Loch Strathbeg to Lossiemouth in sunshine!

We arrived early at RSPB Loch Strathbeg after escaping from the cows and met another early birdwatcher. He told us about the rare cranes that were there - but it was hard to see them as they hid in the long grass and only popped out now and again.

So we kept up a vigil until they showed themselves - they are BIG birds - so not sure how they manage to hide so well.

We then moved on to Fraserburgh which had turned into a beach resort due to the high temperatures. We needed a coffee after our early cow alarm - so treated ourselves to sharing a scone and strawberry tart - now one of Glenn's favorites.

The Fraserburgh esplanade had a few surprises - including a surf club!

We checked out the port - to see if we could recognize anyone from the tv program North Sea Fishermen. The new boats are now massive! No wonder fish are struggling.

Continuing along the coast we then went to the village of Pennan made famous by the 1980s film Local Hero. We had to leave Gus at the top of the very steep and windy road as advised. This meant a quick walk down and a slow slog back up again. But it was worth it.

Many of the houses are end on to the sea as it can be quite wild in the winter.

Next stop was Cullen which had also turned into a beach resort - it was now around 25 degrees centigrade . We got so hot we also needed to cool off so we put our feet in the sea - freezing enough for me. Glenn decided he could only swim by plunging in so he jumped off the Harbour wall with all the kids. He said it took his breath away - comparable only to Martin's swim in the Ganges - stupid to do without a wetsuit , but had to be done!

(Martin and Kirsty in Bundeena will be laughing at that!)

Our final spot for the night was a beach carpark in Lossiemouth overlooked by the golf club house.

It was the perfect spot for a couple of beers and to take in the beautiful views - with Gus down below.

While Lossiemouth was basking in temperatures of 28 degrees ( unheard of in Scotland) the rest of the country were experiencing torrential rain - so this may have been the remains of the storm.