4 Kidneys and a Wonky Leg

A good long sleep after yesterdays shinanagins saw us wake to a fine morning. The sun was shining and there was little wind and by 08:30 we were ready to go. A quick call to the harbour control to give us clearance and we were on our way. Once clear of the harbour we turned toward the North and Rattray Head. We were once again motoring but this time zipping along with the tide under us. We were sailing past miles and miles of unspoilt beach and in 15 miles, I only saw 3 people walking on them.

Rounding Rattray head we start to go west again, up past the Cairnburg Briggs, a set of rocks jutting half a mile out to sea. A large wreck, a salutary reminder how easily things can go wrong. Soon after came the large commercial port of Frazerburg then Rosehearty . It was here the coast changes and the beaches end, giving way to cliff’s and small bays, many containing small harbours some of which are now unused. It struck me watching these harbours go by that building a harbour wall or breakwater is no mean feat. At some time in the past there must have been great incentives or need to build such large structures.

We arrived at Whitehills around 2pm, with ‘ Bertie’ the harbourmaster welcoming us in from the breakwater. Bertie has taken photo’s of every boat that has arrived during his tenure at Whitehills, something he does for pleasure and shares with the boatowners.

There is a very personal feel to the harbours here, almost like you are being welcomed into someone’s home.