Scrabster, Scotland - August 12
Scrabster is the most northerly large port in mainland Britain and can be found a mile and a half north west of the center of Thurso at the east end of Thurso Bay. It nestles in the shelter of the low grass covered cliffs of Holborn Head which sweeps round to the north and as a result actually looks east across Thurso Bay towards Dunnet Head rather than, as you might expect, north towards Orkney, for which it serves as the main ferry terminus.
The origins of Scrabster date back to the Norse era. Such an obvious natural harbor would have been very attractive to Viking longships. The Orkneyinga Saga, written in about 1225, refers to it as Skarabolstadr. This comes from Old Norse but exactly what it means is a matter for debate. One source says it comes from "clifftop homestead", while others feel it more likely that it should be translator as "seagull homestead", or even as a homestead belonging to someone whose name or nickname was "Skan". The important common factor linking these conflicting interpretations is that they all imply there was a Norse homestead here.
Weather once again iffy, town far away and must take shuttle to get there to see . . . not much! Surrounding countryside is beautiful and if my ankle were healthy, would be out hiking. Instead I'm once again stealing photos from Eric Goldring who posted these on Facebook, from his hike today. Will let these beautiful shots speak for themselves.
The origins of Scrabster date back to the Norse era. Such an obvious natural harbor would have been very attractive to Viking longships. The Orkneyinga Saga, written in about 1225, refers to it as Skarabolstadr. This comes from Old Norse but exactly what it means is a matter for debate. One source says it comes from "clifftop homestead", while others feel it more likely that it should be translator as "seagull homestead", or even as a homestead belonging to someone whose name or nickname was "Skan". The important common factor linking these conflicting interpretations is that they all imply there was a Norse homestead here.
Weather once again iffy, town far away and must take shuttle to get there to see . . . not much! Surrounding countryside is beautiful and if my ankle were healthy, would be out hiking. Instead I'm once again stealing photos from Eric Goldring who posted these on Facebook, from his hike today. Will let these beautiful shots speak for themselves.
Had the pleasure this evening of dining with the Cruise Director, Handre Potgeiter, from South Africa. He's been with Seabourn for some time. The last time I saw him was a cruise in the Mediterranean where Adolfo and I were on the ship for two months in 2012. Believe he is the best CD on the line. Interesting table that included Irene and Barry (a part of our Culinary/Cultural group), a retired thoracic surgeon from New York City, and an interesting gentleman originally from Dundee, Scotland, who has lived in Thailand for the last 30 years. He still has a touch o' the brogue!!
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