There were hidden treasures to be found in the woods, if only you knew where to look . . .
By BETH MCKAY
The white sands of the horseshoe-shaped bay glittered in the sunshine, lapped by gentle waves. Hues of blue and green in the water gleamed brightly as the wind danced across the surface. If it were not for the cold edge to the breeze, you could almost imagine you were in the Caribbean, Lindsay thought.
It had been Nathan’s idea to return to Mull, their favourite island, for a short break. It was more peaceful before the full season began, so booking places on the ferry from Oban had been easy.
Nathan and their older daughter had set off early that morning to bag Mull’s only Munro. On a cloudless day, the summit of Ben More was renowned for its views of the highest mountains on the Scottish mainland and the scores of islands scattered through the Minches.
Lindsay had invited her mother to join them on holiday and neither assured Lindsay as she gazed across the machair to the sparkling water beyond.
“Perhaps the girls can bring me some shells if they find some. You go off and join them. I’ll be fine here.”
Lindsay enjoyed a paddle as much as her children. The sea was crystal clear, so it was easy to detect shiny pebbles, shells and driftwood on the winked as she packed her brushes and watercolours in the boot of the car. They were planning a surprise.
A rt In Nature.” Lucy spelled out the words as they passed a fishing boat with its nets spread in a meadow at the entrance to the woods.
A little further along the path, the children gasped in delight. A huge willow stag stood guard.
It was the first of many discoveries. Tiny fairy cottages were carved into hollow tree trunks and a flock of metal birds were poised in flight on the hill. A tall treehouse had more models perched in its windows, with buttons to press to make the sounds of owls and woodpeckers, oyster catchers and guillemots. The twins were fascinated.
A willow tunnel and a zip wire kept them busy while Rosemary pointed out more intricate leaf carvings in the trees to Lindsay. There were towering trunks with markings like totem poles and figures shaped from driftwood and nets.
Lindsay took her mother’s arm as they descended the steps to a pond with a giant dragonfly suspended over it. It made Jasmine jump, and the twins halted on the path for reassurance. Blue and green stones gleamed on its head like jewels as it swayed on a
