Here we are en route for Rothesay, on the island of Bute. Beautiful was the day as was the island. As we sailed down the River Clyde we passed Toward Castle. Originally the seat of the Clan Lamont, in World War 2 it was known as HMS Brontosaurus, having been requisitioned and used as an operations and training centre for the amphibian landings made on D Day. Donated later to Glasgow Corporation, it often housed artistic and educational events, but also operated as a refuge for children who were recovering from illness or who came from troubled or deprived backgrounds. There my cousin, Freda, and I spent several Easter holidays looking after such children when the regular teachers went on leave. We saw some very sad cases there but we had a great time in this glorious area as did the children.
But I digress. When we disembarked at
Rothesay, we learned there was an agricultural show that day, so off we walked there
and saw some splendid creatures. Here are fine specimens of Clyesdale horses,
sporting rosettes on their tails to confirm their pedigree. Just look at the
sheen on their coats! This Scottish species are draught animals, used in
agriculture originally, as well pulling cargo-filled canal barges and, most
splendidly, in all their finery as carriage-drawers advertising for famous companies
by leading carts bearing barrels of booze!
Here a little red-haired lad brushes his red-haired Highland calf, proudly polishing his coat to perfection prior to being judged.
After returning to Wemyss Bay by Callie Mac ferry, we continued our holiday theme by meeting good friends round the table - a very nice lunch at the Inverkip Hotel. It was lovely to see you both!
There Z found a nice niche with a cache of whiskies that he was reluctant to move from.
And as we left Glasgow airport one last WOW awaited us: the sight of seriously expensive whisky safely locked away in a cabinet. At 18,750 pounds a bottle, we were not for buying! :O
