Na rathaidean fada, lùbach tro Chuimrigh agus Alba

Today’s trivia is a carry over from Annette’s dinner last night:

• Langoustines (Nephrops norvegicus), also known as Dublin Bay prawns, Norway lobsters, or scampi, are prized, cold-water crustaceans found in the North Atlantic. They have bright orange, slender bodies with delicate, sweet, white meat similar to lobster. Often sold whole or as tails, they are popular in European cuisine, particularly steamed, grilled with garlic butter, or in pasta.
• Habitat & Season: Found at depths of 20–500m in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean, primarily in Scottish waters. They are available year-round, with peak quality often in winter.
• Size Grades: Sold by size, commonly categorized as XL (6-9 per kg), L (10-15 per kg), M (16-20 per kg), and S (21-30 per kg).
• Flavor & Texture: Renowned for a very delicate, sweet, and firm texture that is often considered superior to larger prawns.
• Cooking Methods:
  Boiling: Boil in salted water (orcourt-bouillon) for 2–3 minutes for fresh/previously cooked, or up to 7-8 minutes for raw, until bright orange.
  Grilling: Split in half and grill with garlic, parsley, and butter for 3-4 minutes.
  Pan-frying: Ideal for pastas, risottos, or simply with lemon juice.
• Sustainability: As a major fishery in Scotland, management is key to maintaining stocks.
• Storage: They are highly perishable and should be kept on ice and used within 24 hours of purchase if fresh, or kept for 2-3 days if already cooked.
• Commonly served whole, the meat is found in the tail and the claws, particularly in larger sizes.

The day started well, the sun was somewhat out, no wind and not too cold.

We learnt from yesterday’s breakfast, so only ordered one smashed avocado between the two of us.

We took a hike up to a local’s folly, the McCaig’s Tower. A short steepish walk.

We then went for a nature stop. Needed to pay and only took coins . . .

so next best thing, Annette suggested the meringue cafe. We were told to wait and a table would be ready in two minutes. Two minutes was almost up and another couple walked in. Waitress asked them too if sitting in and promptly asked them to follow her to a table. EXCUSE ME, but we were here first. She completely ignored us. So we walked out and went to Cafe Shore for a better service. I’ll now never know how good or bad their meringues are😭

While enjoying a hot chocolate with marshmallows, I booked a 2 hour boat tour that was leaving in 90min. You can do those things when you travel by the seat of your pants! How.good is that?

The tour went out almost on time, they were just waiting on some others, even though it was after departure time. I told the skipper it was well known what time you depart, if not hear GO! He looked at me blankly! Typical, we were waiting for some foreigners, two who ended up sleeping the whole two hours while on the cruise.

It’s a dog’s life, even on a cruise . . .

Although we didn’t see any whales, dolphins or much bird life, we did see four harbour seals.

The cruise was good with lots of commentary plus they had a toilet on board. How good is that?

Man made stuff . . .

and evolution stuff . . .

We were fortunate with the weather, which was ment to be windy, raining and rough seas. Basically non of which we had. How good is that?

Snow is forecast for tomorrow☃️

There was no sunset to be seen, nor the predicted bad weather . . .

but we were entertained by a bus load of kon Tiki tour guys staying at the Youth Hostel next door . . .

How good is that?

After a lot of FFS’s and a few other explicits we are off to the island of murders which somehow are always solved in just six episodes!  Yes, we are off to the Shetlands in less than two weeks. I think it would have been easier to book a flight to Imam Khomeini International Airport and just ignore the daily SmartTravel advise of ‘do not travel to Iran’!

Today’s travels . . .