Caithness and NE Scotland

Our travel continued across the north of Scotland and there was particular interest in Caithness where Raymond's paternal great grandmother was born at Thurso.

It was clear where we were entering as we travelled across the north of Scotland from Durness to the town of Thurso.

End of the line, Thurso railway station.  Trains enter the station then on the return reverse back south to Wick.

A meeting with the local geneology society did reveal some Munro's but Elizabeth did not appear on this census record but it does appear to be the family.  Her father was William and her mother Isabella (nee Brimms).  Elizabeth was born about 1845 after the date of this census.

 Every settlement has ruins in the UK.    These shells of houses located across the river from the main part of the town.  At the far end (right) the old mill building has been restored for community use seen below.

The restored mill building.

Central Thurso.  We found it a very clean and tidy town.

A typical street scene in Thurso.

A well maintained historic home near the river.

Recently built seats in public areas near the river showing the art of dry stone walling has not been lost.  Several of these were seen about the park areas.

The parkland.

An old church near town centre.  See notice on the door below.

It says it all.

This falcon was on sentry duty on the spire.

Thurso is a sea front town and has a small operational port both fishing and servicing the northern off shore islands.

It was a very pleasant and tidy town.  Next will be some of the landscape of Caithness

North Scotland from Scouri to near Thurso 8 August 2011

Travel continued on 8 August 2011 from Scouri along about the only road around the north west then across to Thurso.

Rather bleak flats and hills around Loch Laxford which is open to the sea.

However a few souls still reside on the downs.

In small settlements like Kinlochbervie beside the sea.

The road then leaves the coast as it heads to Durness.  Fewer persons remain along this stretch of the North West Highlands and there are few roads.

Nature has created its own values somewhat protected from humans.  Extensive wetlands exit in the shallow vales...

...among the extensive moors.

Although occassional domestic animals can be seen grazing hardy vegetation on shallow soils.

Rare but seen - a lone fisherman.
The rugged coast is then encountered again at Durness.

Even an occassional beach added to its rugged beauty.

Theere were reminders of earlier occupation

And evidence of those who have stayed, or come for holidays, near where farming once took place on small holdings.

The welcome to Caithness comes with a warning of wandering sheep.  There must be some farming!

However greater riches were soon to be seen with the site of Britain's nuclear research since the 1950's at Dounreay.  A source of well paid employment with incomes filtering into Thurso nearby.

Wind is also being harnessed in the area.


The next blog will review the north east where there is a triangle of quite intensive farming and the start of the east coast fishing ports.

The Wedding after match function - 27 August 2011

The McIntosh family very kindly had arranged a BBQ at their home, Gillahill Croft, Kingswell, near Cults, on the afternoon of Saturday 27th for the NZ team.  The invite said "fingers crossed the sun will shine".  Well no, it didn't, but it didn't rain either and we were prepared with warm clothes and in a very sheltered garden.

The McIntosh team demonstrating their culinary skills over two BBQ,s and a range of foods.  Stewart, Gemma's brother (left), mother Sandra supervising, and father Eric (right).

Some timely advice from Gemma.

A final check from mother with more smoke rising off the food.  Must now be cooked to NZ BBQ standards.

Seems to meet Gemma and Andrew's approval.  A very good and relaxed occassion was had by all.

Ros and Harry, who spent some years in NZ and now back in the UK, enjoying the food but did retreat to a warmer room in the house.

Alex (Andrew's uncle) and Eric, in serious discussion about the vitues of the Esse oil fired range used for cooking and water heating at Gillahill Croft.

Gemma's sister Jill relaxing with nephew Ewan and his mother Julia.  Ewan, wearing a kilt, was usually seen at the wedding accompanying his father Stewart but like everyone else was happily relaxing with family at the BBQ.

Sam Taylor receiving some instruction from Mark on opening a beer bottle without an opener.

The Scottish Wedding

Friday 26th August 2011 was a special family occassion.  The marriage of Andrew Alan Ward-Smith, of New Zealand  and Gemma Linsey McIntosh of Scotland in St Machar's Catheral, Old Aberdeen, Scotland.  The preparation by Gemma's family, the McIntosh's of Gillahill Croft, Aberdeen, as well as Gemma and Andrew from distant New Zealand over the past year was well rewarded, most importantly by a fine, although largely overcast, day (all days seemed overcast, fine is defined by "not raining").

The twin spires of St Machar's Cathedral in Old Aberdeen, Scotland.

A very old and well maintained building deserving of the title of "Cathedral"

The New Zealand family and friends gathered in the adjoining gardens for a picnic lunch prior to the 1pm wedding.

Andrew and parents prior to the ceremony.  Kath in her International ensomble, aquired over the past year.

Groomsman, James Allport (left), Andrew, and Bestman, Mark Brooks (right).  One last look back before entering the Cathedral.

Lets go.  Too many dead people just here.

With a swirl of the kilt they make their way to the Cathedral, accompanied by the photographer who awaited the arrival of the Bride.

Mark Brooks, Bestman, from Cambridge, New Zealand.

James Allport, Groomsman, from Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.

Now we have the boys and girls in the Cathederal.

The ceremony proceeds.

The now married couple proceed up the asile.

Andrew's sisters, Catherine (left) and Elizabeth "Libby" (right) flanked by parents, Raymond and Kathleen.

The family and attendants photo.  L to R - James; Mark; Raymond; Kathleen; Andrew; Gemma; Sandra; Eric; Rachael; Jill;

Alex Ward-Smith and Roddy Strachan

Long time family friends, Jeffrey and Verna Wilson, South Canterbury, New Zealand.

Groomsman's parents and long time friends, Sue and Peter Allport, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.

The married couple arrive at the reception resplendant in horse and buggy.

We present Mr and Dr Ward-Smith.

A very formal Scottish affair.  The quality of attire equal to any seen in Scotland this year.

Joined by a few more NZ friends to demonstrate an All Black rugby world cup line out.

Bridesmaid Rachael, who will always present the best case for her client, the Bride, in a serious discussion with the mother of the Groom,and NZ friend Verna Wilson. 

Roddy, castle renovator extrordonaire, and Mark Brooks.

The wedded couple.