Iona

Iona wasn't on our original plan for this trip as we visited before many years ago. Another damp start to the day so we decided we might as well drive the two hours to get there.

Good decision. Not rain when we got there and we've had a great afternoon.

Started with coffee in the conservatory of the Argyll Hotel over looking this view of the pier.

We then took a walk across the centre of the island to Angel Hill no doubt named for the views beyond to Tiree across the milky blue water. Again the beaches are fabulous, fine white sand giving the sea a stunning colour even with grey skies. With the pink granite rocks it reminds me of North Brittany.

We were so impressed with the Argyle Hotel we returned for lunch and then headed for the Abbey. It was very busy on our last visit and a bit of a disappointment. Leaving it till later meant the buses had left. The other change was you now have to pay to go in. We asked how long that had been the case and we're told over 20 years. So that tells you how long ago our last visit was! It wasn't long after the death of John Smith, former labour leader who is buried here. That was 1994! The good news was she asked us if we were members of English Heritage which we are so we got in free! This has happened to us in the Hebrides before, always worth carrying your cards.
Last time we also visited Staffa which was fabulous, not today a bit choppy and not enough time.

Sorry I haven't been commenting. The room Wifi has stopped so having to do this in the bar where of course we don't stay for long! Just having a drink before heading out for dinner.

I really like Tobermory. Lots of attractive, real craft shops and restaurants not 'Tartan Tat' as one guide book describes that sort of stuff. We had a lovely meal last night. There is a pub on the harbour called the Mishnish ( a local area north of the town). It is a typical Scots pub from an earlier era with a ceiling that would look well in a Dutch brown cafe! But it is also a hotel with an adjoining restaurant and Oyster bar called The Mishdish, very different in style.

Chris had a massive bowl of local mussels with jacket wedges (too much) and I couldn't resist Cullen Skink as a starter. It was delicious but I knew I couldn't manage that and a main so I asked if I could have another starter. I had the Tobermory smoked fish plate. Smoked salmon, trout and mussels and hot smoked salmon with pickled cucumber and capers. Amazing.

Extra - a beautiful carved cross inside the shrine of St Columba or Calum Cille his Gaelic name.