Pick and Mix

I pull the door. The jingle announces me to the wee man in the kilt behind the counter.

"Hello, dear. Back again?" He reaches for a paper bag and his wee scoop. Seabirds screech in the blue sky outside. A fresh breeze whips the marram grass and the machair.

"You bet. Can't keep me away." I smile. His eyes crinkle in response.

"What are you having then, dear?" His voice is low. I breathe deep - I adore the smell of the shop: the scent of the centuries.

Letting my glance glide along the display jars, I take in the colours: swirling sea-greens, blues and brightest turquoise. Sunset, stone and sky. "Erm, I'll have a scoop of the Crumbling Castles please. And the Monks & Monsters Mix, I like that. Can I have a couple of scoops Clans and Queens, too?"

The bag rustles. He shakes it down and waits.

"And erm, a scoop each of the Gaels and of the Picts. I love the patterns on the Picts, so decorative!"

He nods appreciatively and mumbles approval into his beard. "Everyone says that, right enough."

"And a scoop of the Saints & Selkies. I love them."

"They were my favourite when I was your age too. You've room for one more."

I furrow my forehead.

"Something with a bit of bite? A half-scoop of the Vicious Vikings, maybe?"

I beam. "Yes, they sound just the thing. Thank you, I'll try them."

Reaching for my purse, there is a fleeting flash of regret. What about the Storm-Sentries and the Sea-Witch's Wheels, the Stone Circles and the silver-sharp Claymores? I ache with the craving for more.

"I'll be open tomorrow" he grins, gap toothed, and holds the jingling door open for me.

We Want to Hear From You!

Share your memories of the Highlands and Islands

Stories are at the heart of what we do as a project and we are always looking to learn more about what the Highlands and Islands means to people who live, work, and visit here.

Do you have a favourite memory of a person or place that you feel represents the Spirit of the Highlands and Islands? Share it with us below - we can't wait to hear from you!

Click here to share your story through our online story portal