What do you like on your Scottish breakfast?! Also, for subtitles on this video, UA-cam 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 UA-cam 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, 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!
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! “. 😂
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
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'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. 😉
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.....
This was particularly enjoyable. Truely off the beaten path. I love your enthusiasm at trying anything new. Those ancient ruins were so fascinating. How rugged those people were back then. I appreciate the historical commentary. You didn't seem particularly impressed by that Old Puteney single malt - but it's always a matter of preference. I can't imagine a salty after taste. Anyway, I look forward to more of your adventures.
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!
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
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 ❤
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!! Thoroughly enjoyed this trip. We did similar on our last trip to Scotland. I am sorry you missed the Hill of Many Stanes near Lybster - a surprising find! I hope you have an excellent Christmas. Best wishes.
I find these videos both encouraging and humours for me and my family/parents. I would love to visit Scotland one day whenever possible. Ruth, I love your humour when you try out your whiskies. Just be careful on the alcohol. Keep up the Good work.
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.
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🥰😘😍
My family on my mothers side have been whiskey distillers ever since they came from Ireland in the 1660's and even shared a distillery with George Washington and stopped it as a legal business with my great grandfather but my grandfather instead became a moonshiner in Louisiana but he continued the family whiskey recipe along with higher proof moonshine and Irish beer, the beer was like Guinness, very dark and thick and was the only person making that type in the area so people loved it. I still can make all his recipes.
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.
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
Another great one Ruth, I'm at awe as how good your videos are, love to go in your adventures with you, and you also have history of the places you visit! excellent!!
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. ❤.
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
Still knocking it out of the park Ms Aisling. It has been a joy sharing, however vicariously, your travels. This hogmanay I will sup two or three single malts and that will be down to you. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours. With best wishes.
@@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 🍻
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
That sounds like an incredible adventure! The North Coast 500 really is a gorgeous route, particularly with the breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands.
"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.
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!
Sorry, I've played of golf in Scotland..expensive but worth it!..What I'am amazed every time I go is how Guarded they are, but..after more than a 'few'...best blokes ever...😍...Thank you
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 took your always excellent advice and tried a dram or two of Old Pulteney. I instantly became Jack Tar and started singing sea shanties. They owe you.
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.
“…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'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.
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 UA-camrs). 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.
In defence of Baked Beans, they are a great comfort food. When we visit our Scottish friends in France, on the “Can you bring” list is, you have guessed it. Baked Beans. The thing that impressed me at John O Groats was the huge rounded boulders that had been picked out of the Pentland Firth. The had been rounded by rolling to and fro in the tidal currents. They are in the background at 27:15. I was holding my breath when you went to Wick and did all sorts of other things, will Ruth do the street ? A good bit of suspense !
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!😀
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.
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.
I must say, Ruth, I agree with you about the "baked beans." I am from Nashville, Tennessee, so a Southern lady, and we call the can of beans "Pork and Beans." They are not that good unless they are transformed as my mother used to do. She would use two cans, put onion and brown sugar inside, and maybe add something else though I'm not sure what, (maybe chopped green pepper), and she would top them with slices of bacon, and then bake them. They were delish! These out of a can not so much. I am not a haggis or black pudding fan, but love it when the mushrooms are added to the Scottish breakfast. I am playing catch up with your videos, and am enjoying every one. You are giving me a lot of ideas for my next trip to Scotland with my daughter. We have traveled to Scotland several times, including a recent stay in Inverness, but we have never tackled driving "on the wrong side of the road." I admired your bravery in France. I probably won't try that, but may encourage my daughter to do it. I have driven in the UK with a friend, just to try it out, and I found the biggest problem was edging out onto the road when entering a highway, and because the traffic may be coming from the left, your front end of the car could get smashed!
@@ruthaisling It is, because if you are used to sitting on the left side, you judge distance to the right.. If you are driving on the right side, you have to remember to judge distance on the left. I'm sure it's easier if you are following someone, and I think the country roads, which often have only one side anyway, would be easier!
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
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
@@ruthaisling hi Ruth, have you checked out, Richard Paterson, yet ? How to appreciate whisky ?? It will give you a whole new experience, A toast from me to you .merry Xmas,
Hi Ruth! Beautiful vlog as always. I could never get tired of seeing all the wonders of Scotland. I'm not great with caving either! Many years ago I did a three day trip to Jenolan Caves... A famous area in regional NSW, AU. The tours of the more open cave systems were fantastic, but my partner at the time decided to book a spelunking tour at the very end. I lasted 15 min & that was it! I high-tailed it out of there! 😂 Great history & beautiful filming throughout again Ruth. I now know the shortest street in the world too! Take care & thank you for sharing. 😊
What do you like on your Scottish breakfast?!
