Harbour Stroll

Another trip into Stornoway, this time we managed to get a lift from a friend and neighbour.  We needed to collect the car and pick up some fruit, vegetables and essentials for the weekend.  Thankfully it was a dry and bright day so we were able to have a stroll along the harbour wall and take in the sights.  It is always a joy to catch a glimpse of the castle, standing so proud on the hill and overlooking the town.

It didn't feel like early Autumn as the majority of the only trees on the Island are still quite green.  Even the flowers in the hanging baskets are still looking fresh and not at all Autumnal.

As we strolled along we were blessed to be able to see seals bobbing along by the fishing boats, waiting for a free easy feed.

The seagulls too were in a frenzy squabbling over some remnants on a boat.  What a joy to stand a watch this spectacular show.

 A little further and we came across a fisherman sorting his catch and preparing the crabs for onward transportation.

Each time we visit, there are  so many differences in both the catch, the wildlife and the weather.  I don't think I will ever tire of this wonderful harbour that offers so many joyful treats for the senses.

We then went on to a have fish and chips for our lunch before collecting the car and then do a top up shop.  Gerard treated me to some flowers which are appreciated even more since our move, as we do not yet have an established garden.  It will take some time to get it going but a start was made, we picked up some bulbs which will be planted into the front garden to give it a lift and a splash of Spring colour.

As always your comments are truly appreciated and as  some of you are no reply bloggers I will answer some of your queries now.

The red cabbage is indeed pickled.  I shred it and leave it to stand overnight sprinkled in salt to remove any excess liquid and then pack into sterilised jars with pickling vinegar.  This year I cheated as I did not do substantial amounts and got some shop bought pickling vinegar.  In previous years I have made my own spiced vinegar using:
7 g cinnamon
7 g cloves
7 g white peppercorns
7 g dried root ginger
7 g mace
7 g whole all spice berries
Wrap all the spices in a muslin bag and place into the vinegar (2 pints) in a basin over a saucepan of water, bring to the boil and then allow to cool for 2 hours before bottling.

Raspberry Vinegar is something we use on salads and is so easy to make.

Soak 900 g raspberries into 1 pint of white wine vinegar.  Strain through a muslin bag and pour into hot sterilised bottles.

The mixed berry jam was made using:

1.8 kg mixed fruit
1.8 kg sugar
juice of 2 lemons (the rind and pips were tied into muslin as a natural pectin)

Hope that helps but feel free to get in touch if you want any more information.

See you soon.