Pretty in pink

This morning's news reported on the plight of the sheep farmers who have been hit hard by the recent snow. Many have lost a sizeable number of their flock in recent exceptional drifts. Some sheep have been pulled out of pockets still alive but new born lambs have succumbed most to the effects of hypothermia. The affect on those farmers is devastating and the full impact will not be known until the snow melts. With low temperatures forecast until mid-April, that may be some time.

Meanwhile, here and not so far away from the areas affected, we have escaped the snow and have been enjoying a fine, dry, bracing Spring. It even felt warm today in the sunshine, although the thermometer only reached 5.5C. The day started a little 'late' after the clocks moved forward to BST (though what exactly is the point: if GMT is good enough for winter, why not summer?!). We fancied a beach walk and chose the stretch from Barassie to Irvine, about 8 miles in all after a coffee and sandwich at the HAC.

Some horses were being exercised in the sea and the few other walkers were mostly accompanied by their dogs; the wind was blowing off the shore so the waves were quiet, but the peace was shattered by a motor biker on the dunes. About half way along the beach, someone had gathered flotsam to create a colourful art installation, which seemed ideal for today's blip. But there were other opportunities as well and we settled on this pony with its young rider against the backdrop of snow-capped Arran. It was encouraging to read in yesterday's Herald that it is still attracting holidaymakers, undaunted (or perhaps motivated to visit) by the recent snow.