Arran to the mainland

What you say lights the path of my life only as far as is necessary.

Psalm 119:105 (Sandy’s words but here are the actual words: ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path‘.)

Here is a list of places. Places where we were: Lochranza on Arran then across a glistening calm blue sea to the mainland where there was Claonaig, Tarbert, Ardrishaig and Lochgilphead.

Thank you for our time with you.

Tarbert means ‘ carry across’. Vikings carried their boats across the isthmus from West Loch Tarbert to East Loch Tarbert. Herring in large numbers made this village what it was and in 1820 Thomas Telford of Iron Bridge fame designed harbour improvements including the present harbour wall.

The tide is out but all is well ‘ tapadh leibh’ Tarbert. (Thank you in Gaelic)

Then to Ardrishaig. The town is quiet and the people friendly. Painted yellow and peach is ‘the Ritz’ a thrift shop and I buy a second-hand vase. The vase by the potter Molly Bradshaw is finger-squeezed to make a wavy edge. It is a made-in Scotland vase.

The roads are windy here in Argyll. It is said by Paulo Coelho that straight roads don’t make for skilful drivers. Today, Roy has had that skill enhanced with miles of winding, narrow roads. He is not looking ‘ a bit peely wally’ (pale and ill in Gaelic) so I guess he is thriving on it.

These towns on the lochs are pleasant places. No crowds, no fuss, just people doing their daily chores.

Here is a thought:

Healing can be a long and winding road or a straightforward march to the finish line.

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Thank you for reading this post.

Sandy 🙂