It can't have been such a bad summer after all - the fig tree in the Douglas Cottages sitooterie has produced masses of fruit - here are two nice specimens . In fact we have had a wonderful crop of apples and are still coping with pounds and pounds of tomatoes - there is only so much chutney you can make. Sweetcorn in the poly tunnel has been very feeble, although the cobs we get taste wonderful.
Grand finale for the Duck Race tomorrow - perhaps after 20 years my duck may actually win. An iffy forecast means it may have to be moved to the Village Hall again, which rather spoils the effect. And that, in theory, is the end of the Carradale holiday season, although our October calendar is filling up and promises of that elusive Indian Summer plus spectacular Autumn colours make thoughts of an Autumn break very tempting.

Next week-end marks the end of an era - the last duck race! For years now the church have been running their duck race down the burn at Dippen on the September week-end. People come from far and wide to take part, and  the fight even to get a duck leads to fisticuffs outside The Glen. Some brilliant names emerge  (there are prizes for everything from the winning duck to the wittiest name) , much barbecue food is scoffed, and many visitors who only see each other at this auspicious occasion go home delighted to have had yet another memorable September week-end. And this is the last! Here's hoping some other exciting event will take it's place - but the ducks were getting a bit weary.