Also, for subtitles on this video, UA-cam 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 UA-cam 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!
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!
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've a feeling that @ruthaisling would really enjoy Carbon County in Pennsyvania, just up the turnpike from NJ
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!
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!
"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!
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
Here ya go, lass, from Wyoming, U.S.A. Get yourself another single malt and enjoy! Happy Christmas!🤠
That's very kind of you, thank you Jack! Definitely a peated one I think....! Happy Christmas to you too!
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'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🥃
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.
This was particularly enjoyable. Truely off the beaten path. I love your enthusiasm at trying anything new. Those ancient ruins were so fascinating. How rugged those people were back then. I appreciate the historical commentary. You didn't seem particularly impressed by that Old Puteney single malt - but it's always a matter of preference. I can't imagine a salty after taste. Anyway, I look forward to more of your adventures.
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!
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'm with you on the peated whisky. My preference is an Ardbeg 10. I want to try your sauce, though I'm not a big fan of haggis. Excellent post!
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 🦭
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!! 🥃
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! 😃
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 really enjoy traveling with you to the home of my heart. With love from Alberta, Canada ❤
Thanks for watching from Canada!
Loved this video and watching you cook inside your van. These videos are so comforting and your voice is very soothing too Ruth.
Thank you so much!
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!
Such a nice video! Your enthusiasm throughout the video is a pleasure to watch. The dinner, the whiskey, and the beer looked great! Now I'm hungry 😊
Please! There is no E in Scottish whisky.
We really love your video adventures. Thank you for sharing them with us.
Thanks for watching Toby!
Ruth! I love your channel and it is so wholesome. Well done and hope there is more to come!
Thank you! Yes.. plenty more to come 👍
thank you, Ruth!! Thoroughly enjoyed this trip. We did similar on our last trip to Scotland. I am sorry you missed the Hill of Many Stanes near Lybster - a surprising find! I hope you have an excellent Christmas. Best wishes.
And the Cairn’o get is also a nice little spot near Whailigoe Steps. So many interesting places to visit here in the far north of Scotland xx
I'll need to go back again!
I find these videos both encouraging and humours for me and my family/parents. I would love to visit Scotland one day whenever possible. Ruth, I love your humour when you try out your whiskies. Just be careful on the alcohol. Keep up the Good work.
Thanks for watching the videos Andrew!
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!
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 🙏
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!
My family on my mothers side have been whiskey distillers ever since they came from Ireland in the 1660's and even shared a distillery with George Washington and stopped it as a legal business with my great grandfather but my grandfather instead became a moonshiner in Louisiana but he continued the family whiskey recipe along with higher proof moonshine and Irish beer, the beer was like Guinness, very dark and thick and was the only person making that type in the area so people loved it. I still can make all his recipes.
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.
A Christmas gift Ruth towards your next bottle of whiskey.
That’s very kind of you, thank you!
An utterly brilliant montage of northern Scotland..your effervescent personality is infectious.Thank you so much,Brooks,Canada.
Wow, thank you so much 😊
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?!
These videos are always worth the wait! Thank you Ruth! ❤
You are so welcome!
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!
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 😊
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.
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
I was there at Old Pulteney. Bought some and a tee shirt. Yes that area was beautiful. Ate at John o' groats
Another great one Ruth, I'm at awe as how good your videos are, love to go in your adventures with you, and you also have history of the places you visit! excellent!!
Thanks so much Cynthia!
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!
The enthusiasm is infectious. Great vid and a place I have enjoyed visiting myself.
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 😀
Still knocking it out of the park Ms Aisling. It has been a joy sharing, however vicariously, your travels. This hogmanay I will sup two or three single malts and that will be down to you. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours. With best wishes.
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 🍻
Hi Ruth, WOW! Fabulous video!
Scotland is Soo beautiful!
I will visit! I welcome the solitude, and privacy!
Blessings
Hope you can visit sometime!
Beans are a must. And hash browns should be additional to tattie scones.
Oh yes love a tattie scone!
Ruth, your cheery nature makes all your videos a joy to watch. Love to you from Australia.
Thank you!
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
That sounds like an incredible adventure! The North Coast 500 really is a gorgeous route, particularly with the breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands.
"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 tried the subtitles- your diction is so good that they catch nearly every word - well done !!
That’s great to know!!
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
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 😊
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!
Sorry, I've played of golf in Scotland..expensive but worth it!..What I'am amazed every time I go is how Guarded they are, but..after more than a 'few'...best blokes ever...😍...Thank you
Glad you enjoyed the golf! There are some great courses!
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!
Thanks
Thank you so much 🙏
Totally agree on the beans on Scottish Breakfast 😂
Haha, good to know I'm not the only one!
