I have just spent two very enjoyable days near Pitlochry, at the edge of the Scottish Highlands.  My hosts where a family of four, two dogs, five hens, and eight fish.  I think Scotland has captured my heart, I'm already compiling a list of things to do when I return.

The first day we had a lovely hill walk which rewarded us with beautiful views down over the countryside and the river Tay (biggest river in Scotland).  Later on, we checked out the Pitlochry dam and fish pass.  An impressive engineering feat, however I am still on the fence about whether the concrete structure deserves its Grade II Listed status.

On Sunday we went for another lovely walk to visit 'Rabbie Burns'.  The Scots are really keen on their local poet, to the extent that there is a Robert Burns night once a year wherein bagpipes are played, Burns poems recited, and haggis revered.

These are bluebells (do we have them in NZ?)

Next we had a visit to Wade's bridge in Aberfeldy. This was built in 1733 and still takes modern traffic demands!  (Plus its quite pretty :)).  The fable goes that Wade wanted the bridge bridge built within a year, however they were a bit cheeky and put the plaque up before the bridge was complete.

I also had a thoroughly enjoyable time in a local bookstore (its a pity I have limited luggage space!) and finally tried fish and chips with both brown sauce and salt and vinegar.  The verdict: not bad, but Watties still wins :)

I also became a little more educated in Scotland's history through the medium of the film Braveheart.  And I learnt that the Armstrongs were one of the reiver clans that lived on the border (between Scotland and England).  The reivers were notorious for pillaging and other atrocities.  I am glad to report that we are a much more amiable bunch nowadays.