Barra Lamb

The weather today lived up to the forecast of being grey and damp. However the rain stayed off so we could get out and about. In the morning James and I went for a walk with Heather and Ewan north from the cottage to a wee graveyard on the headland, then onwards to a sandy beach before heading back to the cottage via the road. The sea was amazing. Big waves were crashing in on the rocks all along the west coast of Barra. Because of the grey skies the sea was a dark blue-grey colour, but still with the lighter greener blue at the top of each wave as it curled over and crashed down. Where the waves hit rocks there were large plumes of spray shooting up, and where they came down on the sand of the beach they rushed forward in large curves, trailing foam like the lace on a bridal train as they retreated. We also saw lots of lovely little lambs in the field with their mummies. They were so sweet, peering at us from the safety of their mum's side while the mummy sheep bravely and protectively took a step towards us as if to try to face us down. We were careful not to head straight for them but if we got too close they would all scarper, not so brave after all! As it is spring we have seen lots of little lambs on our travels round the island and they are gorgeous. Heather has a particular fondness for baby lambs I have noticed. However according the menu in the Cafe Kisimul, their curries can be made either with chicken or with local speciality - Barra lamb! Oh dear. Now I don't want to be hypocritical because I do eat lamb and in fact we had lamb shanks for tea tonight, but I just don't think I can eat any of the local lamb, not when I have seen their cuteness all week. So on Friday night it will be chicken for me!