Another Island Checked off the List

On Wednesday I had the fantastic opportunity to accompany the Ochils Landscape Partnership on a trip to Bute, just off the west coast of Scotland to meet with the Bute Landscape Partnership and have a trip round the island. Given that it was a damp (yet dry) October morning and I set off just after 6 in the morning, I went with an open mind and minimum expectation.

The island itself was very pretty, albeit for the presence of one or two structures, however the people and the hospitality reflected what I see as a strong community spirit, a baseline for the success of the partnership.

I took around 60 photos, so here are a couple I would like to share.

The top one is an unknown beach, second the Church of St. Blane and the last one is the 'airport' with the runway getting its grass cut!

This Tastes Blogging!

Blogs by myself are clustered and sporadic, usually through the lack of content worth sharing. However, this may change. I have visited Zingermans in Stirling a few times now and although that wee bit more expensive, they have a range of unique beers and a comprehensive cocktail menu. So with help from Danielle, we've decided to blog these and give feedback on how good or bad these drinks have been. Marks are out of 10, and score is based on taste and quality. Here's to a long and non-exhaustive blogging topic!

First Weekend of October

Old Engine Oil. Brewed by Harviestoun, chocolatey and dark, comes in a smaller bottle but it is that bit stronger. 8/10

Tom Collins. A bit too plain. We know, simple cocktail, but it didn't really hit the spot. 4/10

Dirty Martini. 6/10, but this could easily have been an 8. It is all down to taste and how much olive juice you want!

Second Weekend of October

Schiehallion. An award-winning pilsner from Harviestoun, the hint of grapefruit reminds me of the other Harviestoun favourite Bitter and Twisted. A very refreshing 7/10.

Ben Nevis. Brewed by the people behind the Bridge of Allan Brewery, this ale is refreshing yet tangy, a nice drink. 6.5/10.

Margarita (with dodgy Petron!). 1/10. The mistake was made here by using coffee liqueur Petron opposed to Petron Silver, which turned a fruit-based concoction into a bitter, coffee/chocolatey effort which wasn't that good! Top marks to the bar staff who provided wise feedback and insight to make sure Petron Silver is used in the future.

French Martini. 'Smells like a cake', very sweet although it is delicious. 7/10.

Zingerman's Sling. An in-house recipe, containing gin and a blueberry liqueur, lemon juice and topped off with Midori. Well balanced and tasty, 9.5/10.