Pluscarden Abbey
by iandsmith
Tipped off by a fellow VTer, I headed off to Pluscarden Abbey. Here is your actual working abbey, just like it would have been a thousand years ago, albeit with a few modernizations.
I had made my way into the abbey and was admiring the interior when a monk came and went like a ghost in the night. I was absolutely stunned. What should I have done? Said "hello" or "G'day mate"? I knew not. I felt ill at ease because it was a life encounter I had never before experienced.
By the time another one came I had calmed somewhat and managed to reach for my camera, prime it up (being a digital it was switched off just when I needed it) and had it on my tripod just in time to shoot the monk as he, shost-like, ascended the stairs.
Awesome. I was unsure whether to feel triumphant or intrusive. Whatever my final resolution of my predicament was, I had the picture and ultimately was happy that I did.
I hope you enjoy.
Walk back in time
by iandsmith
Claimed to be one of Northern Scotland's most unusual attractions, it's also one that is unique in Britain. Pluscarden Abbey is a little way east of Forres. It is the only medieval monastery in Britain still inhabited by monks and being used for its original purpose. Founded in 1230 by Alexander II, its site in a sheltered, south-facing glen against a background of forested hillside, adds to its beauty. It's a pleasant drive through wooded countryside to Pluscarden and it's something of a surprise that there's only a couple of buildings apart from the abbey. The atmosphere of quiet reflection and of work dedicated to the glory of God is the same today as it was in the thirteenth century when an organised community of monks first came to this part of Morayshire. Under the skilful hands of the present-day brethren, Pluscarden Abbey is a living entity that is returning again to something approaching its former splendour after so long a period of pillage and decay. If you are privileged to visit the Abbey today, you will enjoy not only the beauty of its architecture and its setting, but also something of the restful atmosphere of devotion that has so deeply permeated this little corner of Scotland.
You can clearly see the rehabilitation of the walls in the main chapel, though you are not permitted in there, through the gap in the wall as shown in my second picture.
The third is one of the gravestones, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, that sit inside the main hall, while the fourth cracked me up when I read it, it's the sign inside the gift shop.
Open 9am to 5pm daily.
No admission fee.
The CanCans
by iaint
Local soccer club is Forres Mechanics, playing in the Highland League (one level down from the Scottish leagues).
Colloquially referred to as the Can Cans, and playing against such esoterically named opponents as Clachnacuddin, Inverurie Locos & Wick Academy.
Interestingly, the ground's record attendance is listed as 7,000 and the ground capacity as 6,000.
In spite of its lowly league status, it is unquestionably the best team in Scotland.
My dad was one of its stars in the postwar (WW2, not WW1) years, as were my 3 uncles.
I'm not partisan, though.
I went along to see them play in September 09, with my cousin (a Forres/Findhorn native and CanCan fanatic). They beat Fraserburgh 1-0 and whilst not yet up to English Premiership levels, it was entertaining. No diving or faked injuries, needless to say!
Cost £8 for the stand (that's to sit in it, not to buy the whole structure). I can recommend the Scotch pies and Bovril at half time.
We sneaked into the members' bar after the game and grabbed a couple of pints. There on the wall opposite the bar was a picture of a 1940s team featuring my dad and his! Tons of optimism...
Highland Games
by iaint
Unless the Can Cans produce some unexpected acts of magnificence, the town's sporting event of the year is the annual Highland Games.
You will see Highland dancing competitions, pipe bands, tossing the caber etc, "mainstream" athletics and cycling.
Fun for all the family!
Check the games' website for dates.
Has a reputation for always being held on the wettest weekend of the summer, but I'm sure that's unfair... An umbrella.
Lochindorb
by iaint
Believe me, this is way off the beaten path.
You take the Grantown road (A940) south of town for about 29km, and watch out for the Lochindorb sign on the right. Then you take a single track road for about a mile to the lochside. Don't go in winter if there's snow about!
The loch sits high up on Dava Moor, remote and forbidding. In the middle is an island with a ruined castle - also remote and forbidding. The name means 'Loch of Trouble' in Gaelic and the castle dates back to the 13th century. At the end of the 14th century, it was given by Robert II to his 3rd son - the infamous Wolf of Badenoch (Alexander Stewart) who (among other ill deeds) destroyed Elgin Cathedral.
Great spot for a picnic and walk if the weather is good.
The drive there and back is through delightful countryside - farms, forests and moorlands.
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where the river is calmer
some of the white water
the Leap
looking north
