We were given a boat-ride for Christmas by some very thoughtful family members.
It took a while for Julie and I to get around to it, but I am so glad we did!
As a writer, I knew I would probably write about it - but what? There were so many possibilities. Loch Katrine itself is beautiful. But it's partly man-made. What was once a Loch is now a reservoir, providing drinking water for Greater-Glasgow and part of Ayrshire.
It has it's own mini tourist industry.
The tour boats were charming. The scenery, particularly in changeable weather, was stunning.
Our tour guide / captain knew much more about the history of the place than he needed to. I made a point of talking to him afterwards. He said his research made the job more interesting for him.
Don (probably Domhnal) interspersed his talk with Gaelic. He'd been a Western Isles fisherman, most of his working days. He took the Loch Katrine job after someone close to him died. I suppose it was his way of coming in from the sea while still staying on the water.
He gave a voice to the community that had once lived around the lochside, when it was twenty-five feet lower.
So, many things to write about. I imagine I could return there lots of times and be inspired each time.
So, what did I actually write about?
An exposed rock-face, wet from the rain, with a little tree growing from it. Of course 😀
And now that, with a few other connections thrown in, is an On Reflection column in The People's Friend.
Loch Katrine. Each of us would take something different away from a place like that. Here's what I wrote. I wonder what it would inspire in you.
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