo

Behind bars

The Mighty Hand shows off his bowling skills. The rounders was really good fun and leg muscles are still aching with the sudden bursts of exercise with no warm-up!

The Piddle Palace. Thirty seconds is more than enough time inside before descending into fresh air again

Build-a-Bear workshop visit and other holiday fun

The Big RED Bird Resort. It has taken 2 weeks (off and on) to complete. Despite Dad's attempts to convince K a more natural brown or green would be less striking and easier for the birds to accept she rolled ahead with Red. Hopefully we will have a few future pictures of feeding birds.

K with her bird house

We visited a Ragdoll cat breeder and asked about the kittens, when the litters would be ready for sale, what their temperament is like, etc. They are very placid and easy going. Very good house pets. We're just not sure if the cost of a pedigree cat is worth it when we could get a moggy for nothing, all be it of unknown heritage and temperament. Watch this space

Gorgeous Ragdoll kitten. Chloe so wanted to sneak it home in her hoodie pocket

K couldn't resist spending her hard earned pocket money when she visited the Build-a-Bear shop.

K watching her buddy Brucey, the fluffy toy stuffer, as he plumps up her rabbit "Lula"

A few more pumps should do it

Lula the surfer

Hula Lula oocha lala