Very philosophical, Dave. My parents semi-retired to Sandbraes (Whiting Bay) in 1968 and fully embraced island life until health concerns forced them to return to the mainland 15 years later. My dad worked as a butcher in Blackwaterfoot, as Caretaker in Whiting Bay Hall and as the RBS Mobile Bank driver until his official retirement age. My mum was involved in church and voluntary positions including as a guide in Brodick Castle and played bridge in various locations in the winter. They also hired out static caravans. They felt very much “at home” although I don’t really know if they were regarded as locals. The important thing was that they were very happy there. I return several times each year and I feel a remarkable “warmth” as I walk in the area, almost as if the island was welcoming me back each time. Arran is a place of stunning beauty but, more than that, it has an aura and an atmosphere that I personally don’t experience in any other location. Just enjoy it!
That’s a beautiful, inclusive definition of a local Dave.
Cheers! Yes it just sounded right to me when I heard it
Very philosophical, Dave. My parents semi-retired to Sandbraes (Whiting Bay) in 1968 and fully embraced island life until health concerns forced them to return to the mainland 15 years later. My dad worked as a butcher in Blackwaterfoot, as Caretaker in Whiting Bay Hall and as the RBS Mobile Bank driver until his official retirement age. My mum was involved in church and voluntary positions including as a guide in Brodick Castle and played bridge in various locations in the winter. They also hired out static caravans. They felt very much “at home” although I don’t really know if they were regarded as locals. The important thing was that they were very happy there. I return several times each year and I feel a remarkable “warmth” as I walk in the area, almost as if the island was welcoming me back each time. Arran is a place of stunning beauty but, more than that, it has an aura and an atmosphere that I personally don’t experience in any other location. Just enjoy it!
Aw nice story. A lot of memories there, going back over half a Century! Yes, I agree. Nicest place I've ever been.
Home is where the heart is. I left Scotland 64 years ago, lived in England for 4 years and in Australia for 60 years but Scotland will always be hame.