Tuesday 29 August 2017

Thank You!

It seems appropriate to start the last post of the Kilchoan Diary with the picture that appeared on the very first post, on 15th October 2009. It showed the Loch Linnhe approaching Mingary Pier at ten to eight in the morning, with an explosive sunrise behind it. The picture was responsible for the creation of the Kilchoan Dairy: having taken it on a new digital camera, it seemed churlish not to find some way of sharing it with others.

This blog has been enriched by the contributions of a number of people, including a large number of people outside Ardnamurchan. Many of them sent accounts and pictures from their holidays here. Others corrected me when I made mistakes - like a wrong identification of a bird. For others, the Diary gave the opportunity simply to connect to this lovely place and, sometimes, to their ancestors. My thanks to all of you.

I have many Ardnamurchan residents to thank for all they have done to help, including those who have contributed - Les Humphreys, Ritchie Dinnes, Richard O'Connor, Justin Cameron, Chris Gane, Geoffrey Campbell, Tony Thain, Out & About, Kilchoan Early Bird, the Raptor and many more. To them, and to others locally who have helped and supported in so many ways over the years - my deepest thanks.

None of this would have been possible without the help, encouragement and patience of Mrs Diary. It isn't only that we have walked miles together across the lands of Ardnamurchan in all weathers and conditions, she has also put up with the frequent stops to take pictures, the mad pursuits after an errant butterfly, and the irritation when the butterfly has moved just as the camera focussed on it. We'll both desperately miss these walks, and the silence, alone-ness, and stunning beauty of this place.

So, to the good people of West Ardnamurchan; to you, the Diary's readers; to the passing ships and the weather, to the auroras and the landscapes and the wildlife, to this beautiful place which has been such a happy home for us for over 21 years - thank you, and farewell.

86 comments:

  1. So many thanks to both of you, and I dare say that I am not the only person in tears at the cessation of my all time favorite blog.

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  2. Thanks for keeping us in touch with a place we all clearly think of as enriching our lives. I will miss the blog hugely but wish you both happy new adventures.

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  3. I am also very sad to be losing my favourite blog. It has been wonderful. Good luck in your new adventures!

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  4. Lump in my throat as I read this; you will be sorely missed in this household! I hope that your move goes well, and that you will find many new walks to enjoy in your new location

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  5. Thank you Jon and Mrs Diary. An incredible journey. Thank you for sharing your lives in West Ardnamurchan with those of us who can only holiday in such a wonderful part of the world. My heartfelt thanks and best wishes to you both in the future. Sara

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  6. Thank you so much for taking the time to post your stunning pictures, energetic walks and informed content. Your blog has been a beautiful shop window for the area around Kilchoan and will be sorely missed. Best wishes for your move.

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  7. And a big "thank you" to you too.
    I've never been to Ardnamurchan. I stumbled across your blog by accident and have been reading and enjoying. I'm so sad it's coming to an end.
    I hope you've enjoyed doing it as much as I (and many others) have enjoyed reading it.
    Take care. XXX

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  8. Jon it is with deep sadness that we have to say good bye, ever since I first visited Ardnamurchan I have read your posts on the blog and enjoyed every single one. Good luck for the future and thank you both.
    Howard Boothby.

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  9. And many thanks from another of your many readers.

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  10. Thanks from an appreciative "latecomer." Good luck and health in whatever life has in store for you.

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  11. This is a very sad day indeed. My lunch break at work was always the Kilchoan Blog. After holidaying here for many years ( and met/spoke with you a couple of times )this place has a special place in our hearts. So with only able to holiday here once a year your Blog always kept me informed with this beautiful area. Amazing photos- whether it be wildlife or "Ships in the Sound ".
    I'm sure you will be sorely missed by neighbours, friends and holiday makers but wish you and Mrs Diary all the best in your new adventure.

    Haste ye back !

