Today we said our goodbyes to Veronica and really want to stay in touch as she starts her transition to a smaller house on the property. Her son, Hugh, and his young family will soon take over the large house (8 bedrooms, probably 7,000 square feet). It’s time, she thinks. The house has been in the family for nearly 200 years and always goes to the oldest son. The walls are like a portrait gallery of ancestors and the engraved silver is a testament to achievements. Veronica wore her alligator gloves to breakfast and promised to keep in touch.
From the Westfield House, we stopped by another castle, Brodie Castle. It is big and lovely and has obviously been redone. Sorry, but we’ve been to too many of these and have decided that this time, we’re going to seek out ruins. After a few photos, we headed up the coast to a new course, Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club, across the bridge in Fortrose. On the third fairway, Fort George stands like a castle across the water, quite stunning. The course is lovely, with a view of the sea from every hole. When the wind is whistling, however, accuracy is a must. The fairways are lined with gorse and the rough is quite thick in places. John had too many lost balls and I had two—also, too many! And for John, a really bad moment came when he finally hit a great shot just a little off course where it landed playable but close to the road. As I was hitting, we saw a little red car drive by, stop, back up, then open the door and take his ball! Bad, bad, bad…but funny! There were many good shots and views so, once the yelling stopped, we finished the game with only good memories.
From the 18th, we headed straight to the car to arrive at the Commercial Hotel in Alness. Not a catchy name, I know, but in just the right place to launch off to Royal Dornoch tomorrow morning! We had a very lovely dinner at the nearby Station Hotel. It seemed to be a happening place with lots of people coming and going. The food was great and since we were walking, no problem with the drinks. (Scotland is extremely strict, so it’s better that the driver does not drink at all—especially if negotiating these narrow roads.)
What will be the weather be like for our big day tomorrow? It doesn’t look good. Tune in tomorrow, for the story that’s brewing! Good night.