.htm_cmp_layers010_hbtn.gif){kind=small}
|
|
|
|
Colin Thomson - New Zealand...on his quest to find his relatives in Whitehills.Colin was led to us by the hand of fate. Alexandra was out walking - he had been dropped off from the service bus and was looking for bed and breakfast. What a coincidence! As Colin well knows we go "the extra mile" at Fraser House. When we found that Colin was on "a pilgrimage" to visit Whitehills where his mom was born we were only too willing to help. The pictures below show one of our friends (Ellen) looking in the phone book for Colin's relatives and the others show Colin with his relatives Henry & Jean Watson. The picture at the far right is off Whitehills and the picture 2nd last on the right of Colin standing outside the old family home. To Betty, his Mom, these pictures are for you. Our pleasure to "know you" and your son Colin. He sends you his love.... Best wishes from Scotland - From yer ain folk...
The four musketeers!
The phone rang...the caller was enquiring about overnight accommodation for four! As I looked out the window I saw the enquirer talking on the phone. In fact I could hear what he was saying through the window as we were some twenty feet apart at this point. We could have conversed through the window but we opted for the door! After inspecting the rooms the four, from Australia and elsewhere, agreed to stay with us. They were in awe at the quality of accommodation, especially "their" sitting room. "Can we bring a Chinese carry out in" - "course you can" and we supplied the plates! Just home from home...and better than said a few! Having visited other B&B establishments (less inclined to provide the complete service) they ticked everything on the breakfast menu....and they got it. But our BIG breakfast beat them all... The upside to the story...in all of the excitement we forgot to get their names. So if you're looking in (FBI or Scotland Yard) and you recognise these faces let us know. Hope you had a good holiday and thanks for staying with us. These boots were made for walking...
John & Margaret booked in for one night and stayed for 13 days! Using Fraser House as their base, John & Margaret rigorously so sought out and experienced the delights of the north east coast. Each and every day, rain or shine, they hiked the countryside and returned with tales "of their conquests". Embarrassing really, 'cause by the time their journeys were over they knew more of the north east coast than we did. We now consider John and Margaret to be part of our extended family. Next time they come stay with us we'll join them in their travels... as far as the end of the street! (John the dog has been looking for you!) All togged up and ready to go....
Jeff and Tom were fairly determined to stay with us - bikes and all so how could we possibly refuse. Having cycled from Edinburgh we found that the pair were en-route to Inverness when they stopped off with us! I had a sweat on just thinking about it... Jeff who is from Polwarth near Edinburgh and Tom from Leeds have been friends for years. Since retiring from the "teaching profession" have spent a great deal of their time cycling throughout the UK and Northern Ireland. On this occasion they have left their wives at home. (Needn't worry girls they were well looked after at Fraser House) (Bikes to) (Both got well oiled!) Two great guys... to caring sharing people...a privilege to know them. Next time they call, we have promised to take them to "the pub of the north". The selection of whisky's on display - unbelievable. Will I be having a few - sure will - Alex is duty driver! The Whistle Stop Tour...
Gael & Phil Whitham from Hamilton, New Zealand decided on the spur of the moment to tour Europe and the UK. Especially so, and to surprise their daughter Angela who works for the Novatel group in London. After lots of hugs and waving farewell to their daughter they went on "the whistle stop tour" and landed with us! We laid out "the welcome mat" and settled down to a few beers. The Whitham's had been to Edinburgh Castle the day before so when we mentioned "Duff House" they just had to see it for themselves! You can see from the pics they fell in love with the place;- the secluded grounds... and the golf course nearby! "My friend Stu Duff would love this" says Phil so with a flick of the wrist the plastic was out - he was ready to buy... Sorry Phil, Duff House belongs to "us" - the people of Scotland. But come back see it anytime! The mad stop pub crawl!
