We have, dear souls, spent the last week in Sutherland, the far north of Scotland, in a beautiful eco-Croft that harnesses nature to heat and power it, set in the most stunning scenery of mountains & moors, sitting on the shore of a sea Loch. It was truly stunning in its build ethos to sit naturally and unobtrusively within the environment as well as being a wonderous, peaceful haven. And oh, the peace, the glorious peace, so restful and calming that bore away the stresses and strains, allowing the mind to wander at will and appreciate nature in all it's glorious abundance. The people within this small community were warm and welcoming allowing us to enjoy the delights of their homelamd for but a short time. The weather was ever changing which was reflected in the Loch, calm as a mill pond one minute, dark and boiling the next; the colours ranging from black, grey, midnight blue, aqua and green. Skies were endless with clouds as ever changing as the Loch; white and fluffy to black and grey. Mists and rain as well as more rainbows of such brilliant hues than one has ever had the fortune to see in one week. ''Tis truly autumnal with the leaves glowing red, orange, yellow and gold against a backdrop of russet, brown and mossy green moors dotted with purple heathers and flecks of white cotton grass. On a clear night the stars were like a million brilliants with constellations well demarcated. Small coves and white beaches, moors of gold, brown and green, crashing thunderous waterfalls, rivers, and the sea, all contributing to the omnipresent sound of water. Huge rocks, towering Ben's and mountains abound as far as the eye can see. Highland cows, merlin and eagles to name but some of the wildlife spotted. I confess I do so love the highland cows in all their horned, statuesque and splendidly shaggy glory, standing firmly planted where the fancy takes them, oft in the middle of the very carriage way one is attempting to traverse. Nought shouts so loudly of Scotland to me than the vision of those glorious great beasties. How the sights and senses have been titillated with colour, fresh clean salty or peaty air, the sound of the sea, rain, wind, the crunch of sand or pebbles. Treasures of shells, sea urchins, Loch glass and feathers have been gathered creating an impromptu nature table.
We have travelled through many miles of truly breathtaking scenery, along single track roads with passing places aplenty, taken a slower pace and appreciated the measured lifestyle of highland living.
Dear reader, this part of Scotland has crept upon me and left a part of itself forever lodged deeply within my heart.
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