Fenman took a somewhat longer trip, north of the border, when he journeyed, by train, into Scotland.

The first stop off was Glasgow where he ventured into the Sir John Moore, a bustling Wetherspoons, and as it was May then it had to be Mayhem Mild from Caledonian, followed by 80/- from the same brewer. After a tourist guided tour of the city centre, taking in the large square and the many statues to Scottish heroes, engineers, and authors it was time to repair to the Counting House. Another Wetherspoons but this one, as aptly described in the GBG, is a magnificent building with a large glazed dome and wall statues. Fenman would like to report on the Strathavon (brewery is on the River Avon) beer Avondale but sadly it was off. Instead a couple of Hawkshead beers (yes from the Lake District) NZ with citrus flavour hops, and Windermere, were downed. Unfortunately no other record of further beers sampled is to hand.

The next day a truly spectacular train trip to Fort William with numerous lochs, mountains and valleys. Then a short bus trip to Ballachulish and a visit to the Laroch Bar and Bistro where a tasty meal and cask ale was sampled - the beer in question being...well another case of the disappearing notes...& memory.

A showery walk through Glencoe and up Signal Rock led to the marvellous GBG Clachaig Inn, a true oasis - although the barman remarked that the pub was more an oasis in reverse that day, due to the wet weather outside. 14 handpumps adorned the long wood bar and dark beers took precedent with Cairngorm Black Gold, Loch Lomand Silky Stout, and the local brewery River Leven, and in addition Beinn Dearg Ale from Little Loch, Ullapool all being sampled. This just left An Teallach Ale from Dundonell, Latitude Pilsner, Atlas Range, and Kelpie Organic Seaweed Ale, Heather Ales - for another day!

Day 4 departed Ballachulish by bus back to Fort William then coach to Inverness and another spectacular train trip, this time to the picturesque Plockton, as featured in one of Michael Portillo's railway programmes. Staying at the fine Plockton Inn had just 2 disappointments for Fenman. First of all the Plockton Ale was off (one of the nationals was on as a second best) and although local kippers were on the breakfast menu Fenman realised this too late when part way through yet another full English. However all was not lost on the ale front as the Plockton Hotel had several beers from the Highland Brewery including Northern, Corncrake and Nimbus, Orkney Best and Scapa Special.

Next day a return train trip to Inverness and a visit to the splendid GBG listed Castle Tavern, which of course is across from the lofty sited castle itself. The pub dispenses Isle of Skye beers and Fenman also sampled Caledonian ales 3 Sisters, Royal Scotsman and Old Mortality. The barmaid must have seen that Fenman was not only a Sassenach but also on a mission, and without being prompted handed him the last remaining copy of Highlands and Western Isles CAMRA newsletter, "What's Yours Then?" Well, since you asked, Fenman will have a pint of Scottish Ale.

Sunday saw a hectic schedule of buses and trains to return to the Fenland flatlands.