James and I went to Arran today to have lunch with Maggie and Mark, we haven't seen them for a while so it was good to catch up. We set off in good time for the 9.45 ferry and were soon tucking into rolls and sausage which is a tradition of ours on the Arran ferry. When we got to Brodick we saw a disturbing sight; the main road at the front was taped off by the police and there was a police van with a large dent in the front of it. We asked a shop assistant what had happened and she said that there had been a rugby sevens competition yesterday and in the evening one of the players had been hit by the police van. He was helicoptered to the Southern General so let's hope he recovers. We went for a walk along the front, through the edge of the golf course and along the beach to the Wineport Bistro, where we had a drink. It's a really nice wee restaurant with a real fire, very cosy. Back along the beach we went to meet Maggie and Mark, they took us to the Cruize Bar Brasserie which is in the Auchrannie Hotel. It was very smart and we got a great table by the window. We have stayed at the Auchrannie years ago, including once for a special birthday of Maggie's, and it brought back good memories. Lunch was delicious; I had the smoked haddock and leek risotto which was excellent. We had a great chat and a laugh over lunch, swapping stories about what we have all been up to. Later they gave us a lift back to the ferry terminal and we were soon heading home on the ferry.
A further treat was in store because Jamie has come home for a couple of days. We phoned ahead to ask him to heat up the dinner and Grandma came round too, and all six of us had a jolly evening. Grandma was on good form, I think that she's feeling a bit better. Jamie was telling us about his rowing exploits and Grandma was teasing him about his tattoos; it was a very pleasant and lively evening. After Grandma went home Jamie suggested that we watch "Silent Witness" (which I remember Terry Wogan used to call "Witless Silence"!) and it was very good. I must say that this has been a lovely day!
