Isle of Arran

The Isle of Arran is sometimes referred to as "Scotland in miniature".

A lot is crammed into this island from rugged mountains in the north to more gentle rolling hills in the south.

With Calmac reducing the ferry cost recently, a trip to the island was a temptation which I could not resist. The weather felt more like early autumn than the middle of November.

A return visit has already been decided on before the ferry prices go up for next year's summer season.

Calmac ferry Caledonian Isles entering Ardrossan Harbour

On our way to the beautiful Island of Arran

Bridge over Black Water

Warm autumn colours

View of Kilbrannan Sound and Kintyre peninsula

One of six stone circles on Machrie Moor

Only 3 stones remain standing in this circle

Cloud decending on the jagged mountains on the north of the island

A trip on the Waverley, part 2

The Firth of Clyde has some wondeful scenery, not that I am in any way biased.

The rocky coastlines are littered with lighthouses, most of them no longer functioning, but still standing as a reminder of the dangers in the seas around them.

Here are some more pictures from my day out on the Waverley last week.

The 200 year old Little Cumbrae lighthouse has not been in use since 1997

Sailing away from Arran

The uninhabited island of Pladda off the south of Arran

Another lighthouse, this time on the south of Holy Isle in Lamlash Bay

Calmac ferry, Caledonian Isles, passing Goat Fell on the Island of Arran

Modern wind turbines overlooking Hunterston terminal and nuclear power stations

Largs beach with Nardini's ice cream parlour behind