Warm welcome for Sutherland Caledonian Pipe Band on NC500 'getaway'
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The Sutherland Caledonian Pipe Band from Golspie, with players also from Dornoch, Rogart and Lairg, made a getaway from the east coast on Saturday, June 3, to entertain the north and west coast in great weather, and enjoy hospitality beyond belief, writes Willie Sutherland.
The band played first at Scourie to a large crowd which included visitors travelling in motorhomes from home and abroad, as well as a great number of bikers.
They were really overwhelmed to arrive at Scourie and discover a pipe band performing.
It really made their trip round the NC500 tourism route and they showed their appreciation by contributing very generously to the collection box.
Those present commented on the quality of playing and the professionalism of the band, led by Erin Monaghan who really knows her stuff as a pipe major.
Hospitality from Angus and Valerie Mackenzie of the Anchorage Cafe Bar and Campsite in Scourie was absolutely overwhelming.
I was fortunate when collecting for the band in meeting friends whom I have not seen since a number of years, so did a fair bit of blethering!
Durness was the next parade, refreshments having been consumed at the Anchorage before departing.
Durness was equally delighted to have the band perform at the car park at the Smoo Cave with a great turnout of very appreciative locals and visitors who were not shy in contributing to the collection box.
The band went to the Smoo Cave Hotel, run by Hugh and Frances Morrison, for soup and sandwiches. The refreshments were well received after leaving Golspie at 9am.
Many thanks to Frances and team for the well appreciated, top quality food.
As this wasn’t enough, Tongue was our next stop, down one side of Loch Eriboll and up the other. Our laid-back driver was Tom MacKenzie, of MacLeod’s Coaches. Thank you Tom for your patience.
Our final parade was at 7pm outside the Tongue Hotel. A large crowd attended and the band finished off with an outstanding performance despite being on the road since 9am.
May I and Laura McAulay, collectors for the band, thank everyone from Scourie, Durness and Tongue for their overwhelming contributions to the band funds, also for the appreciation shown for our North Coast Tour which was the best we have ever experienced.
The grand total of £797.22 was collected which paid for the bus plus a little over for band funds. Many thanks everyone.
