A week in Assynt & September progress report

This should have been two posts but the beautifully crafted post about our week in Assynt disappeared after much sweating over text and photos. So hacked off that I couldn't be **#ed to rewrite it all.
So I have amalgamated the two posts and you have a summary of a fantastic week in Assynt in early September plus the latest from site. 

ASSYNT
 
What a week of contrasts and what a beautiful part of Scotland / the UK.

Travelled up a reasonably fast flowing A9 without mishap or hold up and headed towards Ullapool and the NW coast. Venturing into uncharted territory here as we have only visited Ullapool briefly before when disembarking the ferry from Lewis two years ago. 

So through Ullapool and up a long hill until the NW coast of Coigach and Assynt opens up before you. It was sunny and even warm. We still had an hour's driving before we were in Lochinver then on a single track road to Inverkirkaig - which has around 12 houses scattered around a large bay. 

Inverkirkaig bay on a beautiful evening

We had managed to find a week's accommodation in an upside down house with views out over the bay. This was nicely furnished with most of what we needed for a week's rest and relaxation.

Sunday - decided to try for a local walk to the summit of one of the Quinag peaks. Set off bright and early on a gorgeous autumn day.  Found the car park and set off up the very nice (John Muir Trust) path through limestone pavements and peat. We were easily caught and passed by a couple of groups - one old and one young. Settled on a spot with a view for coffee then carried on up and up and up.  

Route for the day from coffee spot - yes this is Scotland. Look at that sky!

Eventually reached a little bit of down but only to go up rather more steeply. This part of the climb was sandy and would be slippy in the wet but we trudged up to reach the summit cairn and views for miles around. All of the classic Assynt hills in view with distant views to the Torridan hills and over to Skye. (We waved to our new hoose)

From the summit of the pointy peak in the previous photo.

Ridge ahead and view back to Lochinver (at the end of the loch on the left)

We could see the way ahead and what looked like a narrow ridge to continue the walk. Down we climbed - a bit of a scramble but nothing too taxing. At the bottom of the scramble was the perfect lunch spot beside a lochan and protected from the wind but breezy enough for no midges (The mighty MIDGE was to be a recurring theme for the week)  
After a decent lunch stop it was up again and over the innocent looking slope in front of us.

Post lunch climb - looks innocent enough

From the top there was a great view to Lochinver and the coast. 

The downside was the very steep and rocky scramble required to reach the bealach and the turnaround point. We managed fine but felt quite sorry for the two ladies scrambling their way up to reverse our route. 

Found the wet path back to the car and reflected on a very good first day in the Assynt hills. 
A quick stop at the ruined Ardvreck castle for some photos and to offer ourselves up as a midge supper then home for a well-deserved rest. 

Ardveck castle, Quinag in the background. Midges not visible but they were there in swarms

Reflections on a great day out

Monday

Stac Pollaidh (Stack Polly) had to be done. Classic hill, sharp pointy rocks; short walk of c3 miles but so very steep. A long drive along single track roads to get to the large car park, plenty of visitors including many German and Dutch. This is a hill that is climbed by all and sundry as it so recognizable. There is a very good path circling the mountain. Steep start through ferns, gorse and, of course, midges. Most people went to the right so we headed left. 

Stac Pollaidh - STEEP

 We knew that we were on our last day of good weather for a while so we made the most of the position of this hill and the views from the top. Took our time getting to the top and hung around for ages when we reached the summit. The left summit in the photo above is the terrain of climbers only so we had out lunch on the poking out bit on the right. Although the wind was increasing as the weather changed, the summit was strangely sheltered and warm. 

Climbers only please

Assynt - a world of water and weirdly shaped hills. Suilven looming in the distance

Back towards Lochinver and towards the Outer Hebrides

 

 

 

A last look up before we returned to the car

Back to Inverkirkaig and plans for a couple of wet days. 

Tuesday  

Drove the coast road from Lochinver to Kylesku. 16 miles and many hours due to the very steep and thin roads but also the need to stop and enjoy the white sand beaches, views and candle and teashop in Drumbeg. There was also the only shop for miles here. Weather behaving as promised with low cloud, wind and misty rain. Enjoyed the day but had enough of the road by the time we returned to the main road. 