    Larraine Atkin

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  12. Dear John,
    I hereby like to thank you and your wife for all your efforts to extend our vacation feelings every year again for more than 15 years and to motivate us year over year to return to this real treasure.
    We wish you both a very happy landing in your new destination.
    Take care,
    Theo, Elke & Robert Scott Vermeulen
    Berlin

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  13. We've followed your blog for a few years now, it keeps us sane inbetween our visits to ardnamurchan. Thank you for all the inspiration your blog has provided. Cheers, James Robinson and family, Leicestershire.

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  14. Thank you both Jon and Mrs Diary, you will be sorely missed by all of us. Good luck in your new life, and please please 'pop in' to the Diary occasionally just to let us all know how things are going. All the very best to you both, Sue G

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  15. Mar sin lead
    Peter C

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  16. Same here I will miss this so much. All the best in your new adventure and home.

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  17. Farewell and thank you so much, as Ginny, there are tears for this blog which kept me close to an area I have loved

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  18. We lived in Acharacle for 15 years, leaving 3 years ago. I have loved your blog and shall miss it very much, Thank you and all the best for the future to you both.

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  19. Wishing you both all the best for the future. Thank you for the blog and even for featuring one or two of my pictures in the past! Hope you new life brings whatever you wish for. Julie (formerly of Far View Campsite)

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  20. I will miss this blog very much.Best wishes for the future to you both.
    Best blog on the net!!

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  21. My heart is broken. Other than that, I have no words.

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    1. Chin up brother, be there again soon x

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  22. I assume you've left full instructions for whomever you sold your house to.
    Enjoy your next chapter!

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  23. Just wanted to say thank you for the joy you brought into my life with the Diary. I grew up spending summer holidays in Ardnamurchan and it’s always been a magical, special place for me. I now live on the other side of the world so my visits back are rare. Your diary kept Ardnamurchan close and I will really miss it. All the best in your new home. Kathryn

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  24. Thank you so much!! We spent our first holiday at Ardnamurchan at Mingary cottages in 1996, and been up most years ever since, staying at Achateny or Fascadale. Your blog has kept us up to date, in these latter years, but we too have probably just spent our last holiday here, at Fascadale.

    All the very best to you both, and the other people of Ardnamurchan we have come across over the years.

    JPS

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  25. Thankyou and once again thankyou, my favourite place, my favourite blog,i will miss it so much, the lump in my throat says it all. I am looking forward to the book " 21 years in Ardnamurchan " I will be the first to buy it. Good luck and good health as i raise a we dram for you both .Kevin.

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  26. I'm going to miss this,all the best for the future.

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  27. I will miss your posts, Jon. As others have said, this is my favourite blog and I have had so much enjoyment from your posts. I wish you all the best for the future and hope that the move goes smoothly (*sniff*)

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  28. Your beautiful blog has kept ardnamurchan alive in my heart every single day, can't thank you enough for that. Shall miss it terribly, and you though we have never met. The very best of luck for whatever is next for both of you x

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  29. Thank you for helping to keep Ardnamurchan alive in my heart every single day. Can't explain how much I have looked forward to the daily instalment of superb photographs, information and community news. Very best of luck to you both for whatever comes next x

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  30. Thank you for all the wonderful pictures and interesting writing.

    You will be sorely missed by many, both online and in the Ardnamurchan area.

    A word to where you are off too, would be nice after all these years...

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  31. Thank you so much for three years of daily visits to the most beautiful place I have ever visited and felt too nervous to explore alone when I was there. You made me feel I had seen for it all for myself because of the style of the blog.
    As you said, I felt the silence and the amazing amount of wildlife you have pinpointed. I have have two of your books and will certainly buy your new one. With tears in my eyes I wish you the very best for your future.
    Sandy from Cambridge

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  32. Thank you, Jon and Gill. Thank you both so much. And all the very, very best.

