Monday 10 July
The crew motored l’arrêt across the bay to a barnacle-and-seaweed-covered jetty at the promenade, to land without getting wet, change out of waterproofs and boots, and enjoy a leisurely stroll around town on a warm, dry morning. Rothesay is famous for very ornate Victorian public conveniences on the quayside – 40p to spend a penny! The tourist information office and shop is housed in the circular wrought iron auditorium of the former Winter Gardens building, and has a fascinating display of local history, as well as lots of lovely leaflets for Mate to peruse, even if I can’t actually get (them) to most of the places mentioned.
They returned as the dry morning became another damp afternoon, and in retrieving the anchor disturbed a beautiful orange starfish among the kelp.
We motored Northwards up the East Kyle of Bute, past Colintraive and the Burnt Isles, which need careful pilotage. Caladh harbour was already occupied, so we tucked in just around the corner for a comfortable night in the company of a seal, herons and oystercatchers. There may have been a few midges around, too.