Wednesday

Wet, wet, wet so we walked from the door to the "local" waterfall. Signs warned of steep drops and keeping children and dogs under control. A good path which did indeed end with an almost sheer drop to the pool beneath the waterfall. But no railings or steps or safety features - you had been warned and are expected to take responsibility for your own actions and safety. I love this about Scotland. We slid and slithered down half way but decided that was us for today. We met a few hardy souls but not many were out in the driving misty rain. We got very wet due to the wet grasses and ferns and the rain being driven up the waterproof trousers. Glad to return to the house and a hot shower. 

Thursday

Up early to beat the promised rain and walked to another waterfall. Used a very good stalkers track to get to the top of the hill. Enjoyed a good walk and the fresh air and exchanged pleasantries with a party from the "big house" who were taking two pony loads of stuff up the hill; including two guns. Made it back to Kylesku for a fantastic pub lunch just in time for the rain to arrive in bucket loads.

Friday

Weather looked OK so decided to head for Ben More Assynt, the area's only Munro. This entailed a long walk in on a good track. Eventually we reached the turn off for the mountain proper which was over and around very wet peat hags. Not happy with this bit, steeply uphill, wet, slippy and shaky ground. Eventually got out of the peat onto a rockier path but the top of the hill had disappeared into thick clouds. Although we had a map and GPS we had read that the path was tricky to follow through the quartz rocks higher up. Took a few moments to consider the situation then a heavy rain shower made the decision for us. We would return to Ben More Assynt another day. Back down we went, with an easier route through the hags. 

Stopped for lunch in what looked like a breezy spot and encountered our worst ever MIDGE attack. Covered in them, flying everywhere and in everything. Ate very quickly then took a detour to visit the underground river and caves - a spooky experience - then made our way back to the car and home. 

Back to Quinag from the route to BMA. Low cloud and not very good views today.

Saturday

Travelled back via Aviemore and TISO at Perth for brunch and shopping. Both successful and I am now the proud owner of a new (bigger) rucksack which will be great for the winter. Black but with bright pink bits (designed for ladies - why does it have to have pink on it???)

Other highlights: Persuading a bat that outside was better than in. No idea how it got in but it took a lot of persuading to leave! Deer in the garden and the setting sun lighting a rockface from the lounge window; stars by the thousand from the balcony; a new perspective on elderly Swiss gentlemen - relieving themselves against a rockface at the side of the A83 - bizarre. 

A great week with plenty to go back for. A unique part of the world that deserves more time.

 

Back to work for a week then time off for Marie and John to visit. A busy few days where we covered several attractions locally. The Falkirk wheel, the Ochils, Wallace Monument, St Andrews, shopping in Glasgow, Falkland (Lomond hills) and lunch at the Sheriffmuir Inn.  Nice to catch up and we dropped them off at Edinburgh airport so they could continue their UK tour with the South of England later that week. 

Last weekend was Ben Lawyers revisited (report to follow)

Then this week the site reports and progress sign off (invoices) arrived in a neat line. 

Update: walls insulated, floors done, roof battened, larch cladding arriving, windows in the builder's yard. It looks like a house - quite a big house!

Poor quality photos as they are from a phone camera. Still they show progress and the second one reminds we why I am carrying on working. It is the Mezzanine level taking shape. 

House, builder and portaloo

Taking shape nicely. I have a feeling that this space will be well used. Mountain views from that window in the gable end.

So that's it - six weeks in one blog entry. 

We are heading over to Skye the first weekend in November to visit the house, the builder and the architect. We will be choosing tiles, flooring, interior doors and designing the showers as we want them.  

Report and many photos to follow. Ian and Jacqueline are visiting in a couple of weeks then the clocks go back and we are off to Skye. Staying in Portnalong, just up the road. Can't wait - but I'll have to. Till then ....... unless there is other news. There will also be the Lawyers walk report when my fingers are ready to write some more.

 

How much? How high? and How far?

Three questions that have taxed us this month!

