Thompson & French’s Glasgow’s and Edinburgh’s office staff have renewed vigour, clear direction and inspiring confidence. My expansion into England is on hold; however, I am developing a team to take on this future challenge. The surveillance of England continues with a further trip south planned on my return.
Our carriage arrives at Broomielaw Street, and we descend onto Steam Boat Quay on a dreich June day. Thick fog delayed our passage by one day; nevertheless, Lewis, Adair, Arabella and Emelia board the boat, with Duke leading the way. Our annual pilgrimage to Islay samples the fresh air of the Inner Hebrides’ southernmost island, where we prioritise family time and cherish Emelia’s family home.
We embark Osprey, the iron steamship, bound for Port Ellen and steam down the Clutha to Greenock. In the afternoon, we sail along the Clyde Peninsula and pass Campbeltown, considered the world’s whisky capital with twenty-eight whisky distilleries stretched across the town.
Our ship rounds the Mull of Kintyre when the squally weather changes dramatically into fierce winds from the South-East. Emelia and I hold the children tightly while Duke sits quietly. There are twenty-three crew working ferociously and join fifty petrified passengers in prayer.
The captain orders the ship towards the land, aiming for shelter when suddenly the light from Mull Lighthouse emblazons across the deck.
Chapter 169 – Doon The Watter
The Hampden Collection 