In 1966 (when I was a young child) I went on holiday to a small place called Glenuig on Loch Airlort. This is a few miles further south than Camusdarrach, but has very similar views across to Eigg and Rhum.
The roads were only just being made and I have vague recollections of explosions as they blasted a path for the road. We stayed in a house next to the crofters cottage that was the post office. The brother and sister who ran the small post office were so friendly.
There is a beautiful sandy beach at Samalaman with a small island that you can walk to at low tide. We were the only family there on the beach. We played games, went for walks, looked at the wildlife in the clearest of burns, found antlers from the many red deer and got bitten by the midges (the worst in the world).
We went back in 1967 and there were three families on the beach and the newly finished roads looked pristine with perfect green grass on the verges.
We went back 3 more times as a family - the last time in 1973. By then there was a caravan park and campsite - lots of places to stay. The beach was packed with people.
I have been back two more times since and it is less crowded than 1973 as the package holiday and long haul flight have taken the Brits elsewhere, but the glorious scenery, fresh air, the light, the changeable weather and midges are all the same.
For me, this is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The road to the isles from Fort William the most beautiful of drives. Just put the Local Hero CD on in the car - it fits perfectly.
I think Local Hero would have been one of my favourite films even if I had never been to the area. With my added memories, it is just fantastic.
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