How much - QS report arrived yesterday (Monday) He had signed off work valued at much more than we expected to be paying out. But.... when we read his report that was because the lovely builders had completed much more work than we had anticipated. Therefore, happy to pay up once we receive sign off from Dualchas and the invoice from the builder. Now we just have to move the cash around and make ready to transfer (another story in itself; bless The Coventry)

So progress report is: Lots of concrete poured, timber frame on site and fitted, roof beams in place, some underfloor heating pipes laid, all trenches complete and a whole host of other things well under way. And no problems to report this month. 

So here we have the house as at 2.9.13.

A true Misty Isle day but with the added bonus of a house taking shape

A similar view with added builder!  Looking at the lounge and guest bathroom

This is our dining area, nice to see the steelwork and window frames

Just happen to be visiting the north west of Scotland next week so perhaps a visit is in order. If so, expect plenty of photos.   

Between posts, we have been hitting the hills hard. Getting properly hill fit again. 

The first week in August we managed to "do" Ben Vorlich and Stuc a Chroin as threatened. This little jaunt led to the second part of the title. How far and How high???

The plan was to summit both Munros which we did but it was hard work. Decided to visit Stuc first as we thought if we did Vorlich first we might not have  the will[power to carry on. Walked via the normal path and a boggy path above the glen to arrive at the bealach between the two mountains. Ahead of us was the huge lump of rock known as the Prow. had our breakfast looking at it and watching several other walkers attempt to find a way up and over. We spied a path up a gully that looked OK and watch another group go up this. Very steep and a bit unstable in places but we managed it. Two summit cairns to visit and stunning views. 

View across to Lawyers range

Back to Vorlich - we have to climb that next!

View back to Vorlich, showing the Prow which we avoided

Back across the summit, afternoon weather gathering to rain on us.

Quite sunny at this point in the day. Stopped for photos at the summit then came back down the same gully.  No wind in the gully so very hot. I stopped to remove my coat and my rucksack took on a life of its own and headed off down the gully. Luckily it took the path! and ended up on a corner further down rather than on a cliff or ledge with no loss of car keys, water bottles, cash etc. Plenty of mud and muck but no lasting damage.

Set off back up the path to Ben Vorlich from the bealach. When you have already climbed to 975m then descended to 700m, a further 285m of steep climbing was a real test for the legs and the mind! Lunch half way up helped and we were soon back at the summit where we had stood a few weeks ago. The return walk down was busy, never ending and wet as the rain arrived. Back at the car after 8 hours of walking. Very tired the next day but still able to move around (just)    

The next weekend was local Ochils walks, testing as always, then we did the reverse route on Ben Lomond to our trip there last year. Up the tourist route and intrepididly down the ptarmigan ridge. Yet another steep downhill finish through ferns, grasses, thorns and with heat and no air. Did I mention the mighty midge? Smidge on arms and legs but they had a feast around my hairline, ears and forehead. Very lumpy and bumpy the next day, not to mention itchy. Enjoyed a peaceful drink lochside before heading home.    

Ochils again this weekend, twice in two days. Including a frontal assault on Dumyat which was interesting and quite challenging in parts. 

Happy to report improved fitness levels that should last through the winter and very happy to report such good progress on the house. 

First snow of the year on the high mountains this weekend just gone. very cool once you climb higher than 750m. Winter gear back in the bags. 

Watch out for photos of the NW highlands and the house after next week's break.        

Scottish Rain Forest (Ben Venue) & Progress report

First off the good news - the build is more than on, it's rising from the ground. 
We have waited almost six weeks for the latest update. Even architects and builders have to take a holiday. The builders have been on site though and the weather has been relatively good so much progress has been made. 

Today we received our second valuation certificate and bill. Never been so pleased to see a demand for money!

So the road is 60%, site clearance 80%, foundations dug and metal struts arriving and being fixed for the mezzanine level. 

Temporary access road plus a number of diggers hard at work

The framework for the mezzanine level, which will be above our bedroom

One small matter that we had to resolve at the end of last week. A slight issue with the measurement / placing of the foundations. 300mm error. Once we had considered the impact and looked at a sketch of what it actually meant, we were OK. No major impact; a slightly smaller outer lobby and recess for the TV. What was lost here was gained at the other side of the building. The builder was presumably pleased to hear that we were OK and did not require the original design to be reinstated.

