History around Nairn

This is night No.9/2020 living in my caravan. Tonight will be our 4th night at the Nairn C&CC Site, just outside Nairn.

Slept excellently, getting up just before 0700. Took the dogs round the wood next to the site, then after a shower and some breakfast, headed down to the beach at Hilton of Delnies. The weather is great, and we never saw anyone else at all on the 5 or so mile stretch of the beach that I could sea.

Found a rather fine shell, I thought it may be a Disney Princess shell, but after checking I think it may be a Triplofusus papillosus?

I'm a paid up member of Historic Scotland, and there app provides some inspiration for travels in any area. So, we left for the short drive to Ardclach to see the Bell Tower.

An interesting memorial at the entrance to the site.

A very commendable mission this person was on, folk going crazy here over a perfectly survivable virus should take a note of this work.

A steep climb up a flight of steps to this grand little building. Built in the 1600's it began life as a watch tower and prison, later being converted to a bell tower. A Presbyterian, the landowner, Brodie used it to warn of raids by Royalists. Incredibly, the bell still works and there a a chain for pulling inside!

'MGB' are the initials of Brodies wife, Margaret Grant.

Tiny wired windows.

Returned to the car and drove down the hilariously scary single track down to the bottom of the gorge, the dead end, and the location of the Parish Church. Absolutely stunning location.

Looking back up the mad road. Seriously steep on the hairpins, evident by the number of scores on the road of bottomed out cars. There was a sign at the top advising that, in addition, it's not gritted! The tower can just be seen through the trees on the top of the hill.

Continuing our historical journey, headed through the country on back roads to Forres, the site of the huge Sueno's Stone, the largest carved stone in Scotland. It is an impressive sight, over 20ft high. It's enclosed in a massive glass cabin.

The stone is very detailed, showing battle scenes and figures on one side, some clearly with weapons, others on horseback.

The other side has a ringed cross and incredibly details 'celtic' engravings.

Stopped in by the Tesco in Forres. This must be shopping day for the Findhorn Community. Lots of ageing hippies in brightly coloured stripey bobble hats, rainbow socks, and bangles!