Thank You!

It seems appropriate to start the last post of the Kilchoan Diary with the picture that appeared on the very first post, on 15th October 2009. It showed the Loch Linnhe approaching Mingary Pier at ten to eight in the morning, with an explosive sunrise behind it. The picture was responsible for the creation of the Kilchoan Dairy: having taken it on a new digital camera, it seemed churlish not to find some way of sharing it with others.

This blog has been enriched by the contributions of a number of people, including a large number of people outside Ardnamurchan. Many of them sent accounts and pictures from their holidays here. Others corrected me when I made mistakes - like a wrong identification of a bird. For others, the Diary gave the opportunity simply to connect to this lovely place and, sometimes, to their ancestors. My thanks to all of you.

I have many Ardnamurchan residents to thank for all they have done to help, including those who have contributed - Les Humphreys, Ritchie Dinnes, Richard O'Connor, Justin Cameron, Chris Gane, Geoffrey Campbell, Tony Thain, Out & About, Kilchoan Early Bird, the Raptor and many more. To them, and to others locally who have helped and supported in so many ways over the years - my deepest thanks.

None of this would have been possible without the help, encouragement and patience of Mrs Diary. It isn't only that we have walked miles together across the lands of Ardnamurchan in all weathers and conditions, she has also put up with the frequent stops to take pictures, the mad pursuits after an errant butterfly, and the irritation when the butterfly has moved just as the camera focussed on it. We'll both desperately miss these walks, and the silence, alone-ness, and stunning beauty of this place.

So, to the good people of West Ardnamurchan; to you, the Diary's readers; to the passing ships and the weather, to the auroras and the landscapes and the wildlife, to this beautiful place which has been such a happy home for us for over 21 years - thank you, and farewell.