Overcast in Banchory this morning and definitely chilly but it soon warmed up. We set off for this cafe not far away which is part of the heritage buildings on the grounds of Crathes Castle. Everywhere seems to have a castle or manor or hall tucked away behind trees!  

We had a very nice brunch of Scottish style eggs Benedict:  poached eggs, bacon (no salmon option), and black pudding on a savoury scone. Surprisingly tasty. Mike also ordered a buttery which is supposedly a salty butter scone thing which remembers fondly. Unfortunately either his memory failed him or this buttery was sub par. Say no more. 

The weather seemed to clear so the cousins decided we’d go visiting tomorrow and today make the most of the fine day and trip up to Banff where Mike and Mo went to school and then over to where they used to live on the farm. We had an excellent day.  

First stop was Macduff which is a seaside town on the south of the river Deveron. Mo drove us around to this coastal swimming pool that is being restored after being derelict for years. They used to go to concerts there as there is a great amphitheater and the roof of the building (now a cafe) would be ideal for a band. The pools still need lots of work but it is getting there. 

Then we went across the bridge over the river Deveron to Banff. First to check out the high school Mike went to and then to see Banff Springs Hotel where Mike had his 21st and Mo’s brother John had his wedding reception. It’s looking pretty tired now but has the most wonderful view out over the North Sea.

We drove over to Duff house which was built originally for the earl of Duff and stayed in that family for several centuries before going to the Macduff and Banff communities, and several decades of disrepair. It has now been restored by Heritage Scotland and we watched an excellent short film about its history. We didn’t have time for a visit into the house unfortunately. 

Then it was up a little more north to go past the farm, which now has wind turbines on land that was an aerodrome during WWll. That’s also where the young ones learned to drive. 

After Banchory it was off to the pretty village of Portsoy where Mike did his last 2 years of primary school after immigrating to Scotland from Jamaica. We enjoyed a beer at the pub and a drive past some places on memory lane.  

We had some heavy rain on the way back but it was fine over Banchory. 

Fish and chips for dinner at home. 

An excellent day out and lots of fun and hilarity between us all.