Scottish anchorages

I am afraid this is a sad and bleak 1980s pastiche of a Scottish fishing village. As well as the awful architectural mish mash, the houses are set too far back from the sea and then separated by a car park which makes matters even worse.

There seems nothing to commend Craobh as a place, although the marina is fine I am told (ph 01852 500222).

The Lord of the Isles pub is rather large and open plan, not exactly cosy (ph 01852 500658). If you must park yourself in a marina then Ardfern has far more on offer although it is further in from the open sea if you are just passing by, and both there and Kilmelford Yacht Haven have boat yard facilities.

There used to be a general store until it closed down in December 2010 (unsurprising as hardly anyone actually lives here). There is a small craft shop - the Giving Tree.

Riding stables are close by for those that way inclined.

But I reckon forget Craobh or bomb it ("Come friendly bombs and fall on Slough" comes to mind). But maybe I should go back on a warm summer's day and try again to like this place.

One plus though, but you probably won't need it, is a splendid bed and breakfast establishment in the big house up the hill - Lunga House.  It is a real treasure trove of family memorabilia, cosy rooms and warm fires, at least in the main house if not the cottages (ph 01852 500237).