June 8
Edinburgh to Aberdeen

The lovely view across the main street to the old town inevitably meant that I was exposed to the night time frolics in the city centre, both drunken and noisy. This, combined with the hot room, meant that in spite of the bed being comfortable, I didn't sleep well.

Princes Street on a sunny day	Costa Coffee

The forecast sun had definitely arrived. I packed both sweaters, crossed a quiet Princes St and descended the escalators into the station. With none of the potential breakfast places looking exciting, I rode up the escalators again to the Costa Coffee, nestled under a glazed roof. The coffee was good and the BLT sandwich adequate.

Back in the station, my ticket worked in the barrier (for the only time on the trip) and I quickly located the correct platform. I took photos of the train and of the wispy clouds over the castle and climbed aboard. I was in splendid isolation for about ten minutes but was then joined by a few others. We departed dead on time. Is this a good omen for the rest of the trip?

Waverley Station	The sun shines on the righteous
The first train was waiting for me	We passed Murrayfield

We left the city, passed Murrayfield and crossed the Forth Bridge. The views were excellent, of both bridges and of the boats sitting in the Firth of Forth.

The line went past small towns, countryside and along the coast. I took photos and, where possible, listened to the cricket.

Past some small towns	Into Dundee

I managed to stay awake until we reached Dundee, about a minute behind schedule. I soon discovered that there was no left luggage office there so faced the prospect of carrying my back pack around the town for a couple of hours. The station and its surrounding area were being demolished but I was able to view The Discovery, Scot's ship. I had no idea it was in Dundee.

The Discovery	Desperate Dan lives here
Up the hill into the town	Dundee Cathedral

I staggered up the hill to the city centre, found lots of old buildings, the Parish Church, and some nasty new malls. There were some interesting street sculptures, some of which seemed to commemorate Desperate Dan. Wasn't the Beano published here?

I was heading towards the bank when I heard pipes and drums somewhere behind me.  I retraced my steps and found a large contingent marching into the square to be presented to the mayor and corporation. They seemed to be good, not that I am any judge of such things.

Music in the square
Keeping the beat	A stirring performance

They were collecting for the Boys Brigade but many of them were girlies and the rest were well past being boys. I took lots of photos and enjoyed a stirring performance.

The Bank is in the Good Beer Guide, is a fine old building and sells good beer. Both the Edinburgh Gold and the Inkie Pinkie were very presentable. The sausage baguette was very good and I spent a happy hour eating, drinking, writing my diary and listening to the cricket.

The train arrived at the station on time and we departed, still in blazing sunshine. It was quite busy and filled up steadily along the way. I was at the left of the train and the sea was at the right so I wasn't able to take too many photos, except at Montrose, where there is what appears to be a huge lagoon at the mouth of the river.

Another on time arrival	Past the sun lit golf courses
Montrose	The sun has gone out

About half way towards Aberdeen, the cloud appeared and everything became dull and grey.

Aberdeen station has seen better days but the main structure is quite impressive. The front now hides behind a huge mall so that it is very much in the shadows.

The Station is dwarfed by a mall	The grey city

A map on the wall suggested that the hotel was a long way away but I wandered slowly up the hill to Union St, the main street through the city, which is very long and very straight. It was quite chilly so one of my sweaters had to come out of my pack.

Not having a clue which way to go, I accosted two police auxiliaries - both ancient and non-too fit. They assured me that it was miles and that I would need a bus and should ask a bus driver for directions.

Eventually I identified the No 13 as the right one and waited about 25 minutes, there being no taxis in sight. The bus ride took about 15 minutes.

The Atholl Hotel

The Atholl Hotel is very fine, on a long tree-lined road, populated by old stone houses. I was warmly welcomed but discovered that the restaurant was full. They seemed to think that it was only a 30 minute walk back into the city but we all agreed that they ought to be able to find me a table in the bar. My room was excellent, the wi fi worked and I was given a passable coffee in the very smart bar.

An elegant bar

I had a brief walk around the locality - lots more lovely granite houses on tree-lined streets - and returned to the hotel.

Leafy suburbs ...	... in all directions

The staff provided me with an iron and I was able to make myself look presentable for the evening meal. I then sat down to do as much work as I could and to watch the cricket on the TV. The hotel even has Sky Sport!

After tidying myself up, I went downstairs to find that not only the restaurant was full but that both bars were heaving as well. One of the staff - they all smiled and couldn't have been more helpful - directed me to a table in the corner, which I grabbed before someone else did.

The food was a disappointment - for me. It was all well cooked but uninspiring, which is obviously what the locals want as every flat surface was full of people tucking in with gusto. After my damning comment, I have to admit that the pork chops in mustard sauce were very well cooked but not exciting. The prawn starter was bad - could have been straight from the freezer at Tesco. The Australian chardonnay was OK, with three 250ml glasses costing less than a bottle, unless I have done my sums wrong, which is quite possible.