We headed off from Perth towards Aberdeen.  Drove northwest into the Highlands on a little winding road, we saw some of the shaggy brown highland cattle and of cause stopped for a photo.  There were a lot of streams and rivers flowing well.  As we climbed up the hills became barren, we saw some large birds circling above the hills.  Up over a pass where there was a skying area with lots of sky lifts.  Down the other side where we saw quite a few Castles and Grand residences nestled in the valleys.  We saw more pheasants.  Lots of very winding road, Jude a bit white knuckled now and again.

All of a sudden we spotted the turnoff to Balmoral Castle, so we popped in to see if Betty and Phil want to join us for a cuppa in the park from our thermos.  Sadly, even though they were in residence,  they declined!  We were told that if we stayed overnight and went to church next day, the Queen would definitely there for the service.

We stopped and had lunch beside a river running down from Balmoral.

Arrived at the hotel late afternoon, a bit disappointing.  It has just reopened after a fire and is still a bit of a building site.

Tomorrow we will explore Aberdeen.