Spirits Lifting

06/17/2005

The weather does nothing to lift our midweek blues, damp, windless and below average temperatures. My days are spent in the office and it is very difficult to find motivation even when Mhairi tempts me with fresh coffee and home baking. On Thursday, I have an appointment at Arichastlich with the Kerrs to discuss marketing plans for Diana Drummond in 2006. After intense discussions, John and I nip into Oban for stores and put to sea in The Mhairi Katharine for a spree. This is the turning point of my week as we chug westwards through the Cuan Sound leaving the leaden skies of Mid-Argyll behind and head into glorious sunshine, warmth and a smooth rolling Atlantic swell. We listen to the Coastguards trying to untangle a problem with a yacht and the new DSC radio system. In turn we receive a low pass from a Naval helicopter, we ignore their radio chatter, needless to say these modern day technophiles do not acknowledge my respectful dipping of my commodore’s flag, which I always fly from The Mhairi Katharine’s mast head when I am on board. We stay at sea for a couple of hours and then return to the glens via a pint at the Glue Pot in Connel that has recently been refurbished and is worth a visit. As I review my happy afternoon I remember that we Trollaighs had a Diana in the family, my Great Aunt whom I recall quite clearly, she married a famous theatrical chap, Derek MacIntosh and enjoyed a long and happy marriage in London. They had no children and years later I was told that although they spent every night of their married life together, kissing and in the comfort of each others arms, no other action took place. It turned out that poor Derek was a bit of an amateur shirt tail lifter, which in those days was a criminal offence. A sad story of great admiration, loyalty and friendship, but a love unrequited. It looks as if a breeze might pick up and some blue skies appear, out into the garden with dearest Dottie! Yours Aye, Archie, The Baron Trollaigh.