Another overdue visit with only one target in mind. Portsoy is a bit of a trek from North Herts but this journey was completed in a day with thanks to British Airways policy of carry-on items within the basic fare prices (£88 rtn). Taking advantage of loyalty points through Enterprise, the car-hire cost was a modest £22 for the day. The trip did require a 4.30am alarm call but with the scope set up by 11.20am, this was a steal of a trip. The Dolphin Statue overlooks the sea facing north from the lovely coastal village of Portsoy. From the vantage point, small rafts of long-tailed duck in fine summer plumage were floating offshore with modest numbers of common eider , guillemot , kittiwake and Sandwich tern in the area. It was generally a fine day, a modest southerly breeze, that was more than bearable, kept the temperature at a comfortable level with the sun desperately trying to break through. Scanning the sea, two great northern diver flew past and single red-throated diver ...