What do you like on your Scottish breakfast?! Also, for subtitles on this video, RUclips is now creating subtitles. To turn them on, click CC, then settings > subtitles > auto-translate.
The Scottish government really needs to give you some honorary position and award, as you have done a wonderful job of advertising Scotland as if it wasn't for RUclips and people like you, many of us wouldn't realize that their is life North of Edinburgh/Glasgow and many now would be thinking about visiting North Scotland. Well done :)
Just so you know, I 78-year-old guy living in the planet known as New Jersey, but I love comfortable adventure, as well as a good scotch and real people and at this point, I’m happy to be able to experiencing some of those things but certainly you’re a real person and I enjoy your videos very much and makes me feel a little bit young again and also like I’m travelingthank you very much, Ruth
Thank you for the very enjoyable trip! I love your enthusiasm!! You make my day. I was telling someone about you and how fun you are and my friend asked me if I was speaking about a friend of mine. I said”Well she’s my friend but too bad- we’ve not met! “. 😂
Ruth, I am so happy to see how many views your uploads are getting! I'm seeing this 8 hours after it posted and almost 13,000 views - WOW! That really shows how great you are at these videos. Fantastic!
a Scottish lass , you are a real treat , lots of life and energy. i appreciate the things you do and places you take us all. Happy Holidays from Pensacola , Florida
Thank you for visiting the far north and your enthusiastic commentary. The shortest street is so short that you walked right past it! Wick river is tidal and when the tide is in otters and seals can sometimes be seen there (opposite Mackay's Hotel). Another unusual feature of the river is that if there is a lot or fresh water coming downriver and the tide is coming in, the river flows both downstream (central part) and upstream (either side) at the same time. PS You are a brave woman setting fire to a pan in that wee van.....
As always, Ruth ... a lovely video. When we walked along the cliffs to see Duncansby Stacks it was in November and on the stony beach at the bottom of the cliff it was very noisy. The reason ? There was a large colony of female seals with their beautiful white furry pups. We felt so blessed to see them. What a privilege. They had wisely chosen a very safe spot because it was entirely inaccessible by humans. Duncansby Stacks is an utterly breathtaking place that leaves you speechless
Ruth, I so enjoy your positive energy, humor, and the history, cultural info, and wonderful insights into Scotland. You are awesome. I live in central California, and it's awesome to learn a bit about where some of my ancestors originated. Thank you.
You passed a place called Dunbeath. It has a heritage centre and cafe. I stopped there once for a coffee and breakfast. Lights were on, 10am, after 100 mile drive. All good, sat down and waited a while. Nobody appeared, so I knocked on the kitchen door and opened it. A Lady looked at Me in my suit, shirt and tie, and said good morning. I enquired, when do you open ? She replied, April, it was only February !
Thank you for another lovely and interesting video, Ruth! I believe John O’groats has the reputation for being the most northerly point because it is just slightly further away from Lands End than Dunnet Head, diametrically speaking and probably by only a few miles, but that may be why. I always watch your videos but don’t always comment. But I am making notes…places to visit etc!
Thank you for showing the very north of Scotland. My grandparents moved from London to live in Scarfskerry, near Dunnet Head, when I was very young in the early Seventies, so many school holidays were spent rock pooling and climbing the cliffs on the north coast. The view of the Orkneys that you had at Dunnet Head, and of Hoy in particular, is pretty much the view from my grandparents' living room. And in the summer the sunsets were spectacular. My grandparents had two crofts, the main one that they lived in and farmed from, and a smaller one that they used as a holiday let. Both were haunted - the main croft allegedly by an old man that the family referred to as Fred, and the smaller one by a young girl who was believed to have lived there in the early 1900s, and who my uncle saw standing at the end of the bed when he stayed there once. Overall, though, a magical place and a little piece of my heart will always be on the north coast of Scotland.
@adrians6488. What special memories of wonderful experiences. You were so lucky to have been able to spend so much time up there. Wow, Dunnet Head is breathtaking. And yes, I too have witnessed spectacular sunsets there. So many people never venture further north than Inverness. The far north of Scotland is God's own country and is lodged in our hearts also. We've had holidays up there twice a year for donkey's years.
@@carolynbasham9749Yes so many people don’t even seem to realise there is ‘norther’ than Inverness when I tell them where I live 🤣🤣 It’s a special part of the world for sure xxx
You're great at showing parts of Scotland no one would consider visiting. Plse keep You're accent its lovely and the knowledge you talk is so interesting. Take Care ❤
You're so good at highlighting everything Scottish. It's amazing what you can prepare inside your van. Good idea to get a fridge. I went down the Whaligoe Steps in October 2022 to celebrate being 70. I d I d it again in September this year at 72. So proud! I love that place. I've been to Dunnet Head 3 times now and just love it. I really enjoyed this video. I guess now I need to purchase Old Pultaney. 😉
I LOOOOVE Scotland, i was there for a year from school, i would go back there after done with school maybe move there & works remotely if i get job like that , love that misty cloudy rainy or cold weather & is sooo nature quite & serene , just love it there🥰😘😍
Another wonderful video, regarding the Duncansby sea stacks there's also a view of a sea arch just to the north of them. If I remember correctly from my geography classes (it's 40 years since I left school) over time the waves will erode the arch and the ceiling will collapse leaving another sea stack. I am feeling very hungry for haggis with neeps and tatties, even though I have eaten this evening. Glad you enjoyed the Old Pulteney.
@@ruthaislingYou can see the arch on the video at 25:10 or 26:49. At the first point look at the bottom of the cliff that juts out just before the stacks. At 26:49 when your drone shot moves over the stacks, to the left of the second stack you see the arch at the bottom of the cliff.
