Classic Car Club Scotland – Weekend trip ( 24 – 26th April 09)
This trip was based at Hotel Tigh an Eilean, Shieldaig, Loch Torridon and was arranged, as always, by Robert Kidd of McKinlay Kidd.
The aim of these trips is to get members together to enjoy good drives, good food, a couple of beers along with a few unusual and interesting adventures. I drove the Porsche Boxster and brother-in-law Frank drove Elaine’s Honda S2000. (no rivalry there then)
The first drive on Friday took a detour route to avoid the roadworks on the A9. The route took in some good roads via Knockhill, Crieff, Aberfeldy and we met for a superb lunch at the Killiecrankie hotel. They were holding a “Seafood Festival” and we all enjoyed the variety and quality of the food, it set the tone for the rest of the weekend.
[ Photo of fleet outside Hotel]
This trip was based at Hotel Tigh an Eilean, Shieldaig, Loch Torridon and was arranged, as always, by Robert Kidd of McKinlay Kidd.
The aim of these trips is to get members together to enjoy good drives, good food, a couple of beers along with a few unusual and interesting adventures. I drove the Porsche Boxster and brother-in-law Frank drove Elaine’s Honda S2000. (no rivalry there then)
The first drive on Friday took a detour route to avoid the roadworks on the A9. The route took in some good roads via Knockhill, Crieff, Aberfeldy and we met for a superb lunch at the Killiecrankie hotel. They were holding a “Seafood Festival” and we all enjoyed the variety and quality of the food, it set the tone for the rest of the weekend.
[ Photo of fleet outside Hotel]
From Killiekrankie, we went via Dalwhinnie to Spean Bridge then on to Invergarry then on the A87 – super road. Then we picked up the A890, which got us to our destination in time for a refreshment in the bar before dinner in the “Coastal Kitchen”.
On Saturday we took a short drive heading for a “Seafood Safari” on Dry Island.
Across a floating bridge [Picture above] we went aboard a fishing boat to explore the life of a creeler. [Picture]
We had a great time and Ian Macwhinnie gave us a very educational and amusing talk about the history of the Loch, the fish and wildlife as well as a great introduction to the geography and geology of the area. We (Ian) caught many crabs and showed us some interesting fish which live in the area – Starfish, Shoefish (poisonous), and tiny cod.
Only a few langoustines were caught – and they were supposed to make up our lunch.
Luckily Ian had been out before and there were plenty on the plate when we got back.
( Creelers fish all daylight hours) Lunch of Langoustines and squat lobsters was washed down with a glass of wine (non-drivers). A fantastic experience all round.
Other drivers took in Applecross, a trip to Skye and the Pass of Cattle. The cars performed perfectly - no one set a new land speed record. The DB7 was thirsty though and Gus had a few nervous moments on Sunday trying to do 18 miles on an “empty” tank - to get fuel.
Dinner in the hotel on Saturday is a little more formal – however, Robert was caught out when he realised his shirt matched the settee covers......
The hotel dinner on Saturday was impeccably served and delicious – unfortunately I had a large breakfast, fantastic lunch and then this superb dinner. I had to retire early as I had no room left for my after dinner drink. Others were late to bed.
The return trip was more or less unscripted – although Robert made many good suggestions of places to visit.
We set off in dull weather, ( thanks Heather) the later rain meant that hoods were up and down regularly – but no-one got seriously wet.
One of the best weekend trips we’ve had! Roll on the next one - natives beware!
One of the best weekend trips we’ve had! Roll on the next one - natives beware!
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