The Lairig Ghru race route is 43 kilometres through the Cairngorms, from Braemar police station to Aviemore police station. The race has been held annually for over 40 years.

This year the race took place on Sunday 6th Septemeber. I ran it the day before, which confused one man, who was dues to race it, and when I told him I was running it on the Saturday he said:

“Are you sure?”

“Yes,” I replied, “I’m definitely doing it on Saturday.”

“Oh God! I thought it was the Sunday. I’ve booked the wrong day!” He panicked.

He thought I was doing the race too. He was very relieved when I told him I was just running it for fun the day before the race.

I judge the posh-ness of a town by how many black Range Rovers are parked at the town’s supermarket. There was about 20 parked outside Braemar Co-Op but the drivers weren’t shoppers looking for a bargain. They were staying at the hotel next door – The Fife Arms ( https://thefifearms.com/) One of Scotland’s most opulent hotels.

The cheapest room is £400 a night. They look nice though. Definitely a step up from a Travel Lodge

I didn’t stay there. I stayed at a local B+B http://www.cranfordbraemar.co.uk/. It was great. The room was quiet and the owners were friendly. They served up a great breakfast.

A town must be posh when the answer to the question: “Have you had any covid cases here?” is “none in Braemar but there was one down the road in Balmoral – Prince Charles!”

At town is posh when your neighbours are the Royal Family.