Scotland – Page 5 – Curious Bystander

Ardrossan, Scotland – Part 1

I went to meet an old friend in the very cold and wet, coastal town of Ardrossan, on the West Coast of Scotland – It was even colder than I thought it would be.

Ardrossan Marina, Scotland (west coast of)

You have to understand the weather in this part of the world, physically and technically, it is not REALLY that cold, but when it’s 7 celsius (42 f), and is humid, and has a 20+ mph wind in your face – it goes down to your bones.

Equally, it’s a rather strange, small place, with three to four train stations! Surely some kind of record for such a low population of about 10,000+?

We ate at the delightful and functional (excellent, friendly service!), Cecchinis, at the marina. It’s a modern Italian place, and is swift, clean and quality – quite full at this time (and weather) and place.

Afterwards, we hiked about the high street, and promenade (more tomorrow), but lastly, there’s palm trees there!

A palm tree in Scotland, a regular appearance on the West Coast

Killearn, Stirlingshire, Scotland – Part 2

Closing my review of the delightful (to me at least!), we look at the southern or eastern part of the village (I think?) and a few titbits of trivia.

After the “central” part of the village, said with a cheek, looked at the “residential” area of the village; which ranged from a new development of luxury flats, only 4 in total, which seems to be about the right number (not too many that is) and replaces the old Black Bull hotel, which sadly was sold?:

Old Black Bull hotel, sadly demolished for new flats

To the oldest part of town:

To a very small gallery, the Panik Gallery:

To maybe the most exact hedge trimming I’ve ever seen; a “shopping arcade?” and delightful callbox / library.

More Glasgow street life; rain and floods –

I do a lot of walking about Glasgow; one of the perks of being self-employed and having the time, and often forcing myself to get outside from behind my desk.

Floods this week in Byres Road, Glasgow, Scotland!

I love it, no problem at all, but the weather has started to change. It’s not only colder but very wet. Look at these statistics for the rainfall we have in Glasgow, Scotland! It’s a large quantity and but an even longer duration of the stuff we receive here, and owing that we are on the west side of Scotland, it’s more considerable than on the eastern part of Scotland.

Just this past week, we have been inundated with rain for several days, which resulted (along with the leaves blocking the street drains) in many areas that were under water. It is now past but still amazes me that this occurs.

Another small trip – St Andrews, Scotland and Golf –

Golf; they play that here in Scotland and in particular at the “Home of Golf” at St Andrews; where every October (for some reason!), the pros play the Dunhill Cup, along with many celebrities.

The last time I was here, I remember seeing Hugh Grant shank one (hit badly!) horribly, in front of a very packed gallery. Though I always think how I would do, with hundreds peering down at me.

Then, it was lovely, sunny and warm (yes it is like that in Scotland at times in October!), but for the event two weeks ago, the weather was dreadful, hence after a few hours on the course (it was free to enter), we decided to go to the horribly named pub “One Under Bar”, for our lunch. Where on the outside, there was a rather charming weather forecasting tool – brilliant!

Will do again, but please bring us some good weather.

The Week Ahead . . . It’s hot here in the West of Scotland

This week, will try to put some photos of previous travels, as I am all “travelled out” and due to Corona, may not travel (and have not travelled) for a while.

In addition, will finally start several “series” about life in Glasgow; by looking at many of the small “green areas” we have here in the city, and a look at more of the wonderful church architecture that we have here as well.

But first, it’s hot! And it seems to be almost a desert forming here as a recent trip to play golf north of Glasgow shows.

Loch Lomond – Part 4 – Balloch

I concluded my recent trip to the Loch Lomond area, by visiting the charming, drive-through village of Balloch, that comes complete with both good car and train connections, and is frequented by many day-trippers from the Glasgow area.

It was a short drive from Cameron House and we decided to go for a walk through Balloch and onwards to the Lomond Shores shopping complex / Sea Life aquarium. We actually became lost and so got back in the car and drove to this area.

Considering it was a day bathed in sunshine, we had a very quick walk around, and noticed the tourists, and also the very many people taking part in some sort of water sports on the loch.

We also noticed a great deal of young families here, not only for the sights, aquarium and loch, but also for the tree village / birds of prey area, something I will definitely visit in the coming months.

