We went to Harris. For the day you understand. For a coffee, or even a cup of tea. But...

A day out. Change of scenery and all that. A look-see at galleries, and a cup of warming tea, or coffee. So we went to Harris - just the bottom of this island with pretensions of singular identity. You know the sort.

Still, some nice peoples there, nice galleries and cafes - apparently  Only the first Gallery/Cafe we went to was shut - and it was meant to be open - that was Hebrides Art. Looks lovely from the outside, comes with nice reviews and everything but always seems to be shut! So we went down to the Temple cafe in Northton. By this time we were gasping for a cuppa. But that was shut too. You see, here it seems Monday is a quarter Sunday or something - at least till July - so lots of places are shut. Oh well, off to the Anchorage in Leverburgh. Yep, that was shut too. Luckily the ever-wonderful and welcoming Butty Bus at the same place was open and we squeezed ourselves in while Chris, the proprietor served up the excellent home-made leek and potato soup. We gazed out over the lifeboat bobbing in the harbour below and watched the rain lash on the windows of the bus. This eatery is no doubt worthy of a visit - a few times. Seemingly always open, lovely soups and often a place to meet the celebs.

Harris celebs

Then it was off to see Mr John Maher himself, found grovelling under his pal Peter's van welding it back into shape.  Peter was up from near Holmfirth, you know, Last of the Summer Whine country and all that. Up to enjoy the weather no doubt. Apparently Peter was The Buzzcock's tour manager [and photographer] - although why he didn't organise the Buzzcocks reunion tour in the Lewis Bar in Stornoway I don't know!

Peter Monks and John Maher. Cycling aficionados.

He smiled sweetly at me all the same as I pointed my Soviet camera at him and John. Both cycling mad and keen to meet Graeme Obree should he ever live up to his promise and come and visit the location of his uncle's home in Tarbert.

Not content with that we called in to the Mission House Studio in Finsbay on the way up the Golden Road. Totally terrific place, art-work and peoples. Get on your bike, cycle road the Golden road and call in to see Nickolai, Beka and the kids at the Studio.  Nickolai stood still while I pointed my piece of Soviet glass at him in a purposeful way. He was fiddling with a machine thing when we found him. Although he could have been having a doze in the studio.

Nickolai, striking a pose.