Inside Out + Ricki And The Flash

Back on the 27th October, The Screen Machine is showing Inside Out at 5:30PM
Inside out is a "U" Rated 101 minute Disney Pixar Film.

Pixar is at the peak of its powers with this joyous coming-of-age story which is all about … emotions.
This is a story which takes place in two places at the same time - in San Francisco, and inside the head of 11-year-old Riley.

Riley has just moved there with her parents, and the emotions inside her head - the HeadQuarters - Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust - are trying to make sense of all the upheaval.
Joy is very much in charge of the delightful Riley's emotions, but since the move, Sadness is trying to become more involved.
Together they are flung to the furthest recesses of Riley's mind, and struggle to find their way back across an astonishing landscape.
A funny, dazzling, intriguing, delightful and unexpectedly beautiful animation, which matches up to Monsters Inc and Up!



At 8:30 PM The Screen Machine is showing Ricki And The Flash, a 12A rated film running for 101 minutes

Meryl Streep kicks ass as Ricki, the mother who ran away from her family to pursue rock stardom. But her career hasn't brought the stadium filling superstardom she hoped for, and she's working in a grocery store to supplement her income singing covers in bars with her backing band,

The Flash. Ex-husband Pete (Kevin Kline) calls to burst Ricki's bubble - their daughter Julie (played by Mamie Gummer - Streep's real-life daughter) has been dumped by her husband and could do with her Mum returning home to reconnect with the family she has long since left behind.

It's emotionally intense with great performance from the whole cast and some fantastic big musical moments.

For more information and to book tickets please visit The Screen Machine Website.

Bed And Breakfast Accommodation

30 Nov 2012

After a busy day exploring, there is nothing better than falling into a big comfy bed to prepare for the adventures of the days ahead.

Here in Tarbert there are many B&B's for you to choose from, however during busy seasons you should book in advance as spaces fill quickly.

Below is a list of B&B's in and around Tarbert, as always, if I have missed one out or you find an incorrect link, please let me know.



Ardglass B&B In an Elevated position with views over the harbour.

Bàrr na Criche House A quiet, secluded location surrounded by woodland and with views over the loch.

Bluebell Cottage 5 miles from Tarbert, just off the A83 after Kennacraig, ideal position for ferry hopping breaks.

The Cuillins is a pet friendly B&B with parking spaces and room for bicycles, ideal for stopping off while touring.

Dunivaig is a  Scottish Baronial style home with stunning views overlooking Loch Fyne.

Dunultach offers Self Catering or B & B

The Kilberry Inn, a restaurant with accommodation makes a wonderful base for exploring Argyll as well as the islands of Islay, Jura and Gigha

Knapp Guest House is right in the heart of the village.

The Moorings is a traditional stone-built fisherman's cottage in the heart of the fishing village.

The Old Smithy is a former Blacksmiths workshop.

Southcliffe Bed & Breakfast is within walking distance of all local amenities in the village.

Springside is a traditional Scottish cottage overlooking the harbour.

Starfish Rooms is in the centre of the village above the amazing seafood restaurant and gallery.

Struan House is a traditional harbour side dwelling.

A Beautiful Fishing Village

Self Catering Breaks

The Perfect Break

There are plenty of options when it comes to enjoying a break in Tarbert, this section covers self catering holiday ideas.
Please note, this is just a guide, you will need to book direct, just click the underlined text to go to their websites.
If you have self catering accommodation available in or around Tarbert, please contact me and I will add your details to this page.
If any of the details are out of date, let me know and I will amend them.

Afton A classic Highland House with Castle Views

Anchor Cottage or Dunmore Villa at Dunmore estates both sit on the shores of West Loch

Lodges and/or cottages available through West Loch Shores

The huge, luxurious Balinakill Country House

Barfad Farmlands Holiday Cottages, a woodland retreat.

Barr na Criche Cottage A peaceful retreat with stunning loch views.

A Stunning 8 Bedroom Georgian Home Carse House.

Carradale Bay is a caravan park with spectacular countryside and sea views

Claonaig Lodge with an enclosed garden in a peaceful location, you really can get away from it all.

Cnocachanach Cottage with stunning views of Kintyre and a private sandy beach.

Cornwall House North has superb views over Tarbert & the harbour.

With sandy beaches in a tranquil location is Corrarie Cottage.

Coalfin House can easily accommodate up to 11 people, housed on a hill looking over to Arran

A lovely Log Cabin at Muasdale.

Dunolla looking over the harbour.

