Space

Perhaps space isn't the first thing one thinks of when contemplating Scotland. Sure, there's loads of the stuff in the Highlands and Islands, with more breath-taking vistas and stunning scenery than you could shake a Saturn V at, all with the least amount of human-centric infrastructure. But, no, I was thinking of outer space, and although I guess Scotland has the same amount as everybody else, the country doesn't immediately spring to mind if, for instance, you wanted to go into orbit.

But even the briefest of internet searches (we're not known for our conscientious diligence here at Natural Highs and Lows), shows that there are five (or V, if you prefer) Scottish spaceports in development or planning, located in Shetland, Sutherland, Argyll, Prestwick and North Uist. There are also whisky distilleries in each of those places. Coincidence? I think not. And you thought that the uisge beatha was only jokingly described as rocket fuel?

In the news this week, a Scottish student was one of three passengers on Virgin Galactic's first space tourism flight. Quite why anyone would want to go to all that trouble, adding to problems with ozone depletion and greenhouse gases, is beyond me. Isn't Google satellite view enough from the comfort of a bedsit? Maybe the WiFi at the University of Aberdeen is rubbish?

So, not to be left behind in this particular space race, give yourself a boost onto a higher astral plane with Orkney's environmentally-friendly version, snapped during a trek to Stronsay.

Sea Rocket on Rothiesholm Beach