Grand day out

The pace of days here on the croft, on the island, is so different from London and our previous lives.

It’s slower, more relaxed, more reflective. More weather-driven, as much of what we do is outdoors now. I can go a week without leaving the house and croft, and I’m absolutely happy with that.

So when a day with girlfriends comes up as a possibility, it’s a real change of pace and a much anticipated treat.

In order to make it work I had an early start to bake a tray of Scandi cinnamon buns for The Stables, and now also for The Selkie Collective, our local community eco shop who have asked me to supply them too.

We dropped the buns off at Selkie and treated ourselves to a browse of their supplies and gift section. It’s such a lovely space.

Then a dash back to the car in the rain and off island onto the mainland to visit Duncraig Garden Centre, a lovely place nestled into the old kitchen gardens of Duncraig Castle.

Their plants are always in such good health and they’re such nice, knowledgeable people. Real plant enthusiasts, with cool cats wandering around the place waiting for head rubs too. What’s not to love.

The rain pounded down incessantly which maybe cut our visit short a little, but not significantly. We’ve all got good waterproofs.

They’d put by a rosemary plant for me and before we knew it we’d filled the boot of the car with vegetable plants and herbs. Don’t ask. I have no idea where they’re all going to go..

Next stop was a warm-through and mug of Cullen skink and a toastie at the Croft Cafe. The soup was so exceptionally good that I felt compelled to stop off at Fisherman’s Kitchen on our way back through Kyle of Localsh to pick up some of their fresh, undyed locally caught smoked haddock. That will go into a smoked haddock and creamy potato dauphinoise tonight for supper.

Back home to a fire, hugs and a couple of sleepy cats who have been curled up avoiding the rain all day.

A lovely day with fun and chat and the company of two good friends.