Round Britain Cruise - Invergordon Page One

Not too early a rising. We took a coach North, first stopping at Dornoch, the Regional Capital, for a photo pause, well worth while. It has a cathedral.

Then, going through Tain & Golspie to Dunrobin Castle, correctly pronounced Dunrobbin, as the Duke of Sutherland ejected his tenants to make way for sheep. The castle is somewhat spectacular but what paid for it leaves a nastier taste than usual. Geoff the singer really let rip to us in the café about what a disgrace it was. Cruise ship entertainers don't talk politics (or religion or, if they have any sense, football) but I count as one, as I often am and Jamie wants me to do a gig tomorrow.

Dunrobin Castle from the car park	Dunrobin Castle from the grounds	Herbaceous border

There had been a demonstration of Falconry in the grand gardens & I was surprised to learn how quick on the uptake the birds are, learning their trade as entertainers very quickly (weeks, not months).

I had to work on the "Daily Times" (the ship's newsletter - vital reading to know what is going on) to get the wording spelt right before it went to press in the afternoon. Meanwhile, I went back ashore (there is a free port shuttle, as it is three miles from the town centre) & photoed the murals that adorn Invergordon (on this link). Dressing up time for dinner. We were part of the very sparse audience for the MIT Band after. They are very good & deserve bigger audiences for the graveyard 1930 slot.