Choose Self Catering or B&B at Dunultach

Killean Estate, Tayinloan has a selection of properties available.

Kilbrannan Cottage Just feet from the beach with stunning views of Arran

Knap House South is in the centre of the village so everything is right on your doorstep.

Kilberry Castle Cottage is set in a beautiful secluded woodland.

Muasdale Holiday Park Touring / Camping Park + Self Catering Holiday Apartments

With views over Tarbert Petersville also has a large private garden.

Point Sands Holiday Park has holiday caravans available to hire or own.

Quay House overlooks the harbour, a cosy retreat.

Red Lodge Cottage is in the heart of the village.

Shore Holiday Cottage is on the shores of Loch Fyne.

Shorehills is a large luxury house in Carradale

Stonefield Farm Holidays offers self catering wigwams for glampers.

If you enjoy wild camping you are spoilt for choice, just please remember to leave your site as tidy as you found it.

Enjoy your stay!

So peaceful

Scottish Outdoor Access Code provides detailed guidance on these responsibilities.  The Code provides a practical guide to help everyone make informed decisions about what best to do in everyday situations, and provides the starting point for short promotional codes and more detailed advice about land and inland water.

Principles – the Code is based on three key principles:

• Respect the interests of other people.

Acting with courtesy, consideration and awareness is very important.  If you are exercising access rights, make sure that you respect the privacy, safety and livelihoods of those living or working in the outdoors, and the needs of other people enjoying the outdoors.  If you are a land manager, respect people’s use of the outdoors and their need for a safe and enjoyable visit.

• Care for the environment.

If you are exercising access rights, look after the places you visit and enjoy, and leave the land as you find it. If you are a land manager, help maintain the natural and cultural features which make the outdoors attractive to visit and enjoy.

• Take responsibility for your own actions.

If you are exercising access rights, remember that the outdoors cannot be made risk-free and act with care at all times for your own safety and that of others. If you are a land manager, act with care at all times for people’s safety.

Total Lunar Eclipse Blood Moon 28 September Super Moon

Thanks To Meteorwatch For The Image

Get your cameras at the ready!
Wherever you are in Scotland you should get a good view of the Lunar Eclipse.
In fact it should be visible to anyone in the Atlantic regions of the planet including the North and South America, Africa, UK and Western Europe.
I've added the date and details to Our Tarbert Calendar! Make sure you add it to yours.
This is an extra special date as we have three events on one night giving us the magnificent effect of a huge red moon thanks to  a full moon, the lunar eclipse,
in which the Earth blocks the sun's light from hitting the moon,  and lunar perigee, when the moon is in the closest part of its orbit to Earth.
You don't need any specialist equipment to observe this spectacular moon, but a pair of binoculars or  Telescope will enable you to have a closer look at the details of the moons surface.

Not a red moon or an eclipse, just a random photo from last year, I love the moon on the water

Living in Tarbert we have the added advantage of the scenery and the potential to capture reflections on the loch (given clear skies and calm waters, oh please let us have clear skies and calm waters)
But that said, sometimes a little cloud just adds to the effect.
You may have read online, or in some news papers that a blood moon signifies the end of the world.
The coming of Christ and a whole host of dramatic and wonderful things.
Last year on the 22 February Norse mythology stated the world will end;

Ragnarok, the final mystical battle on earth, was to begin on February 22  Legend had it that Norse gods including Thor and Loki will battle to the death after Earth splits open and unleashes the inhabitants of hell.  The God Odin, who is ruler of Asgard, will be killed by the wolf Fenrir and the other ‘creator’ Gods will die.  Viking lore has it that the globe will then fall into the sea and life on the planet will cease to exist. 

Same night a couple of hours later

Thankfully we are all still here, I've lost count of the many worlds ends I've managed to get through so far.
I love Astronomy so it always tickles me when I hear these tales of doom.
Forget the doom and gloom, wrap up warm and get outside, wherever you are the moon should be quite spectacular, so get your camera and get snapping!
I would really love it if you shared your Blood Moon Pics On Our Facebook Page.


If we get a good response I will share them on this blog.
I just found this Online Guide with tips on how to photograph the eclipse.



 

An Interesting History & Updated Local Links

Pier Road

I have been researching local history and last week I came across this fantastic blog,
Gigha: My Spiritual Home 
If you love Tarbert and Gigha I think you should bookmark it, as well as covering a fascinating family history the writer has also collected a stunning collection of old historical photographs Of Tarbert.
And Gigha!
The writer also tells of her family history and documents her trips. It's a brilliant blog and I shall try and read it all soon.
If you know of any similar sites please let me know so I can link to them, I'd also love to hear  of any old tales and folklore from around Tarbert, so please get in touch!
Also while browsing I found this video thanks to Tarbert Harbour Authority for sharing it on their Facebook Page.


