October 2002: Barry, Christine and Jason head up to Banchory.Although Barry has worked in Aberdeen in recent years, it was the first time in 16 years that we'd returned for a visit. We flew up to Aberdeen on Saturday 12th October into torrential rain and settled into the Marriott, across the road from the Dyce office of BP.
We started with a bowl of soup in the new cafe at Crathes Castle pottery (sadly no longer there but replaced with an art gallery). The area has been tastefully opened up to the public. We then went for a walk along the River Dee up to the saw mill where we spent many happy summer picnics. We also used to fish for eels and Lady used to love jumping in the river after stones. There were piles of railway track along the walk.Apparently they've planned to ressurect the old steam railway between Crathes and Banchory. We returned to the hotel sodden wet, passing though Peterculter (where Rob Roy stands on the river gorge) and Cults where we used to swim.
We smartened up a bit and went for a drink in the bar before getting a taxi to the Maryculter House Hotel for dinner. Christine booked the venue with maybe a slightly different impression of the place. However due to a fire a year or two ago the hotel had inevitably changed considerably. Nevertheless, we enjoyed a lovely 5 course meal which you could describe as "Scottish Eclectic". Neaps, Tatties, Haggis with polenta?

On the Sunday we headed up north to Fo* to have lunch with Pat, Bernard, John & Marlene. It was lovely to see them all again after so long. We stopped at Balmede Beach just before dusk and took in some sea breeze. Monday morning we headed into Banchory town. This gave us a chance to visit the places which held many happy memories. We visited 8 Bredero drive which has still got the grape vines and the horseshoe on the front door! There's been a lot of development in the forest behind our old house. I remeber seeing so many of the houses being built and they now look as if they've always been there. In the afternoon I forced the folks up Scolty hill. It was a much shorter walk than I ever remember but it's a great view from the top and since 1994 there has been a spiral staircase to enable you to climb to the top of the tower. You can see all the hills for miles, including Clachnaben's rocky outcrop.
We flew back on the Monday after a very wet but enjoyable weekend. I, for one, certainly won't leave it another 15 years until I return again.
>> Click on the "Pictures" button to see some of the photo from our trip.