My first journey across the Firth this summer roughly took the route of my family history – folk cleared from the North West of Sutherland who found a place to make a new life in Strathcarron.

This summer’s trip took in a visit to Mudness Ceramics at Balnakeil to see Martina Macleod’s captivating ceramics and Lotte Glob’s exhibition at An Talla Solais in Ullapool, as well as a visit to Gairloch Museum to see the great gallery space and enjoy the geology and social history exhibits. On to Loch Kishorn and a nod to the ancestors on the way home via Strathnaver.

I flexed my intentions on Eleanor K White’s course at Achintraid which was a great opportunity to spend time in the shadow of the Applecross peninsula and swim with Skye on the western horizon, close to where my Mackay ancestors established the croft at Ardaneaskan.

As ever it was delightful to catch up with folk and feel connected to other painters and makers.

It’s good to get out!