Tarbert and Skipness 24 August 2022

 

Tarbert has quite a large marina for leisure boats but it is still an important and active fishing harbour - the immediately adjacent Loch Fyne is renowned for seafood produce. Apparently the controversial ring-net fishing method (used for herring locally) was invented by Tarbert fishermen.  The method was too efficient, and while briefly outlawed in the mid-1800s, it was used well into the 1900s. By 1921 there were 40 pairs of skiff vessels ring-net fishing for herring from Tarbert.  Harbour Street became lined with ‘Farlans’ - purpose built, salt-filled barrels - and women who gutted, cleaned and cured the fish.  

When the numbers of herring crashed in the later 20th century local fishermen turned to catching shellfish, and particularly prawns - Langoustine. 

Today’s boat names are ever hopeful or sentimental:

As a result of reading a very positive article in the Guardian in the middle of June we decided to take the bus to visit The Seafood Cabin at Skipness, a little place a few miles south of Tarbert. It felt like a day out - a holiday! 

The bus journey itself was good - a good way to see the countryside from on land - and then a wee walk along the beach. Susie was the Good Samaritan helping to push a car that had got stuck in the sand.  Then a short walk to The Seafood Cabin very close to Skipness Castle was followed by a fabulous lunch.

The Seafood Cabin and it’s garden with stunning views of Arran

Our lunch in all its glory!  Top left clockwise: bread and dips; seafood platter for two; crab salad; salmon platter

It was a real culinary treat. Yum. 

The adjacent Skipness Castle is also a must. 

Some of our friends today:

Top left clockwise: peacock butterfly; Valais Blacknose sheep; painting in Tarbert shop window; young Robin that hopped onto Mary’s foot while she talked on the phone

Today’s route:

It’s been a wonderfully relaxing day.  Lovely. 

Arran from the top of Skipness Castle