Luing

A misty morning but it burnt off during the day. We drove south to the other settlements on the island Toberonochy and Blackmill Bay, and it was interesting to see the changes in the scenery. Free ranging Luing cattle and sheep and less bracken. The famous Luing cattle are specially bred to be hardy enough to live out all year round and rear their calves outside. The calves are like teddy bears! 

Only 200 people on the island, and it is so peaceful. Looking out on all the surrounding islands is fascinating. It's very hilly, but you keep getting glimpses of the sea, boats in little bays and islands on the horizon. 

In the Atlantic Islands Centre in Cullipool houses a cafe which sells home bakes from a group of 14 women and one man! They are excellent! We went along for coffee and cake at lunchtime and fish and chips at tea time! The centre also has a shop selling local goods and crafts, an exhibition space and an interesting exhibition of local history. It is the hub where so much takes place. Nearby is a baker producing delicious sourdough bread. How great to be able to buy warm, fresh bread on a small island!

The gardens have very shallow soil as the island is made of slate, but they manage to grow all sorts of flowers and plants and trees. Even apples on the apple trees! And the trees, for the most part, are upright, rather than leaning in a windswept fashion!  Lots of rowan covered in berries. Blaeberries on the bushes, devil's bit scabious growing all over the place and lots of garden escapees, montbretia, hydrangea, buddleia etc springing up in curious places!

It's a lovely place to be.