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(Each of these links will
open a new window. LINKSHow to get around Most people find that a car is essential in the north of Scotland, everything is quite spread out! Some people (who are a lot fitter than us) prefer to hike or ride bikes (see separate section below). However, at some point you may need or want to use public transport as well. Scotrail The main railway carrier within Scotland, also responsible for several steam train lines! Chester-le-track A fabulous site set up by one of the smallest railway stations in the UK (and just up the road from us in County Durham!) It has links to all the main UK railway lines as well as the London Underground and buses and planes and is full of masses of useful travel information. But most of all it is fun! Caledonian MacBrayne CalMac run most of the ferries between mainland Scotland and the Islands. Orkney is only a day trip away from the Mill and well worth the journey. Weather Scotland is renowned for having rather a lot of weather, usually of the wet variety! This is not fair, both Stuart and I have come back from summers in the north so brown that everyone thought we went to the Caribbean (the fact that we were suffering from windburn rather than sunburn was immaterial!). That said, whilst a hot sunny day in the far north can rival anything we have experienced around the world – so can the dull, driech, wet ones. During the summer, days are much longer the further north you go, the corollary is that in winter – so are the nights. For up to date information try: The Meteorological Office The main meteorological site for the UK with far more than weather forecasts. Newspapers Only a few Scottish papers are available on-line, but they give you a flavour of what is going on north of the border. The Herald: Coming from
Glasgow, we feel that The Herald (the old Glasgow Herald) is the premier
Scottish newspaper! However some others from the east may feel differently so
in the interests of fairness we also include the Edinburgh based . Culture This is a huge area and we cannot cover everything, we hope that these links give you an insight into the huge variety of cultural experiences available in Scotland. The Corries: (http://www.corries.com) Both of us were brought up on the Corries and they are still probably the most famous Scottish folk singers, recording an enormous range of traditional (and some not so traditional!) songs. Sadly, Roy Williamson died of leukeamia some years ago, however, his best known song "Flower of Scotland" will live on as the unofficial Scottish national anthem. Runrig (http://www.runrig.co.uk/) for the rocker lurking inside the folk music fan! Their live version of "Loch Lomond", recorded on the banks on Loch Lomond in 1990 is unsurpassed. Capercaille (http://www.capercaille.co.uk) A little softer than Runrig and more Gaelic songs, but no less emotive. The Tartan Pages (http://www.scotland.com) cover almost everything you could possibly want to know about Scotland! How to wrap a kilt (http://www.brotherguido.com/Greatkilt/Default.htm) The only page on the web to show you – with pictures – how to wrap a great kilt! Loch Ness: Is Nessie there or not? (http://www.nessie.co.uk/) History The Auld Alliance (http://www.franco-ecossaise.asso.fr) A French language page covering the history of the Auld Alliance and general French-Scottish links. The Highland Clearances: (http://www.highlandclearances.info/clearances/clearances.htm) Sutherland was particularly badly affected by the tragic, forced removal of its population. A poignant memorial to the people of Strathcaron can be seen just up the road from Gledfield Mill at Croick church. Leisure Hiking : http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/ Golf: Bonar Bridge Golf Club (just 5 minutes away from Gledfield Mill) has its own webpage at http://golfeurope.com/clubs/bonar_bridge/index.htm Whisky: Glenmorangie is just up the road (about 20 minutes) at Tain, and has its own page at http://www.glenmorangie.com. The Caledonian Curry company (http://www.caledoniancurry.co.uk/coresite/) is five minutes away from the Mill. Perfect for those nights when you don't want to cook but you would like a really really good curry!" Cromarty is a small town on the Black Isle and a short half day trip from Gledfield Mill. It is, we think, unique in having its own webpage, full of information about its history and what to do around and about. http://www.calico.uk/highexp/cromarty/index
Dr. and Mrs. WSA
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