The Clan boarded the bus for the trip north. We passed Cromarty Firth where we could see North Sea oil rigs being repaired, past Dornoch Firth and Skibo Castle with connections to Madonna's recent wedding, past Dunrobin Castle to Wick and one night's stay at the Norseman Hotel near the Wick River. We toured the Caithness Glass Factory and filled our luggage with those beautiful glass paperweights.

Part of our group decided to visit the ruins of Sinclair (17th century) and Girnigoe (15th century) Castles and view the lighthouse of Noss Head. An absolute downpour put an end to this excursion which necessitated climbing fences and traversing several fields with very muddy paths.