Jasmine grazing...

The llama farm is situated at the top of the magnificent Berriedale Brae, just south of Dunbeath. The journey from Edinburgh by car took just over five hours, with a stop at the excellent Kessock Bridge picnic area where you might be fortunate enough to spot dolphins as you munch your sandwiches. The latter part of the journey alternated between vistas of vast moors and inland valleys, coves where tiny villages clung to the cliffs to shelter from the changing moods of the North Sea, and dramatic headlands, topped in places by ancient fortifications. From the entrance to the Llama Farm, made even more welcoming by the sign, "Fergie, friendly dog", the views across the sparkling waters of the Moray Firth towards the distant Buchan coast were stunning. At the back of the Farm, folds of moorland, bracken and heather-covered hills gradually merged into looming, dark mountains.

Kingspark Llama Farm was started just over seven years ago by Brian and Mary Gough from Bristol, England. Theirs is a breeding farm and, at last count, boasted seventeen llamas. They also have raccoons, chipmunks, potbellied pigs, goats, hens, cocks, parrots, pheasants, ducks, a dog and a cat. When we were there, there were two families of young ducklings. Brian told me that these youngsters are in no danger from foxes as the llamas act as deterrents and frighten the foxes away. Farmers - take note!

But, what of the llamas themselves? I had never seen a llama before, never mind going for a walk with one, and was anxious to make their acquaintance - and equally anxious to avoid being at the receiving end of one of their legendary spits! We were told that llamas dislike having their faces touched but relish having their wonderfully soft, fleecy chests stroked. They have very big eyes, usually brown, fringed with long eyelashes. Only one llama in the herd, Merlin, had blue eyes. With ears erect (a sign of curiosity) some llamas approach six feet in height and their coats can be all white, various shades of brown, ranging from beige through tan to a mixed spice color, or a mixture. Once you were actually in the fields with the llamas, you realised there was nothing to fear. They are exceptionally friendly, even affectionate, animals, very curious and extremely intelligent. Breakfast took on a whole new dimension when you realised you were being gazed at somewhat disdainfully by a group of llamas on the hill directly behind the farm.