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  33. I discovered your blog nearly 4 years ago now and it soon became a treat which I usually saved for the early evening. Thank you for bringing me my daily breath of fresh air from a part of the world that is so dear to me.
    I knew this day was coming and yet I wasn't prepared for how sad I'm feeling. It's not all doom and gloom though: I did not see your trusted camera amongst the many things you put up for sale, so maybe one day you'll blog again, I'll live in hope.
    My very best wishes to you and yours. Regis

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  34. Where'er ye bide in the warld sae wide
    I wish yea a neuck on the sunnier side
    Wi muckle o love and a little o care
    A wee bit pursie wi siller tae spare
    Yer ane wee ingle when the day is done
    In a wee bit housie wi hearts content.

    The Raptor

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  35. Thank you so much !!We will miss you and Mrs Diary .Very best to you both.M

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  36. Thanks Jon & misses diary, the daily diary will be greatly missed. All the best for the future.terry & Carol.

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  37. Thank you Jon, and Mrs Diary, a million times over and more. As per so many other readers your diary has been part of my daily routine for years. Ardnamurchan holds a very special place in my heart having visited every year of my 38 years, first with my parents and now with my own children. Your wonderful, interesting, informative and enriching blog has been a lovely way to maintain that link and learn so much about the area. Thank you for the joy you have given so many readers.
    I wish you all the best for your move. With best wishes Lucy Lowe (Culcheth)

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  38. Thank you so much i will miss your blog very much. Wish jou both all the best for the future.

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  39. Thank you Jon, and Mrs Diary, a million times over and more. As per so many other readers your diary has been part of my daily routine for years. Ardnamurchan holds a very special place in my heart having visited every year of my 38 years, first with my parents and now with my own children. Your wonderful, interesting, informative and enriching blog has been a lovely way to maintain that link and learn so much about the area. Thank you for the joy you have given so many readers.
    I wish you all the best for your move. With best wishes Lucy Lowe (Culcheth)

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  40. Thank you both for the Kilchoan blog,will miss it & the great photos.
    All the very best for the future.Rob.

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  41. So sad for this end to come. We will miss the blog connecting us to the daily wonders of Ardnamurchan and miss you when you are not there on our visits but you have a new life for which you are wished the very best. 'Thank you' seems insufficient.

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  42. I feel, today, as I feel whenever I return from a holiday in the area. This stunning area. Sadness with a real wish that I was there, always. Your diary, Jon, kept me linked in. You haven't said to which area you are moving - I hope that all works out well for you both.

    Best wishes.

    Richard Austen

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  43. So Long And Thanks For All The Fish.
    Thanks, too, for the sea eagles, pine martens, stags, orchids, otters, empty beaches, aurora, ships in the sound, sunsets, pigs, butterflies, and especially the dolphins.
    Will miss it all. Best wishes, Mave, Shrewsbury

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  44. Thank you very much for all the years you've spent telling the world about this wonderful part of the world. We've been coming for 25 years and spend most days checking what's going on when we're not there. It's like losing a dear friend even though we've never met. We wish you all the best.

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  45. I will miss your blog so so much. Thank you for all your wonderful posts, photos and observations. I do hope that your new home affords you the views and experiences that you so deserve.

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  46. I found the blog when looking forward to a holiday in Ardnamuchan in 2011. I have also enjoyed reading it every day. Thank you and all the best for the future. Hope you keep on blogging. :)

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  47. Have just checked to make sure - yes, your wonderful Kilchoan blog has really come to its last page; I join the others in feeling a sense of loss as I turn on to Kilchoan Diary - indeed ,sadness. It's been so special to feel connected to the special area of Ardnamurchan and you have given so many great pleasure with a daily dose of inspiration... thank you again, and best wishes and good luck to you both. Maggie Pridgeon

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  48. Thank you ever so much ! I am going to miss you very much you know.... vous lire d'ici, à Paris, a été un bonheur de chaque jour, et ce petit coin d'Ecosse que vous m'avez fait découvrir grâce à votre blog va rester dans mon coeur... et un jour j'irai le voir "en vrai". Merci !
    Wish you all the best for the future :-)
    Pascale

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  49. Little green boat31 August 2017 at 13:09

    Those raised in the UK during the 1950's will recall the "Look and Learn" books. This blog has taught us much, much more. I will be forever grateful.Good luck Jon and Mrs Diary....safe travels.

