My little piece of Scotland

Published on Friday 3 July 2009 13:29

WHEN I first entered my little piece of Scotland I felt I was in another country. The setting of my story is in Rosemarkie, opposite the dark waters of the Moray Firth. The beach, unique as it is, is not the bit of Rosemarkie I want to talk about. I want to write about the calm walk to the waterfalls that are at least 18ft high.

I love this place because it is as mysterious as a black hole, interesting and suitable for all seasons of the year. When you go along the walk you are parallel to a trickling, smooth stream. The walk contains several bridges and lots of lovely scenery.

Along the way, you will come across a rope swing. My sister and I love playing on it. When you swing on it, it squeaks like a mouse that is a whisker away from getting caught in a mousetrap. Once, when my dad had a go on the swing, he nearly hit the trunk of the tree and then fell off after.

Further on, there is a great, murky pond that freezes over thinly in winter. When you walk on a bit, if you look down you may come across some very small, sandy islands lurking in the river. If by any chance you step on any of these lumps, you will usually find yourself with feet as wet as a bath full to the brim. This happens because when you step on them they just sink into the clear, trickling waters. Along here there are ditches where tributaries come down the steep banks.

If you get to the waterfalls the walk will be definitely worth it. In winter there are icicles that are up to a metre long. The waterfalls are loud and beautiful. On the second waterfall there is a tree that is on the ground. If you put a coin into the tree you can make a wish. I put a coin in there once and made a wish – but so far it has never come true.

This is my favourite place in Scotland.

Reuben Green (ten), Balloch