Grand Tour Of Scotland: On Route to Scrabster ~ Part 7

September 7, 2021May 15, 2023Posted in ScrabsterTagged #August2019, #capetownbasedphotographer, #coreenkuhnphotography, #fortheloveoftravel, #grandtourofscotland, #placesofinterest, #scotlandthroughmylens, #Scotlandvacation, #travelphotographyLeave a comment

Day 6: 16 August 2019 ~ Scrabster Harbour

Scrabster

Scrabster is the most northerly large port in mainland Britain and can be found a mile and a half north west of the centre of Thurso at the west end of Thurso Bay. It nestles in the shelter of the low grass-covered cliffs of Holborn Head which sweep round to the north and as a result Scrabster 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 Orkney Inga 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 translated as “seagull homestead”, or even as a homestead belonging to someone whose name or nickname was “Skari”. The important common factor linking these conflicting interpretations is that they all imply there was a Norse homestead here.

Vehicle Waiting area for Ferry to Stromness.

Harbourside Buildings and Hills at Scrabster harbour, Scrabster, Scotland

Boats in the harbour, Scrabster, Scotland

Waiting for the ferry at Scrabster Harbour. Scotland

Waiting for the ferry at Scrabster Ferry Terminal, Scotland

Habourside Buildings, Scrabster, Scotland

Views of Thurso, from Scrabster Harbour, Scotland

Views of Scrabster House from Scrabster Harbour, Scotland

Holburn Head Lighthouse

Holburn Head Lighthouse, spelt ‘Holburn’, unlike the headland which is Holborn Head, is about one kilometer (half a mile) south of the point, near Scrabster Harbour on the western shore of Thurso Bay.

Designed and built by David and Thomas Stevenson, it was completed in 1862. The tower for the light is integral with the keepers’ house which is unusual since most Scottish lighthouses are separate from the house. After entering the upper floor front doorway there is a vestibule with 2 entrances, one to the Lightkeepers House and the other to the Lighthouse Tower. There were 2 Lightkeepers houses and the Tower within the building. Separate to this was the Principal Keeper’s House.

The light was discontinued in 2003.

On my way to Holburn Head Lighthouse, Scrabster, Scotland

Holburn Head Lighthouse, Scrabster, Scotland

NorthLink Ferries

The Scrabster Stromness ferry route connects Scotland with Orkney Islands. Currently there is just the 1 ferry company operating this ferry service, NorthLink Ferries. The crossing operates up to 21 times each week with sailing durations from around 1 hour 30 minutes.

NorthLink Ferry Terminal at Scrabster, Scotland

View of Orkney Islands from Scrabster, Scotland

Thank you very much for taking the time to join me on my travels through Scotland. I hope you enjoyed it just as much as I did.

Till next time, safe travels and keep dreaming.

Have a fabulous day.

Coreen

Grand Tour Of Scotland: On Route to Scrabster ~ Part 6

August 31, 2021May 15, 2023Posted in ThursoTagged #August2019, #capetownbasedphotographer, #coreenkuhnphotography, #fortheloveoftravel, #grandtourofscotland, #placesofinterest, #scotlandthroughmylens, #Scotlandvacation, #travelphotography2 Comments

Day 6: 16 August 2019 Thurso – Part 3

Thurso United Reformed Church

Thurso Castle

Positioned on the main route between Norway and the Western Isles, Thurso Castle was originally a Viking stronghold. It was later acquired by the powerful Sinclair family and in 1660 the castle was substantially rebuilt. In the late nineteenth century the entire structure was transformed into a Gothic style mansion and these are the ruins that survive today.

Views from Thurso Castle,Thurso, Scotland

Thank you very much for taking the time to join me on my travels through Scotland. I hope you enjoyed it just as much as I did.

Till next time, safe travels and keep dreaming.

Have a fabulous day.

Coreen

Grand Tour Of Scotland: On Route to Scrabster ~ Part 5

August 24, 2021May 15, 2023Posted in ThursoTagged #August2019, #capetownbasedphotographer, #coreenkuhnphotography, #fortheloveoftravel, #grandtourofscotland, #placesofinterest, #scotlandthroughmylens, #Scotlandvacation, #travelphotography3 Comments

Day 6: 16 August 2019 Thurso Part 2

Sir John Square

Originally known as MacDonald Square it was gifted to the town by Sir Tollemache Sinclair in 1879. In 1893 the statue of Sir John Sinclair was erected in the middle of the square which was then renamed Sir John Square.

Statue of Sir John Sinclair, Sir John Square, Thurso, Scotland

Thurso St Peter’s and St Andrew’s Church

This church was built to replace Old St. Peter’s church which had fallen into disrepair. The first sermon preached was by the Rev. Walter Ross Taylor in 1833.

Sir George’s Fountain

This fountain was erected in 1894 by Sir Tollemache Sinclair in memory of his father, Sir George Sinclair. It was originally at the front of the square but was later moved to make way for the War Memorial.

War Memorial

Made from bronze and stone it was unveiled on 1st September 1922 by Sir Archibald Sinclair. The memorial features 153 names on its roll of honour.

Thank you very much for taking the time to join me on my travels through Scotland. I hope you enjoyed it just as much as I did.

Till next time, safe travels and keep dreaming.

Have a fabulous day.

Coreen

Grand Tour Of Scotland: On Route to Scrabster ~Part 4

August 17, 2021May 15, 2023Posted in ThursoTagged #August2019, #capetownbasedphotographer, #coreenkuhnphotography, #fortheloveoftravel, #grandtourofscotland, #placesofinterest, #scotlandthroughmylens, #Scotlandvacation, #travelphotographyLeave a comment

Day 6: 16 August 2019 – Thurso Part 1

When we got to Thurso dad and I was desperately looking for a public toilet. My eyes was so teary I could hardly see in front of me. We stopped at the public toilet, I did not have cash on me so I had to pay with my credit card to use the it. It worked out to R23.70. The most expensive bathroom break I have ever taken in my life. Here in South Africa we pay R2.00 or R5.00 to use a paid toilet.

Views from parking area, Thurso, Scotland

Thurso Scottish Episcopal Church also known as St Peter and the Holyrood Church

Thurso Scottish Episcopal Church, Thurso, Scotland

The Meadow Well

This small building houses the well which was once the main water supply for the town of Thurso.

Sutherland’s Pharmacy

I had one huge blister under my right foot since we left Edinburgh. Every day it just got bigger and it started burning like hell. Dad was also looking for some mouthwash his new dentures hurt him and he wanted something for the pain.

We went into Stutherland’s Pharmacy and was helped immediately. I showed the lady my blister and she brought me some plasters and told me it will take about two to three days to heal. She also helped dad and one of her first questions was if he was diabetic. She helped us with a smile and wished us a pleasant journey further.

Best Blister plaster in the world, Campeed.

Former St Andrew Church

I nearly fell off my chair when I was researching and trying to identify this beautiful church. One of the photos had a description Skateboard plan for old Thurso church. It is a beautiful building and I do hope that the new owners treat it with respect. At least they want to use it for good. I think it will be good for the community and it will give artists to get creative.