Caithness countryside

Three days were spent in and around Thurso.

Good farming land west of Thurso near Castletown.

There was a mix of both grazing and cropping.

Entrance to Olrig House which may have some family connection.  Further comment below.

A member of Raymond's great grandmother's family  is recorded as being baptised at Olrig House. It may have been at this church.

All that remains of the church.  The plaque above is on the wall.  It is surrounded by an old cemetary and just across the road is the current cemetary.

The gatehouse nearby.  Sign says "Olrig House - drive to house only".

Flagstones were quarried at a coastal site and shipped around the world.  Here used for fencing.  Often seen along district fences but not often maintained as seen here beside a driveway.

The coast is rugged and has claimed many ships.

Lighthouse at Dunnet Head.

And another is at Dunansby Head near John'O'Groats.  Steep cliffs drop to the sea from flat farmland.

Seabirds nest on the steep cliffs protected from predators but it is like raising a family in a skyscraper without barriers.

A chick being fed.

Another on its own while the parent is away fishing.  There is a drop of over 15 metres to a churning sea below and several metres to the flat land above.  When this chick leaves the nest it will have to fly with practice runs.

Where rural meets urban at a village in Caithness.