An entry from Sinclair 2000: A Personal View by Malcolm Caithness
- Previously: Monday 31st July - Girnigoe Day
Tuesday 1st August
Castle of Mey Day. Thick haar again which meant that no one would get the fabulous views over to Orkney but at least it was not raining. Given the choice I would take the haar. It was my dread that we would have a downpour and take 170 pairs of wet feet round Mey the week before Queen Elizabeth arrives.
The coaches had staggered departure times and it was carefully planned so no two coaches would coincide at John O Groats, Canisbay or Mey. It did not quite work out like that as two overlapped at Mey but that did not present a problem. We had a "local" on each bus to talk them along the coast and explain the County to them.
At Mey I met them off the buses and spelled out the rules; Berrie took the first fifteen or so to the front door where John was. Inside were three guides Martin Leslie, the factor, James Murray, assistant factor and Barbara Hiddlestone, the historian. We also had a member of the Caithness committee in each room. Parties went round at 5-8 minute intervals with Berrie and Graham Dunnett organising that.
People were free to walk round the gardens before and after the tour. On the way out through the old front door leading onto the courtyard they were asked to sign their names on a special card and these then became the birthday cards to Queen Elizabeth.
It all worked smoothly and towards mid-day the haar began to clear and the sun appeared. Most people were surprised by how small Mey is but really appreciated it. We were the first group tour ever to be allowed round and therefore very much on trial.
Having finished just before lunch as planned, the Thurso coaches had the afternoon off, but after lunch Berrie and I went to Girnigoe to show it to the Halkirk coach, as they did not see it yesterday.
It was a lovely afternoon and I was given a super surprise. Just as I was taking the group towards the entrance I heard that noise again. Yes - it was Rory who had hidden himself away and at the right signal "ambushed" me and piped me into the Castle. You could feel the "old girl" hum and she was so alive with all the activity. It was also quite emotional.
It is over 300 years since the Earl was piped into Girnigoe but then it wasn't through the dungeon! We spent time there and then went up to Noss where Bill (President Canada) presented a small replica of the memorial at Guysborough, Nova Scotia which I had helped unveil two years ago at Prince Henry's 600th Anniversary celebrations there. It will stay at Noss Head until we have the Clan Centre up and running.
Then back to finish off the placements for the banquet and take it over to John to type up. A relatively early night.
- Next: Wednesday 2nd August - Highland Council, Clan Meeting, Banquet
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