Really good to see our house rising from the ground and some actual progress at last. We are hoping to visit Skye again in September and see it for ourselves.

So to the humid, hot, sweaty and wet trek up from Ledard Farm to Ben Venue. Regular readers might remember that this was our very first true climb of a Scottish mountain when we first moved here in October 2011. On that occasion we followed a route from the OS guidebook and scaled a near vertical route in failing light. Never made the summit as we needed to find the regular descent path. Returned through the forest and bog at a later date and enjoyed a good day but major bog-fest on the middle of this route. 

We met some people on the top last time who recommended the path from the farm. So seeking a new challenge, we decided to go for it. Approached by a single track road past Aberfoyle, we set off early and parked up in a large layby opposite the track. 

The first hour of walking is through forest, ferns and long, wet grasses. It was very hot and there are plenty of buzzing, flying things around. And it is steeply up hill following the course of the river which we can hear far below us. Within 15 minutes, I was wet through from ankle to waist from the dew and rain on the grass and ferns (head high at times) The remainder of me was wet from good old sweat. We finally emerged into a beautiful glen where we stopped for breakfast. A few flies remained and it was hot in the sun. We were plastered in midge repellant and sunscreen so no bites but they were very annoying buzzing in our faces and food. 

Onwards, crossing the burn using metal beams that rocked and wobbled and would be under water in even slightly wetter times. Safely over, then it was a bit of a slog up a good track to a stile. Here we saw Ben Venue in the distance - note the word distance! Still quite a way to go then.
 
Wound our way around crags with glorious views across Loch Katrine and further into the Highlands. Met the path that crosses the mire and bog and continued up (and down) for a further 30 minutes until we reached the summit. We had forgotten how tough this relatively low hill could be. Enjoyed a good rest and lunch at the top, drank in the views then headed back the way we came.

Loch Achray where the boggy path starts from - not for us today

Loch Katrine (L) with Ben A'an between the two lochs

Loch Katrine, no steamer to be seen, Highlands beyond

Back down we went, still quite hot but with a good breeze. Was dreading returning through the glen but the breeze followed us and the trees provided some welcome cool shade and shelter from the sun. Some very fast walkers passed us on the way back to the car. 

Changed into clean clothes and used the wet wipes to good effect then visited Aberfoyle on the way home. 
Sunday was a rest day!

Monthly reports from site and accompanying demands for money will now take place at the end of each month so blog will follow. 

Will return at the beginning of September unless there is news to report in the meantime. 
This weekend sees us return to Stuc a Chroin if the weather plays the game.  

Hills, more hills and glorious weather - Summer 2013 - and crofter news

 It appears that 2013 is the year for a true summer in Scotland. The glorious weather we experienced on our last trip to Skye (see 11 June report) has continued. 

As we no longer need to worry about what the build cost might be, who will build it etc etc, we have the opportunity to get back out there, trusting our builder to get on with it. So that's what we have done. 

In the last six weeks we have: 

• Spent 10 days in Plymouth while Marie and John were away
• Been introduced to our new great-nephew, Finley who was born on 31 May and is beautiful  
• Spent some time with mum and dad, caught up with Charlotte, Richard, Darren, Codie and Grace
• Re-discovered Dartmoor which doesn't seen quite as high or challenging as we remembered it! It still has its own charm though.
• Visited Ian and Jacqueline on the way home and explored the hills behind their new house  
• Regained our hill fitness by walking longer routes in the Ochils, the Carneddeu, Ben Ledi and finally Ben Vorlich (more to follow on this beauty) with a final venture back to Ben Venue this weekend. 
• The Politicians are now in recess which means that work is remarkable less stressy and much quieter. 

As far as the build goes, we have received and paid our first invoice - came complete with photos but not v exciting - however plot plus earth moving machinery photo attached below. Apparently they have built 50% of the access road, 30% of drainage completed and 80% of site cleared and flattened. 

Hard at work

 We are hoping that the next invoice plus photo attachments, due this week, might be a bit more exciting.

