The jewel of the Highlands...

Week one of our holiday took us to Plockton, a gorgeous National Trust for Scotland conservation village on the mainland looking onto Skye. Sometimes known as the 'Jewel of the Highlands', Plockton is set amongst lochs and mountains and has carefully preserved its heritage and character, making it a 'must' for any visit to the area.

It was great to get out of the city and relax amongst some of the best scenery in the UK. Emily seemed to welcome a return to the Highlands and was immediately in her element listening out for birds, rivers and any other new sounds she encountered.

The supreme being is absolutely enthralled by the great outdoors. Some highlights were boat trips on Lochcarron and to Loch Coruisk on Skye where we had close encounters with seals; watching Emily’s excitement at every new burn she discovered; getting more fresh air with some early starts up nearby munros; foraging on the beach for shells and other sea bounty; discovering the world with a supreme being who delights at every new experience the planet has for her. She even learnt to sing...if that's what you can call it!

Videoclip: Singing Frozen's Let it Go? One viewing and she was hooked...

 I wish I was a punk rocker (with flowers in my hair)

 You can't beat splashing in puddles

 Beach combing

 The second half begins with Bla Bheinn (Blaven)

 Lunch :-)

 Introducing Emily to the Cuillin

 Plockton from the sea

 Plockton from the shore

 Seals (in case you didn't work it out)

 Onwards Mummy...to the Cuillin

Holiday friend...the poor dog Finn that Emily chased round and round and round

 Al fresco dining

 Storytime in the front garden

 The UK's finest view???

Gannets-ville...

The supreme being hits the beach

To follow up on the sun in Banchory we took a quick trip to see the Gurney's in North Berwick. It's really wonderful having relatives in such a special seaside town - particularly one's that don't mind us landing on their doorstep at regular intervals. North Berwick was in a pretty sunny mood and we managed to hit the beach which was a great delight to the supreme being. More important than this was a very exciting boat trip to see the gannets on Bass Rock, which brought out shrieks of delight from Emily. For those of you that have never seen Bass Rock, its a big volcanic plug which is home to upto 150,000 gannets - so many that it looks white from a distance. It is a magnificent spectacle and often advertised as one of the ornithogical wonders of the world.

  

It mght have been sunny but the sea was still somewhat chilly

 

Anyone seen a gannet?

Bass Rock: "Gannets-ville"

Once again Emily loved being away. Her entertaining skills are coming on a treat and she delighted us all with her actorial and musical talents. It seems she really loves to be centre stage and a particularly cute favourite just now is acting out her some of her books. It's great fun to watch and we need to make sure we pack plenty for our holiday next week.

Videoclip: the Entertainer

Videoclip: Half the story