afternoon off, to Ballantrae

 The Pirate said hello to the Boar in Peinnmhor. He likes pears...well they both do!
Then through Poundland...the village that is....to give a friend a bike...and on to Ballantrae through the lanes. A beautiful drive, with snowdrops at the foot of hedges everywhere.
A brief lunch in the garden centre in Ballantrae before spying out the ground for the craft fair in March. Now I know where the village hall can be found!
Looking for good shots that also said "Ballantrae"...and of course the sun hid behind the clouds and the wind blew chill.....

 The castle Ardstinchar, built in 1425 with money earned by fighting in France in the 100 years War.   Visited by Mary Queen of Scots when she was on a pilgrimage...and demolished in the 1700s to build......

 The Bridge over the River Stinchar...two arches over the river, and an extra to cope with floodwaters

 The clouds built up again...

 but lifted enough to show Ailsa Craig from the harbour.

 Where unfortunately the only two boats looked like this one....grass-bound!

Home again through rain and hail, feeling better for being out and away from home too.