We have just returned from a visit to Scotland. Drove to Edinburgh and stayed overnight in the New Town. We didn't have much time for sightseeing but managed a tramp around the New Town (built around 1800) and visited the Georgian House in Charlotte Square, which is owned by the NT. This is a large classic period house now presented as a musuem, very interesting with a particularly well furnished kitchen. Much recommended. We had dinner in a local pub, Steak and Chips, just what the doctor ordered after an exhausting day travelling.

Staying with Betty in Kincraig is very comfortable as this sharp witted octagenarian has a great love of food and whisky. Betty's body clock is set to permanent Eastern time, as the sun drops over her yardarm very early. Pre-dinner is Black Bottle, a blend of Islay Malts and after dinner we indulged in the 20 year old Aberlour in the picture. This was a numbered bottle of "Dr Hexter's Medicinal Malt". The glass was owned by Betty's father and is a perfect little dram glass with a classic Art Nouveau, Greek Keys design.

On our way up we stopped at the House of Bruar. Just the place for buying expensive tweeds and food treats. We spotted a man selling locally picked Chanterelles and Girolles. Knowing that Betty loves her food and is partial to the finer things in life we bought her 150g of Girolles. We arrived to find about a kilo of perfect Girolles that her neighbour had picked and given her that morning. We sauteed some in butter and served them on toast with a little Hollandaise sauce. The sauce was not an improvement but the Girolles were superb, very clean without a hint of sand. We brought some back that were sauteed and frozen.

Other food highlights included a duck confit and a dish of black pudding and scallops.