From the kindness of strangers

The ferry had so many foot passengers on board today, she looked more like a landing craft.

Some years ago we met two Americans on the nature reserve by our house, who asked if we knew what a particular bird was. Arctic terns, we said, creaking like rusty hinges in the sky. We walked on together. We talked. They came back to ours for tea. They said we were kind. We thought they were very civilised. We became friends quickly.

Every year since, when they've visited from LA (not last year obviously) we've met up. And today they arrived on the Cromarty ferry. Lunch from Sutor Creek. Much catching up, then shopping.

From the kindness of strangers, lifelong friendships grow.