Thanks for another great video Ruth. I live in north Scotland & some of the places, like the steps down to that harbour, are unknown to me. I agree there should be no orange beans with a scottish breakfast. Keep it simple. I cycled the NW500 in 1990, years before it became crazy famous. My bro was the back-up man in my Mk2 Golf GTi, we camped, stayed in hostels, we had a great time. Thanks again - you inspire me to go again in my camper van [off-season of course] next year. Have a great Christmas, & & a wonderful 2025, with lots more videos to come!😀
"This is better then Sawny Bean's ravioli" 🤣🤣🤣 Seriously, my Grandfather was born in Stevenston, Scotland and came to Michigan. He would recite the "Address to a Haggis" at the Robert Burn's suppers at St. Andrew's in Detroit.
I've always lived by the old adage, "Beer before whiskey, mighty risky." When you opened the whiskey, I found myself saying, "No, no, no" to my computer screen. You survived. Thanks for sharing your travels. Merry Christmas.
Hi Ruth. Me and Yvonne loved this video. The views, the burial mounds and Haggis should be an option on a Scottish breakfast. RE John O Groats, when you look at Scotland on a map or Atlas etc, yes John O Groats appears more Northerly. But the Earth is tilted on an axis of slightly over 23 degrees and thus Dunnet Head is slightly higher. Like I mentioned, great video Ruth. ❤.
Watch out Ruth with a knife and Haggis. Hahaha!!!!😂 What a trip!! I love your videos. I really needed a good laugh and adventure. Enjoy your winter celebrations ❄️☃️🎄🪵🔥. Have a Jolly New Year 🎊!!!!
Thank you, Ruth, for visiting this area! The Caithness countryside seems so empty today, but it is filled with rich and ancient history and has been home to so many lives. My paternal grandfather’s parents came from Ulbster and Latheronwheel, so I have generations of ancestors who were crofters, fishermen, joiners and boat builders in the surrounding hamlets, including Whaligoe. My own family history shows how many people moved to the those purpose-built fishing villages of Caithness and Sutherland in the 18th and 19th century when they were forced off of their inland crofts during the Clearances, and people migrated from the Hebrides, Shetland, Orkney, and the Scandinavian countries for seasonal work and trade during the herring runs. It must have been such a tough life. If ever I get whiny about my lot in life, I remind myself of my foremothers gutting fish and carrying those huge baskets up the Whaligoe steps, my forefathers risking their lives fishing in small boats off of that rough coastline, and their children scaling those cliffs for seabird eggs. I love to think, though, that my many ancestors of long ago helped build those cairns and megalithic structures, brochs and castles, and would feel great pride if they could know that part of what they built still stands to this day.
Brilliant video as always!! Beautiful scenery!! Scottish tourism should be making you an ambassador for all the free advertising you are doing for the country. Hope all is well, take care of yourself
I'm writing/typing this from Newtonmore prior to heading to Caithness. I love the top of Scotland, but since the 'discovery' (creation) of the NC500 I no longer come in the summer as the roads can be too busy with people 'on a mission'. Whereas in deepest December you really do have to be committed...but the snowy landscapes can be so rewarding.
Yes the Nc500 has a lot to answer for! Although it seems year on year it’s quieting down on the route but certain places are always busy compared to others in the route. I personally think winter is such a wonderful time to explore up here. Have fun!! Xx
@@ruthaisling aye it's no bad.. Great if your into fishing like myself.. My local angling club run those wee hill lochs you were parked at up at dunnet head... I've got quite a few videos of them from this summer on my channel if you'd care to have a wee looky ☺.. All the best.. Ross 🍻
Aww Ruth so jealous we done the NC500 in July It's a pity you didn't bump in to Davy at the whalegoe step he's such a character. Best part of our trip was Sandwood bay my only regret was I never took a tent to stay on the beach A nice place to stay is Dunbeath harbour toilets open all the time handy if your in a campervan Keep up the good work love your videos fantastic better go now I'm starving watching you eat your haggis Take care x
Ruth, since you are a Scottish lassie, giving us some Excellent content. Perhaps you could include some typical Scottish bagpipes music & maybe some traditional fiddle tunes as well. I am sure your viewers would appreciate it. Tks for the vids.
Took a tour of Scotland and visited some of these places. My wife and I loved it and you are right, just about anywhere you turn there is a castle or castle ruin. They served Haggis in a little meatball with some kind of sauce. Could have been a whiskey sauce. My wife isn't a fan of haggis, but I didn't mind it with the sauce. Another guy on the tour and I ate all the haggis the others at the table didn't want.
Thank you, Ruth! This is the very first video I've ever seen that focused on the very north of Scotland. (Was unaware of Lybster.) Plenty of vids that covered the Loch Ness area (for obvious reasons), but none, like yours, that featured the most northern part of wonderful Scotland. Thank you again! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
I agree! Loads of videos of Glencoe and Loch Ness and such but here in the very far north there’s not so many videos about it here. It’s a wonderful area
Another wonderful video, rich content, pro production. We enjoy the north too, but agree that you must pick the right times to avoid the crowds. Like everything in most Scottish breakfasts, except the haggis. We especially like good tattie scones. Less castles for us. Thanks for sharing another adventure, and for being such a refreshing Scottish ambassador.
I believe that JO'G is the northeastern point in the same way as LE is the most southwesterly point. Purely a tourist concept for the diagonal journey.
As a foreigner, This is another great and interesting video from a neighboring country that I don’t know much about. What an Interesting travel, off the beaten track.
