A trip to the Highlands and to an Island

On Saturday after I finished work we drove up to the west coast for a couple of nights away.
It had all been carefully planned out. All I had to do was get in the car.  Amazing how a couple of days can feel so much longer.

We tried a couple of great Scottish gins, ate wonderful seafood dinners and hotel breakfasts, stopped for tea and scones, coffee and cake, drank champagne, saw beautiful scenery. It was the perfect break.

Largs

On Sunday we decided to go for ice cream and to Nardini's in Largs. It was sunny when we left for the coast but as you can see the usual thing happened and it clouded over a bit.

I first went to Nardini's years ago in my final year at art school. I was having a carpet made by a manufacturer in Kilwinning and as it wasn't far we took a trip to seek out the famous ice cream place.

I am one of those people who prefer things to stay as they used to be. I love the faded glamour. Nardidi's has had a major makeover and thankfully the ice cream is still wonderful.

Rum and raisin

Who could possibly resist....

This picture pretty much sums up my game. My ball is the pink one.

 Eventually!

Troon

A few months ago I had wedding flowers to deliver on a Sunday in Ayrshire. It was a beautiful day so what else was there to do afterwards than drive to Troon and go to The Wee Hurrie.

I confess that despite my North East heritage I'm not the biggest fan of fish but we had been here before and it is simply the most wonderful place for fish and chips or in my case, scampi.

It is really tiny with just a few seats inside so go on a sunny day and sit outside or if this weather continues go and do the traditional Scottish thing of having the picnic in the car. It will be worth it.

This is the view.

Afterwards you can walk on the beach to work it off a little.

The Wee Hurrie

Peony and rose bouquet

This wedding included peonies probably for the last time this year as their season is coming to an end.

I love these old garden style roses.

Button holes for the dads and the boys.

The bouquet is a summer garden selection, with just the slightest hint of pink.

A few of the extra blooms being used for display in the shop.

So farewell lovely peonies...until the next time.