Jubilee Long Weekend

It was perfect June weather for the Jubilee long weekend here in Kilchoan, with temperatures hitting 20C on Saturday, and plenty of sunshine every day.  As a result, the area was busy with visitors, canoes and kayaks were out on the water, people were disappearing into the hills on long walks, and the hotels were busy, although many enjoyed the great outdoors at the Ardnamurchan Campsite.

The piglets, too, were enjoying the great outdoors, having discovered that the electric fence was being earthed by the bracken.  These two came up the brae to have a chat with The Diary at his front gate - and were sent packing.

A telephone call summoned the pigs' owner, a certain Mr Hughie MacLachlan, who came to fix the fence.  The Diary stood over him and made sure he tested its effectiveness - by putting his hand on the wire.  It works.

 

This Mr MacLachlan doesn't seem to be able to take the pig thing seriously.  The story about the piglets going to the Jubilee celebrations to be roasted on a spit turned out to be a joke - yet The Diary walked all the way down to Mingary Castle in the evening to partake of a little piglet crackling, to find they were serving venison burgers.

However, it was a beautiful evening down at the Castle, with everything very well organised by the Ardnamurchan Estate and West Ardnamurchan Community Council.  A huge beacon had been built in front of the castle, two marquees were up, one serving food (not pork), the other a bar....,

 ....and people really entered into the spirit of the occasion.  It was estimated that over 250 people attended.

The highlight of the evening was the lighting, by Ian Ramon, of the jubilee beacon, accompanied by fireworks - not all of them regulation, as the occasion was used to fire off some redundant flares - the local Coastguard having been informed in advance.

Many thanks to WACC, Donald Houston, and all at the Estate for a super evening.