Page 22 of Summer in the Scottish Highlands (The Scottish Highlands #5)

They had just finished the Loch Ness experience, which was great fun. ‘I was so impressed how they brought to life the history and stories of the area using animation and videos in the museum,’ Faye said, opening the passenger door and climbing in beside Jake.

‘I have to admit I was a bit sceptical at first, but the presentation really exceeded my expectations.’

‘I liked how we could vote whether the monster exists or not at the end of the experience,’ Jake added.

‘What did you vote for, Jake? Natty chimed in as she clipped her seat belt on in the back seat. Natty didn’t give him a chance to answer. ‘I voted that Nessie is real, and maybe we might spot it today,’ Natty continued as she picked up the guidebook and flicked though the pictures.

‘Right, who wants to stop for a picnic before the boat trip? Hands up to vote,’ Faye said, turning to Natty, who was still fiddling with her seat belt and trying to open her guidebook at the same time.

Natty dropped the book and both hands shot up.

‘Good!’ Jake said approvingly, taking count of the hands in the air.

‘We’ll stop at Dochgarroch village first and find a picnic place and then make our way to the boat, which is only about five minutes away.

’ He turned the engine on and slowly made his way out of the car park.

Jake led the way along the gangplank and onto the boat. There were already families ahead of them, and some were already seated, waiting for the journey to start. ‘Can we sit on the top deck?’ Natty asked as she waited for her turn to board.

‘Yes that’s a great idea,’ Faye replied. ‘Gayle said we’ll get a good view of Urquhart Castle as the boat turns.’

Jake led them to some seats on the port side of the boat, which he hoped would give them unobstructed views of the shoreline as they approached the castle.

The boat gently pulled away from Dochgarroch Lock, gliding along the calm waters of the Caledonian Canal before merging into the mysterious Loch Ness.

The crew entertained them with stories about the area and the Loch Ness Monster.

Jake looked around at the faces of the children.

They were mesmerised by what they were hearing.

It was times like this that he knew why he had chosen to become a teacher.

Faye was looking about her at the children too.

She and Jake exchanged a knowing smile. She said, ‘It’s all worthwhile, isn’t it?

When you see how children are inspired by the world around them. ’

Surrounded by the expansive dark water of the loch and the rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands, Faye noticed how fresh and crisp the air was.

As the boat cruised deeper into the loch, the ruins of Urquhart Castle came into view, perched dramatically on the rocky shore.

Natty turned and watched other children making their way to the back of the boat with their parents.

‘Can we go and take some photos from the back of the boat?’ Natty asked her mum.

Although the water was calm, Faye preferred to remain seated inside. ‘Why don’t you go with Jake, Natty?’

Jake stood and held onto Natty’s hand. They made their way down the aisle. The perspex doors slid open to allow them on to the deck outside.

‘Would you like a photo taken together?’ one of the crew asked as they stood admiring the views.

‘Oh, yes please!’ Natty said. ‘But I need my mum to be in the photo too.’

‘Aye, you go get your mum – I’m not going anywhere,’ the chap said.

‘Mum, mum, come quick, we are having our photo taken!’ Natty shouted as she stepped through the perspex doors again.

Faye glanced over her shoulder at the sound of Natty’s voice. Standing, she made her way to the stern of the boat, holding on to the back of the seats as she went along. ‘I haven’t found my sea legs yet, Natty,’ she said as the joined Natty outside.

‘What’s sea legs?’ Natty asked as she stood between Jake and Faye, waiting for the photo to be taken.

‘As Natty swayed on the deck, the crew member grinned and said, ‘Don’t worry – sea legs aren’t real legs! It just means getting used to the boat rocking. If you see a pair of legs floating by, instead of Nessie, well, you’d better let us know.’

Natty giggled at the joke while the photo was taken.

‘Here,’ the crew member handed Natty back her phone.

‘Thank you,’ Natty said, taking the phone as she stood confidently on the deck. ‘Do you want to go back inside?’ Natty asked her mum. ‘I don’t think you have found your sea legs yet.’ She had noticed that her mum was holding tightly onto Jake.

‘I’ll look after your mum while you take some more photos.

’ Jake used it as an excuse to put an arm around Faye’s waist, holding her steady.

She didn’t object. She moved closer, tilting her head towards him even though the water was calmer now.

They stood at the back of the boat, ignoring the spray and enjoying the stunning views of the loch.

As they made the return journey, Natty stood on the deck beside Jake, clutching her binoculars tightly, scanning the rippling surface for any sign of the legendary Nessie.

The chilly wind whipped through her hair, but she barely noticed; she was too focused on the dark, mysterious depths below.

Every shadow, every wave made her heart race with the thrill of possibly being the first on the boat to spot the elusive creature.

Arriving back at the start, they began to disembark. The skipper came to say goodbye as they left the boat. ‘Did you enjoy your trip?’ he asked Natty as she was about to walk down the gangplank.

‘It was amazing,’ Natty replied, ‘but I didn’t see Nessie.’

‘Well, you’re not always lucky the first time round,’ the skipper replied, winking at Faye and Jake, ‘which means,’ he said, pausing, ‘you’ll have to come again.’

‘Yes, I will!’ Natty replied as she said her goodbyes. ‘We’re going to stay in Scotland for a month!’ she added.

Faye rolled her eyes at Natty.

‘I’d like to live in Scotland,’ Natty said to herself, loud enough for her mother and Jake to hear .

‘But I thought you liked the city,’ Faye said in surprise.

‘Sometimes. I like the museums, and the zoo.’

‘And school. And your friends.’

Jake frowned when he realised that Faye was trying to convince her otherwise. It had pleased him no end that Natty loved Scotland.

‘But I like it here more.’

So do I , a little voice in Jake’s head said.