Perth and Inverness

On the way up it was so cold in the Highlands between Perth and Inverness that the snow seemed to have crystalised into diamonds that twinkled in the headlights. It may have been a cold trip to Inverness but the Highlands were certainly looking their best. It's a trip I have made around this time of year for the last couple of years,to talk annual strategy and priorities with a staff group.

One guy said it had been -18c the night before. Not quite so cold were we were staying but even in Inverness it was -9c. Brrrr.  The Drummossie is a nice hotel but my conscience about expenses, and my stomach, rebelled at the prices on the Hotel Menu , memories of "Nouvellle Cuisine" portions on a previous visit and a not wildly inspiring menu. So sod that. We went into Inverness and found an "all you can eat" Chinese Buffet at Jimmy Chungs for a tenner. There was a great variety of Chinese dishes - all well cooked.- and a goodly amount of it ended up in my stomach. We definitely made the right choice.

Coming back down in the car was glorious. The sky was crystal clear blue and the mountains had brilliant snowy pelts and waterfalls frozen like time was stood still. The Highlands really suite a winter dressing.