Notes from the Isles

Our friend discovers a new joy, while lamenting lost linguistic opportunities

KATE FRANCIS

Hospitality, that intrinsic virtue of most Highlanders, has become particularly evident round here recently. More and more houses display a sign on their gates saying ‘Welcome’, often adorned with a picture of a smiley-faced sunflower. My favourite offering is a framed notice which stands on a windowsill facing onto a lane. In beautifully decorated script it proclaims: ‘Dinner is ready when the smoke alarm goes off’. Beside it, a squirrel holds out a banner saying, ‘Welcome’! Cronie and I walk past it most days on our morning walks, and it makes me smile every time. I felt rather guilty recently when I broke the rules of Highland hospitality. There’s a rough area about the size of a tennis court outside my back door, surrounded by somewhat derelict old sheds. Cars…

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Scotland (Digital) - 1 Issue, November - December 2024

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