Pink marks in the skin - Around Applecross

After spending the night in a tent, waking up in the morning with this scenery in front of the eyes is something amazing. We are now in Applecross in the West Coast of Scotland. But even paradise is not perfect. In the summer, there are little flying things called midges that suck our blood and leave plenty of pinks marks in the skin. They are active in the morning and in the evening, specially when it is very still. Luckily, I found 'Skin so soft' a body cream from Avon that works better than a proper repelent. Do not forget to take it everytime you go to the West Coast!

White wind turbines

"How is rural Scotland changing?" This was the name of a photo competition lauched by the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute. Surprisely I won the first prize for more than 19 years old. This gave me 100 pounds and tickets for a safari in Braemar. The photo was taken in Gigha in 2009 and shows one of the three dancing ladies (wind turbines) implemented in the island. An article about the photo competition winners was written at the in-land Spring/Summer 2010 newsletter (page 28).

Green waters in Gigha

For me Gigha is one of the most beautiful islands in Scotland. It looks like paradise: Green waters, white sand, warm weather...To access this island we have to take the ferry from the Mull of Kintyre (who remembers the song?). Gigha is a community-owned island seven miles long by a mile and half wide. Until the end of 2002 it was owned by a private landlord but the population got fed up with his bad management and bought the island with the help of the National Lottery and Highlands and Islands Enterprise grants. The ownership of island brought a new life to its inhabitants and several projects have been undertaken, such as the building of the new houses to attract young people to settle in the island and the implementing of wind turbines to produce renewable energy. Apart from swimming in the transparent sea waters, visitors can walk in the Achamore gardens and climb Creag Bhan (the highest hill in the island).

Blue and red puppets - Punch and Judy

Who would said that in a hunting fair I would be transported to my childhood? In Scottish fairs there are always distractions for kids. Some of these distractions are of very good taste and are a proof that old entertaining methods rock! By the way: These are Punch and Judy.

The long brown trail - Ben Macdui

A long walk to the top of the mountain was waiting for us. The top I am talking about is Ben Macdui, the second highest mountain in the United Kingdom (1,309m), and therefore, a munro (see older post for a definition of munro). It is said that the 'big grey man of Ben Macdui' lives here...In the top of the mountain there are small patches of snow that persist year by year, even during the Summer.