Independence corner..

This year the local branch of the SNP tried something different at the Islay Show.

Not only did they have their usual stall, but I agreed to bring a gazebo as well (borrowed from my neighbour at home) and to hold a surgery and a couple of open air question and answer sessions. One of those was on Brexit and included the branch’s guest for the day my good friend the redoubtable Joanna Cherry MP .

The National also took a space and their editor Calum Baird was present as well as columnist and writer Paul Kavenagh and his “wee ginger dug”.

The three pitches were alongside each other and beside a new show ring that the organisers had created for a dog show and some other events.

It was a great afternoon with lots of interest shown and lots of people dropping by and the weather was also kind with none of the showers that had been forecast.

Add in to all this a surgery I held on Jura this morning, a loverly Branch post show Supper (and gin tasting !) at the Ballygrant Inn and staying at the every hospitable and beautiful Kilmeny and all in all it was a wonderful 65th birthday - thanks for everyone for their wishes on that too.

Cathleen secretly arranged a cake for the conclusion of the members evening - which is my extra picture. Special thanks to her....