Danny & Tony McShane from Airdrie set off from Edinburgh intent on going to Blairgowrie, Perthshire but ended up in Banff! Map reading isn't one of their many skills but as self employed plasterers they reckon "they're simply the best"! (Believe you lads - but where were you when we needed your services?) Intent on having a good night out they asked about "the action" in Banff! We gave them directions to some of the local pubs but they decided to go to the "Seafield" nightclub instead! They had "a few" in the "Auld Fife" first. The following encapsulates their stop over in Banff - their mad stop pub crawl...
Jealous ....course I am - but I had a good night's sleep! The Johannesburg Connection...
During the time that Jill & Jeff Gibson from South Africa stayed with us, we found out that they were in the UK to see their family. Just so happens that they were doing the coastal trail when "they came across this lovely - homely well appointed B&B in Banff". (When you knock a couple of bucks off the bill you can get them to say anything) Seriously so though, the Gibsons visit Scotland on a regular basis. It turns out that Anna, their daughter, husband Stuart and their three grandchildren Brodie, Angus & Megan stay in Dollar. Daughter Kate and husband Andy stay in Aberdeen and their son Robin stays in Glasgow. The Gibson's like Scotland! They have also asked us to mention that they are thinking of their daughter Jackie & husband Peter in South Africa. Our pleasure folks... Geoff was pleased enough to say of his stay with us that - "This is probably the best B&B we've ever stayed at". Thanks Geoff, your compliments make it all worth while! To make the occasion absolutely special, we've inviting the respective families to send us jpeg photos so that we can create a "family album" online. Something for the Gibsons and all who know them to visit from time to time. The final words from Jill - "We'll be back again". The more the merrier...bring the family to! Hang onto your hats we're off.........
Fred & Fiona Robertson from Poolewe in Rothshire, were taking a few days out - a weekend away from their hectic lifestyle to tour Scotland on their motorbike. Over the years they had visited "most places" - so it was "re-tracing steps" that took them to us. That plus the fact that they were keen to be reacquainted with our local pubs! Fred a marine engineer, and Fiona a marine lab technician were glad to park up and see that "bikers were welcome". "Bring the bike in - park it in the hallway" I said. (Easy to see last time I knew bike it had "Raleigh" on the front and stormy archer on the back!) (Read about it somewhere....) Happy to say, by all accounts, they enjoyed their night in the Central Bar, Boyndie Street...Both had Hair of the Dog Rob Roy for breakfast - guess that says it all. As they roared off into "the sunset" on their Aprilio 1000 2 cylinder twin cam motor bike we bade them farewell...and wished them to come see us again. Fred says "We intend to come back - maybe bring a few of our friends with us". Now how am I going to park half a dozen motor bikes in our courtyard? Still have to figure that one out! Thanks for staying with us. Checking out the castles....
Fiona Davidson and Denis Chevalier from Coucy Le Chateau, France came over to the UK to visit family in Dumfries and decided in terms of distance already travelled to do "a three day tour of Scotland". Particularly so, Fiona wanted to visit the Tulloch Castle in Dingwall - the seat of the Davidson clan. And they did so en-route to us. After staying one night, the couple headed back to Dumfries. Alexandra speaks French ...I speak Dutch & Fiona speaks perfectly good English! We wish them adieu - bon voyage and a good old fashioned haste ye back! (in another 20 years I'll be good at this) In terms of business, Fiona has asked if we would be kind enough to link to her web site. It's a bit fruity, but what the heck we're here to please! Find out what our Fiona gets up to in France - what she's into. Click here. (Suitable for children) (Honest - Oh go on believe me - go click the blessed thing) Tanked Up - Topped Up & Raring to go....
