Visit to Ruilick Alpacas.

We have been promising to take a short drive to see Graham and Kirsty at Ruilick Alpacas since they started their herd a couple of months ago.  They came to see us last year and have a look at our boys when they were doing their homework on alpacas before deciding to get any.  They live above Beauly about 6 miles from us and we can see their white house quite clearly on another hillside - Graham says he can see our house but yesterday it was hard to see anything in the distance because of the poor weather. This wee lady is Lucy with Apricot and Merlin behind.

Also in this picture are Cat and Hope and in the background is the Beauly Firth with the Black Isle on the left, facing across the firth to Inverness.  Graham and Kirsty live in a stunning location with all round views and lots of space for their 'pacas.

This is Cat being coy!  The herd, with the exception of their macho all came from Ardo Alpacas in Aberdeenshire,  so they are used to a bit of driech weather now and then!

 Ardo Enya with her cria 'Chocolate' and they are 'on holiday' from Aberdeenshire whilst the other girls settle into their new home.

The herd takes a close interest in the discussion regarding nail clipping!  Graham and Kirsty are joined by Bethan on Dad's shoulders and Dylan.

Apricot reminds us of our boy Fergus, but we don't think that they are related.

This is Barabbas - 'Barny' to his friends who is just over the fence from the girls and spends a lot of time keeping an eye on them.  They come up to the fence just to tease him - and keep him on his toes!  Barny is a rose grey 'paca but this is not so obvious when he is wet!  This was a great visit to a lovely family who are just beginning their experience with their herd - and loving it.  Thanks for the coffee folks, we'll bring better weather next time!

And finally.............thought you might like to see the autumnal colours bordering the road up through the beech trees to Tigh Mhor.