“…usually when hung over” is a much better thing than “…usually when drunk”. Do you think you will ever head over to the western part of the top of Scotland, such as Durness and Cape Wrath? My grandmother’s last name was McKay and I’ve had a little of a fascination for that region. (Even though I know I’m so far removed from a clan, still…)
Just to think our Ancestors spent the time to build those stone structures. They had to be important to them, or they were really bored. Doubt the bored because time was limited. They needed the time doing things to survive live hunting, fishing, gathering food stuffs, protecting themselves, taking care of Family, making clothing, and-so-much more.......
@@ruthaisling Very interesting thought, (back RUclipsrs). Love the comment. And Yes, I would love to see my Ancestors at work and play. It would be precious to see an Ancestral Grandmother and/or Grandfather as a child at play or as a baby in Ancestral Grandmother's or Grandfather's arm.
I'm absolutely delighted to have found someone else who isn't keen on baked beans. I was beginning to think I was the only person in history who doesn't think they're The Greatest Food Ever.
Nothing better on a sunday evening before a stressful week to watch one of your videos, drink a whiskey and just learn interesting stuff! Knew about Old Pulteney, had no idea where it would be, so always more interesting stuff to take in. I also have a few new bottles of whiskey on my way... so looking forward already to the next video! :D
Ruth is a national treasure :) But I'm surprised this is her first visit to the far north. I worked in Thurso - well Dounreay - for several months in the early 90s, so passed places like Lybster (I thought it was pronounced 'Lie-b-ster). And I remember calling my mum from Thurso harbour and telling her I was looking at the Orkney Islands! As for John O'Groats not being the furthest north or northeast, it's simple. It's where the ferry left for the Orkneys. From memory, it was named after a Dutchman, Jan de Groot, who set up the ferry service. But Ruth really needs to go up to the far north coast. Head along to places like Armadale and Strathy Point.
@@janettesinclair6279 Actually I realised after typing that comment that I can't have passed Lybster as the road to Thurso turns off before. But of course the road sign must have showed it as the other direction.
So great reliving portions of my August trip through this video Ruth. After some horrid weather on Orkney (did see all the stones and settlements) I spent some time in Wick, very near Old Pulteney. Did the stacks (amazing) and lighthouse and had a meal at Mackays's (pretty good) and the smallest street. Sorry to have missed that castle though, it looked impressive. Spent a morning at John O' Groats (so touristy) and I can only think that some enterprising businessman/landowner decided to claim it was the top of Scotland to make a few bucks. Great video... I so enjoy your stuff and haggis in the van...WOW!
With my claustrophobia, you could not pay me enough to go inside that cairn! But this was another great video. You do such wonderful work. Happy Holidays from the US Midwest!
That sounds like an incredible adventure! The North Coast 500 really is a gorgeous route, particularly with the breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands.
That was very entertaining and funny. I like the part about the World's shortest street and when you were sampling the beer and cooking the haggis. But I like all of the video which was also quite educational. You have a very pleasant and fun personality Thank You.
OOh I loved this video, it had everything in it! Castle, harbours, seaside, whisky, neolthic history (my fave) and veggie food! I like those MacSweens haggis I often have them for Christmas dinner. My only Scottish rellie lives in Lybster and the Whaligoe Steps are where Christian Lewis (Chris Walks the UK, took him 6 yrs, for charity) met his partner after he'd landed back from Orkney & Shetland & she did the following years walk with him even having a baby along the way! A lot of us followed that journey & read his subsequent books. Ruth you make me smile so much I really enjoy watching you, a fabulous episode! xxx
Another fantastic Vlog Ruth. Quality content, excellent filming, dialogue. Your overall presentation is outstanding. You find amazing scenery and places to visit along with the wonderful history Well done on the tunnel exploration and those Whaligoe Steps, down to the harbor. Great to get your first single malt Whiskey from Wick local , and a lot cheaper than Tesco too. Loved the shortest street. Interesting to hear about the herring industry . The Castle St Clair was impressive . You get some amazing drone footage, the lighthouse and sea stacks are incredible at Duncansby. Great filming at Dunnet Head even though you couldn’t use the drone. What a great van set up you have. Your top looks good and great cooking skills Well Done Ruth Thank You for sharing
I’m with you on the beans. Great with a pie but a no no with breakfast. I always ask for my breakfast without beans. A Scottish breakfast should have a tattie scone and probably sliced sausage rather than links. Looked good though. Safe travels ❤❤.
Yet another very interesting adventure I would be very colosterphobic going into the Cairns but they are so old and intersting Id love to see them .The sea stacks were indeed amazing thanks for showing us .
I have spent plenty of time up that way and have done the old pulteney tour, you must try the 21 year old! I'm not a fan of peated whisky but do love the likes of pulteney, dalmore etc. Also love the band T-shirt at the end as I have history with them 😀
As Canadians, my wife and I discovered Old Pulteney whisky while we were living in Glasgow during my academic sabbatical in 2010. The original discovery wasn’t the single malt, but rather their scotch liquer, akin to Drambuie but less sweet and syrupy. We then tried the OP single malt and it’s now my wife’s favourite. Thankfully I can buy it here in Ontario and have one tucked away as a Christmas gift for her. During my sabbatical time there and subsequent trips to Scotland, we travelled some of the same routes and places as you, including spending several days in the Orkney’s and driving across the north coast as you are on this trip. It was less busy during our time and very enjoyable. Thank you for these vlogs - we will be back!
Curious to know how you celebrate the holidays in Scotland. Hope you can share some of your holiday or Christmas videos! Love from the Philippines 🇵🇭 ❤❤❤
A tip regarding mashed potatoes. I have for several years now been buying Idahoan Mashed Potato. Every supermarket sells it in a packet. They do the Buttery one that I buy, but others with herbs etc. Just add boiling water and stir to thicken. Much better value than the Tesco one and easy to make. I have it with virtually every dinner.
