Shotlandka!

One of the joys of blipping is the fact that there's the possibility of a blipmeet just about everywhere you go. And, whilst on Arran I was keen to meet up with Shotlandka who grew up on the island. Regular followers of her journal will know that she now lives and works in Oxford so it was fortuitous that she was home for a few days to celebrate her mum's birthday and was able to meet us for lunch at the Arran Distillery just down the road from her mum's home in Lochranza.

Getting to Lochranza meant taking the bus up around the north of the island - which is absolutely stunning. There's some really dramatic Highland scenery around Goatfell, Caisteal Abhail, Cìr Mhòr and Beinn Tarsuinn and the coast is also breathtaking. Today the sea was calm and twinkling in the sunshine but I imagine it can get rather more turbulent. As can the weather!

It was a pleasure to hear Shotlandka's tales of growing up in the area and of the history of the island back to the Highland Clearances and beyond. And I can certainly recommend the Distillery café - although, not being much of a drinker, I failed to sample the whisky... Apologies!

After lunch it was back on the bus, down the west coast to Blackwaterfoot and then back across the centre of the island via the road known as The String which offered us more fantastic views of the island.

As you'll see from my Extra Photo, we aren't alone in enjoying the views!