We left Aberdeen this morning headed for the highlands. Carol and I chose not to visit the royal castle at Balmoral. While many of the group took that tour we strolled through Ballater. Took some photos and then had lunch at a café there. When the Royal Family is at Balmoral this is the closest village for shopping. Many of the shops sport the Royal warrant indicating that it has been visited by the Queen.
After we picked up those who had visited Balmoral we visited Crathie Kirk. This is the church that the Queen attends when she is in residence at Balmoral.
Driving through the highlands our bus passed this small castle.
The highlands of Scotland is hard country. At one time there were many small crofters trying to eke a subsistent living from the land. There are many fewer inhabitants today and they largely run sheep on this land. It is cold and damp here and many sheep breeds do not do well here. Those that do have coats that are too coarse for most uses of wool though the fleeces can be used for carpet or insulation. Most Scottish sheep are raised for meat rather than fleece. At our last stop we watched a modern day shepherd use his sheepdogs to work a small flock. Neil not only uses his dogs for herding but also competes in sheepdog trials with them.
Tom
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