Darn. I wish I had watched this video yesterday because I just ordered side sleeper masks. I will bookmark it & if I don't like the ones I purchased I will buy these. Thank you for all the tips & information you share.
What do you like on your Scottish breakfast?!
Also, for subtitles on this video, RUclips is now creating subtitles. To turn them on, click CC, then settings > subtitles > auto-translate.
I went 1 further when I was last in Scotland, haggis AND black pudding, but you can keep those plumb tomatoes (gross)
Defo needs haggis and black pudding. Baked beans should be in a ramekin and those tinned tomatoes can get in the bin ..great video again Ruth ❤
@colinallan2450 amen to this
@@colinallan2450 Yes, a ramekin is such a good idea, I'm going to ask for that next time!
@@ruthaisling yes Ruth for sure and I do love your new top.the ladies were right. It looks fabulous and a bargain at £8
The Scottish government really needs to give you some honorary position and award, as you have done a wonderful job of advertising Scotland as if it wasn't for RUclips and people like you, many of us wouldn't realize that their is life North of Edinburgh/Glasgow and many now would be thinking about visiting North Scotland. Well done :)
Ruth got caught in Edinburgh with the L.E.Z. I got caught in Edinburgh but I knew what the fine would be as she said in 1 of her videos 😂😂😂
@@itsmephil2255 Lol, and true, that does go to show, local knowledge helps 😆
@dylancarter1831 100% true, Ruth knows the whole of Scotland it seems 😂😂
@@itsmephil2255 Hope you got your 50% discount haha!
@ruthaisling ohhhh if only 😂
Thanks! The next breakfast is on me. Haggis, no beans. 😀
Haha thanks very much Curt! Definitly no beans next time!
@@ruthaisling 😂
You make me want to jump on a plane and follow you around on your ventures. I like the out-of-the-way places better than the cities - lovely videos!
Just so you know, I 78-year-old guy living in the planet known as New Jersey, but I love comfortable adventure, as well as a good scotch and real people and at this point, I’m happy to be able to experiencing some of those things but certainly you’re a real person and I enjoy your videos very much and makes me feel a little bit young again and also like I’m travelingthank you very much, Ruth
Thanks so much for watching all the way from New Jersey!
Thank you for the very enjoyable trip! I love your enthusiasm!! You make my day. I was telling someone about you and how fun you are and my friend asked me if I was speaking about a friend of mine. I said”Well she’s my friend but too bad- we’ve not met! “. 😂
@@annesickinger8298😂😂
I love your comment from one real person to another
"I don't tend to eat Scottish breakfasts that often...usually when I'm hung over." Who else could it be but Ruth Aisling? Splendid episode.
Hehe!
Another beautiful video in the bags. Ruth is a sunshine and mood Lifter.! The top suited you well!
Thanks Phil, glad you liked this video!
Watching you cook slightly tipsy was a delight! 😀
She's made quite an impression on that bottle. We need more of Ruth's tipsy cooking escapades.😂😂
@@jones1409 I wholeheartedly agree with that! She's very giggly and her accent is harder to understand, so much fun to watch, lol!
Ruth, I am so happy to see how many views your uploads are getting! I'm seeing this 8 hours after it posted and almost 13,000 views - WOW! That really shows how great you are at these videos. Fantastic!
Thanks very much Jim!
a Scottish lass , you are a real treat , lots of life and energy. i appreciate the things you do and places you take us all. Happy Holidays from Pensacola , Florida
Thanks for watching from Florida!
Thank you for visiting the far north and your enthusiastic commentary. The shortest street is so short that you walked right past it! Wick river is tidal and when the tide is in otters and seals can sometimes be seen there (opposite Mackay's Hotel). Another unusual feature of the river is that if there is a lot or fresh water coming downriver and the tide is coming in, the river flows both downstream (central part) and upstream (either side) at the same time. PS You are a brave woman setting fire to a pan in that wee van.....
Thanks for the tips!
Ohhh I didn’t know that about the tides! I will watch out for that next time Iam in Wick! Was there today actually!! 🤣
@@thehighlandlife2023 It doesn't happen often, and just at the right time of the incoming tide, but it is quite amazing to watch.
As always, Ruth ... a lovely video. When we walked along the cliffs to see Duncansby Stacks it was in November and on the stony beach at the bottom of the cliff it was very noisy. The reason ? There was a large colony of female seals with their beautiful white furry pups. We felt so blessed to see them. What a privilege. They had wisely chosen a very safe spot because it was entirely inaccessible by humans. Duncansby Stacks is an utterly breathtaking place that leaves you speechless
I agree! Such a special place and what a wonderful sight for you 🦭
Ruth, I so enjoy your positive energy, humor, and the history, cultural info, and wonderful insights into Scotland. You are awesome. I live in central California, and it's awesome to learn a bit about where some of my ancestors originated. Thank you.
Thanks Charl, so glad you like the videos! Have you been to Scotland?
Not yet. But I hope to. You're helping me make plans. Happy Holidays and a wonderful 2025. @ruthaisling
It's nice to see Scotland so charmingly presented. I can almost feel both the cold outside and the warmth in the campervan.
Especially this time of year, so glad to have the heater in my van!
You passed a place called Dunbeath. It has a heritage centre and cafe. I stopped there once for a coffee and breakfast. Lights were on, 10am, after 100 mile drive. All good, sat down and waited a while. Nobody appeared, so I knocked on the kitchen door and opened it. A Lady looked at Me in my suit, shirt and tie, and said good morning. I enquired, when do you open ? She replied, April, it was only February !