When Mark Fraser from Inverness put petrol in his diesel car....the car gave up the ghost and got towed to the nearest garage! In desperation he called some friends to see if they could put him up for the night. Unfortunately they couldn't help out so he stayed with us. Arriving about 10 pm he announced he was going for a beer! (Think he said hello first - or was it beer first - or was it hello I'm going for a beer - still got to figure that one out!) Truth be we had met once before so it was like old times - "the gathering of the clan". The collective "we" went "for the proverbial beer" and returned to "the seagull chorus". Turns out Mark now works as a flange technician for an onshore/off shore company. In his spare time he's "into speed" - reckoning his motor bike will do anything up to 186 mph. He enjoys a few beers as you can tell, and wants you to know that he is single right now "and looking for love"! If you like what you see you should mail him at fragster@aol.com (First time ever we've been used as a dating agency) Then and again nothing surprises us... PS: We know this isn't a car! He came back again... A little care goes a long long way...
Normally I have to come up with some glib quotes and fun bits to make this page "more interesting" but this time I'm going to leave it to Rosanna... John, and my sons Max & Slater used Fraser House as a base whilst visiting Banff & Whitehills.
-George and Alexandra welcomed us as their own long lost relatives. They fed and watered us until we were bursting at the seams! Fraser House is a beautifully restored 17th-18th century heritage home in the centre of the town. The facilities are first class. (great couch for reading) A short walk to Duff house;- near to grocery and candy stores and numerous pubs! Thank you for making this a most memorable and enjoyable stay here - tremendous warmth so close to the cold North Sea! Wah..shucks...you got us blushing... We're from down under and we're coming up here to stay!
After visiting Scotland twice in the last 12 months Liz & Stephen Edwards from Brisbane, Australia are considering moving to North East of Scotland to experience the Scottish way of life! At the same time, they intend to rent out their property in Australia. Stephen, who is originally from Liverpool and his wife Liz whose ancestors hail from the Isle of Skye both drive "B" Doubles (see photo) for Australian Post.
Sometimes you have just got to darn well enjoy yourself in this job - let your hair down ...and I did!
Switzerland to Banff and beyond...
Hugo and Susanne arrived on their Harley Davidson motorcycle midst the falling rain looking a little bit bedraggled and hopeful that they could stay with us. Before they could say "bike" we had them over the doorstep and out of their wet weather gear resting in our comfortable lounge. Turns out they got married twelve (12) days ago and were on their honeymoon. Ex the "only have eyes for you bit" they were sight seeing and intent in sampling good Scottish food and beer! (Hugo is hooked on Guinness in fact) After they settled in we took to the world famous Central Bar (now fondly known as the cosmopolitan hotel) for "a few beers" and ended up having a few too many... Suffice to say they enjoyed a long and leisurely breakfast in homely surroundings. The previous evening Hugo and Susanne who are members of the Razorbacks & Harley Indian Club spoke of coming over next year - bringing a few bikes and friends with them. Check out the links to the "Razorbacks" & Harley Indian there are hundreds of them.... It could be the biggest party ever! (Bookings now taken) The story of McArthur!
When John McArthur of Woolington, Bridgewater, Somerset arrived to check us out, I wasn't quite ready to hear that this 80+ retired lorry driver had just driven from one end of the country to the other without a stop over! I couldn't have done it! (Crazy old buzzard) John. a good old fashioned Scot, originally from Aberdeen went to Woodside School. Like many other young lads, he left the school aged 16 and joined the army - ended up fighting on the beaches at Dunkirk. Before he left the service he was "a much loved" drill sergeant. (For those who've still got a score to settle and want to track him down) Over the years John has undergone surgery for various things and is very much lucky to be alive. Does it stop him travelling - does it heck! John was on ANOTHER of his very last pilgrimages to visit family and friends when he arrived with us. But we're of the opinion "That McArthur will return" - fact is we know he will. He's promised to return in September bringing Daphne with him. But he'll fly this time we'll pick him up. Are we being hard on this old coot - NO - we happen to like him! Anyway he said it was OK for us to abuse him...he knows we're kidding we love him lots! PS Note: He's pretty fond of hanging round the neck of "my" Alex... |
|
Web Site By: Phone For It
Send mail to
alexandra-robertson@airport.221.fsnet.co.uk with
questions or comments about this web site.
|