Meanwhile, we also heard from our solicitor who confirmed that the croft can be split as proposed and the one remaining issue is for the current owner to advertise his intention to transfer ownership to Gary. (to allow for any concerns to be raised locally) This means that our application, which was a bit wooly to say the least, has been accepted and Gary is deemed a suitable person to become a Crofter. Looking forward to changing that on his passport!   It has been so long since we started the process to buy the tenancy that it was a bit of a surprise to hear it would finally be going through. We should receive confirmation any time now. 

So to Ben Vorlich - This is our closest Munro and is less than an hour's drive away. Two previous attempts have failed. The hill has a long old walk in and the only way is up with no respite. We were turned back by illness on our first attempt and by the horizontal rain and gale force winds on the second. The rule was that it should be a day where we would see the views and with long daylight hours so we could take our time and enjoy it. 

All conditions were met on Sunday 14 July so we packed up and were away early. To get to the start of the walk, you have to brave the south lochearnhead road which is single track with very few passing places and a fair number of blind bends. The lochside is popular with fisher-folk, families camping (free) and walkers. Limited parking too. 

A relatively easy drive and a couple of reverses (one horsebox and a couple of cars) made for an interesting arrival to bag one of the few remaining parking spots. The path for this hill is obvious so no worries about navigation although we had the GPS and a map. Set off at our own pace - which meant being passed by numerous fit and speedy walkers. However there are always newbie walkers on this track so we were middling in pace. 

Has breakfast on a rock in the heather, slathered in fly / midge repellent (Smidge works!) and enjoyed the views to the lawyers range. Onwards and upwards we went. Took a break at the last flat section just before the final pull to the summit. This was where we turned back on attempt no 2. 

A good place for a rest

The summit was tempting us now and a ten minute slog over steep scree and rocks got us there. I found this last section tough but it was worth it for the views and the satisfaction of beating the hill. What nonsense but that's how it felt. 

From Ben Vorlich summit cairn to trig

Gotcha - 3rd time of trying

The summit was breezy and busy so we visited the trig and cairn then agreed to descend the ridge to pick up the return path from the bealach. There was a short consideration of going on and "doing" Stuc a Chroin ,the next Munro, but I didn't have the legs for it. We had lunch in a perfect spot in the sun, on a rocky shelf, with a cooling breeze and stunning views. Amazing and away from the crowds. 

Down the ridge to selected lunch spot. Stuc a Chroin looming in the distance

Lunch spot with views

Then we went slightly off piste - decided to follow a small track and pick up the return path from higher up. We did that all right. Descended through a steep bowl full of wild flowers, rocks, sheep and bog. Luckily the bogs were pretty dry because of the fine weather or it would have been a nightmare. Eventually we popped out on the path and returned along the side of the hill to join the path up. 

Stuc a Chroin - another day's challenge. The route goes up that rocky lump!

Had a final break on a huge rock just above Ardvorlich House's hydro scheme and enjoyed a look back at Ben Vorlich. Satisfaction indeed. 

Ben Vorlich

Back to the car and once more the trials of the south lochearnside road before joining a busy A84 for the return journey home.  In summary, summit success, no bites, no sunburn and no injuries to report - all knees fully functioning.

This weekend we re-visited Ben Venue via the Scottish rain forest but that's another story!

Will post again once we have the next bunch of photos of progress.
 

Weekend delights & the plot flattens

Four weeks on and the promised (threatened?) visit to see progress on the build is underway. A day's leave booked, B&B booked in Morvich as Skye was full, bags packed and we were off. 
Did I mention that the weather was set fair? Revise that last statement, the weather was warm and sunny. In Scotland. In June. 

Thinking that we could beat the sloooow drivers, we were off early - for a Saturday - and on the road just after 08.00. A good plan but but foiled just after Doune when the red Audi that pulled out in front of us proceeded at a stately 40mph all the way through Callander and along the loch. Opportunity taken to nip past but there was another and another ahead. Ho hum, enjoy the scenery then. There are plenty of laybys available for these drivers to pull over and let those of us on a mission to pass but that would be too simple. 


So, some time later we stopped at Rannoch Moor for breakfast (taken with us) and views of the Glen Coe Munros.

