2 September 2015 - A drookit last day in Scotland...Ta the noo!

Drookit, dreich, damp, dismal, downpours! Yep, our last full day in Scotland was as expected!  As it was pack up day and we have been here for a month, there was quite a bit to pack and of course clean.  It is amazing how quickly we settle and call places home.  Initially using Airbnb accommodation we were a bit reticent to use all the equipment in the houses.  Now, as veteran Airbnb-ers, we freely use (and carefully of course) the kitchen equipment and the boys love any video games available!  It really has worked out as a great way to travel with a family on a budget.

Aldi in Inverurie!

 As we reflect on our time here in Aberdeenshire, we think we’ve used our time well and have had time to enjoy country air and lots of walks as well as making good use of our National Trust card.  It was further north than we’d hoped at this point in our schedule and means an “awfy” long drive to across the border to Newcastle to catch our boat to Amsterdam, tomorrow.  Initially we thought we would have to drive back down south to Dover, which given the crowded road conditions in UK, we are glad not to be doing.

I never saw these at Aldi at The Pines!

 Interestingly, Scotland has their own Bank of Scotland and Clydesdale Bank issued British Ppound notes.  The Scottish notes are what the ATM spits out here in Scotland but we have been warned that they are often difficult to use south of the border.  They are more colourful than the English notes and quite noticeable in a transaction, so it is a bit hard to sort of sneak one through!  They are apparently legal tender but as they are not circulated enough, many businesses don’t recognise them.  We are hoping we can still fill our tank!

Cheap and filling!

 We drove into Inverurie for last minute supplies and some travel sick tablets.  On inquiry, just for future reference, Ventolin is only available on prescription here whereas it is an over the counter medication in Australia.  There are other medications here available over the counter which need a prescription at home!  And in India anything and everything can be bought without question!

Luke's rock collection which we sadly have to leave, beautiful as the rocks are.

More of the collection we can't take...we have got some rocks but the kilos are adding up!

View from our window.

Needless to say, we had our last Scottish meal of some Haggis and Black Pudding, and sausages for those not keen on the Scottish delicacies!  The big kids loved a treat of Reeses Pieces, an American peanut butter and chocolate smartie type of sweet not available in Australia.  And, so here ends our Scottish chapter, and indeed our time in the UK.