Today, with our Canadian family in tow we have taken the ferry from Troon to the Isle of Arran. Our means of transport, the catamaran MV Alfred is on temporary loan from Pentland Ferries based in Orkney. 
On a very sunny but fresh day, it took just over an hour to reach Brodick, the capital of the Isle of Arran.
It was mid-morning and so far breakfast had eluded us. We were too early for our hotel so we drove a few miles to Lamlash where we came on the tiny Old Pier Tearoom … breakfast at last!
Natives and locals?
Normally we wouldn’t go for scones this early but they had what they called “very cheesy, cheese scones”. Scones with extra cheese. Instinctively we knew that readers would find it unforgivable if they missed out on a very cheesy cheese scone report. So after our breakfast, duty dictated that they had to be sampled. The things we do for our readers?
As we ate we got chatting to a couple of ladies who, seeing that all the other tables were taken, invited us to join them at theirs. When we asked if they were from the island the answer was a little unexpected. One was a “local” and the other was a “native”. The “local” was from Birmingham but lived on the island while the “native” was born and bred and could go back five generations of her Arran family. This was presumably a clear and important distinction for islanders. They were lovely and the chat was great!
Predictably, our very cheesy, cheese scone was indeed very cheesy. With just a little butter, probably the best cheese scone we have ever experienced. Since we don’t have a separate category for such scones we felt this one was sooooo cheesy that we could give it a topweird scone award. Well done the Old Pier Tearoom! You may be tiny but you punch above your weight.
Unexpected consequences
Arran is often referred to as “Scotland in miniature“. It has a higher life expectancy, low unemployment, and much lower rates of crime. Even with a large proportion of retired folk living here, it still has a vibrant, independent but Scottish feel about it. It’s odd being on this beautiful island alongside Canadians and seeing the pushback against Trump’s well-thought-out 51st-state/tariffs idea. He may be dividing Americans but he certainly knows how to unite Canadians.
KA27 8JN tel: 01770 600249 The Old Pier
///driveway.depths.creamed
The best very cheesy, cheese scone I ever had! Arran was fantastic. All the locals and natives we met were a delight. The stunning landscapes, wildlife, castles and artifacts took our Canadian breaths away.
Glad you enjoyed your Arran adventure JL, even though it turned into more of an adventure than anticipated.
Beautiful. The Canadiens have certainly seen some lovely parts of Scotland.And tasted some good scones!Hope they have enjoyed their visit.
They did Kath and now they are back home safe and sound
We had a lovely trip over to Arran and this little tearoom was a delight. The scone looked and tasted delicious, the folk we met were great too.