Overnight we cruised the short distance to Scrabster, just round the cape at John O'Groats on the Thurso peninsula, right at the top of the Scottish mainland.   I wasn't sure where we would berth in Scrabster Harbour, but it is not very big so we couldn't get lost.   In fact we did not berth, we anchored and tendered in to the harbour.

Today's excursion was down to Wick to visit the Old Pulteney Distillery, then a short stop in Wick itself, then up to the Sea View Hotel for lunch, and then on to John O’Groats and return to Thurso for another stop before going back to Scrabster.

HAL's excursion description "Explore some of the highlights of northern Scotland, with its rugged beauty and spectacular views. Depart the quayside and head to your first stop at the Old Pultenay Distillery in Wick. This is the northernmost distillery on the Scottish mainland and is located about 18 miles from John O’Groats in a rugged, windswept, sea-pounded area. This is an unlikely setting for a distillery, except for its close proximity to the sea, which at one time was the only means of transporting the whisky to the south. During the herring boom of the 19th century, many of the distillery workers were also employed as fishermen; many were coopers making up to eight barrels each day to hold cured herring for export to Russia and Germany. Sadly, the herring industry is no longer part of the daily life in Wick, but the Pulteney Distillery continues to operate, distilling one of the finest Highland Malts available. After a tour of the distillery and a wee dram to taste, you will take a walk around Wick with time to admire the views and get a feel for life in this harbor town. Then it’s on to John O’Groats, the farthest point from Land’s End. Admire the views out to sea and visit the small shops selling various local wares. From here, you will drive to the Sea View Hotel for a light homemade lunch, then re-board the coach and continue around the coast to Thurso. This small harbor town of 10,000 inhabitants is the ideal for some free time to wander through the streets, visit the 17th-century ruins of St. Peter’s Church, or view the Town Hall and the heritage museum on the high street. Following a busy but wonderful day, re-board the coach for the final time for your journey back to Scrabster."

The excursion coaches were waiting for us when we arrived at the jetty and we set off through the countryside with a commentary from our guide as we went.   We arrived at our first stop in the back streets of Wick at the Old Poultney Distillery with much excitement and anticipation, and we were not disappointed.   We had a very interesting tour, split in to three groups so we could all hear what was going on, and a wee dram of their nectar to finish on.   In fact, we had more than a dram, it was a decent tasting sample.   The highlight of the visit was the bonded warehouse seen to the left.   As we went in we were nearly overcome with the Angel's Share that filled the air.   We were eventually ushered out, reluctant to leave; it was better than being on gas and air.

After a brief shopping or comfort stop in Wick town centre, we carried on to tales of the clan wars as we passed various places of interest.   We stopped for our lunch at the Seaview Hotel, which is appropriately named with views of The Orkneys.   Considering we had a coachful of people they did very well with a splendid Sunday Roast.   The Roast Beef was done to perfection, tender with a wonderful flavour.   I thought it was brisket, but was told by the waitress, who asked the chef for me, that it was back.   Some of the Americans were bemused by the Yorkshire puddings, but the seasoned travellers knew what they were.   If you visit John O’Groats then this is the place to eat, only 5 minutes away by car, and John O'Groats itself does not have much to offer.   I would think this would make a good base for a holiday in Caithness.

After lunch we carried on to John O'Groats for another stop, but it is a little touristy.   Still one does need to go there once in ones lifetime.   I took two shots of the harbour and combined them in to a 3D image, not totally sucessful as I hand held them, not having a tripod with me.   The thumbnail is only one of the pair, if you click on it you will need to view the bigger image with red-blue stereo glasses.   This anaglyph method is not as good as the separate images and viewer method, but has to do on the web.   I was surprised at how near the Orkneys are, that is somewhere we need to go; and the Shetland Islands.   Stopping briefly in Thurso for a bit more shopping, we returned to the ship.   We thoroughly enjoyed the excursion and thought it was good value.

In this shot, of the last tender coming aboard prior to departure, you can see Thurso has gone back to its normal rainy weather, now that we have departed.   Carol took one on telephoto which looks brighter, as the camera has adjusted the exposure for the poor light that Thurso is in.   In my shot Thurso is dark, because the boat is in full sun and the camera has exposed for that.   On sail away there was a sonorous farewell from the ship's horn, I think the captain was glad to be able to make this port stop, which has proved difficult/impossible in the past (as it was again on the September Celtic voyage).   By all accounts they were glad to see us in Thurso too, as they gave us a pipe band send off on departure.

Captain Albert's Blog: Scrabster, Scotland.