Composition No 2097 - Heron

The Falls of Feugh are a short walk from the centre of Banchory. The bridge over the river is a popular place for spotting salmon leaping. Today it was a popular place for watching the Water of Feugh in spate following record rainfall over the past few days.
In the 1800's turnpike roads were constructed throughout Scotland and travellers were charged for their use of the roads. The toll houses were built with windows facing both ways along the road to catch passing travellers. There is a very fine example of a former toll house at the Bridge of Feugh.
Nowadays the UK Customs and Excise have taken over the role of collecting tolls however if you look closely you will see a Heron just on the left waiting patiently to catch dinner.