POSTCARD FROM SCOTLAND
Nature beckons
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Even through pouring rain, the rugged beauty of the Perthshire countryside is breathtaking.
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Photo: D.K. Bhaskar
Rolling meadows: The Scottish countryside.
THE visibility was barely fifty metres and Gordon used all his experience to manoeuvre our vehicle on the motorway. With a typical Scottish accent, he was full of wit and humour. Consider yourself lucky if you caught the jokes though! In contrast to the light-hearted individual next to me, the dull, heavy weather was ruining our drive from Edinburgh.
The otherwise lovely Scottish countryside was nothing but a haze and driving conditions were hazardous. Rolls of grass had been left on the fields by most farmers as they had not anticipated such a torrential downpour. Very soon, we were at the Vane Farm nature reserve and a glimpse from the first floor of the visitor centre gives a wholesome view of this 230 hectares of Wetland, Wet Grassland and Woodland. "We just saw a pair of pink-footed geese", exclaimed Sheryl, a new trainee in the reserve, as I gazed out of the window.
I was eager to explore this beautiful nature reserve amidst the downpour, much to the dismay of the manager. Hot soup, windcheater and a camera, and we were on our way into the surrounding wilderness. Set in the beautiful countryside of Kinross and Birch woods, the walk was long and the climb to the summit of Vane Hill was steep. A panoramic view of the spectacular reserve from the summit was the reward for standing up to the inclement weather. We had counted over 25 species of birds along the hike. The climb down was equally adventurous, as the slippery soil kept us literally on our toes!
No change of plans
Back in the visitor centre, the view through a telescope brought me close to a few birds which had cuddled together to bear the fury of the cold. The weather didn't change through the course of our visit and our plans didn't change either. We embarked on yet another hike to explore the quaint neighbourhood. Surrounded by Perthshire highlands and moors, Aberfeldy is a pretty little town with a character of its own. From here, one can undertake a "Land Rover safari" to the top of the 3,000-ft.-high mountains overlooking the adjoining countryside. Started by Mr. Donald, the adventure safaris give an experience of enjoying breathtaking beauty along with an understanding of and an appreciation for nature.
The terrain was bumpy, along rocky, steep hills and moors. A quiet stream from the mountain was trickling down and the wet weather had completely soaked the surface of the rocks. A line-up of sheep walked up the mountain terrain and birds were chirping away in the quiet woodland forest; the journey was simply a magical experience. Lichens, carnivorous plants, heather, early autumn blooms, excellent vistas came with the package. To our great surprise, the cold weather just disappeared into thin air as the adventure and beauty of the Scottish landscape left us invigorated. Right on top of the summit, Mr. Donald supplied shortbread and the famous Dewars whiskey out of nowhere as we prepared for the adventurous downhill drive.
Spectacular pass
"Make hay while the sun shines", must have positively originated from this part of the world. However, it was one of those days when the sun decided to call it a day! We continued our journey, driving past the small town of Pitlochry. I was soaking up the beauty of county Perthshire. Before I realised, Gordon, my friend had driven me through one of the most spectacular passes I have ever seen. The pass is extremely narrow between high mountains, a rocky channel surrounded by trees with the Garry river running deep beneath. The landscape could not have been more enchanting. Legend has it that a soldier trying to escape from the invading Jacobite army led by Bonnie Dundee in 1689 leapt across the two rocks, and hence the name, soldier's leap. This magnificent wooded gorge is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and lies within the Tummel National Scenic Area and is one of the best places to get close to the elusive and endangered red squirrel. The thundering noise of the river in full flow between the two rocks as it flows down from an adjacent hill just makes you awestruck.
Just what the doctor ordered
Coming back to Aberfeldy, the sweet smell of malt being distilled was invigorating to our senses. The tour of Dewars whiskey distillery was more than what the doctor would have ordered. Maria, a Russian wedded to a Scotsman, knew a lot about the world of whiskeys. An additional attraction is the outstanding interpretation centre, giving the inside stories about the whiskeys.
Back in Aberfeldy, enthusiastic men and women were busy fishing while a few others were assembling for the Friday evening blast! Scotland scintillates with its spectacular landscape, traditions and kind people.
D.K. BHASKAR
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