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And thus we leave the delightful environs of Scotland to go to the Orkneys. What? You thought the Orkneys were part of Scotland? Try telling that to the Orkney Islanders. 
Old Man of Hoy on the island of Hoy, the weirdest clean climb in Britain. We didn't do it because Thatch put his back out - well, that's our excuse anyway. 
Typifying the emotions of the group - Jools braves the Arctic chill in anticipation of our island sojourn. 
Maes Howe Stone age tomb complete with ground keeping staff. 
Interior of Maes Howe, previously plundered by Vikings, who took the lot. 
This tiny delicate 'dragon' carved into the stone of Maes Howe, is regarded as of Viking origin. 
These runes read : For a Good Time ring Brunhilde 
These are the remaining Stones of Stenness, once there were at least 12 of these towering megaliths. 
This massive circle called the Stones of Brodgar contained over 60 stones when built. In recent times it was made notorious by the likes of Billy Connelly dancing about it in the nuddy. 
This is one is for the folk at Goodman Fielder so that you know that even while on holiday, we think of you. 
Skara Brae : Adults: £ 5.00, students: £ 3.50 and Teddies: No Admittance 
Skara Brae - far older than the Pyramids. This incredibly preserved village lacks only the skin or turf roofs and the people. 
Desirable Alfresco Residence - built in cupboards included, state of the art cooker, and unparalleled ocean views. 
Broch of Gurness - Iron Age Fort, Karen and Seona share the pleasure of finding an entrance that does not require bending, crouching or crawling. 
In the days when real estate was cheap, our ancestors sought out the choicest locations and instead of building golf courses as we do these days, they lived there. 
Tomb of Eagles - so called because when the tomb was excavated, numerous eagle claws were discovered. It is also reported to be a place where the dead rise. see Tomb of the Eagles video 
What can I tell you about the Italian Chapel? Well, Thatch and I first heard about it watching a tv series called Oliver's Travels and it looked bizarre, but it piqued our curiosity. It is magnificent being nothing more than a painted Quonset hut. 
This one was way to blazes out on the side of a mountain, overlooking a delightful pastoral scene. 
People ask us why we wanted to return, this and the following four pictures should help explain. This one taken near Laid - northern corner of Scotland on the shores of Loch Eriboll. 
Thatch says this is the shore of Loch Eriboll, so Quinag must be the name of the mountain in the background. 
North of Scotland heading west towards Smoo. 
North of Scotland still, but heading south towards Northwest Sunderland. 
This is in the vicinity of Loch Glendhu on the way to Ullapool and the Lewis ferry. |
| Last updated: 29/04/2001 |
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