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  50. Thank you so very much! I wish you and Mrs Diary a fabulous next step in your lives. I have loved the connection with the next 'shipping forecast area' up from here! You inspired me to create websites for our local community council and Friends of Crarae, having somewhere to share the beauty, tranquility and awesomeness, for want of a much better word, of the west of Scotland is a privilege.

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  51. Thank you. I have loved hearing all the news from the next shipping forecast area up. You inspired me to create a website for our local community council and also for the Friends of Crarae. It is a privilege to be able to share the beauty and tranquility of the West Coast of Scotland with others. I wish you and Mrs Diary all the very best in your next steps of life.

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  52. really enjoyed the blog and the castle blog, will be missed - good health and good fortune

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  53. Thank you so much John, for keeping us updated in between our annual pilgrimage to the Ardnurmurchan. We will truly miss seeing the wonderful photo's and keeping abreast of day to day life in one of our favourite communities.

    Many many thanks,
    Elizabeth, Chloe & Nigel.

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  54. Thank you so much for all your wonderful posts. It was nice to feel as though we were there despite being so far away between our yearly visits.

    Take care,

    James C. (Southampton)

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  55. Hi Jon, I would like to say thank you very much indeed and to wish you and your family all the best for the future. I have been enjoying your blog for the past few years, which I have found to be inspirational !

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  56. ALL I CAN SAY IS THANK YOU JON. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT THIS BLOG EVERY DAY FOR LAST 4 YEARS. AND SAIL IN AREA MOST SUMMERS. FROM NORFOLK UK. WISHING YOU AND FAMILY A HAPPY FUTURE, AND YET AGAIN THANK YOU.

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  57. Reading your blog keeps me wanting to return year after year all the best for the future and thanks for spending so much time keeping every one updated .

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  58. We first visited Ardnamurchan over 20 years ago and have looked forward to coming back every year ever since. Unfortunately, poor health has prevented us returning for the past 18 months but, thanks to the Diary, we've kept in touch with the area. Thank you so much, Jon,for your informative and delightful blog. What on earth shall we do at breakfast time now? And how can you bear to leave this magical place? Good luck for the future.

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  59. You can't imagine how much I have enjoyed reading your blog whilst stuck indoors in my office in the south of England, dreaming of one of my favourite places in the world. Your photos are superb and have kept me in touch with Ardnamurchan for those many weeks of the year that I can't be there. I shall very much miss your blog. Good luck and thank you.
    Good luck for the future.

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  60. This diary has genuinely enriched our lives. Many thanks for your labour of love and best wishes for the future.
    Nick, Louise and Boys (Cambs, UK)

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  61. Will miss this blog, especially the 'Ships in the Sound' updates. Always interesting. Thanks, and good luck in your new home.
    Neil , Isle Of Iona.

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  62. A huge thank you to both of you - your blog has helped MANY to look at things more closely - plant life, insects, potential archeological sites - and even escaped livestock. Your attention to detail has helped me (retired) realize that pursuing new interests is possible (and advisable) at any age and state of life.
    May all your travels be happy ones. A grateful reader in Oregon

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  63. Dear Jon, excuse the pun, it is with considerable sadness that I have to say good bye, having come across your blog before we ever first visited Ardnamurchan. I have read your posts on an almost daily basis and enjoyed nearly every single one. Good luck and good health for the future and thank you both.

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  64. Farewell, wishing you both all the best in your next adventure. Many thanks for all your time and effort x

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  65. Wonderful blog I am missing it very much. All the best for the future.

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  66. All the best to you both. I've thoroughly enjoyed the blog, including the news and the photographs - it will be sadly missed!
    Neil

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  67. My thanks and good wishes to you Jon and Mrs Diary too!
    I have always enjoyed my visits to the blog reading about the days and seeing your lovely photographs.

