Today’s painting is the side view of cosy Cuagach Bothy, in which I stayed on Eigg.

 

 

Cuagach Bothy is the most affordable place to stay on the island, but also one of the most characterful. As mentioned before, it’s owned by Maggie Fyffe, who told the story of Eigg’s community buy out of the island on Day 17.

You never know though, how things are going to be until you get there. It was still very overcast the first evening we arrived, so on arrival at the bothy we immediately began setting the fire, or stove. I went outside to attempt to chop some logs, (hoping there weren’t any islanders watching, thinking ‘She’ll be from the city then’ !).

Once the fire got going (The bothy’s walls are incredibly thick, as you can see from the photo of the window recess below, so all the heat is retained) we walked down to Laig Bay, where mountains emerging among the clouds high up in the sky gave me a small shock! By the time we came back the bothy was already warm, and smoky, since we’d left a damp log on top of the stove!

The bothy is quite simple – one room (with a separate loo and shower) a platform bed at either end of the room and a kitchen area in the middle with oven and sink.

 

I liked all the little things people had left behind after their stay; arrangements of rocks, shells, bits and pieces from the beach..

 

 

By the end of the trip I felt I’d found everything I came for – the islanders were so helpful with my project. And as with other small islands I’ve visited, everyone knows everyone else, doors are never closed and there’s a lovely informality

Back in Edinburgh now, I’m missing the scenery and fresh air (also the time to actually focus – the city is so full of interruptions!) but all being well I’ll be in Eigg again for a longer trip in September this year.

Tomorrow will be Day 25 of 50 days of Eigg – the halfway point! After tomorrow’s painting and post I’m off to London and Birmingham for a few days, and won’t be posting until Saturday 12th when full painting and blogging service will resume!

And..

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