Just too funny 😂
That’s so funny! I know Dunbeath well as I live up here. They are a friendly bunch in the village.
Thank you for another lovely and interesting video, Ruth! I believe John O’groats has the reputation for being the most northerly point because it is just slightly further away from Lands End than Dunnet Head, diametrically speaking and probably by only a few miles, but that may be why. I always watch your videos but don’t always comment. But I am making notes…places to visit etc!
I have driven past Whaligoe Steps hundreds of times, but didn’t know they were there. Thank you Ruth, for showing us the steps.
There’s so many awesome places around that area 😍
You'll need to stop next time!
Thank you for showing the very north of Scotland. My grandparents moved from London to live in Scarfskerry, near Dunnet Head, when I was very young in the early Seventies, so many school holidays were spent rock pooling and climbing the cliffs on the north coast. The view of the Orkneys that you had at Dunnet Head, and of Hoy in particular, is pretty much the view from my grandparents' living room. And in the summer the sunsets were spectacular.
My grandparents had two crofts, the main one that they lived in and farmed from, and a smaller one that they used as a holiday let. Both were haunted - the main croft allegedly by an old man that the family referred to as Fred, and the smaller one by a young girl who was believed to have lived there in the early 1900s, and who my uncle saw standing at the end of the bed when he stayed there once.
Overall, though, a magical place and a little piece of my heart will always be on the north coast of Scotland.
@adrians6488. What special memories of wonderful experiences. You were so lucky to have been able to spend so much time up there. Wow, Dunnet Head is breathtaking. And yes, I too have witnessed spectacular sunsets there. So many people never venture further north than Inverness. The far north of Scotland is God's own country and is lodged in our hearts also. We've had holidays up there twice a year for donkey's years.
@@carolynbasham9749Yes so many people don’t even seem to realise there is ‘norther’ than Inverness when I tell them where I live 🤣🤣 It’s a special part of the world for sure xxx
You're great at showing parts of Scotland no one would consider visiting. Plse keep You're accent its lovely and the knowledge you talk is so interesting. Take Care ❤
Thank you! 😃
You're so good at highlighting everything Scottish. It's amazing what you can prepare inside your van. Good idea to get a fridge. I went down the Whaligoe Steps in October 2022 to celebrate being 70. I d I d it again in September this year at 72. So proud! I love that place. I've been to Dunnet Head 3 times now and just love it. I really enjoyed this video. I guess now I need to purchase Old Pultaney. 😉
Well done doing those steps! And yes, you need to get a bottle🥃
You've reminded me how much I miss my late partner's whisky sauce with haggis, tatties and neeps! I fell in love wit Scottish square sausage too! 👍👍👍
Are you going to try out the recipe?!
I LOOOOVE Scotland, i was there for a year from school, i would go back there after done with school maybe move there & works remotely if i get job like that , love that misty cloudy rainy or cold weather & is sooo nature quite & serene , just love it there🥰😘😍
I like the misty and cloud weather too sometimes!
Another wonderful video, regarding the Duncansby sea stacks there's also a view of a sea arch just to the north of them. If I remember correctly from my geography classes (it's 40 years since I left school) over time the waves will erode the arch and the ceiling will collapse leaving another sea stack.
I am feeling very hungry for haggis with neeps and tatties, even though I have eaten this evening. Glad you enjoyed the Old Pulteney.
Oh I didn't know about the arch, I should have walked further! Burns night soon!
@@ruthaislingYou can see the arch on the video at 25:10 or 26:49. At the first point look at the bottom of the cliff that juts out just before the stacks. At 26:49 when your drone shot moves over the stacks, to the left of the second stack you see the arch at the bottom of the cliff.
I really enjoy traveling with you to the home of my heart. With love from Alberta, Canada ❤
Thanks for watching from Canada!
Thanks for another great video Ruth. I live in north Scotland & some of the places, like the steps down to that harbour, are unknown to me. I agree there should be no orange beans with a scottish breakfast. Keep it simple. I cycled the NW500 in 1990, years before it became crazy famous. My bro was the back-up man in my Mk2 Golf GTi, we camped, stayed in hostels, we had a great time. Thanks again - you inspire me to go again in my camper van [off-season of course] next year. Have a great Christmas, & & a wonderful 2025, with lots more videos to come!😀
"This is better then Sawny Bean's ravioli" 🤣🤣🤣 Seriously, my Grandfather was born in Stevenston, Scotland and came to Michigan. He would recite the "Address to a Haggis" at the Robert Burn's suppers at St. Andrew's in Detroit.
I only know the first verse haha, I need to learn the seond verse at some point!
I've always lived by the old adage, "Beer before whiskey, mighty risky." When you opened the whiskey, I found myself saying, "No, no, no" to my computer screen. You survived. Thanks for sharing your travels. Merry Christmas.
Haha thank you 😊 and Merry Christmas to you!
Hi Ruth. Me and Yvonne loved this video. The views, the burial mounds and Haggis should be an option on a Scottish breakfast. RE John O Groats, when you look at Scotland on a map or Atlas etc, yes John O Groats appears more Northerly. But the Earth is tilted on an axis of slightly over 23 degrees and thus Dunnet Head is slightly higher. Like I mentioned, great video Ruth. ❤.
thanks for the info!
Thank you for showing us my dream country Scotland. One day I will visit it. Greetings from Germany with the dram of nice peated Scotch whisky.
Enjoy your whisky!