 
A brilliant capture of a Humpback Whale swimming in Loch Fyne.
While getting lost on lovely links and fascinating videos this week I have also added a few more local links.
Thank you to everyone for your help! It will be a slow process but I intend to get all of us on here in time.
If you look at the links menu on the right hand top corner of the page, you will also find the contact details, website links and other information for the following new additions;

Loch Fyne Fish Bar, our very own local chippy serving locally sourced fresh fish, as well as Haggis, Black Pudding and many other tasty suppers to take away.

Blue Wave Services WiFi specialist for those of us that are always on the move, helping you stay connected on land and sea.
Blue Wave Services are also specialists in boat care, maintenance, servicing and cleaning.

Be Cosy Outdoors!

Màiri's Cosy Outdoors is another new addition featuring beautiful hand made products, clothing to keep you warm while sailing or hiking and a beautiful selection of baby and toddler novelty products, have a browse it is a beautiful shop with unique items.

Another business added to the links is Millennium Group, a company that covers all of your TV Network needs, from satellite freeview to installation and fitting as well as a whole host of other services, see their website for more information.

While browsing and researching, I also spotted this in my Facebook Newsfeed, many thanks to Explore Kintyre for sharing this stunning short video giving you an aerial view of the roads to Kintyre. Just beautiful!

Where To Stay In Tarbert

Tarbert Hotel

There are many places to stay in and around Tarbert, as this site grows I will add them all.
From the luxury of a home from home, the comforts or a modern hotel, a friendly B&B, camping, glamping and more you are sure to find the perfect place to relax and enjoy the hospitality in beautiful surroundings.
There is no order of preference, I am just starting with those I already have photographs of.
*update*
A list of Self Catering Holidays Here.

A list of B&B's Here.

                                                                                      A list of Hotels Here.

The Tarbert Hotel is right in the middle of the village with stunning views over the loch.
Also overlooking the loch are The Islay Frigate Hotel and The Anchor Hotel.
Knap Guest House is also in the centre of Tarbert, if you book direct with them you get a 10% discount, see their website for more information.
Just two miles from the centre of Tarbert is Stonefield Castle, a magnificent Baronial Scottish castle set in 60 acres of woodland on the shores of Loch Fyne

The Islay Frigate

West Loch Hotel is a 10 minute walk from the village and sits overlooking West Loch. When I visited Tarbert for the very first time, we stopped here for a meal.
As a dog owner I was delighted to not only be made to feel very welcome, but before my order was taken, our dog was given a fresh bowl of water.
It's the little things that make the difference.
The meal was delicious too!

A short distance from West Loch Hotel is West Loch Shores Self Catering Holiday Lodges, a pretty holiday park that nestles in the hills giving visitors stunning views over the loch.
Apologies for my poor photograph, it was taken while out on my kayak with my mobile phone!
Visit their website for more details and much better pictures!
As this site grows you will realise I am mad about nature, astronomy, kayaking and of course, my dogs, so for me, I am quite happy to pack a tent and go, living in such a beautiful place makes camping a real pleasure and I can enjoy all of my hobbies with ease.
If you fancy camping but are not quite up to sleeping under the stars on a groundsheet, you can adjust in comfort by trying out the fantastic cosy little Wigwams at Stonefield
With the farm and coffee shop on site you can enjoy fresh local produce while glamping!

Go Glamping!

Weather Forecast Says It Will Rain

Every morning when the alarm goes off I listen to the news and weather before I fall out of bed,

I wait for it now;

“Today will be mostly bright and sunny except for Northern Ireland and the West of Scotland with rain moving in, sometimes heavy” 

It's like Groundhog day (but prettier) each morning.

It's good to start the day with a grin though.

When I first moved here I would take 3 layers, a windproof jacket, a body warmer and a rain jacket, prepared for anything!

Now I've been here a few years it's got easier, if it's warm enough indoors not to need the heating on I don't take my layers, or a coat, it will rain, but oh that rain is divine when you are hill walking, there have been many a time I've been huffing and puffing up a hill trying to keep up with my dogs and I've begged the skies to open up and cool me off.
The beauty of it is, it almost always does.

