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 Unfortunately, due to strong winds and a rough sea, the ferry was late in arriving and left the harbour at 2 am instead of 12 midnight. On this ferry we had cabins which were quite comfortable and vouchers for breakfast. Unfortunately as soon as we got clear of Kirkwall harbour the swell of the ocean waves in the North Sea was quite intense which resulted in my not leaving my bunk until we reached the calmer waters of Shetland. We were too unwell to get breakfast, though not actually seasick, and just about managed to get our bags ready to leave the ferry. The coach was waiting for us outside with our Shetland guide, Jacqueline who told us that she had met a relative getting off the boat who said that it was the worst crossing she had made in the last fifty years! Gradually, we began to recover and were taken on a tour of the main island with our guide explaining as we went. We met some genuine Shetland ponies who looked rather grumpy and there were some great scenic views of the ...
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Orkney

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  We had a leisurely breakfast and boarded our coach to make the short trip to Scrabster, a few miles along the coast to catch the ferry to Orkney.We could see that the water in the harbour area looked a little bit choppy but when the captain announced that the crossing would be rough we were all prepared. Suffice it to say that we weren't sick but did feel rather queasy. As soon as the Old Man of Hoy came into sight we knew that we were nearly there. Even locals on the ferry observed that it was an unusually rough trip. Our Orkney guide was waiting for us when we docked and the driver got the coach off the ferry, so we could hop on. It was a busy day when we saw most of the island, including the Neolithic setllement and UNESCO World Heritage site of Scara Brae, Scaill House, the Rings of Brodgar, Kirbuster Rural Museum (smoke hoos) and the Italian Chapel which was built by Italian POWs during WW2. In the evening we had a three course meal in an Orkney hotel which would be followed...
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The last of Scotland

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  I am getting slightly behind with my Scottish travelblog, but here goes. We stayed in the Station Hotel in Thurso for three nights and it was delightful experience. The room was lovely and warm and the staff friendlyand welcoming, The kitchen staff made sure that a vegan option was available for me for every breakfast and evening meal. The first day we were at our leisure in the town, so it was our opportunity to have a walk around after a long coach trip the previous day. During our walk around the harbour wall and along to the beach we met up with various other members of the coach trip, including the driver, and a few of us gathered trying to identify a large black bird sitting on the wall. We decided, eventually, that it was a cormorant. Also in Thurso is a very old chapel, St Peter's, now in ruins but very picturesque against the blue sky. We found the visitor's centre which had an good exhibition about the area, including a short film and, also a very good cafe, where w...
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