This year, as for the previous 4, I have spent New Year in a random location in Scotland with a bunch of ex Teviot Committee. This year was no different, although the location was possibly yht best yet. We stayed in the Coach-house (stables) at Dalgatie Castle, near Turriff in Aberdeenshire. The accomodation was excellent (especially once we had added video-projected TV and a proper sound system). It had the added bonus that we were invited up to the Castle, to see the New Year in!
As has now become tradition, here are a few photographic reminders of the events of the week....
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The view on our first morning - a true Winter Wonderland.
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A cat basking in the sunlight, apparently oblivious to the snow and -9.5 degrees centigrade temperature.
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Dalgatie Castle - it's only a small one but quite picturesque...
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...with some ponies grazing in the field outside.
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Another view over the snow-covered landscape.
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The coach-house where we stayed, and the track (ice-rink!) leading to it. This is a rare photo where Ewan hasn't got his car stuck in the snow outside!!!
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The coach-house looking all snug as darkness falls. The big window at the right is the living room where we all congregated.
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Douglas explaining the demerits of the layout of a flat he didn't buy...
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...and the merits of one he did buy!
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Clare and Ruth, having recovered from the architectural presentation.
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Clare - we're up at the Castle now so Midnight must be approaching.
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Adrian. Looks from his expression like he's started turning back into a pumpkin.
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Steve and James. We did have a good time, honestly.
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A dressing up game was organised at the castle to break the ice...
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... and it nearly succeeded in breaking Neil too!
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Lots of ridiculous clothes.
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And more ridiculous.... Sorry, Clare and Ruth looking lovely again is what I meant to say.
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A very, very rare shot of me actually participating in a Ceilidh. Thanks Emily!
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Adrian and Lorraine showing a little more vigour.
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Laney and Neil, a little more sedate.
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As midnight approaches the Bolly Dollies get their champers ready.
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Once the pose drops they revert to ......
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Midnight. Happy New Year everyone, hope 2004 is good to you!
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Clare had miniature bottles of Champagne with special attachments so you could drink straight from the bottle!
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Celebratory drink.
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The now traditional group photograph. No, I'm not going to tell the story of SAS Bill on this website.
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Doug, Neil and Ewan. Three generations of Teviot manhood managing without special drinking spouts!
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Ruth and I showing off her Engagement ring!
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The Castle the following day.
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We got a tour of the inside of the castle towards the end of the week. Here, an attractive stuffed Fox with a stuffed Pheasant in it's mouth.
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A charming Afghan Buddah.
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The great hall, scene of the New Year festivities, restored to sedate Tourist mode. It was really great to see it alive for the party, rather than all empty and bare as it is here.
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Other end of the Great Hall.
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The outdoor swimming pool at MacDuff. Can you even imagine anything worse?
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The brave lassies who accompanied me on a walk along the coast.
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Emily and Ruth spectating a dancing challenge.
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Action shot of Steve and Adrian participating.
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Sandra-bo-peep.
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A game of Taboo on the last night. On the table, can be seen a keg of Blue WKD (I ask you) and in front of it a novelty hoop-la set (better not to ask).
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