A beautiful morning on August 3rd as we left our B&B in Inverness.
The next stop was a memorial of the Scottish Clearances in Helmsdale. Between 1750 and 1860 many tenants in the Scottish highland and islands were evicted from lands they had been on for generations. (Around 70,000 people) It made way for more sheep pastors. Many of these people emigrated to Canada, America, Australia, and New Zealand.
THE EMIGRANTS was created by Gerald Laing in 2004. And no, he is not wearing anything under his kilt except what god gave him in this anatomically correct sculpture.
In case you can’t read Gaelic: The Emigrants: Commemorates the people of the highlands and islands of Scotland who in the face of great adversary sought freedom, home, and justice beyond theses shores. They and their descendants went forth and explored continents, built great countries and cities, and gave their enterprise and culture to the world. This is their legacy. Their voices will echo forever thro the empty straths and glens of their homeland. Unveiled by the first minister of Scotland, Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP, 23 July 2007.
Then we grabbed lobster rolls for lunch in Dunbeath and saw Dunbeath Castle.
The next stop was the Duncansby Head Lighthouse.
Along the coast.
Then it was off to John O’Groats.
We took the Pentland Ferry to Orkney Island. The ride was nice, but as soon as we moved, all the car alarms went off. It made for a noisy ride.
We road over several Churchill barriers build between 1940 and 1944 as naval defenses. Since 1945, these causeways have linked the Orkney Mainland to the other islands.
The land was beautiful, flat, with no trees in sight.
Our first night in Kirkwall, we saw St. Magnus Cathedral and the Bishop’s and Earl’s palaces.
I liked the Orkney Museum.
The bed and breakfast was nice. This time we were able to put the beds together.
It was a good night for Fish and Chips at Harbour Fry.
And in case you are wondering.
By the water.
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