I hope you have a Merry Christmas Ruth! Love your channel! Looking forward to todays video!
Thanks so much Harley, I hope you have a great Christmas too!
The OP whisky bottles are the shape of a pot-still. 👍
Ahhhhh, I didn't notice that until I read your comment, how cool!
I took your always excellent advice and tried a dram or two of Old Pulteney. I instantly became Jack Tar and started singing sea shanties. They owe you.
😂
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🤣🤣🤣🤣
Ruth, your the best. Keep on doing what your doing.
Much love & respect ❤
“…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!
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!
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 👏🏼
Very familiar with Caithness. So much to see and do . Always nice to see and hear about the area.
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 UA-camrs from that time haha!
@@ruthaisling Very interesting thought, (back UA-camrs). 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.
In defence of Baked Beans, they are a great comfort food. When we visit our Scottish friends in France, on the “Can you bring” list is, you have guessed it. Baked Beans.
The thing that impressed me at John O Groats was the huge rounded boulders that had been picked out of the Pentland Firth. The had been rounded by rolling to and fro in the tidal currents. They are in the background at 27:15.
I was holding my breath when you went to Wick and did all sorts of other things, will Ruth do the street ? A good bit of suspense !
Haggis and whisky. Yippee.
Woohoo!
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
Merry Christmas Ruth!
Thank you! Merry Christmas to you too! ❤️
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!
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!😀
I think it was often women who carried the fish up the Whaligoe steps…
Yes, I’ve heard that 👍 doing the hard work 😓
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!
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.
Beautiful scenery. Whisky. Haggis. Lighthouses. Perfect video.
Many thanks! 😀
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.
Thanks for sharing this with us another great video...just what I needed ❤️
You are so welcome!
I must say, Ruth, I agree with you about the "baked beans." I am from Nashville, Tennessee, so a Southern lady, and we call the can of beans "Pork and Beans." They are not that good unless they are transformed as my mother used to do. She would use two cans, put onion and brown sugar inside, and maybe add something else though I'm not sure what, (maybe chopped green pepper), and she would top them with slices of bacon, and then bake them. They were delish! These out of a can not so much. I am not a haggis or black pudding fan, but love it when the mushrooms are added to the Scottish breakfast. I am playing catch up with your videos, and am enjoying every one. You are giving me a lot of ideas for my next trip to Scotland with my daughter. We have traveled to Scotland several times, including a recent stay in Inverness, but we have never tackled driving "on the wrong side of the road." I admired your bravery in France. I probably won't try that, but may encourage my daughter to do it. I have driven in the UK with a friend, just to try it out, and I found the biggest problem was edging out onto the road when entering a highway, and because the traffic may be coming from the left, your front end of the car could get smashed!
Haha it’s so scary driving on the other side for the first time!
@@ruthaisling It is, because if you are used to sitting on the left side, you judge distance to the right.. If you are driving on the right side, you have to remember to judge distance on the left. I'm sure it's easier if you are following someone, and I think the country roads, which often have only one side anyway, would be easier!
Another fantastic video, Ruth. Well done. I going to recommend your videos to all my granddaughters. Fantastic.
Please do! Thank you for watching 😊
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. : )
Great video as always. Nice to see you up in my part of the country. 😃
Same!
Thanks Mark 👍
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
Been with you Ruth since the begining and this is one of the best videos youve done. Brilliant.
Wow, thank you so much!
We love your videos, they are like reliving our trips around Scotland. You look at lots of interesting things and entertain us too.
Glad you like them!
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
Thanks
Treat yourself to a single malt, Merry Xmas.
Thank you so much for your support!! I really appreciate it 🙏
@@ruthaisling hi Ruth, have you checked out, Richard Paterson, yet ? How to appreciate whisky ?? It will give you a whole new experience,
A toast from me to you .merry Xmas,
Ruthさんの朝食なら、何でもOKです。
ただし、朝からウイスキー飲めたら最高です。
Hi Ruth! Beautiful vlog as always. I could never get tired of seeing all the wonders of Scotland.
I'm not great with caving either! Many years ago I did a three day trip to Jenolan Caves... A famous area in regional NSW, AU. The tours of the more open cave systems were fantastic, but my partner at the time decided to book a spelunking tour at the very end. I lasted 15 min & that was it! I high-tailed it out of there! 😂
Great history & beautiful filming throughout again Ruth. I now know the shortest street in the world too!
Take care & thank you for sharing. 😊
Hello Ruth, we love watching your videos of travels in Scotland (or wherever you may go). The information you gives us is super. Thank you. ❤️🇨🇦
Thank you so much!
One such video every day should be nice !
Greetings from Belgium.
Nice to see you back. My favorite breakfast includes black and white pudding. Merry Christmas.
Christmas is coming!