Still snow in the corries of Clach Liathad

Rannoch Moor - nice spot for breakfast

 There were warning signs of a "World Cup event" in Fort William so we were expecting the next bit to be busy but it wasn't too bad. Mountain bike world cup but already started by the time we passed through. As today was never going to be a quick drive, we stopped in a couple of places to enjoy the views.  The Glen Shiel stop for lunch was beautiful with reflections in the loch, hot sun and a ripple of a breeze. 

Decided to spend the rest of the day as a tourist, buying maps in preparation for tomorrow, ice creams, views etc etc Lovely! 

Skye Bridge with the Cuillins behind from Dornie lochside

Then checked in to our (very reasonably priced) B&B situated along a private road with stunning views of the Kintail mountains and Loch Duich. To Dornie for a pub dinner then a stroll along the shore near to Eilean Donan Castle. Here we witnessed a wedding on the island complete with full Scottish tradition, guests in kilts and a piper. On top of that we had perfect reflections and a definite lack of midges. Back to the B&B and an early night ready for tomorrow.  

Over the sea to Skye - OH YES!

Eilan Donan castle plus perfect reflections. What a spot for a wedding

The sun rises at 04.00 at the moment; we know this as the window in our bedroom faces east and despite drawing the curtains, it is very light very early. A good Scottish breakfast sets us up for the day. No driving today, we walk from the B&B. Up the glen, through woodland then on to the path that climbs up through the glen, quite gently at first then more steeply. Coffee stop in the middle of a river which would be tricky to cross in wetter weather. 

Wouldn't fancy this crossing after the rain!

Shall we, shan't we??

Here we turn back a couple in their seventies who have missed the path to a waterfall. At this point of the walk, we still have three options. Further up we reach the junction of paths and it is decided, we turn left and head up to Beinn Fhada. Considering this is a Munro, the path is very forgiving - steep at times but plenty of zigs and zags to get us there. We were drinking water by the litre as it was so hot. Eventually we popped out over the rim with a stunning view to the corries. Still snow remaining up here too despite the heat. 

Corrie rim at around 850m

Beinn Fhada summit with cornices still visible

 Had our lunch on the summit ridge admiring the view back into Glen Affirc and across to the NW Highlands. Then back down the same winding path and eventually back to the B&B. All water drunk, food eaten, feet very hot and 10.1 miles recorded plus almost 1,000 metres of ascent. What a day. A quick shower then to the pub for a tasty dinner. Chips featured on both menu choices tonight. Enjoyed with that smug feeling of a well deserved treat. 

Monday dawns still warm and sunny. Off we go, over the bridge and along the road which will soon be the road home. As we approach Fernilea and the house plot, we spot Neil and two people in high-vis vests and they are standing on a cleared plot. Surrounded by mounds and heaps of mud, peat, stones and a few rocks. 

Boots on and down we troop. As we go through the pleasantries, we exchanged weekend stories and realise that we actually met our builder on top of Berinn Fhada yesterday. He and a mate had stopped and chatted as we had our lunch. He was wearing a bandana to protect his head from the sun so that was our excuse for not recognising him. 

So finally, the photos. A flat patch with many mounds of earth but with the house outline staked out. 

This will be our bedroom with mezzanine above

View from the dining area, patio and our bedroom (minus the mound of peat)

Cleared plot from back towards the road. Bluebells on the croft,  loch in the background

A couple of decisions regarding how far forward we wanted the house to be then we watched as they staked out the access road. Then that was it. No need for another visit for a few months unless we want to see the concrete slab and services being connected. 

A quick stop in Broadford for shopping then home through Glen Coe where the weather changed and the clouds rolled in. A great weekend and the build is on!  

Now all we have to do is pay for it, receive build reports and photos - which we will share on here and plan the big move. 

That's us for now - keep watching for updates.  Build end date?  22nd March so now we can really say "This time next year"

CONTRACT SIGNED - LET THE BUILDING COMMENCE

A very quick update with the good news. 

Following the meeting with architect, QS and Builder last Monday, we have agreed a build design and build cost that meets our needs and, most importantly, our budget. 

Mobilising work begins on Monday 20 May - that's next week!