    Take Care

    All the best Jan

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  68. Oh no! I will miss all the news. Thank you and wishing you happy new adventures.

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  69. where are you going?
    are you the man with the long grey ponytail that used to run the shop?
    Our little family started our own love for the highlands in 1992..
    my first ever holiday was in 1993 with my mum and dad at the cottage now for sale Ormsaigbeg..
    Ive spent all my free time since returning..
    Enjoyed my Magnum ice creams every summer from your shop and have a fridge bedecked with 'Freedom is a place called Ardnamurchan' stickers..
    Enjoyed following your blog when I cant be there..
    good luck.
    Mark

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  70. Thank you for keeping my memories of a lovely holiday in Ardmnamurchan alive. I will miss this!

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  71. I have really enjoyed following your blog from Kilchoan - and I know from writing my own what a lot of time must have gone in to writing and uploading your photographs. Thank you! Wishing you all the best for the future. Best wishes, Carolyne

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  72. I have just this evening discovered your blog as we prepare for our first trip to Kilchoan this weekend. I am inexplicably sad that the first post I read was your last. You have given us a heartfelt sense of where we are heading and for that I thankyou.

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    1. I am one of those really missing the blog (and heading to Kilchoan next Saturday after a week on Mull (weather permitting!). There are so many brilliant entries on this blog - it's well worth working your way through the archive. Have a great time, it's a wonderful area.

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  73. Thanks for sharing all your wonderful pictures of that most beautiful corner of the world. Much appreciated. Many of us will miss you. Whatever you plan to do next, enjoy.

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  74. My Mum and I have enjoyed your writings for years, and I was one of those who sent you some photographs and a wee story about one of our holidays when we visited Kilchoan and your words became a reality for us for a short time! I have enjoyed settling down to your lovely photographs and tales of wandering and discovery every night after work, and I, like countless others, will miss you and your gifted ability to bring your wee corner of the world into our lives and to let us share in the wildness and wonder of your existence. Thank you, God speed and haste ye back! - Heather x

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  75. Having stayed in Kilchoan with Michelle and David Norrie a couple of times I have followed your diary with interest. Thank you for all the effort and excellent photos and I wish you every happiness in whatever you are planning to do next.
    Jean-Pierre

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  76. We lived in the midlands and for many years followed your blog while dreaming of moving to the west coast. Finally all the dreaming paid off and a few years ago we moved to Morvern so could see you all across in Kilchoan almost everyday (weather permitting), but still avidly followed your blog. So a big thank you and we will miss reading about the happenings across the Sound.

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  77. We lived in the Midlands and followed your blog with interest for years as we dreamed of a life on the west coast, the daily update brightened each working day. A few years ago we made the move to Drimnin on Morvern just across the Sound, but continued to enjoy the goings-on in Kilchoan even though weather permitting we could almost see for ourselves. I now spend much of my time just like you madly running around trying to capture all that goes on in the area (wildlife, sunsets and boating activity on the Sound) as I now doing the Drimnin Estate Facebook page, I realise what a commitment you (& Mrs Diary) made trying to post everyday. So a big thank you for keeping us posted for so many years until we were able to see for ourselves. I hope that I am able to return the favour and from time to time you might enjoy a quick glimpse of this area.

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  78. I keep coming back to the page in the vain hope it was all a dream ! Thank you for all the pleasure the blog has given me over the years. We will still keep coming to Ardnamurchan because it is the best place to be

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  79. Jon, thank you so much for this, the best blog I have known. So sad that it is at an end, but I hope that you can keep it online as a resource and inspiration for as long as possible. May Mrs Diary's and your new adventure be a long and happy one. With all good wishes.

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  80. Missing my fave blog badly! Any chance of an update to find out how life is treating you and yours?

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  81. Hoping you are enjoying your new adventure. Missing your blog.

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  82. Jon,
    Why not start up a new blog based on your new location?

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