Generally, we avoided main roads and were rewarded with picturesque scenes and lovely woodland walks. We found the hamlet of Duffus easily enough but the Lodge eluded us for a wee bit. We did arrive at the gates of Gordonstoun House which was obviously a pretty elite boarding school. Well elite enough for King Charlie and some of his cohort to attend anyhow. Google wanted us to drive in but we declined. Turns out Duffus estate is adjacent and after some encouragement, Google took us to the right place.

Our little cottage was a beautifully appointed two bedroom former Lodge with everything we could need for our three night stay, complete with a pyromaniacs’ dream wood burner. I was in heaven. Within minutes we had a delicious platter of titbits, a glass of wine and a roaring fire comforting and soothing our weary bones. Ahhhhh bliss!!!

Sue’s preoccupation with DNA searches for family history had resulted in an amazing connection with Peter, a local of Elgin and an expect on its local history including people in Sue’s family. They were mutually excited about meeting each other after many years of communicating and Peter was an amazing guide and font of knowledge of all things in the local area. He was the perfect guide.

As well as learning about Duffus Estate, we got to meet Caroline, the current owner who showed us through the building which had once been leased to Gordonstoun as a boarding house. It was in a terrible state and she and her husband are in the process of restoring it. A ‘Grand Design’ type project!!!

Peter treated us to a tour of Elgin Cathedral which is a monumentally impressive example of extraordinary architecture from the 12^th to the 15^th century. It began as a grandiose cathedral built as an example of the Catholic Church’s tyrannical and despotic dominance over all things cerebral and ended with philistine bastardization in the form of the Reformation and the ultimate fall of the incredible tower caused by Mother Nature herself in a storm. Peter had all the stories. Our heads filled with stories of rise and decline of deities, dominions, and doctrines, we adjourned for lunch at Lossiemouth’s Harbour Lights. Peter had filled our minds and our souls with respect and awe for the history and people that created these megaliths and manses, delivered with insight and connection. We were truly privileged.