Wendy's Mini Runabout in Banffshire

Just back from a beautiful trip to Banffshire, a land of big skies, breaking waves and sweeping countryside well worth a visit.

From the tiny hamlet of Pennan - of red phone box fame in Local Hero - westwards past breathtaking clifftops to the pretty town of Cullen, home of the hearty fish soup Cullen Skink, there is much to see, to eat and to entertain you. There are castles and coves; beaches and boats.

Travel inland from Banff, passing the pretty Delgaty Castle, and you will reach Turriff. Now if you have read my book...(plug - available through this website) you will have heard of the Turra Coo and here she is (she's the one to the left of the picture!). She was a white dairy cow belonging to a local farmer in 1913. Owing to a dispute over what was considered at the time to be high National Insurance contributions, the farmer refused to stamp the insurance cards of his workers.

As a result the Turriff Sheriff went to said farm to seize property however as locals supported the farmer no one would assist him in carrying away items of value so the only option was to lead away the coo! She was tied up in Turriff Square and the next day was found decorated with ribbons and slogans. When the sheriff tried to sell her locally there was a near riot. The case was finally resolved, the cow sold and the locals rallied to buy her back and restored her to her home where she lived out the rest of her days. 

Look out soon for reviews of the great places to eat in Banffshire as they pop up on Scottish Food Guide.