Out of the mouths of babes

A recent visit to see our daughter produced this gem from the 4 year old grandson: "Nanny, look at my big fat willy", as he stood with his full size plastic rugby ball strategically placed.
Any advice on how to keep a straight face under such circumstances.

Shopping

As mentioned in an earlier post, I have now joined the ranks of the retired, albeit a little earlier than some. I now find that I am more often involved in the various shopping expeditions undertaken by the household and find it difficult to believe just how many people there are out there scurrying around the shops. Don't these people have any jobs to go to?

Supermarkets seem to be the meeting place for the massed ranks of the retired, and whilst I have to count myself amongst them now, I like to think that I am not quite like them. Yet. Supermarket aisles are just not wide enough for three trolleys abreast and a zimmer frame or two, whilst an animated discussion takes place on the virtues of 2 for the price of 1 over Super Buy 12 for the price of 9. I have to agree though, that a degree in economics or a calculator or both would be a great help in some of the shopping decisions required today.

And why is it that the checkout that I choose always has someone in front who has bought items without a barcode which requires Mary or Jane to be called to go and find one. And why is it that even if the price is known, nothing, but nothing can happen if the bar code doesn't be recognised by the computer. The joys of the modern world!

Isle of Arran

You may be wondering about the Brodick connection; well, where I am now is not actually the one on the Isle of Arran which you can see by looking on the link below. Here you can see the Isle of Arran ( the chief town of which is Brodick) as seen from space. The picture is upside down really as the top is pointing to the south, but it is a most impressive picture.

Earth from Space - Low Resolution Image and Description

We went on holiday to Arran a year or two ago to see what the real Brodick was like. It would have to be said that pictorially it has a lot more going for it than the place I have named this blog from.

Arran is a small island about 20 miles long and 56 miles all the way around it, and is located off the south-west coast of Scotland in the Firth of Clyde. It is also known as 'Scotland in Miniature', and is one of the most southerly of Scottish islands. Most of what you find here is like a condensed version of the rest of Scotland; it has mountains and lochs in the north, rolling hills and meadows in the south, and is surrounded by a magnificent coastline. Although it is so far north, palm trees grow here in the mild climate thanks to the Gulf Stream and there are many picturesque villages. The view below is magical and enticing and is of the island from the ferry port of Ardrossan.

Looking towards Arran from Ardrossan


There is a short ferry trip of about 12 miles taking 55 minutes which is operated by Caledonian MacBrayne. We travelled on the MV Caledonian Isles which is one of their bigger vessels being some 94m. long and taking 120 cars and 1000 passengers. It was pretty full when we sailed on her and I would have to say that the time keeping was perfect. Some of our other travel companies could perhaps learn something from them.


MV Caledonian Isles

After a pleasant enough voyage you arrive in Brodick named from the Norse meaning "broad bay" and which is the main town of Arran. In fact it is about the only place big enough to call a town, but in reality on the mainland it would just about qualify as a small village. If walking or climbing are what you want, then you will find it in abundance here. Anyone with an interest in geology would find a look at the following link very useful:
An Introduction to the Isle of Arran


Goat Fell from Brodick

One of our main interests is visiting stately homes and so we were inevitably drawn to Brodick Castle which is one of the properties now run by the National Trust for Scotland. We found that joining the Scottish version of the National Trust is actually cheaper than the English one, but you can still visit all the English properties for free under a reciprocal agreement. A good wheeze which proves that not just the Scottish can be careful with their money.


Brodick Castle from the west
The castle built of red sandstone is in a beautiful setting amongst the trees on the foothills of Goatfell, Arran's highest peak at 874 metres high and which I have to confess that I have not climbed.


Brodick Castle, 1.5 miles from the town of the same name
There has been a castle of some sort in this location since the 5th century when the ancient Irish invaded. Buildings were built and destroyed many times up until 1588 when the oldest part of the present castle, seen at the right hand end of the above picture, was built. The Dukes of Hamilton have occupied the site since 1503.

As the home of the Dukes of Hamilton, the castle was occupied by Cromwellian troops after the first Duke was executed during the Civil War in 1648 and the second died in battle just three years later. Brodick Castle eventually passed into the hands of Mary, Duchess of Montrose (daughter of the 12th Duke of Hamilton) who revitalised the gardens. Since her death in 1957 it has been owned by the National Trust for Scotland.

Inside are paintings, porcelain and furniture from the various owners. It is also home to the art collection of 18th century author William Beckford of Fonthill whose daughter married the 10th Duke of Hamilton. One of the rooms is known as 'Bruce's Room' but since the castle was all but destroyed in 1455 and 1544, it is unlikely that Robert the Bruce actually stayed in it. Unfortunately, photography was not allowed inside the castle but there are pictures to be found on the National Trust for Scotland site at:
National Trust for Scotland - Brodick Castle, Garden & Country Park