We will travel back to Skye on 10 June when they should have levelled the site and made some connections for utilities etc. Then there will be a 36 week build time plus 2 weeks for Christmas. At least they will be carrying out the exterior build work during the (Scottish) summer. 
Reason for visit - to check the house will be sited where we want it!  Could have some fun with that one. 

Anyway, we have an agreed contract end date of 22 March 2014 so let the new countdown begin. (Have worked out that gives me 204 days to work, excluding bank holidays)

Photos of the levelled site and beginning of the build to follow after 10 June. We are hoping to spend the weekend in the Skye / Lochalsh area so could be some good walking and perhaps some midnight sun for interesting photos. 

Keep watching this space.  

Patience rewarded - times two

After a significant period of silence, we are finally able to report that we are so close to the finish line that we can't believe it ourselves. 
Since the last post, more than a month ago, we have experienced disappointment - from a tender price way above our expectations and wallets; irritation - no news on the croft; much activity - a number of phone calls to and from architects, solicitors etc with what felt like no progress.

Now finally we are due to head back to Skye later this weekend with the aim of meeting with the builder, the QS and the architect to agree what our house will look like and cost. 

The bad news - no garage / workshop - this had to be removed to save on costs; A reduced spec on kitchen and bathrooms, not a major disaster; a change to the super-smooth exterior cladding, we can live with that as it's the inside that counts; I will have to work for longer and change the countdown clock from 6 months to 11 months.

The good news - we can still build the house; no change to the footprint so we can still have the living space we want and need; air source heating still within our budget; My contract will be extended but I will reduce to four days a week from January. (My suggestion) There are worse places to live than Clacks and we can get out in the hills, explore more of Scotland and buy and try some snowshoes.

The still to be agreed bits - think we can afford the mezzanine level as long as I keep working, however this will be a more basic room with none of the fittings we had designed in. This is OK as we can do this later if we still want it.  The builder needs six weeks to mobilise and the build will be 36 weeks, could extend this if it reduces the build cost (to be discussed)

So that is the first part and means that the house is now in sight.

Then this morning, out of the blue a letter from our solicitors confirming that the division of the croft has been agreed so we can purchase the tenancy of the six acres of croft as long as we can convince the Crofters Commission that we (Gary) are suitable crofting material. We think we can, so more forms to fill in along with a quick call to Jeremy for his advice. 

Feels like it is finally coming together. 

We have filled our time with a few weekend activities including a swift visit to Plymouth to see family but not friends on this occasion. We will return in the summer and drive back down to pick up a few remaining bits and pieces. Nice to see the family and catch up with what is happening. The following weekend, Gary went on his baking course in Blair Atholl and I climbed Ben Vrackie on the Saturday and we attempted Schiehallion on the Sunday. Saturday was glorious,

The perfect lunch spot en route to Ben Vrackie. Last of the snow at 700m

Ben Vrackie - steeper than it looks from here!

Sunday was ended by a horizontal blizzard that chased us off the mountain. Just a we rounded a corner onto the ridge, blizzard conditions plus 40-50 mph winds came from nowhere. Ice blasted faces and slippy old snow made for an easy decision and back we went to the car. Well exercised and a good path. We will return and climb this one later in the year. 

Here comes the weather

Face recently blasted by ice, snow and wind. Blue skies after the storm.

The bread was wonderful and the guy running the course provided many new recipes, tips and methods. The B&B we stayed in was one of the best we have stayed at and highly recommended. http://www.pitlochrybedandbreakfast.co.uk/benvrackie-b-b.htm 
Very welcoming hosts (Brenda and Colin) comfortable beds and huge and varied selection of goodies for breakfast.We left them some bread and they filled a couple of rolls with ham for us. Liking this exchange / barter thing.

Last weekend, Ian and Jacqueline arrived for a quick visit to escape the gales and rain on the west coast so a nice catch up and good meals and wine. They returned to the boat on Tuesday, the only good day this week weather wise. Forecast for Sunday this weekend includes snow showers and overnight frost. After all it is May. 

Then back to work for four days. 

Anticipation building as we plan what to say and where we might have to compromise. For the last time, fingers crossed that we can progress and who knows there might be some activity ON SITE in the next few weeks.