A rapid drive through the low Highlands

It's a stop at Invergordon today and we are docking at the pier associated with wind power machinery manufacturing rather than cruise ships, and yet they say they get 150 a year now.

a mooring with a view, the Global Energy Group main development centre for renewable energy

It's a pretty utilitarian place originally built around an aluminium smelting works and then the oil and gas industry.

coming into dock early this morning

It has a pretty high street with sandstone buildings lining the street.

They have the hanging baskets out but no where near as laiden as they would be if in the South East. Still, it cheers up the place and makes the short drive through to that ubiquitous A9 that links everything coastal on this Coastal 500 route.

The stars indicate our drive, up to the Bonar bridge, a quick loo stop and then back along the A9 turning up the hill on the Struie Hill road.

The views of the Dornoch Firth were very good and I'm hoping I caught some. Sadly we didn't stop and the driver fairly rattled along so between speed, passing trees and the vibration of the bus I have my doubts as to what will come out. 

The cloud formation over the mudflats was spectacular so fingers crossed.

We had one stopping place, the Struie Hill Viewpoint and I did manage to take a few photos. We'll see how they turn out.

dawn over the entrance to the Firth at Cromarty  

So, rattling back we were out exactly two hours fifteen minutes, not long when you consider we will not be able to get off the ship until disembarking in Tilbury.

As a footnote, a group of bag pipes players and two drummers arrived at the quayside and played a small concert for us bidding us bon voyage. They played beautifully and the promenade deck was lined with people enjoying the impromptu concert.

That certainly left a wonderful taste in all out mouths and as everyone on the quayside waved us off we silently slipped anchor and left the way we came.