Afternoon and evening on Gigha

Had a walk on Gigha after picking up Mary from Molly Cobbler on Worm. Julian and I took our towels with us, hoping for a shower at the Boat House, but unfortunately the building had been damaged by fire over the winter. The fire started in the shower annex and gutted it, but they managed to stop it getting to the dinning room and kitchen. They are rebuilding the showers, but it will be at least a month before they re-open.

Gigha smelt wonderful, fresh air and flowers, with tuneful bird song everywhere. Our walk took us past the art gallery and the hotel, then up a side road towards the ruined church and Ogham Stone. It began to rain gently as we passed the church's graveyard. Nothing remains of the church building except some low stone walls and an arch that looked as though it had been moved to a different wall. The graveyard was still in use, and there was a sign to commonwealth war graves.

Gigha's Ogham stone

We found our way to the Ogham stone, but only the wooden rail round it made it clear it was anything special. Lichen covered the Ogham lines almost completely. The rain got heavier as we headed back down hill towards the road. Julian did not have a coat with him, so we headed back to Robinetta. Worm's duck-board kept our feet dry, but her thwarts were wet and we all got rather damp on the way back to the boats.

3 Old Gaffers moored at Gigha

 An hour later I was back out in the persistent drizzle, rowing Worm to get Mary, and Neil from Naiad. They came aboard Robinetta for a drink then we all headed ashore to the Boat House Restaurant for a delicious dinner. Then it was another “taxi” trip in Worm to return everyone to their respective boats. The wind had got up, making the journey “out” (laden) easy, while not being too strong to row against coming back to the pontoon. However there was a general wish that the wind increase had happened earlier in the day so we could have sailed more.