Today was a travel day. We meant to go through the Cairngorms National Park, through the highest of the Highlands. Instead, we were diverted (because of roadwork) to the north coast through Keith and Highly. Perfect for whisky tasting, so lunch at the Ugie House (don’t you love the Gallic names), we stopped at Glendronach Distillery and tasted the Classic Selection. The first thing that happens at any whisky tasting in Scotland is the inquisition: “Who’s driving?” She waited until John promised to just taste and not drink, which is what he did. We (I) tasted the 12yr, 15yr, 18yr scotch and liked them all, especially with the little round raspberry chocolate that came on the tray! Exceptional! The 15-year still retained that whisky edge, but was more flavorful than the 18 yr. We have one bottle on the shelf at home and will bring it out at our next tasting!
From Glendronach, we went in search of today’s lucky castle, Fyvie. The GPS took us to a dirt road with a sign that told us to go back to town. Back at Fyvie, we found signs leading us far and wide. Sadly, when we finally arrived, we found another tourist castle, not what we were after on this trip. We took a few pictures, then we were back on the road toward the coast and wonderful Cruden Bay.
This rather long drive was the perfect time to dry out my soggy glove from yesterday. By just wearing it wet, it dried perfectly soft and new in about an hour. And we looked out at all the farmland, sheep, cattle, horses, and more sheep and talked about our grandfathers (John’s a farmer and mine from Glasgow.)
And then the East Coast and Kilmarnock Arms, an ancient remodeled castle hotel where Bram Stoker stayed many times, often visiting Slain’s Castle within view and finding the inspiration for “Dracula.” “Come freely. Leave something of the happiness you bring!” Last time, there was a wedding (all the guys in kilts). This time, there is a big party with music! We decided to walk into town by way of the championship course, just across the street, and eat at the clubhouse. (Golf course food is the best!) We stopped at the second green as two guys were chipping up. One nearly made it and the other made his long putt. They noticed us watching and invited us to walk the rest of the course with them for good luck, but we declined.
In the clubhouse, we had a view of the whole course and the inner St. Olaf course where a battle was fought and won long ago and Slain’s Castle ruin in the distance. We could see players finishing holes and even golfing with their dogs along! The course is amazing and if we can play without another downpour, we’ll be so grateful! Meanwhile, good night.