Loch Lomond – Part 3 – The picturesque village of Luss . . .

Luss is one of those places that you like (it’s beautiful, has walks, is next to Loch Lomond, has a multitude of pubs / restaurants – and even has a scene or church from the film Four Weddings and a Funeral, if that’s your thing, at Luss Parish church – maybe it does, as the number of weddings in its diary is amazing!) or don’t like; it has too many tourists, there’s too many people from Glasgow (they simply DON’T travel any further north than here!), and has a packed carpark; though they do have a new, purpose built one on the south of the town since the last year.

I cycled to here from my Cameron House stay, and had a lunch among the midges that consisted of a wonderfully textured veggie burger (one of the best I’ve had) and chips, at The Village Rest cafe.

Midges

Interesting for those of you who have not had to survive the midges during a Scottish “summer”, it’s only later in the day, where one discovers that they’ve been bitten dozens of times by these things. The local “known” cure is Avon’s “Skin so Soft” and I would have to vouch that it does, indeed work, though I had forgotten to use it on this particular day!

For a laugh, please see this link, where a debate ensues! OTOH, there is also a product called Smidge, which I also use (and forgot to bring as well!), which has it’s own “forecast” as to the midge situation. Check it out!

Various shots of Luss and the quay on Loch Lomond

After the lunch, we had a wander to the quay, and had an ice cream whilst watch the numerous queueing for the boat or trying their hands at canoeing, etc.

Week Ahead / Loch Lomond – Part 2 – Golf!

The coming week will see a continuation of my last trip to Loch Lomond. Will also look at various things in Glasgow, churches, buildings and a look at alcohol, TV and the Arts.

Loch Lomond – Part 2 – Golf (The Carrick Golf Club)

Whilst at Loch Lomond, decided to try my hand at golf; this nightmare taking place at a superb club, The Carrick, complete with views and a stunning spa.

Amongst the hiking and biking, the course has an excellent clubhouse and restaurant, that I had lunch in. Everything seemed to never be a problem for the ever so helpful staff and if this is your thing, please do try it.

Loch Lomond – Part 1

With having to stay as close to Glasgow as possible, come on 19 July(!), had to contend with the lovely surroundings of Loch Lomond and the various places nearby a few weeks ago

Decided to rent a cabin (Hardly! More of a flat.) situated very close to Balloch, a delightful village, that can be reached by train (direct) from Glasgow. It was on the grounds of Cameron House, by Loch Lomond. It’s impressive and comes with a Boat House, 2 golf courses and water activities, if you dare.

The apartment was just fine. Forgive the fotos, but I simply could not fault either the facilities or the placement in the grounds.

More later, but I would return in the future.

The Cateran Trail – Part 4 (we cheated) to Bridge of Cally / Blairgowrie / The Strawberry Farm Shop, north of Perth

After the arrival in Kirkmichael and a bought lunch (tasted great!), we headed via car, to Bridge of Cally, with the intention of walking to Blairgowrie, which went astray! We stayed the night and the next day shifted with the car to Blairgowrie.

Various shots in Bridge of Cally – Last shot showed a fatal car accident!

What a very small place, with the hotel the Bridge of Cally hotel, being packed yet the food was wonderful – world class btw. We needed the sleep and chill, and the next morning, I discovered that the A93 to the front of the hotel was closed. After I enquired, I was told that this was due to yet another road fatality on the A93 to Blairgowrie. I can only say, that on the same road heading south to BOC, the level of driving whether a caravan or not, was simply appalling! Take care, though this may have been due to the fact that this was one of the first days where travelling was allowed after COVID.

Once in Blairgowrie, where we discovered that they are the Strawberry or Berry capital of the World, we went for a short roam, and found a path on the Cateran Trail, that followed the river into the town. Some shots are below, and was struck by the sheer beauty of the place. Afterwards had a tea / cake in a cafe, the delightful Cateran Cafe in the heart of Blairgowrie.

Various shots in and around Blairgowrie (note the new flats via Savilles!

Finally, after leaving on the A93 again to Perth, we came to a bend in the road and just simply HAD to stop at the best stocked farm shop (The Strawberry Farm Shop) I’ve seen. The cake / pecan pie / brownie was heaven!

After about £60 worth of grub was bought, we stumbled back to Glasgow.