But first, accompanied by my marvellous neighbour and tour guide Jeanette, we drove over the moors (exquisite scenery - sigh!) and past Blair Castle (only open Tuesday and Saturday mornings in the winter) and stopped at Mrs Farthing's store. Mrs Farthing, formerly from Chester and then the Navy, now lives in Blair Castle as she and her husband double-up on security patrol there. Nice pad: http://www.blair-castle.co.uk/.
Her store is a magical little kingdom containing all manner of craftworks, created by Mrs Farthing, at this time of year predominantly Christmas decorations - wrapping ribbon with Christmas motifs and messages; wreaths made from local foliage; classy white paper chains with delicate cuts (remember, those ones you lick and interlock until your tongue goes dry and then you hang them across the ceiling and down door jambs).
On to House of Bruar (pronounced Brewer) which suddenly sprouts up on the roadside, a massive mass of stone structures comprising this very upmarket, very Scottish department store. It boasts a food hall to rival Fortnum & Masons or Harrods and fabulous, traditional clothing for the gentry. More tartan kilts, glamorous furs, wool throws and cashmere knitwear than you have ever seen in one place. I even spotted plus-fours.
Next stop Pitlochry, in search of sunglasses. Having not brought any with me as I could not imagine I would need them for a Scottish winter, it has rapidly become apparent that driving into the low glare of winter sun glinting off puddles is high-squint territory - not to mention what it will be like once the ground is covered in snow (with the sun glistening, hrmph!). Forty pounds later, I am the proud owner of Scottish sunnies.
By now we are gasping for a cuppa, and the Moulin Inn beckons:
Once inside, we settle by the log fire, sip our Earl Grey tea, nibble on shortbread, enjoy the pub decor and have a wee gossip. Ah, this is the life!
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