None of these Scottish cities are immune to the changes in the High Street that mean there are gaps and closures that are often filled with thrift or charity shops. There's even one in the Royal Mile, Edinburgh. Dougal bought a really classy book of Turner prints there just a few weeks ago at a bargain price! (Not your average thrift shop then.) All sorts of stuff turn up. And the Edinburgh Stockbridge Oxfam is great for sheet music and old LPs! Dougal hopes it's OK to quote The Herald (Glasgow) food critic Ron MacKenna on a walk in the city of Glagow. He says 'Whole buildings are packaged up, there are pound shops on the precinct end of Argyle Street and charity shops everywhere. Overnight, Glasgow seems to have changed from an international city into a tired, run-down provicial town.' (The Herald Magazine 30th May 2009.)

So the answer to your question is - yes, there are plenty of thrift and charity shops right across Scotland. It's a sign of the times. The old High Street has gone for ever.

Well, it all depends if you mean slight curves or more demanding hairpins. If the latter, then there are four or five sharp bends on the ascent north from Aberfoyle, where you cross into the Highlands. After that, the road is a bit bendy but nothing serious. If you have Google Earth, then you can get a good view of the road out of Aberfoyle, in surprisingly high definition! That way you can count them for yourself!

The best way to avoid the Highland midge is only to go out when it is cold and windy. This gives surefire protection and is a situation not infrequently encountered in Scotland.

Midges don't like much of a breeze - they prefer it still and damp. And they don't like bright light either. Wear pale clothing rather than dark as well. There are a number of repellents on the market, plus a crop of rumours - including one that Marmite keeps midges away. (Apparently, it's the yeast.) Those delightful people at Natural Beauty Scotland stock an organic safe repellent which feedback suggests is pretty good. Finally, one way of keeping the midge population down is to encourage bats. Apparently, the pipistrelle bat eats 3000 midges per night. We should all put up bat boxes!

What an interesting question - Peterhead, the largest whitefish landing port in the UK, and Scotland's most easterly point, is certainly locally called the 'Blue Toon' (Town).

As for where it came from, Dougal (who has North-east connections, coincidentally), has always thought it was linked to the name for the Peterheid folk: Blue Mogganers. So what are moggans (or moggins)? Well, that's an old Scots word for stockings. The Concise Scots Dictionary says this can be a footless stocking or even just a coarse protecton for the legs, but I think we can asume it was worn in a sea-boot. Apparently, the local knitters used or at least favoured blue wool. [There may be a connection here with the local fisherman's gansy (jersey), also usually knitted in blue]. Anyway, the name seems to have something to do with the colour of old-time fishermen's socks!

If you had said any other part of Scotland, Christie, Dougal would have been happy to recommend an easy Munro or two.  The famous Scottish mountain writer WH Murray says of the Skye peaks in his book 'Scotland's Mountains' "Few summits can be reached without aid of the hands." So, for safety's sake, Dougal won't commit himself to pointing you to a particular peak. Best take a look at www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/cuillin.shtml and use their assessment of routes to find something you are comfortable with. Skye has the most spectacular peaks in Scotland so whatever you choose will be rewarding.

Cuillins from Glenbrittle road (below)

There is a good choice in Skye ahead of the main season. Dougal has recommended before the MacMillan’s B&B at Broadford. It is called Berabhaigh, it’s a converted traditional croft and has been in their family for generations. It’s always good to stay with local folk when you can, as you learn so much more. See www.isleofskye.net/berabhaigh/
At the top end, there are places like Kinloch Lodge located in Sleat at the south end of Skye which delivers a real Scottish experience. www.kinloch-lodge.co.uk

Another option is The Glenview (Restaurant with Rooms) just north of Portree – for great food  www.glenviewskye.co.uk. Also Carters Rest www.cartersrestskye.co.uk/ and also Phoenix House B&B , Carbost (also been extra miled on this site). www.dunsgiath.com  That should start you off - best to book in advance though.