A Childhood Dream, Living Near a Lighthouse
It was a childhood dream of mine to live near a lighthouse. These majestic beacons along our shores, guiding seafarers safely across the waters, have always held a certain magic. And a little drama, too.
First Port of Call
When our family moved across the sea to an island off the west coast of Scotland, our first port of call was the pretty village of Portnahaven, on the south-western tip of the Isle of Islay. On a nearby island stood the Rhinns Lighthouse, and I still remember vividly how, lying in bed at night, I could see the sweeping beam of light passing over our cottage. It was such a comforting feeling.
A Home in Port Charlotte near the Lighthouse
A few months later, we moved into what would become our more permanent home in the village of Port Charlotte. As luck would have it, we found ourselves on just the right side of the village, within walking distance of the Lochindaal Lighthouse.
It wasn't quite as majestic as the previous one, but this was a lighthouse we could actually visit. We could walk right up to it, get close, touch it and admire it. We would sit beside its surrounding wall, listening to the waves and looking out across the sea. Simple moments, perhaps, but ones that stay with you.
Fond memories
These are the kind of memories you never forget. And now, after many years away from Islay and back on the continent, I can still recall the smell of the salty sea, feel the breeze on my skin and remember that wonderful feeling of being close to a lighthouse.
And then there are those very special moments. When the world is still asleep and you take the time, at four in the morning in late spring, to walk over to the lighthouse and watch the sun slowly rise. The birds are already calling out across the sea, the air is fresh, and everything feels wonderfully still.
In moments like these, you can't help but feel that you are the luckiest person in the world, simply for being there and experiencing it all.