Shotsさんと一緒にいた時のルースさんが生き生きしていて好き❤
I was there at Old Pulteney. Bought some and a tee shirt. Yes that area was beautiful. Ate at John o' groats
Im 53 now, and im considering retiring to Scotland when i can
Thanks to your videos, im seeing so many places to visit, you are the best Ruth 🫶🏼
Thanks Phil, lots of nice palces to choose from. It seems you are doing a great exploring lots of them already!
@ruthaisling I have some spare time in my hands at the moment, so might as well
Been to Scotland a few times, it really is an amazing place
@@itsmephil2255Scotland is so special!
@thehighlandlife2023 it really is
Ruth, your cheery nature makes all your videos a joy to watch. Love to you from Australia.
Watch out Ruth with a knife and Haggis. Hahaha!!!!😂 What a trip!! I love your videos. I really needed a good laugh and adventure. Enjoy your winter celebrations ❄️☃️🎄🪵🔥. Have a Jolly New Year 🎊!!!!
Thanks Sandra! Have a nice holiday season too!
Ruth. You showed that corner of these islands in a very good light, not just the sunset, that was extra. Most enjoyable! Bye!
Thanks David!
We really love your video adventures. Thank you for sharing them with us.
Thanks for watching Toby!
I agree with you on the beans. The plum tomatoes are good though.
Beans are a must. And hash browns should be additional to tattie scones.
Oh yes love a tattie scone!
Thank you, Ruth, for visiting this area! The Caithness countryside seems so empty today, but it is filled with rich and ancient history and has been home to so many lives. My paternal grandfather’s parents came from Ulbster and Latheronwheel, so I have generations of ancestors who were crofters, fishermen, joiners and boat builders in the surrounding hamlets, including Whaligoe. My own family history shows how many people moved to the those purpose-built fishing villages of Caithness and Sutherland in the 18th and 19th century when they were forced off of their inland crofts during the Clearances, and people migrated from the Hebrides, Shetland, Orkney, and the Scandinavian countries for seasonal work and trade during the herring runs. It must have been such a tough life. If ever I get whiny about my lot in life, I remind myself of my foremothers gutting fish and carrying those huge baskets up the Whaligoe steps, my forefathers risking their lives fishing in small boats off of that rough coastline, and their children scaling those cliffs for seabird eggs. I love to think, though, that my many ancestors of long ago helped build those cairns and megalithic structures, brochs and castles, and would feel great pride if they could know that part of what they built still stands to this day.
Brilliant video as always!! Beautiful scenery!!
Scottish tourism should be making you an ambassador for all the free advertising you are doing for the country.
Hope all is well, take care of yourself
I'm writing/typing this from Newtonmore prior to heading to Caithness. I love the top of Scotland, but since the 'discovery' (creation) of the NC500 I no longer come in the summer as the roads can be too busy with people 'on a mission'. Whereas in deepest December you really do have to be committed...but the snowy landscapes can be so rewarding.
Yes the Nc500 has a lot to answer for! Although it seems year on year it’s quieting down on the route but certain places are always busy compared to others in the route. I personally think winter is such a wonderful time to explore up here. Have fun!! Xx
Lovely to see you up our neck of the woods.. Great video Ruth 👍
Thanks so much, what a lovely area to live!
This is what I thought!!!
@@ruthaisling aye it's no bad.. Great if your into fishing like myself.. My local angling club run those wee hill lochs you were parked at up at dunnet head... I've got quite a few videos of them from this summer on my channel if you'd care to have a wee looky ☺..
All the best..
Ross 🍻
Thanks
The OP whisky bottles are the shape of a pot-still. 👍
Ahhhhh, I didn't notice that until I read your comment, how cool!
Aww Ruth so jealous we done the NC500 in July It's a pity you didn't bump in to Davy at the whalegoe step he's such a character. Best part of our trip was Sandwood bay my only regret was I never took a tent to stay on the beach A nice place to stay is Dunbeath harbour toilets open all the time handy if your in a campervan Keep up the good work love your videos fantastic better go now I'm starving watching you eat your haggis Take care x
Sounds like you had a super trip!
Hello! from Chicago! ABSOUUTELY LOVE YOUR VOLOGS/CHANNEL! 🥰😍😍yeah they can skip on the beans for me as well. but not the Haggis!
Thanks so much for watching from Chicago!
Love your videos, glad you enjoyed your haggis and especially the whisky xx
Ruth, since you are a Scottish lassie, giving us some Excellent content. Perhaps you could include some typical Scottish bagpipes music & maybe some traditional fiddle tunes as well. I am sure your viewers would appreciate it. Tks for the vids.
Hi Ruth, I'm with you, beans have no place on a breakfast plate. Where was the black pudding and tottie scones.
Tattie scones are the best part! I think I prefered the Edinburgh breakfast but I'm not a fan of the fried bread.
Beans with every meal!
Took a tour of Scotland and visited some of these places. My wife and I loved it and you are right, just about anywhere you turn there is a castle or castle ruin. They served Haggis in a little meatball with some kind of sauce. Could have been a whiskey sauce. My wife isn't a fan of haggis, but I didn't mind it with the sauce. Another guy on the tour and I ate all the haggis the others at the table didn't want.
Thank you, Ruth! This is the very first video I've ever seen that focused on the very north of Scotland. (Was unaware of Lybster.) Plenty of vids that covered the Loch Ness area (for obvious reasons), but none, like yours, that featured the most northern part of wonderful Scotland. Thank you again! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Thanks Ben, glad you enjoyed this one!
I agree! Loads of videos of Glencoe and Loch Ness and such but here in the very far north there’s not so many videos about it here. It’s a wonderful area
@@ruthaisling 😀
You made a good choice in whisky, lovely dram and probably one of the best value for money you can buy.
