As the train approached Fort William, the winter sun was getting low in the western sky, casting long shadows across the hills behind the town and reflecting brightly off the waters of the loch that stretched out towards the sea.
Karen and Jonathan collected their suitcases and stepped down onto the platform. Apart from a uniformed porter and a couple of other passengers there was no-one else on the platform so Karen and Jonathan walked through the ticket hall and onto the road outside the station.
"Karen!" a voice shouted. Karen looked around and recognized Mac walking towards them.
"How are you, Karen! How was Christmas?" he said as he gave Karen a hug.
"Just great!. This is Jonathan, who I told you about."
Mac gave Jonathan a vigorous handshake. "Welcome to the highlands, Jonathan."
Mac took Karen's suitcase and started off towards his green Range Rover. "We should be able to get home before dark. It's about seven miles."
He lifted the suitcases into the back of the Range Rover then directed Jonathan and Karen to get in. Karen got into the front passenger seat while Jonathan got into the back seat. Mac jumped into the driver's seat and started the engine. "How was the journey?"
"It was good," said Karen. "Took most of the day, though."
Mac drove out of the station forecourt and after threading through a few narrow streets, they were soon on a road out of town.
"Karen tells me you live in the Pennines, Jonathan."
"Yes, sir. A place called Ravensgill Bridge."
"Oh Mac!" said Karen, "It's fabulous! He actually lives in a railway station!"
"I want to hear all about it," said Mac as he swung the Range Rover round a corner. They were well out of the town now and travelling across a broad sweep of heather covered hills. Ahead was a valley and beyond, made just visible by the setting sun reflecting off its windows, was a large house.
Mac pointed ahead. "There's home sweet home."
In a few minutes, Mac pulled off the road and into a long curving driveway and drew to a halt outside a pair of huge oak doors.
"Here we are!" said Mac as he jumped out of the vehicle. He ran around to the back of the Range Rover and lifted out the suitcases then walked over to open the front door of the castle. Karen and Jonathan collected their suitcases and followed Mac into the house.
They found themselves standing in a large entrance hall with a magnificent stairway leading up to the next level. The floor of the entrance hall was polished wood, the walls were grey stone and the ceilings were supported by soaring wood beams.
"Come on, I'll show you where your rooms are. You can unpack and freshen up and then I'll see you in the Great Room and we can have drinks before dinner."
Mac started off up the stairs and Jonathan and Karen followed on behind. At the top of the stairs, they turned right into a long corridor with doors off both sides. Mac opened the first door on the right. "Here you are, Karen."
"Thank you, Mac. I'm going to get a quick shower and change."
"OK, I'll see you down in the Great Room in about half an hour. Turn right at the bottom of the stairs and the Great Room is through the door straight ahead of you. Dress casually!"
"I'll see you there, Jonathan," said Karen as Mac opened the next door along the corridor. Jonathan stepped into his room.