From chicks to otters (Days 143 - 152)

Day 143 - Herring Gull on Pladda

After baking in the sunshine on Day 142 (fortunately for the wedding goers), Sunday saw torrential rain and temperatures plummet - just the day to spend on the little Isle of Pladda with a few university students.  For those who don't know, Pladda is uninhabited and only reached by boat.  However, this is a privileged position where I get access to breeding birds and one not to be missed.

Day 144 - Anything is worth a try in the battle of the midges!

Monday is supposed to be a little quieter now that the collage course I was teaching on has finished but it seemed as frantic as ever - maybe because my Mums coming later in the week and the house is in a bit of a mess - remember the lovely wood burning stove (Day 133), well it had to come out again along with the fireplace.  But I did go shopping and bought some yeast - not for baking - I'm going to make some midge catchers.

Day 145 - Liz - looking good while I took some light readings.

Tuesday and a job photographing Ian and Liz from the Lamlash Bay Hotel. Liz was very relaxed as I took some light readings before the real thing.

Day 146 - Out of the hatch pops a little chick

The chicks are hatching at the Dougarie Estate and are so cute.  There seem to be chicks around everywhere at the moment and the pebbled beaches are alive with the different stages of breeding.

Day 147 - Guillemots nesting above Kings Cave

A quick jaunt along the coast today before picking up Mum from the ferry and having a closer look at the black guillemots nesting above the Kings Caves.  Occasionally visitors report they have seen penguins on Arran - I'm pretty sure this is what they have seen as they can waddle along in a quite upright position and for a 'non' birdy person it may look very much like a penguin!

Day 148 - Mum resting on an ornate bench in Brodick Castle Gardens

Today, I spent the day with Mum and we had a lovely time in the sunshine going around Brodick Castle gardens and enjoying lunch on the Castle terrace.  There are many amazing and unusual plants to be found along with the Bavarian summerhouse.

Day 149- The fireplace - now residing in the shed.

The predicted storm arrived today and we had planned for it, with a quick trip out in the morning before the rain arrived.  What I didn't plan for was more problems with the stove and water seemed to be tracking down the chimney and running off the top of it! Anyone need a lovely wooden fireplace?

Day 150 - Highland Cattle

The storm was short lived and we managed another lovely walk today - I'm enjoying a few days off - with a picnic in the bag.  I have to say the picnic included a cake - another plus of Mum coming.

Day 151 - Another bucket this time for the kitchen ceiling!

I got an unexpected shower today after swiping what I thought was a bit of dust stuck to the ceiling in the kitchen, with a tea towel. The swipe released the pressure building up above and released a small chunk of plaster along with a bucket full of water!  I clearly had a leak. Emergency plumber called and all sorted now. Thank goodness the plasterer hasn't come to finish off the stove yet.

Day 152 - An otter stays long enough for me to get a shot (only because I had the camera to hand).

And today I saw and photographed an otter.  These beautiful creatures have been a bit elusive lately so I was really pleased to see it - not so pleased that an Oyster Catcher let it know of my presence!

Another mixed bag (Day 134 - 143)

Another instalment in my 365 project has seen me considering subjects for Black and White that I would never have contemplated before. Not all of them work and if it wasn't for my commercial jobs I think I would seriously be craving more colour.

Day 134 - Scouting the route for the land rover photo safari in Glen Rosa

The week has swapped between needing filters to flippers as the strong sunlight cast dark shadows and midday was not ideal for delicate subjects.  But the cloud looked stunning in bright blue skies (ok so it comes out grey in this project). Glen Rosa is always beautiful whatever the weather and I'm looking forward to doing a land rover safari with the rangers on the 13th June.

Day 135 - Full day family workshop to celebrate a birthday, went to see the seals at Kildonan

Day 135 and the planning for a surprise workshop for a 40th birthday arrived.  All the family came (well four of them) and we had a great day around the island.  The weather forecast had been abysmal but in the end we had sunshine all day.

