Jun 2nd, 2025

Author: donich_admin

In which we say goodbye to the banks of the Donich

Nearly twelve years ago, R and I arrived in Lochgoilhead determined to build a better life in the country.  Well readers, we did.

All lives have their ups and downs, but broadly I can say that we have enjoyed living here.  Walking, wildlife, peace and quiet and probably more than anything else, the ability to go entirely your own way and live outside the rules of normal society.  By this, I don’t mean that I have been pushing tourists into the loch, but only that I have ignored official instructions on everything from Covid to bonfires.  No neighbours, no rules, no one to tell you what to do, where to go or what to say. Rare commodities in this day and age.

Still, all good things come to an end, and trying to analyse my feelings about leaving here, I feel a bit sad, but mostly excited about having new challenges ahead (there are going to be many of these).

So today the house was cleared.  Saphy was all ready to go (or thought she was – little does she suspect the three hour box journey which lies ahead for tomorrow)

Amber skulked around the house wondering where all the sleeping places had vanished to.

And then the removal men had gone, and all is emptiness and silence at Donich Lodge (well not really because R is staying here for a couple of weeks with Lucky until the buyers move in).

At the other side of the country, our car pulls up at Castlebank House.

This is the view from my new bedroom window.

So goodbye to the banks of the Donich from M and R plus Saphy and Amber. Best wishes to the new owners and to Lucky who is staying on with them.

My new blog will be at www.castlebank.org, and will detail our attempts to restore a grand Victorian property to its former glory. Watch this space.