Sabbatical Diary – Day 5

Not such a great day today. Overcast and quite cold. Trike a little unhappy starting this morning. Coast had its moments, but not so continually inspiring. Couldn’t get close to many lighthouses and no real encounters. Great views of Ailsa Craig and Arran from different angles during the day though.

One lighthouse I did get to was Turnberry and I wasn’t sure I would. It stands on the Trump Turnberry golf course (owned by you know who) and I had read that access was not allowed to visitors. Didn’t seem to be an issue though. Pleasant walk of about half a mile or so from a little parking area. I understand you can rent a suite in the Lighthouse for £3,500.00 a night. Maybe next time.

However, great news of the day is that I managed to get a room at The Cathedral of the Isles at Millport on Cumbrae. Had some quiet time in the Cathedral on my own late afternoon, then joined in Evening Prayer at 6.00pm. I’m able to go back (on my own) later for Night Prayer (Compline). Nice to have a Cathedral to yourself, albeit a very small one.

Interesting connection to the Oxford Movement who apparently met here in the 1850s to develop new liturgies and service forms that they weren’t allowed to use in England. Interesting stuff. Lovely place Special time.

And finally …

Popped into Asda at Ardrossan to use the facilities, and, on the way out, noticed a sign on the automatic doors saying ‘These doors are set to open automatically in the event of a fire’. I had never worried about that. Until now! Is that true of all automatic doors to big shops and hotels and Asda in Ardrossan just thought to let us know, or at all other such places would you just be caught inside (presumably with deadly consequences) in the event of a fire. We should be told!