Totally agree on the beans on Scottish Breakfast 😂
Haha, good to know I'm not the only one!
Old Pulteney! One of my favourites - what a great choice. Watching you cook your haggis supper was fun too! Brilliant stuff, Ruth.
Glad you enjoyed it!! 🥃
No baked beans. Haggis, black pudding, beef ham, smoked bacon, sausage, soda scone, mushrooms and two fried eggs. That's a Scottish breakfast.
Soda scone sounds good too!
Yes, this 👏🏼
Loved this video and watching you cook inside your van. These videos are so comforting and your voice is very soothing too Ruth.
Another wonderful video, rich content, pro production. We enjoy the north too, but agree that you must pick the right times to avoid the crowds. Like everything in most Scottish breakfasts, except the haggis. We especially like good tattie scones. Less castles for us. Thanks for sharing another adventure, and for being such a refreshing Scottish ambassador.
Thanks very much, totally agree about the tattie scones!
Great video. Have wonderful memories of a family road trip in 1968 that included John O’Groats. Thank you 😊
Glad you enjoyed it!
I believe that JO'G is the northeastern point in the same way as LE is the most southwesterly point. Purely a tourist concept for the diagonal journey.
You've just reminded me that the trip is sometimes called LEJOG. I suppose the opposite direction is JOGLE 😃
Oh that makes sense, thanks for sharing about it!
@@caw25sha🤣🤣🤣🤣
I fell in love with Dunnet Head and wanted to move there. There is a cove somewhere near there where the seals sing.
I can't imagine hauling fish up all those steps. Great vid as usual. Thanks.
They must have been very fit and strong!
If I remember rightly, I’m sure it was the local women who hauled the fish, in baskets on their backs, up those stairs!
@@duncanbrough1455it was!!
@@duncanbrough1455you are right - old photos show women doing it there - the men were on the boats.
As a foreigner, This is another great and interesting video from a neighboring country that I don’t know much about. What an Interesting travel, off the beaten track.
“…usually when hung over” is a much better thing than “…usually when drunk”.
Do you think you will ever head over to the western part of the top of Scotland, such as Durness and Cape Wrath? My grandmother’s last name was McKay and I’ve had a little of a fascination for that region. (Even though I know I’m so far removed from a clan, still…)
I'd love to visit there sometime, maybe a plan for next year!
Definitely needs more cowbells and camper van cooking with Scottish Whiskey. A fun video! Thanks.
Haha thanks! 😂
Just to think our Ancestors spent the time to build those stone structures. They had to be important to them, or they were really bored. Doubt the bored because time was limited. They needed the time doing things to survive live hunting, fishing, gathering food stuffs, protecting themselves, taking care of Family, making clothing, and-so-much more.......
It would be interesting if we could watch back RUclipsrs from that time haha!
@@ruthaisling Very interesting thought, (back RUclipsrs). Love the comment. And Yes, I would love to see my Ancestors at work and play. It would be precious to see an Ancestral Grandmother and/or Grandfather as a child at play or as a baby in Ancestral Grandmother's or Grandfather's arm.
That was so fun to watch; esp the cooking portion😅😅😅
I'm absolutely delighted to have found someone else who isn't keen on baked beans. I was beginning to think I was the only person in history who doesn't think they're The Greatest Food Ever.
I think the breakfast would be better without them, I might ask for no beans next time haha!
No no no, I loath the little beasts, I’m with you.😊
Properly prepared, baked beans are a delicacy. "Boston baked beans" as we have in the States.
Very familiar with Caithness. So much to see and do . Always nice to see and hear about the area.
Ooooh Ruth!! A video specially for me!!! How exciting! I can’t wait to see this! Fantastic- the k you
Haha, enjoy this one Katy!
@@ruthaislingthat was super! I’ve only just managed to watch it today! We’ve had so many guests recently! It was absolutely super!
You go to some amazing places i am Scottish but i am still in awe of all the great historic places you take us too ..
I’m so pleased 😀
Haggis and whisky. Yippee.
Woohoo!
Nothing better on a sunday evening before a stressful week to watch one of your videos, drink a whiskey and just learn interesting stuff! Knew about Old Pulteney, had no idea where it would be, so always more interesting stuff to take in. I also have a few new bottles of whiskey on my way... so looking forward already to the next video! :D
I think it was often women who carried the fish up the Whaligoe steps…
Yes, I’ve heard that 👍 doing the hard work 😓
I love the monkey shoulder for making my bbq beef. Adds a unique full body flavor to the beef
Ruth is a national treasure :) But I'm surprised this is her first visit to the far north. I worked in Thurso - well Dounreay - for several months in the early 90s, so passed places like Lybster (I thought it was pronounced 'Lie-b-ster). And I remember calling my mum from Thurso harbour and telling her I was looking at the Orkney Islands!
As for John O'Groats not being the furthest north or northeast, it's simple. It's where the ferry left for the Orkneys. From memory, it was named after a Dutchman, Jan de Groot, who set up the ferry service.
But Ruth really needs to go up to the far north coast. Head along to places like Armadale and Strathy Point.
It is Lie -bster, you are right.
Thanks for the info!
@@janettesinclair6279 Actually I realised after typing that comment that I can't have passed Lybster as the road to Thurso turns off before. But of course the road sign must have showed it as the other direction.
Totally with you on the baked beans- spoils my breakfast so I usually ask them to hold the baked beans.
