Hall of Clestrain

After breakfasting our Aberdeenshire friends (and giving them a detailed itinerary that included Yesnaby, Quoyloo Brewery for lunch, Marwick Head and the Brough of Birsay) we set off to cycle to Stromness on a day of spell-binding weather.

This is potentially an iconic view of Orkney. It shows the Hall of Clestrain built in 1769. Although it featured in the second series of the BBC TV series 'Restoration' it didn't attain any monies to enable reconstruction. It was the birthplace of the Arctic explorer John Rae and the house was visited by Sir Walter Scott in 1814. He wasn't able to take a Blip.

A nascent bank of haar is just about to form. The hill is the Cuillags, on Hoy, Orkney's second highest hill. The lighthouse, Hoy High, is located on the Island of Graemsay.

On arrival in Stromness we met Ian and Chris, Bunty and her grndaughter and Harvety, all within minutes. I also managed an update with Ian Johnstone. We then went along to see my mother who provided us with a light snack. Shopping week is underway so there was plenty of folk around the pierhead.

On the way home we called to see Kenny and the Browns.

Anticipating the return of our gusts CMC is now making a meat and potato pie with coriander and cauliflower, there is fresh fruit or raspberry sponge for pudding. Never a mention of brandy and cigars. Standards have taken a dip.