:angel: Thanks all, for your comments and interest. :kissy:
The reason I've hated Caithness is in my limited experience I've only come across the speckly, run of the mill stuff. If I see better, I'll revise my opinion sharpish!
I'll consider buying Mark Hill's book!
Yes, the base is roughly finished but smoothed (don't know what you would call that).
Sorry for the poor quality pics.
angel2