We were in no hurry today, thought it time for a break. Put a load of washing thru and headed for The local fisheries as we wanted to try the fish pies that they made - for breakfast. (What a mistake!!! All hard pastry and very little filling).

It was 10* and quite showery. We went to the local newsagents (corner dairy) for some cards, back to the cottage by now the weather had cleared and looked quite good so we hung the washing out.

The temperature seemed to rise 1* an hour thru out the day. It was 12.30pm 12* and we set off for Cullen, we were fascinated with the railway arches scattered thru the town.

Such a shame, these proud structures were only in use for 80odd years.

Cullen viaduct (NJ is a Grade B listed structure eight arches, built to carry a single track, constructed in 1884 and approached by substantial embankments.It was "designed around hollow masonry piers founded on concrete bases up to 20 feet (6.1m) below ground level, the limestone blocks being filled with rubble. The arches were built of red bricks set in cement with a ring of ashlar on each side, while the parapets were of blue limestone with a freestone capping.

The beautiful fishing village of Cullen

" P M Barnett was the engineer responsible, such structures being made necessary by the refusal to permit the railway on an easier access through the Seafield Estate's property. To the east a single arch bridge survives, a four arch viaduct and finally another four-arched bridge. These structures were saved from demolition and now form part of a cycle route. 

We spent a time wandering around and I mean all, the town was full of them, the Antique shops, even the old church in the middle of town had been made into one, along with a cafe, Kevin said Jesus would be horrified, making money in a church!

Took the walk from town down to one of the arches embankments, fantastic views.

Drove on to Portknockie, very much a surprise to be confronted with a view down a drop to the village.

Findochty (pop 1,100), much more a leisure marina that a fishing harbour.

Buckie, (pop 8,500)  after the sleepy villages (we do think ours is the best by the way) we were surprised to see taxis and traffic lights. Quite a busy place, we had a walk around, had an ice cream. All the towns here appear to be undeveloped for the past 200yrs, and even New builds still look old. The interiors are modern, shops are too, but they never have large windows like our shops etc. all stone, wood frames.

Huge rain on way back to whitehills, washing did eascape a drenching tho.