The team met up in Glasgow on Monday morning and prepared ourselves for the first leg of our road trip. The first stop on the tour would be Drumnadrochit, which is located at the head of Urquhart Bay on the northern shore of Loch Ness. It is a popular spot for Nessie Hunters. I was looking forward to the trip as the driving was going to be split between Laura (Cellist) and I. It was my first time driving an 8 seater people carrier, but I felt calm after my stage manager, Ali, took me out for a test drive the week before so I could get to know the vehicle better. After making sure the tank was full, no illuminations on dashboard and a variety of snacks had been packed, it was go time! I took the first leg of the journey and we stopped at The House of Bruar in Pitlochry. It has a lovely department store, food hall and very clean toilets (seems funny to highlight but an important feature on any road trip). Laura then took on the second part of the drive and we were happily in Drumnadrochit in no time.
I had the pleasure of staying at Polmaily House Bed and Breakfast . Our Hosts, Brian and Debbie were wonderful and they prepared a delicious breakfast, easy conversation and supplied equipment for a variety of lawn games, which myself and the team were happy to make the most of between performances. My personal favourite was croquet! I’ve not played that since I was a child. On Tuesday we performed two shows at the Craigmore Centre, which is attached to the local High School.
We were back on the road again on Wednesday and we arrived in Fort William where we gave three performances at the Nevis Centre. The atmosphere at the centre was delightful as Iona and her team were preparing to re-open and welcome back visitors. It was really special to be part of that atmosphere and the community were really engaged and a pleasure to perform to. We stayed overnight in Spean Bridge at the Coire Glas Guest House. The view from the garden was mesmerising as it looks out over the spectacular Grey Corries and Ben Nevis. Katie and I took advantage of this and the beautiful weather by rolling out our yoga mats and had a morning stretch following a video that my Pilates teacher and friend Chiara Favaretti, had prepared in advance. I really enjoy having a pre-show stretch, as I find that I’m more mentally alert and my body is ready for action. It is also a great start to a vocal warm-up.
We arrived in Kingussie on Thursday, ready to perform two shows in the beautiful Gynack Gardens. In my opinion this location was the most beautiful pop-up auditorium space so far. The gardens were recently renovated by the local community, who transformed it into a tranquil recreational space, with colourful flowerbeds, picnic benches, and a modern paved entrance with a thistle sculpture. The aim for the rejuvenation was to encourage the local community and visitors to enjoy spending time in the town watching pop up events and take pictures which can then be shared with others all around the world, showcasing a wonderful town with modern thinking. It was a joy to learn about this project from one of our hosts Claire, who was a fellow opera singer who moved to the Highlands from London and opened an independent music shop, Fuller Music.
The final destination for this week was Ullapool, which we would call home for four nights and where we would perform six shows. We held our performances at the local High School and the gorgeous weather continued to shine. I had a fantastic time with the team in this picturesque fishing town. My favourite thing about Ullapool was the cuisine. The fish and seafood were so fresh and delicious, I couldn’t get enough! – and now I am hoping I will still fit into my wedding dress – eek.
My top recommendations are:
The Seafood Shack
The menu here changes daily to reflect the catch that has been brought in. If you are lucky enough to be in when they are serving the tempura battered haddock wrap with salad and pesto mayonnaise be sure to try it!
The Arch Inn Restaurant
The food here was delectable. I even treated myself to a homemade black pudding scotch egg for a starter.
The Ceilidh Place
Not only did this restaurant offer a scrumptious dinner menu, they also do marvellous a walk-in breakfast and their delightful book shop has a great collection of postcards – a whimsical way to keep in touch with friends and family.
For week four we will catch the ferry to the Isle of Lewis and explore the wonders of the Outer Hebrides.
Sounds like a great week and so fortunate with the weather! Good luck on Lewis!
Thank you we had a wonderful time on Lewis. Such an amazing tour, thanks for reading and keeping in touch.
