Aberlour Kirk

The fieldwork continued with a snowy drive across from Dufftown to Huntly (open-prison, do not make eye contact).  It was grim, minus three, sooth-east wind, only one dog going about.  It was noted there was no blue plaque to clarify if Mr FT had ever been to Christie Park.  Amazingly, it has to be reported that the world epicentre of the whisky bargains is now Huntly.  It has stolen the crown from Dufftown.  There was even a full plethora of Springbank (immediately snagged) and Kilkerran Longrow etc.  As Alan and myself made our choices we witnessed an incredible scene.  An older mannie shuffled (literally) into the shop.  He was very scruffily dressed.  I've never been a paragon of dress sense but even l was taken aback.  With his walking aid he pointed to two bottles of whisky high on the shelves.  He asked the serving wife the price.  We could tell she thought the auld mannie wis a time-waster.  When she reported the bottle prices as £380 and £460 he said 'Would you put them in a bag for me?'.  The wifie ascended a very shoogly ladder (which l steadied). On descending the first thing she said to the mannie was 'I'll gie them a dicht.'  They were both very Doric spoken.  When the mannie went to pay, the wife looked at me and rolled her eyes.  He took out £2,000 in £50 notes and very slowly counted them out.  The bottles were too heavy for him so Alan helped him outside, his wife was waiting in their car.  We assumed he was a local worthy but the wife had never seen him before.  We felt our own purchases were very humble.  Afternoon a walk from Craigellachie around to Aberlour proved highly beneficial.  I am glad to report to Blippers worldwide that the Speyside Whisky Shop is now not run by the previous door old man.  A young man has given the business a real kiss of life, it is a real credit to him.  However on the downside the Aberlour wool shop has closed.  I made a fine purchase for CMC  last visit.  Maybe it's not good to divulge so much. 

Shoe horns don't travel easily.

Shona Dunsmuir was not available for comment.