Spongy Woodland Ground

What is not to love?
The rain makes it all the more beautiful, the spongy mosses on the woodland floor, the Wood Sorrel that seems to cover every woodland surface, the ground, the rocks and even the trees.

The burns that sing louder the heavier the rain, everything smells fresh, and we get rainbows, lots of them.

Fresh

I shall leave you with a couple of weather reports from the lads in Tarbert, for more videos follow Frank Ronald On YouTube Here.
But his Miley Cyrus impersonation is probably NSFW! :)

Wonderful Wildlife

Sika Deer

The wildlife we see all around us could not possibly be covered in one blog post!
If you love nature and exploring the great outdoors, then Tarbert and the rest of Kintyre is a must see holiday location!
Living here I am lucky enough to be able to study at leisure.
I am not going to give a guide or a map, nor list the areas I've found some of the wildlife, because that takes away all the fun of a nature trail!

Just sitting here in my office I am treated to some splendid sights.
I once wasted an afternoon watching a Buzzard hunt and then feast on it's prey after stomping all over it to tenderise it I presume!


The deer in the picture above is a regular visitor I've managed to capture a few photos of.
Other creatures are too fast, or too clever and you need a keen eye to see some of them.
Wherever you are in Tarbert keep your eyes peeled, the wildlife is everywhere!

Can you see me?

Usually seen when you least expect it and I have found I see much more on the days I don't have my camera with me!

A Useful Guide For Identifying Wildlife

I was thrilled to see my first Pine Marten last year, it rushed to the top of a tree and watched me from the safety of it's branch.
There are signs of them all over the place, but I never expected to see one so close, it was beautiful!

Adder

In the Summer months you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of an Adder, Slow Worm or a Common Lizard up on the hills.

Along the shores you will find signs of Otters, if you are quiet and still you may even see some either eating at the waters edge or playing in the water.

Explore The Rock Pools

With so many small secluded beaches you can lose yourself for hours, relaxing or taking in all the life around you, from the Eagles soaring in the skies to the many mini beasts you will find in any of the rock pools.

If you look out to sea you could be lucky enough to spot one of the many seals that visit the lochs, quite often when we are out on our kayaks they will come and join us and follow us on our journeys.

If you want to really explore the secluded beaches and get quietly close to the marine life you can hire a canoe, kayak  or paddleboard from Kayak Majik.

If you hear a splash it could be a playful Porpoise, or a Gannet diving for it's food.
Back on land, be careful where you tread in the spring as many birds nest along our shores and some eggs look just like pebbles!
If you love bird watching then you are really in for a treat! So many different species to see, I'm still trying to learn who is who, but when you see an eagle for the first time, you know it! Such beautiful birds, and so big you cannot be mistaken!

Tern Eggs

To get an idea of the fantastic variety of birds that live on and around the Tarbert forests, hills and shores take a look at the fantastic photographs on the Machrihanish Seabird And Wildlife Observatory Website!

Oyster Catcher

Sailing And Cruising Scotland Group

Search Sailing & Cruising To Find our Facebook Group

If you enjoy sailing and cruising around Scotland and you are a facebook member I can highly recommend the Private Facebook Group sponsored by Clyde Outboard Services.
The group is set to private so you can chat freely among members, to find them you need to put "sailing & Cruising Scotland" into the facebook search bar.
You know you've found them when you get this group...

Just click to join group and wait for admin to let you in, as an added bonus a members currently get a  a 10% discount off Outboard Servicing when they quote S&C Scotland*
*Applies to members of the group only!

Where The Wild Things Are

Wildlife, it's everywhere and it is my very favourite thing about living in such a beautiful place, we are lucky enough to share it with a wide range of wildlife.

First things, first, be prepared, as glorious as it is, there are things that would quite happily eat you.

If you are spending time in an area with heather, bracken and long grasses, especially if the area is visited by Deer or Sheep (almost certainly here), chances are you and your dogs will be at risk from ticks.

Wear protective clothing, long boots or gaiters and do check yourself over after spending any amount of time out there.

Ticks can be dangerous, they can carry Lyme’s disease, but the risk is minimised by removing the tick cleanly and as soon as possible.
I spend so much time outside with my dogs it has become a part of the daily routine to check them all over and quickly remove the little beastie!

They are reddish, brown or grey and can be various sizes, I've found tiny ones, smaller than a pin head, and even worse, I've found large ones like big grey peas on my poor dogs!

The very best, quickest, cleanest and easiest way to remove them from people and pets is with these O'Tom Tick Twister  

Always keep some in your rucksack!

