Durness as a Setting in My Brave Highlander

I’m just finishing up my new book! It’s always fun and exciting to finish a story and get it out there for readers. My Brave Highlander is set mostly in Durness, Scotland, in winter. I’ve visited Durness twice and loved it each time. But during writing my story, I’ve felt like I’ve visited Durness every day for the last several months, which is awesome. Yes, it is cold and windy. It has always been windy in Durness the times I’ve been there and the weather tempestuous and harsh. But I still love it! Durness has some of the most beautiful and fascinating scenery. It is wild and untamed. The beaches are gorgeous. If you read my story, which will be released in a few weeks, these are some of the settings I’ll describe, but keep in mind things will often be snow covered. I'll admit this is an extreme setting for me but it was wonderful creating it.

Balnakeil Bay at sunset with Faraid Head in the background

The beach at Balnakeil Bay and the church.
 In my story, the above church ruin is new. And you will have to imagine a huge stone castle where Balnakeil House sits. :)


Sango Bay
 I don't have any scenes set at Sango Bay, but it is such a beautiful place, one of my favorites in Scotland.
Balnakeil Church and wedding photos on the beach

Sango Bay

Ceannabeinne Beach 

The waterfall in Smoo Cave

 I have an important scene set in Smoo Cave so it was great to have visited it. I didn't get to take a boat ride in the second chamber like those in my story. I had to use my imagination. :)
View from Smoo Cave toward the sea

View from the hill or cliff above Smoo Cave. It's a steep descent.


Smoo Cave

Ceannabeinne Beach - Durness

Waves in the wind at Sango Bay

I didn't have any good videos of the area but I found these on YouTube.



 

 My story is set in 1618, so the hero doesn't ride a bicycle. LOL But he has been out to Faraid Head numerous times when he was a lad. In fact, one of the important, life changing events for him happened here.

 


This one has some stunning photos on a rare sunny day.
 

I hope you enjoyed these glimpses of Durness!
Thanks for stopping by!
Vonda
www.vondasinclair.com

12 comments:

Dawn Marie Hamilron said...

Beautiful pictures, Vonda. Makes me want to go book a flight. Good luck with the release of your new book.

Maeve Greyson said...

I could SO live there! *sigh*

Vonda Sinclair said...

Dawn, thanks! I'd love to be in Durness where it's cool today instead of in this heat. LOL

Maeve, so could I! I think I could put up with the extreme weather to see such beautiful views every day.

Gerri Bowen said...

Vonda, can you stay there and write so you could keep sending us photos like these? :) Such great photos! Thank you.

Paisley Kirkpatrick said...

Can I copy these photos so I can look back at them when I read your story?

ps: when are we going back? I am getting to like pocket riding. :)

Gorgeous and going to be so fun to actually see the photos and connect them to the story. Thanks!

Vonda Sinclair said...

Gerri, I'd LOVE to stay there! LOL The task will be getting my husband to go back. He wasn't crazy about the weather because it pounded us with sleet, hail, rain and wind when we were there in May last year. The most severe weather in 8 yrs, our B&B host said.

Thanks so much! I'm glad you like the pics!

Vonda Sinclair said...

Yes, you can, Paisley. And thanks so much for wanting to read my story! We're going back in Sept. this year. Hoping for a wee bit of warmth and sun so we can explore outside more. We're not going to Durness this time though. I'll miss it.

Vanessa Holland said...

Thanks for the pics. I just watched a video on Smoo Cave. What an amazing and awesome place.

Vonda Sinclair said...

Yes, isn't it the neatest place! I love it. Thanks for checking out my pics!

Jennifer (JC Page) said...

Thank-you Vonda! Beautiful photos makes me want to leave tonight :) Yes, Sango Bay, I agree my favourite too...I saw a huge stone castle. Looking forward to your release...congrats!

Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog said...

Love the videos Vonda!

Vonda Sinclair said...

Jennifer, thanks! I'd like to leave tonight for Sango Bay too. :) I'm glad you could easily imagine a castle there. :)

Bella, I'm glad you enjoyed them!