Day 136 - Carved and cut leaves in the Glade at Brodick Castle

Sunday the 25th and I had a job for Creative Scotland to photograph the work of Karen Rann, Artist in Residence at Brodick Castle. As 2pm approached so did the black skies and it wasn't long before thunder rumbled and lightening flashed.  The guests still arrived and sipped the bubbly whilst sheltering under trees (I'm not sure this is actually advisable in thunder storms).  But the storm passed and we listened to Sara Maitland read her story and enjoyed the tranquillity of the Glade.

Day 137 - No time for tea

It's late and I was still working.  I hadn't done my photo of the day as I was still editing.  I was hungry and tired but couldn't be bothered to cook.  Beer and chocolate seemed the ideal solution to all of my needs!

Day 138 - Laura trying to avoid the camera

Running night and a hot and sticky run through trails with a quite horrible hill at the end - just slow enough for the midges to gather - I swear I could hear them sniggering at the thought of us stopping for the warm down! It was a fast warm down, virtually impossible to do with the swarms that gathered and we all quickly departed.

Day 139 - Watson after a cool down in the river

Watson has decided its spring, that means he is no longer listening to me but looking for mischief!  Usually in the form of pheasant that seem to be abundant wherever we walk.  Even the tennis ball pales to insignificance if a bird runs in front of him.  Determined to tire him out, a walk up the Iorsa River with the ball thrower seemed to do the trick.

Day 140 - Lady Jean Fforde

Is it rude to discuss a Lady's age?  I really don't think so when it is a matter of record and it is in admirable terms.  Lady Jean is still working away, aged 93, signing her book Castles to Catastrophes and selling her paintings. The book signing held at Strabane was well attended.

Day 141 - Lighthouse at Ardrossan Harbour

 A quick dash over to the mainland to give Watson a try out at cani-cross.  This is where a proper running/pulling harness is used to exercise the dog and owner.  It's hard work but lots of fun and he really took to the harness and enjoyed working.  I'm sure there will be photo's of this to follow at some time but I really can't master the harness and a camera at the same time just yet!

Day 142 - Mr & Mrs MacHale

Working on the sidelines at Altachorvie during Katy and Paddy's wedding I couldn't resist a snap of the lovely couple.  The day was beautifully sunny which matched the pale yellow bridesmaid dresses and bouquets. A lovely relaxed day and I wish them lots of luck for the future.

Back to black (and white) Day 99 - 111

I have been assured that my current mind set of 'never again' with regard to the A to Z challenge, that I completed today, will actually wear off and I may even look forward to next years!  I'm not so convinced and am just happy to be getting back to my monochrome challenge - which, hopefully will resume a routine of blogging every 10 days. But this is a catch up version of the last 13 days and as it crossed the Easter Holiday (did I actually get a break?) it hasn't all been routine. But here's a small change in format as I continue to ramble in the caption of each photo.

Day 99 A rope, a bit of water and hours of fun  - no children around - have they forgotten how to play outside? Of course the sun helped, as did the large knot!

Day 100 - And a trip with Ocean Breeze Rib tours, a treat for Rory and Jenny.  Another glorious day, more so for not having to work, and we followed it with a couple of pints and a meal at the Drift Inn 

Still Day 100 (well I think it deserves and extra mention for reaching that milestone), and a closer look at the figurehead on the Viking boat in Lamlash bay. The figurehead represents a black eagle and Arran has its own Viking Society!

Day 101 - And a walk around Lochranza head to see Huttons Unconformity and Fairy Dell.  Armed with a picnic (yes the sun was shining again), we strolled very leisurely, exploring rock pools along the way.  We also did a quick visit to the Distillery to have a look at Angela's exhibition of paintings.

Day 102 - Bank holiday Monday, but not if you teach at Argyll college.  I had a class.  Needless to say, a sunny bank holiday didn't encourage students to turn up.  So for the ones that did we had a lovely sunny field trip, with me setting photo challenges along the way.

