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Today turned out to be mainly wet, but while it was still dry I made for Tomnaverie Stone Circle. On the way I was lucky enough to see my first ever living and breathing Red Squirrel - as it crossed the road head of me! Fortunately, it lived to tell the tale and remained living and breathing.
I then headed for Dunnottar Castle, which sits dramatically on the coast just south of Stonehaven. Arriving in the sun, imagine my surprise when I see a notice stating that the castle was closed due to the weather. Turned out it was too windy! I guess having just come from Orkney, I though "what wind?", but it might've been more noticeable in the castle itself.
So, my plan thwarted I headed back the way I'd come to Crathes Castle. Constructed in the 16th century, the castle was the home of the Burnett family for almost 400 years before they handed it over to National Trust for Scotland. It's main claim to fame is that three Jacobean rooms still have their Scottish Renaissance painted ceilings, which were a popular feature from the mid 16th to mid 17th centuries.
I popped into the castle tearoom for a ham and cheese toastie - and a Mars Bar Tiffin! Then, as it had only been mainly showery, I decided to chance stretching my legs on one of their trails, following the Coy Burn. Naturally, it rained for the whole walk, but I still enjoyed it and the burn was very pretty.
I decided I had time for one more visit - about six miles up the A93 is another NTS castle - Drum. This was the seat of the chief of the Clan Irving, and I arrived just in time for a very interesting guided tour. The original 13th century tower was granted in 1325 to William de Irwyn by Robert the Bruce. There have been a couple of major extensions since, but the original tower remains the centre piece. The Clan continued to occupy the castle until 1975.
Finally, I stopped off in the town of Peterculter for a Spicy Haggis Supper from Jumbo Fish and Chips - which was very tasty.
Today we drove 107 miles.
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