Na rathaidean fada, lùbach tro Chuimrigh agus Alba

Today’s trivia is on deer:

• Red deer are native, largely found in the Highlands and islands.
• Ross deer are native, found throughout mainland Scotland and in woodlands.
• Sika deer were ntroduced in the 1920s, now widespread and able to hybridise with red deer.
• Fallow deer were introduced by Normans in the 11th century, found in smaller, restricted populations.

I just hate that, it is so hotchpotch potch and not a good look to have random seat types. I’ve curtailed my 6 plate breakfasts to just two, but that hasn’t helped with my weight!

We saw only two Ross deers even though told to go cross country and not around the coast as plenty of deer as there’s a feeding program. They were too quick, so here is Google’s take on each breed . . .

A few road hazards along the way . . .

The remotest mainland Scottish hotel was inviting us for a coffee or more, but as always for us, closed today . . .

Somewhere near Duible . . .

We stopped at the bustling township of Helmsdale that had free ATM cash and free carparking everywhere. HGiT . . .

The statue honors the people of the Scottish Highlands and Islands evicted during the Highland Clearances who were forced to emigrate.

and then there was Helmsdale . . .

At the train station . . .

and we met the artist who painted the town, well just her neighbourhood . . .

By then it was . . .

So we’d missed . . .

Then it was time for the final push to Brora. I tried to take my time, but alas, arrived a bit too early for hotel check-in, but our room was ready, HGiT?

We thought this would be a biggish town, but not compared to Helmsdale. Lots of empty shops. Even the pub is for sale . . .

At the Royal Marine Hotel, Brora

Right outside our room, hopefully no one planks themselves there with a glass of red and talks all night.

It was at this point I discovered I’d booked an upcoming hotel accommodation in May instead of April. Not sure how this actually happened but think it had something to do with google maps and booking.com searches as they kept on altering my dates. Anyway, HGiT that I can correspond direct to hotel to amend even though booking was a no change, non-refundable option. Wouldn’t be able to do that with booking.com. Hence why I book direct to hotel and only use booking.com to find accommodation.

We were lazy, so dinner was at hotel. Besides, the fish and chip shop looked a bit stark, the pub is closed and the chinese takeaway looked a bit dodgy and not sure if actually shut down or not.

I got the second last venison and another guy the last. So no more till at least Moonday was the waitresse’s reply to my question for tomorrow night’s dinner availability.. It took three goes to correct the bill and then still not correct, but I gave up with £0.50 in my favour.

Bit like check-out this morning, had a bill for last night’s dinner, although I paid last night for it. Everything seemed to add up except cost. Turns out someone had charged to our room. Hence why I pay as I go.

Today’s travels . . .