Once is not enough

Well, it's been a while since I last updated my blog - and for that I must apologise. Last year was a bit of a blur, and I am only starting to come up for air now. Although my Kyles of Bute flat was quite the entertainer - sadly I only managed one stay for the entire year. Definitely a tragedy from my side.

But, it is a new year and a fresh start. And I realised that I have not yet shared an update from my October trip to Scotland. So, although belated, here are some of the many reasons why once is not enough.

On this trip, I had quite a few work meetings scheduled. Ever practical, I had a monitor, keyboard and mouse delivered to the flat, so that I could remotely attend meetings in Australia as well. They went off without a hitch, which is a positive sign of things to come in the future.

I didn't waste any of my free time, and made sure that I caught up with friends at every opportunity. And this time, I also made sure to explore more of the island too. There are so many amazing adventures that I am discovering every time I visit. Having a pair of sturdy hiking boots at the flat has opened up a whole new world!

My lovely friend Gianna and I made an enjoyable trip to the new Eider Bakery at Port Bannatyne. Such a magic spot - wonderful coffee, delightful views and legendary cinnamon rolls. My sources on social media tell me that they have just opened a sauna too, which I am busting to try out!

And on another catch up, Gianna and I enjoyed a truly amazing walk to St Blane's Chapel. This is a spot that I have always wanted to visit, but never seemed to get there. It was even better than I expected, and I especially enjoyed visualising what it was like when the Vikings arrived.

This is one of the earliest Christian sites in Scotland, with the monastery founded in the AD 500s. The Viking raids started in around AD 790 and it was not hard to imagine how terrifying it must have been for the Monks to see them arriving on the shore. The site was later a parish church, built in the 1100s and was in full use until the Protestant Reformation of 1560. I was particularly intrigued to spot a Viking grave from the 10th century.

This time I also ventured to two of the beaches - the first was Scalpsie Bay with Gianna. There is a short walk from the car park, but it is worth the effort. It looked chilly, but very inviting all the same. You can see across to Arran and the Holy Isle and apparently there is also a colony of seals that lives by. Sadly, we didn't see them on this visit. Next time! But, we did spot some adorable sheep that I was quite taken with.

And on another rather rainy day, I took myself off to explore Ettrick Bay. The bay faces the Kyles of Bute and also offers views of Isle of Arran. This is apparently the most popular beach on Bute and plenty of swimmers head there during the warmer months. Back in the Edwardian era, a tram used to transport holiday makers from Rothesay to frolick in the waters! There apparently were even horse races, sand castle competitions, donkey rides and dances. There was none of that during my visit, but I did spot a beautiful rainbow.

Aside from walks and beaches, one of my newest disoveries on Bute is the truly glamorous Sulking Room in Rothesay. My mate Audrey and I took ourselves there for a cheeky cocktail as nightfall descended. Oh it was lovely and we had a wonderful time, enjoying the view and the swish surrounds. It felt like we were transported to another time. This is one spot that I will definitely be visiting again! Who knew that Rothesay could be so very glam?!

I shall write about my adventures off the island in a later post, but until then, I continue to dream of my next visit. I miss Bute and all of the wonderful adventures and people on this island that feels like a second home. Cheery bye for now!