As a result of missing the ferry to Hoy, I had a free afternoon in Thurso, which happened to be hosting the Caithness County Show. It was very agriculture-focused, with rows of pens of rosette-bearing sheep, cows and bulls. Impressive amounts of shiny farm machinery.
Everyone seemed to be there - young girls competing with great concentration in the highland dancing, accompanied by a teenaged boy piper in full highland dress. Older girls leaping onto running horses in the ring and then showing every which way not to sit on a horse. Nobody was trampled. Exhibitions of flowers, school art, photography, baking. More baking. There were marquees full of mouth-watering entries.
The rest of Thurso is fine but it's just a town. A CTC winged wheel outside the Pentland Hotel. In the museum, a core from the nuclear reactor at Dounreay, surprisingly small at about 25 cm across and 1 metre high - considering it could produce enough power to supply the whole of Thurso. I was glad to have bought my lead-lined radiation-proof underpants with me. You never know when you might need rhem.
Thanks Simon - a great ride. I've really enjoyed your blog.
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