So great reliving portions of my August trip through this video Ruth. After some horrid weather on Orkney (did see all the stones and settlements) I spent some time in Wick, very near Old Pulteney. Did the stacks (amazing) and lighthouse and had a meal at Mackays's (pretty good) and the smallest street. Sorry to have missed that castle though, it looked impressive. Spent a morning at John O' Groats (so touristy) and I can only think that some enterprising businessman/landowner decided to claim it was the top of Scotland to make a few bucks. Great video... I so enjoy your stuff and haggis in the van...WOW!
With my claustrophobia, you could not pay me enough to go inside that cairn! But this was another great video. You do such wonderful work. Happy Holidays from the US Midwest!
That sounds like an incredible adventure! The North Coast 500 really is a gorgeous route, particularly with the breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands.
That was very entertaining and funny. I like the part about the World's shortest street and when you were sampling the beer and cooking the haggis. But I like all of the video which was also quite educational. You have a very pleasant and fun personality Thank You.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you 🙏
OOh I loved this video, it had everything in it! Castle, harbours, seaside, whisky, neolthic history (my fave) and veggie food! I like those MacSweens haggis I often have them for Christmas dinner. My only Scottish rellie lives in Lybster and the Whaligoe Steps are where Christian Lewis (Chris Walks the UK, took him 6 yrs, for charity) met his partner after he'd landed back from Orkney & Shetland & she did the following years walk with him even having a baby along the way! A lot of us followed that journey & read his subsequent books. Ruth you make me smile so much I really enjoy watching you, a fabulous episode! xxx
Another fantastic Vlog Ruth. Quality content, excellent filming, dialogue. Your overall presentation is outstanding. You find amazing scenery and places to visit along with the wonderful history
Well done on the tunnel exploration and those Whaligoe Steps, down to the harbor.
Great to get your first single malt Whiskey from Wick local , and a lot cheaper than Tesco too.
Loved the shortest street. Interesting to hear about the herring industry .
The Castle St Clair was impressive .
You get some amazing drone footage, the lighthouse and sea stacks are incredible at Duncansby.
Great filming at Dunnet Head even though you couldn’t use the drone.
What a great van set up you have. Your top looks good and great cooking skills
Well Done Ruth Thank You for sharing
Thanks Clive, it was a fun trip
We love watching you videos and travels! Hope you get some time off and enjoy the holidays! A happy and healthy new year!
That's very kind of you, thanks! I'm glad you enjoy the videos!
I’m with you on the beans. Great with a pie but a no no with breakfast. I always ask for my breakfast without beans. A Scottish breakfast should have a tattie scone and probably sliced sausage rather than links. Looked good though.
Safe travels ❤❤.
Yet another very interesting adventure I would be very colosterphobic going into the Cairns but they are so old and intersting Id love to see them .The sea stacks were indeed amazing thanks for showing us .
I have spent plenty of time up that way and have done the old pulteney tour, you must try the 21 year old! I'm not a fan of peated whisky but do love the likes of pulteney, dalmore etc. Also love the band T-shirt at the end as I have history with them 😀
As Canadians, my wife and I discovered Old Pulteney whisky while we were living in Glasgow during my academic sabbatical in 2010. The original discovery wasn’t the single malt, but rather their scotch liquer, akin to Drambuie but less sweet and syrupy. We then tried the OP single malt and it’s now my wife’s favourite. Thankfully I can buy it here in Ontario and have one tucked away as a Christmas gift for her.
During my sabbatical time there and subsequent trips to Scotland, we travelled some of the same routes and places as you, including spending several days in the Orkney’s and driving across the north coast as you are on this trip. It was less busy during our time and very enjoyable. Thank you for these vlogs - we will be back!
Great Christmas present! Thanks for watching 😊
Curious to know how you celebrate the holidays in Scotland. Hope you can share some of your holiday or Christmas videos! Love from the Philippines 🇵🇭 ❤❤❤
One such video every day should be nice !
Greetings from Belgium.
If you ever want a American travel partner I would be ready in a minute. Since that will never happen I will just enjoy your lovely videos !
A tip regarding mashed potatoes. I have for several years now been buying Idahoan Mashed Potato. Every supermarket sells it in a packet. They do the Buttery one that I buy, but others with herbs etc. Just add boiling water and stir to thicken. Much better value than the Tesco one and easy to make. I have it with virtually every dinner.
I’m 100% with you on the claustrophobia! And it’s so pretty outside and plenty to see!
Top quality video presentation!
Thank you so much!
Lovely video, really interesting, those steps down to the Harbour, wow - spectacular! It’s very entertaining watching you cook 😂.
Darn. I wish I had watched this video yesterday because I just ordered side sleeper masks.
I will bookmark it & if I don't like the ones I purchased I will buy these.
Thank you for all the tips & information you share.
Wonderful, stunning scenery and views of Orkney ❤
Glad you enjoyed it 😍
Great travelog Ruth. One can be sure that alcohol ban in Wick was strictly observed by the residents, especially the fishermen.
🤔 I wonder!
Nearly 39 minutes of pure pleasure, it's a joy to watch also your knowledge of the history of Schotland is very impressive.
Thank you so much 😊
Thanks for all the joy and fun you share! Buy yourself a nice peaty single malt :) BobInOregon
That is so kind of you Bob, thanks!
I’ve tried the subtitles- your diction is so good that they catch nearly every word - well done !!
That’s great to know!!
So brave to go in the claustrophobic gnome burial tunnel. And you're a vanlife gourmet chef!
Well, I’m not so sure 😆
Hi Ruth, George here. Thanks for sharing your trip. I enjoyed the way you described all those cool things you saw. Good job on the sauce too. : )
Hi Ruth, WOW! Fabulous video!
Scotland is Soo beautiful!
I will visit! I welcome the solitude, and privacy!
Blessings
Hope you can visit sometime!