I can't believe where September has gone!  It's the first of October on Saturday!

Well the Summer was busy as usual, with lots of (hopefully) happy guests and quite a number of our own family and friends here too.

One of the highlights for me was a trip with Ecoverntures the new dolphin centre in Cromarty.  I have to confess to feeling a little silly getting dressed up in my all in one waterproof suit and walking down to the harbour!  However, the suit was great once we were out on the water, going at high speed through the Moray Firth!  The trip takes you close to one of the oil rigs and past a bird colony and on the way you have a good chance of seeing seals, porpoises and of course dolphins.  We were very lucky and privileged as we had several dolphins swimming around the boat including a calf only weeks old.  The water was so clear that we could spot them swimming under water and see where they were going to come up for air.  It really does fill you with joy to see these creatures up close.  However, if you don't get to see the dolphins there is plenty of other wild life to see and the experienced skipper Sarah will give you an exhilarating high speed ride - hold onto your seats!  An informative commentary is given throughout the trip with refreshments provided. 

The nights are certainly drawing in now but one thing I love about living here is the lovely quality of light.  Many guests comment on it and it is quite special at this time of year.  Yesterday we had the most beautiful and perfect rainbow I have ever seen, right over Hillockhead!  It was a complete arc and the colours were so bright and clear.

Still haven't found the pot of gold though!