curious

Up early, and all going our separate ways this morning. It felt sad, but it has been great to see each other and plans are already being made for the next meet-up.

We came north on a different route so as to avoid the A9. 
Lots of twisty roads through spectacular countryside and much pleasanter driving conditions, with very little traffic. Then we came upon a closed road and, as is so often the case in the highlands, the diversion involved many extra miles. We ended up nearly running out of time. Rushing for the last ferry is never a good position to be in, but thankfully we made it - just in time!

I took a photo of this roadside water trough because of its intriguing inscription. 

The plaque reads:
'Erected from surplus funds of a bazaar held to pay off the debt on six bridges built on the road between Dufftown and Cabrach'.

What, I wonder, was on sale at this bazaar and who would have attended? How much did it cost to build a bridge and what was the debt that had to be repaid?

I have tried to find out more, but no luck so far.