North Sea Coastal Tour

WIFI wasn't delivered as advertised nor fixed as promised. A practice we have met previously. I mentioned to management that if I took the problem with me I would use tripadvisor's forum to alert other travellers of misleading advertising. An amazing result!

Built at the mouth of Aberdeen Harbour in 1317 for fishermen & their families, Footdee, known locally as Fittie, was unique. The original cottages were built with shelter in mind. With their backs to the North Sea, they face inwards towards what was originally a communal open space. During the nineteenth century tarry sheds were added to the communal areas. The tiny cottages & ramshackle outhouses were charming. Strolling through the village there was an awareness of & admiration for Fittie's community spirit.

While south of here the country was on flood alert, the sun was shining on Fittie. This morning while walking along her beach I was heard to utter, 'It's hot!'

This afternoon we visited several North Sea coastal towns while following the tourist trail. With an offer of free parking on the outskirts of Collieston we walked to the village where we found an idyllic sheltered beach with children at play, but not a coffee shop!

Port Erroll appealed, cottages one side of the road, lawns & gardens the other. I can only assume that in the name of progress, this was a case of authorities drawing a line in the sand! Peterhead, the most easterly town on the Scottish mainland, is an industrial town & its huge port is a service point for North Sea shipping.

courtesy of Phil

At Fraserburgh we visited the Kinnaird Head Lighthouse & Museum. It acknowledged the the Stevenson Family's achievements & their contribution to shipping safety. The exhibition included 93 candles, one for each lighthouse built by a Stevenson in Scotland. 93 in 150 years! The masterpiece was the 1811 Bell Rock Lighthouse.





We have but one opportunity to make an impression. While it will be ever lasting, my impression of Aberdeen is an unfavourable one. Aberdeen is touted to be The Silver City by the Golden Sands. Hmmm! I am pleased to be leaving!