Brechin Bunting

Brechin's a funny old place. I'd always thought it was bigger - it's got a football team after all (my only memory of them is seeing them beaten 5-1 (I think) at Pittodrie in the Scottish Cup when I was at school). But my assertion to my mum last night that Ellon was now bigger has been borne out by Wikipedia. Ellon's a whole 50% bigger in fact.

It's got a slightly 'seen better days' feel, and yet there's loads of interest. Not just the expected with the cathedral and it's 11th century round tower (the cathedral seemingly giving it the distinction of being a 'city', though that hasn't technically carried into the modern age, despite seeing references to it everywhere), but there's a steam train to Montrose (which used to be part of the Perth to Aberdeen route); Pictish remains in various places, including nearby Aberlemno; a mediaeval wall marking an ancient hospital; the Montrose Basin nearby, as well as an Air Station museum type place; a couple of RSPB reserves within easy reach; and little alleyways, nooks and crannies amongst the higgledy-piggledy streets of the old town. Oh, and a couple of good bakeries, and a great butcher. There's a charm. It's hidden, but there's a charm.

But tonight it was a drive back to Aberdeen, then picking up my brother and his girlfriend, before adding my mum in Ellon, and out for a curry. I've not really stopped in this trip to my new work HQ - next week I'll have a bike with me, and a possible midweek trip to Pittodrie. So doesn't look like it will be any less active (though I'm going to plan my dinner cooking a little less haphazardly...).