Lots of lovely rhododendrons out around the estate, although a spot of frost last week has damaged some of them and turned the edges brown. But they are wonderful tropical looking flowers and very cheering after a long bleak winter. Daffodils too, just everywhere. Kintyre is brilliant for daffodils, they pop up everywhere. I found a lovely little bunch growing among the trees by the river, and all along the shore walk there are sudden unexpected flashes of yellow. How on earth do they get there?

Place is still quiet, though two of our cottages are occupied this week, and there are enough places open round and about to ensure you can get a meal, or have a nice jaunt some where. Portavadie is proving a very popular haunt - get the wee ferry across from Tarbert and find yourself in an unexpectedly plush marina with super food, lovely shop, and sensible prices.

Sadly the Semple's petrol station had had its last load of petrol, so make sure you fill up at Lochgilphead or Campbeltown. It will be quite a loss to the village -there are talks of a Community buy-out, but I think that's beyond us!