Three in a Car

Gourock to Dunoon ferry

 As we whizzed around the west of Scotland this week, visiting family, we were accompanied in the car by a most irritating passenger. She of the husky voice and insistent manner who flatly refuses to shut up. Yes, we have acquired a sat nav. Now, I know everyone thinks they are a quite wonderful invention and I daresay they can be invaluable for navigating  unfamiliar cities however, I am not convinced of the necessity of the presence of this 'other woman' on perfectly well signposted roads. I have a pretty good sense of direction and am quite capable of reading (and actually like) paper maps so when she demands one route and I another things can get a little tense until she gets shoved into the glove box. There she continues to nag on about u turns, albeit at a lesser volume - the off switch just seems to turn off the map but not her annoyingly dulcet tones. 'Why do you want her?' I ask pathetically.  What's wrong with my directions? It's all in the sexy voice apparently.

Tighnabruaich

 We spent a few windswept days in Tighnabruaich on the lovely Kyles of Bute - Argyll's Secret Coast according to the new road signs. Such a secret that people no longer seem able to find the place (ditch that sat nav). The lack of visitors isn't helping local business and many of the shops seem to be closed - this does seem to be a continuing theme I'm afraid. Whilst we were there one tour bus arrived and disgorged its passengers who were then left to wander forlornly up and down the windswept seafront until the lady at the RNLI (lifeboat) shop arrived and opened up - hopefully making good sales as it's a great cause.
We also had a day in Stirling in central Scotland, a convenient point for another fleeting family reunion. Unfortunately it was cup final day and the pub we met in was stowed out with football supporters watching the game. Once upon a time pubs had mirrors and paintings on their walls. Now whichever way you turn your head there's a huge flatscreen tv. The supporters in this pub became increasingly happy cheering loudly at each goal scored by their team - and there were 5 of them - so it was difficult to carry on a conversation.
A word on the food. As well as whisky Scotland produces beautiful high quality food and has many fine restaurants but the deep fryer remains hugely popular, particularly in pubs. A typical starter plate might contain such delicacies as haggis, black pudding and cheese all crumbed and deep fried and accompanied by nachos, chips and fried bread. Not much room for a main course after that but perhaps leave room for a dessert of deep fried mars bar.

Sottish lass dining in style - deep fried haggis

The sun has at last made an appearance and as the temperature reaches the dizzy heights of 21 degrees the Scottish lads are stripping off their t shirts. Today lily white torsos, tomorrow lobster red and pain.

Next stop Edinburgh and Perth.