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Well what a day! history, wildlife, spectacular landscapes and good cake and the chance to practice our language skills too!
We arrived at Dunnottar Castle at about 9.45am just in time to look at the spectacular setting from the clifts opposite as well as spotting four large seals in the bay, before entering the castle itself. The castle was surrounded in mist making our entrance very atmospheric. It lies in a beautiful setting and has great historical significance. As we wandered around the site looking at the chapel, the impressive keep and the stories which made the place come to life the sun shone and the place seemed magical. Chris B from Monday's Polish Class even told us about the royal jewels being whisked away to safety under a lady's skirt - in Polish! wow he did a great job.
Then we walked the coastal path to Stonehaven after climbing up the 180 steps out of the castle. Swallows were flying low, tortoiseshell butterflies were resting on purple thistles and the day seemed perfect as we walked and chatted our way to the impressive war memorial. A moment to reflect upon the loss of life from in and around Stonehaven and the range of battles inscribed in the towering monument and then we walked down to the lovely harbour of Stonehaven. We spotted our boat moored up for our forthcoming trip out on to the waves. Just time for some light refreshment before we boarded. Our knowledgable host Ian (owner of the boat) and skipper Jimmy- also harbour master, were lovely people and we spent the next two hours being shown Dunnottar Castle from the sea, a huge seabird colony and a smugglers cave! We saw puffins, guilemots, razorbills and even the majestic gannets on our way to and from Catterline. It was wonderful bobbing about on the ocean with two such experienced people. On returning we popped into The Boat House for tea and cakes...and then off to find the heated swimming pool and Aunty Betty's ice-cream. We got sidetracked by the delights of the Shell hoose and missed the vintage car rally in the park but it was a great day and some had definitely caught the sun! the only question remains is 'When is our next trip?
Some people on the journey back to Aberdeen agreed a trip to a traditional Highland Games would make a great day out so we have booked the bus for Braemar on Saturday 5 September. Why don't you come along too?  The Royal Family including the Queen and Prince Philip will be there to watch the Highland Dancing competitions, Sports and traditional games like heavy hammer throwing and caber tossing.  Contact us soon to find out details and make sure your name is on the list to travel before the bus is full up!
Prizes from the Dunnottar trip quiz were awarded to ANDRZEJ DUDA, ANNA JANUSIEWICZ and KRZYSZTOF BULDOŃCZYK