Arran

More island hopping today, this time taking ferry from Claonaig to Loch Ranza on Arran. Managed to squeeze all seven us into the car for this and squeeze onto the small ferry across the water. It's pretty impressive how many vehicles they do cram on to these things when you see the size of the boat, and it's all efficiently done in ten minutes for a quick turnaround.

Arran's sometimes likened to 'Scotland in miniature' as the north of the island is pretty mountainous (relatively speaking; Goat Fell's the highest peak at just under 3,000ft) and the south is rolling green farmland. We set off clockwise around to the main town of Brodick and stopped off here for something to eat. A typical old-fashioned seaside town I suppose - putting green, buckets and spades on sale, beach closed due to broken glass and Heather and Euan popped into the 'Chocolate Shop' to pick up these light snacks. Pulled into the local petrol station here to top up but on seeing the £1.32 a litre price decided I could wait to get back to where it would cost an arm and a leg to fill the tank. Seems really unfair that the people that live on these islands and that have to use a car to travel a fair bit more for things like the local shop have to pay through the nose like this.

Even managed a quick fix of the internet as the cafe we had lunch in had a wi-fi hot-spot. Caught up with a bit of blipfoto goings-on which was nice.

Continued on the journey around the island with a few stop-offs to stretch the legs until we came full circle back to Loch Ranza to wait for the ferry back. A good competitive session of stone skimming on the pebbly beach whilst we waited too.

Decided as it has stayed sunny all day to fire up the barbecue at night. Even the smoke off of this wasn't enough to keep the blood lusting midges away and we retreated inside to try and escape them. It now makes senses why we hadn't seen many people out enjoying their garden's on a pleasant summer evening - these tiny beasties make it absolutely impossible!