Happy to be a part of the industry of human happiness
Almost a year since the last trip, I went back to Millport – one of my favourite day trips by public transport from Glasgow. The sun and the day-trippers were out, and everything was looking good. The Ritz Cafe was open and I got to enjoy a toastie in its magnificent Formica surroundings. It is […]
Millport is the main (and only) town on Great Cumbrae, a small island off the west coast of Scotland. It’s one of the easiest Scottish islands to get to from Glasgow, and is great for a day trip. The ferry from Largs takes about 10 minutes and runs frequently, Millport is a short bus or […]
I love waxworks. When they are good they’re very, very good and when they’re bad they’re even better. I’ve been hooked since experiencing the famously terrible Louis Tussaud’s House of Wax in Great Yarmouth, and never miss a waxworks if there’s one to visit. The National Wax Museum Plus in Dublin is a mix of […]
I’ve been writing and editing for such a long time now that I’m well trained in the art of brevity. So I enjoy finding signs that don’t obey the rules. The disruptors and mavericks – mixing things up. A bit wordy. Slightly long-winded. They meander to the point. This one might be better as a […]
Mull Museum on the main street in Tobermory is a real treat. Free entry and so much to see inside. Housed in a former baker’s shop, it is one room crammed full of all kinds of stuff. The handwritten display captions are particularly fine, including this crazy wall explaining the history of Mull’s ferry crossings. […]
Ulva is another island off the coast of Mull. It’s community-owned with an interesting history. Much bigger than Iona, there is more to explore and if you fancy full day’s walk, Ulva is linked by bridge to Gometra, an island off an island, off an island, off an island. Getting to Ulva is fun because […]
The Isle of Iona lies just off the south-west coast of Mull. The ferry leaves from Fionnphort, a pretty wee place with a particularly stunning beach (above). The ferry takes 10 minutes and runs frequently. Cars are only allowed on Iona with a permit that must be organised in advance. Famous as the cradle of […]
Ardalanish Weavers is on Mull, and is worth a detour off the main road to Fionnphort near Bunessan. This is a long-standing family weaving business (similar to the Islay Woollen Mill) where not only can you buy woollen products, but you can see them being made too. Ardalanish’s speciality is naturally-dyed wools. This yellow yarn […]
I had a little break in Mull, and went the long way round to get there. When you can explore new bits of Scotland and ride on new ferries, why not take a bit longer. The trip from Glasgow, along the banks of Loch Lomond and through Glencoe was beautiful. Everything looked rugged and dramatic […]