Day 103 - I discovered I had a mouse in the dog food cupboard.  Tell tale signs of a shredded hole in the food bag and a couple of droppings.  So I left the door open, and Bowser patiently and very quietly stood guard.  Bowser is a dog but he has great cat like qualities when it comes to mice and sure enough within the hour our little pest had been dispatched.

Day 104 - Driving through Whiting Bay, it's only been the last month or so that I've been aware of a derelict house, complete with reliant robin in the front garden.  There has been some serious garden clearance going on, making it visible.  I presume some work will start to demolish what is left and rebuild as the position of the house is great.

Day 105 - Another workshop, this time with a client from Amsterdam.  Thankfully the sun shone (perhaps I failed to mention that my client on Tuesday got mild hypothermia and a good soaking!) The seals were on full view and the sea calm - but most noticeably there were no midges. 

Day 106 - Bad news for hay fever sufferers as the trees bloom and are a common cause of discomfort. I'd spied this one earlier in the week, and as I finished another day full of workshops, I managed a quick snap. 

Day 107 - Out with one of my regular groups and I have to say it felt like the middle of winter.  We were frozen photographing the sea crashing on rocks.  Then as we moved into Whiting bay the weather started to improve.  I love the planted boats in the village, and its only by walking round with a camera that the smaller details are noticed; like the planted cup and saucer outside Coast.

Day 108 - The blossom on the trees just screams of spring and was just too pretty to miss out.  I had taken quite a few pictures today, and this was not the one I planned to use for this project but it seems to work.

Day 109 - The skies were heavy and felt like a storm.  The midges have started and clearly the horse was having to deal with a few flies.  There seem to be a lot of horses in the field at the moment, and some are stunning, even to me who isn't a 'horse' person.

Day 110 - In danger of becoming too flora with so many flowers appearing.  But the humble daisy is still one of my favourites and I remember sitting on the grass at school making daisy chains - do they still do that?

Day 111 - Today its just a snap.  Playing catch up and looking around the garden for something non floral!  I settled on this hook and chain. Its actually 2 hooks with a centre ring, very heavy, and was left in the garden when I bought the house (amid some rubble).  I have no use for it, but wire brushed it and painted it with metal paint before hanging on the outside of my studio wall as a feature. I've no idea what it was used for.

Well that's another session done, see you in 10 days :0)

Zero (A to Z challenge)

I have finally reached Zero in the countdown to the finish line and what have I learned from this challenge?  Firstly I am not a writer, but neither am I a quitter (I did feel like it on several occasions). That I love [my] island - which is good as I did make a conscious effort to chase my dream and move here and I still have many places left to explore.

I also apologise to anyone who thinks they should have starred in my blog - but I made a decision to only have one main subject for each letter - and believe me it was hard to decide what to cover as Arran has so many delights.  But I'm not hanging around today, it feels like the end of term - Schools out - I'm off to play.

Hope you've enjoyed it.

Xanadu (A to Z challenge)

The dictionary definition of Xanadu is of a place of great beauty and contentment, so what more can I say about Arran as I near the end of this challenge?

The seals bask in the sunshine

I have yet to meet Kubla Khan but I'm sure he's here somewhere. But meanwhile I can wander the mountains, explore the caves, splash in the rivers and paddle in the sea. I never really got into poetry, yet I love to read books, shame on me that I rarely remember the author as I immerse myself in characters.  And I like a weighty tome as I don't want it to be over too quickly.  I also like it to be made of paper - no kindles for me!

Goatfell viewed through the forest trees

But I digress from the beauty of Arran and as I sit here and write this little note, there is a red squirrel in my garden, and about 60 birds of several varieties.

For those who wish to read the poem here's a link.