Best wishes
Charlotte
That’s great and you are, as always, most welcome!! 🙂
Thrilled to enjoy all this happiness you have shared! I do believe seafood would be my nemesis as well… May your joy continued to be spread!! 🙂
Thank you, Annette, such a great tour, although the signal from my phone provider was really poor and I couldn’t always get wifi. It did allow me to disconnect for a bit.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Amazing! I love Scotland. Got your postcard Charlotte, thank you, I’m so pleased your having a great time performing again, and I’m so looking forward to your wedding🥰😘
So glad the postcard arrived; there is nothing quite like a hand-written note is there? I can’t wait now for the wedding Gill, thanks for helping Mum.
All my best wishes
Charlotte x
Looks like a grand time. Thanks for the update. 😁
Thank you, John. It is so good to be back performing.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Looks like such fun! x
You’d love it up here for a break, Christine.
All my best wishes
Charlotte
So happy it is going well for all of you and how wonderful to see Kingussie being rejuvenated.
I’m happy. It was so beautiful a real pleasure to visit Kingussie.
Best wishes
Charlotte
There’s just something about a tour that makes a person hungry for the best food round.
I agree I think I may be the only bride in history that the seamstress will have to let the dress back out after taking it in last year.
Best wishes
Charlotte
It’s good tonder you out there!
Thank you Holly, I’m having a blast.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Good morning my dear friend hoather have a nice day 🎉
Good day to you my friend 😊.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Delightful!
Thank you 😊
All my best wishes
Charlotte
Charlotte sounds like you are all enjoying touring beautiful Scotland.
You are very brave driving a 8 seater, on roads that you don’t know..
I would love all the sea food menus,
Enjoy, and keep taking lovely photo’s.xx
I was a little worried about such a big vehicle but you should see me reversing it and everything now. Such gorgeous food, I was hoping to lose a bit of weight for the wedding but….got to keep my energy up. Lol.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Sorry it took me so long to get here, I wasn’t online yesterday.
Looks to me like you were a hit in Scotland and Scotland was a hit with you!! Glad you had fun.
Not being online is the story of this tour, my telecoms provider doesn’t seem to have very good wifi up here. I’m having a blast, great fun, so good to be back performing live.
Best wishes
Charlotte x
That’s all that matters!!! Enjoy!
I’m unaware of any Pop-up Opera located here in the Colonies, or Pop-up anything, for that matter. We have Book-Mobiles that don’t pop-up, but simply turn up in various places, as in “The Uncommon Reader.” I hope you won at croquet.
The croquet and other little trips have made this tour so fabulous, I’m with a fantastic crew. I adore pop-up I dance around as though on a real big stage making the van bounce hehe.
Best wishes
Charlotte
What absolute fun! And it looks like the weather was good! I do love a good black pudding.
They are such good shows you’d love them and we are getting great feedback from the audience. After each show, I always try to chat to people (at a safe distance, of course).
Best wishes
Charlotte
Now that you mention it, I haven’t played croquet since I was about twelve or so. We used to love it since even the grandparents could join in.
We used to go on some UK short breaks when we were little and always used to play croquet, crazy golf and boules as a family even board games if the weather turned bad. Happy memories.
Best wishes,
Charlotte
This sounds such a fantastic tour! I hope it continues to go well. Scotland has had a beautifully warm and sunny summer this year which must make touring so much more of a pleasure.
We are having a fantastic tour Clare I’ll be sad when it ends although then I’m driving back to get ready for our wedding so that is very exciting. Planning table seating and sash colours, booking everyone’s meals and things has been a challenge I’ve handed over picking the music to George, yikes.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Scary and exciting at the same time and such a lot of hard work to get it all done on time! I do wish you both great joy on your wedding day and a long and happy marriage. xxxx
OMG!!! What fun!
You are living the dream, in spite of Covid.
I believe when this tour is over, your audience will have grown, and so will have you and your voice.
Relish this time! It is precious.
I sent an email with a drawing of Lala. No worries. I know you are a busy newlywed!!!!!!! YAY!!!!