Caledonia

12.5.17: On the Whisky Trail
First stop this morning was Dunblane to visit the cathedral, stroll through this attractive town which has a gold post box to commemorate Andy Murray's gold medal and to have a coffee. http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/dunblane/dunblane/index.html
Sadly it was here too , that a gunman opened fire in a primary school in 1996 killing 16 children and their teacher.

A week in Scotland and we had yet to visit a distillery. This, however, was rectified today with a guided tour, thankfully in French, of Edradour, the smallest distillery in Scotland still using traditional methods. http://www.edradour.com/ Of course there was a tasting and a chance to spend in the shop. Ray, who has been here with our Scottish friends, Andy and Maureen, and who I haven't seen since, was working today, so we managed to have a 10 minute catch up. So that was a bonus, especially as I'd already done the tour the last time.
Next, it was on to the House of Bruar for lunch, some quality shopping and a walk to the Falls of Bruar for those who wanted to spend their energy rather than their money. http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/blairatholl/fallsofbruar/index.html

The drive back seemed long and we were all beginning to flag a bit. Still we needed to be on form tonight as we were giving dinner to our hosts. There was a bit of a ceilidh, singing, a fair sprinkling of kilts and finally Loli got to dance some flamenco. Cousins Rob and Jean, who live about an hour away, came over and were so much at ease with everyone that Rob sang "Wild Mountain Thyme" as a solo. I had no idea that he had such a lovely voice but there again, his Gran was a music teacher and his Granddad a great singer.
Speeches were made and presents given. I was delighted to receive a really lovely Harris Tweed shoulder bag and glasses' case in autumnal colours.
So the last evening in Scotland for the group came to an end. I'm sure they'll all go back tomorrow with great memories having seen the country at its very best. I just have to leave you with a link to Dougie MacLean singing "Caledonia" especially as it's also the name of one of Edradour's whiskies. If you're an exiled Scot have a hankie ready and everyone "Enjoy" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wP8A9rtg0iI
Weather:
Very warm and sunny