Dyemill - my daily dog walk

W is for Weddings (A to Z challenge)

Goatfell in the background of the Big Wooden House Garden

The Isle of Arran is a spectacular wedding venue and has plenty of unique places for people to get married. Every wedding is special but I just love to see the men in kilts with thistle button holes, gathering to the sound of bagpipes awaiting the bride.

Brodick Bay with Brodick Castle

Several of our venues have wedding organisers to smooth arrangements, make sure flowers and pipers arrive - all locally provided, not to mention the catering.  Lucky couples can get married outside (weather permitting), with views to Goatfell, on the beach or in beautiful gardens.

Gardens at the Auchrannie

Some of the venues, such as The Big Wooden House and Altachorvie, both set in fabulous grounds, offer exclusive use and full wedding packages, others like the Auchrannie have private rooms for ceremonies and dining along with a lovely sunken garden.

And if you're not quite ready for the wedding but planning a stag / hen do, we do those too!

Visit Arran (A to Z challenge)

Visit Arran stand

 Visit Arran works tirelessly to promote our little island as a tourist destination.  The Isle of Arran is known as Scotland in Miniature as it seems to have everything, in particular mountains and wildlife (red squirrel, red deer, golden eagle, seals and otters).

Sheila in the office

Sheila runs the day to day working, getting businesses on board, going to exhibitions, running the website & social media and is supported by a board of directors.  Amazingly, the ferry to Arran is only an hour from Glasgow on the direct train line (a bit less by car).  And if you've been following this blogging challenge you will already know a little about the island and some things that can be found.

Find Visit Arran at an exhibition and you may get a free bag!

Urie Loch, Isle of Arran (A to Z challenge)

Urie Loch - Frozen

This is just a short walk from my house, however it is quite a steep walk and qualifies as a 'good walk'! There is nothing particularly special about this Loch but being close to home and infrequently visited by locals or tourists, it's one I go to fairly often. I rarely see anyone when I do.

Bowser - one of my curious spaniels

In winter it's easy to find 'virgin' snow and sometimes the loch freezes over.  In summer it hums with insects flitting around the heather and birds.  I know the deer visit as I have seen their tracks by the water but the strangest visitor I came across was a naked man presumably meditating.  I guess he thought if he stayed quiet and still I wouldn't see him - highly unlikely that he would go unnoticed as I was accompanied by my two cocker spaniels - they miss nothing and bounded across to investigate!

My 'family' at the loch 

Stones, standing and in circles! (A to Z challenge)

Follow the forest track

Arran is absolutely full of standing stones, circles and ancient stone crypts to the point that many are not marked or even noticed in everyday life.  So I decided to show you one that you may not visit, preferring to go to the larger and I have to say higher up on the reward for effort scale! At the top of the Brodick to Lamlash Road there is a car park marked Dun Fion, walking from that taking the right hand track a small sign can be found on the left to note  at this point there is an overgrown burial cairn, but go further down the steep, slippy slope and through the forest trees to a little clearing and you will find this single stone and another cairn (also overgrown), not much to see but quite a mystical place – and remember originally the forest would not have been here so the views would have been right across Lamlash Bay.

Sign at side of track where overgrown Dunan Mor Cairn can be found

If you do visit this one don’t miss out the little stone circle near the carpark!

Beyond the the cairn is a further sign heading towards Dunan Beag Cairn - fittingly slanting downwards as the slope is steep and slippy.

However I do feel I should mention some of the more famous sites such as the big standing stones on Machrie Moor where there are also at least 6 circles. Nearby is the circle at Auchagallon, not to mention the Druid stone, also at Machrie near to the Olde Byre visitor centre.  But in Brodick an unmarked stone sits at the end of the driveway to the Big Wooden House and easily goes unnoticed, as do many in the fields along the Brodick Castle driveway.

Small standing stone near the Dunan Beag cairn.

An interesting stone can be found in the forest at Stonach, where rare cup and ring markings are etched into a large slab. In Whiting Bay, a walk up the hill at Glenashdale brings you to the Giants Graves, and I could go on and on, naming different points of interest.