Scotland the NE - Whiterashes

There is a lot of good farmland in the North East so a few hours was spent on a fine day walking some of the back roads in the Whiterashes area north of Aberdeen but first a few other pictures.

Prior to capturing the agricultural capacity of the NE there was also a lookout kept for the northern lights.  This is looking north with the sunset in the southwest reflected on this cloud formation.  Unfortunately not the aurora.

Not every day was cloudy hence even in winter there was some pasture growth. The thin white line running up the picture is a jet stream which remained for a considerable time.

An eerie night sky in the east towards Aberdeen however no northern lights from the Aurora was seen.
Now for some earthly scenes.

A common view of the landscape around Whiterashes.  Note the wind turbine on the left, noticeable in the landscape but not obtrusive where spread out.  From this point nine turbines could be seen, with two relatively close and others in the distance, about 1 to 3 kms away.

 A closer view of the turbine from a different angle.  It is well away from both roads and housing.

Stubble from the previous harvest.

Recently (21 January 2017) ploughed field nearby.

Some cereal crop is sown in the autumn, but did not appear to be a common practice.

Rapeseed oil crop was autumn sown and was a common crop.  Here three areas side by side.

Pasture on what appeared to be a well farmed property.  These are probably grazers for a short period in winter.

Some of these and...

... mostly these.

Not a typical farm access but this and another similar one were almost side by side.

This very tidy piece of history was in the steading area of the second one, where the sheep above were photographed.

A lot of ploughing was carried out immediately after Christmas when there was a spell of fine weather.  A few round were left to complete this field and the farmer here is ready to do those last few rounds as the frost thaws after lunch.

The general view of the farm with the tractor above visible on the right. In the middle of this view is the steading where the vintage plough and cheese press is displayed beside the barn.

Another view of ploughed fields surrounded by deciduous trees and looking towards the Scottish Highlands to the south-west.

We say good night to the Whiterashes countryside.

Scotland - out and about Aberdeen

Six weeks in Scotland's North-East, largely within Aberdeenshire.  Here a few pictures and notes, firstly Aberdeen city then will follow separate posts to various parts..

 The central city among its spires and old buildings has a few green squares.

Also has some old and complex buildings.

This small building adjacent to a modern rebuild.

A quick visit and afternoon coffee at the Gordon Highlanders Museum in the old town area ended with it being on winter hours so was cold waiting outside but then they let us back in to wait for our ride from Gemma.

Another day the winter garden was a better option but beware of winter hours.

 Many shrubs looked very much NZ but generally referred to as Australian.

Gemma's mother Sandra and Kath in the cacti desert.

Keep dogs on a lead. A new twist to the request, this little chap carried his own lead neatly rolled up.

Scotland - Christmas at Arden House

The travel intention was to spend Christmas in Scotland.  We had not seen the Northern Lights in Iceland so Kath was hoping for that other tradition of the north, a white Christmas, which means snow, not necessarily favoured by the locals.  Andrew and Gemma, together with young Amy, live just north of Aberdeen.  The was also some cold night peering at the sky for the illusive northern lights which were no more rewarding.

 Arden House, the original farm house, with the farm buildings, out of the picture to the left, having been convert to residential use.  Yes snow arrived but just after Christmas.

Kath was longing for a white Christmas so got the job of baby walker in the snow.

Andrew putting the spouting on the extended stables before Christmas, which had been completed just in time for winter.

Ray, tried his hand as the new chef but was limited to pancakes on Sunday morning.

Andrew introduced new grand-daughter, Amy, and we were nearly ready for Christmas in Scotland.

Preparations were being attended to by Andrew and ...

...Gemma plus ...

... traditional Christmas fare - iced fruit cake (x two) and NZ Pavlova made by Kath.

Now ready for some present opening. Yes a NZ Buzzy Bee intrigues Gemma and Amy.

Let me have a closer look is the wish of Amy.

The adults also get into parcels with Kath carefully unwrapping and ...

... Andrew admiring a framed photograph of him riding cross-country on Phar South that Gemma had managed to keep secreted away.

 It would be difficult for Amy not to be introduced to horses at the first opportunity.

This one doesn't bite or kick and can be ridden in the warmth of the house.

Time for a few nibbles and another look at that photo.  The horse was worth bringing from New Zealand.

It was then to Christmas dinner.  Amy had to go for a nap after the exertion of that new pony.

By the time Christmas came to Scotland the rest of the family in New Zealand, at Phillip and Vicki's, was all over. We noted the summer attire and shade umbrella.  However we had called them while they were celebrating in the warm and Phillip emailed this photo so were as close as possible to all being together.

The contrast from NZ.  A picture postcard view from a bedroom window.

The eventer ready for early morning exercise on the lunge.

It was really warmer in the stable but the air is fresh and the arena good to walk on.

Early morning over Aberdeen from Arden House.

 Lingering vapour trails above Aberdeen airport from early morning flights.

Snow has arrived and Christmas is over in Scotland for 2016.