If you become unwell within around 30 days after finding a tick on you, you must let your doctor know, the sooner you are treated for Lymes disease the better chance you have of being successfully treated.

As gross as they are, generally their bite doesn't hurt, nor does it hurt to remove them, but do ensure you keep an eye on the bite area on you or your pet to help prevent the risk of infection.

The midges, the midges,

I'm no gonnae kid ye's,

the midges is really the limit.

Wi teeth like piranhas, they drive ye bananas,

If ye let them get under yer simmit!

(unknown)

Midges bites hurt! You can feel them, it amazes me how they are so tiny, with such delicately patterned wings they look so harmless but can be so annoying, their mouths feel like a mini circular saw!!

Don't let them ruin your trip!

One of my dogs collecting critters!

I know we are going to have beautiful weather if I open the door to let the dogs out in the morning and there are a swarm of midges waiting to eat me.

Get to know them so they don't ruin your visit.

There are untold products out there to protect you from insect bites, however the best we have found is Avon Skin So Soft dry oil spray.

If you don't have any, you might be lucky and Karlina might have her usual reserves in stock.

If it's windy, or raining, chances are you wont be bothered by these little beasts, they tend to hang around dawn and dusk in sheltered places.

I have heard (but not yet tried) a yeast trap, apparently if you put some yeast and warm water in a jar the midges are attracted to the carbon dioxide and will drown in the jar.

You can keep track of the Local Midge Forecast Here!

Midges are also a food source for many other beauties, so while they may be a minor irritation for us they are well worth tolerating for the sake of the bats, birds and other animals that need them in their daily diet

Where To Start?

West Loch Shores Log Cabins From The Loch

I am sitting here, gazing out over the West Loch wondering where to start!

What is there to see and do in Tarbert?

We have fine dining, beautiful, historical hotels, pubs, diners, numerous festivals, golf,beautiful walks, pony treks, running and cycling events, boating, sailing, including the Scottish Series, fishing, wind surfing, kayaking, canoeing, artists and galleries, crafts of all kinds.

Ancient ruins, standing stones and all of this among breathtaking scenery and beautiful wildlife.

As this site builds I will cover it all, but it is going to take some time!

Tarbert Golf Club

For now, I'm sitting here watching a butterfly fluttering over the long grass by the loch, some birds too far for me to identify, wading in the tidal water, watching sheep grazing over the other side on the hills of Kintyre, today I can see them, but it really does depend on the weather.

Every now and then I am lucky enough to see an Otter dash out, Deer grazing, and I am entertained by the social interactions between the many birds that live here.

Another thing I love, the weather, it can change every 5 minutes, I love the low clouds that rest on the hills or sit quietly on the lochs.

The rain that brings the burns alive from trickle to roar as the water gushes down the hills and into the loch.

If you love the great outdoors, you really are spoilt for choice here, there is so much to see and do. Be prepared, you will get wet.

If you enjoy hiking, you can walk all the way from Tarbert to Cambeltown along the Kintyre way, taking you along stunning woodland and coastal paths, the route is signposted, do wear high visibility clothing as some of the route is along the A83.

There are more details on the Kintyre Way Website.

Kintyre

I'm not quite that adventurous, but I do enjoy a walk, there are numerous routes you can take that don't lead you too far from your base.

Up at Tarbert castle there is the Community Woodland with the recent addition of the Artistic Sculptures....

If you are staying at West Loch Shores self catering log cabins or West Loch Hotel there is a beautiful long walk you can do from Corranbuie up to the village then back down to West Loch.

You can either stay on the forestry track or walk up through the pathway in the woods.

There are some very boggy places along the way in the forest so wear good boots. It's lush and green with various mosses, liverworts and lichens living on the trees and the rocks, if you have time to stop and sit, do.

If you are still and quiet you are sure to see plenty of wildlife.

As you continue through the woods you end up back on the forestry track and leave the Oak, Hawthorn, Birch and more behind as you head through the Pine.

Don't turn right where the path heads off in another direction if you are wanting to get to the village, the right turn takes you through more pine until it comes to an abrupt end by a massive water fall! There is a narrow steel bridge to take you over the head towards Kennacraig farm, but I wouldn't attempt to cross it, it's a huge drop onto rocks. I'm clumsy at the best of times, so it's a U turn there for me! :)

Back on the original path, just keep going up the hills, stay on the track and you will eventually come to Tarbert.

Spectacular views!

Stop for a breather at the picnic bench by the Millennium Cairn and take in the beautiful views before you, once down and back in the village there are plenty of places for you to stop for refreshments.