The annual summertime exodus
IT’S THE time of year once again when the old Highland haunts in Glasgow begin to get quieter as people, particularly students, head back in their droves to their homes in the Highlands and Islands for the summer months.
The thought occurred to me because, as I write, I am just about to head off to Fèis Ìle, the Islay whisky festival.
This time last year, no sooner had I finished my final university exam, than I had immediately jumped in the car and was heading off for a few gigs in Islay.
The sun was splitting the sky, a week of guaranteed great craic lay in wait and finishing university was such a relief.
I congratulate everyone who has completed their courses this week and wish them a relaxing summer ahead.
The departure of the students totally changes Glasgow at this time of year.
I was speaking last week to a taxi driver who was lamenting the annual demise of the city’s night-life over the summer and the subsequent loss of double-time fares through the night as soon as the students depart.
As he spoke, I could hazard a guess that Highlands and Islands students contributed a fair amount to such fares.
Glasgow is a great place to spend a lovely summer’s day. There are plenty places to sit outside and enjoy a refreshment or two – including the Islay Inn which never fails to have its tables and chairs outside when the weather is good – and plenty parks to lie and catch a sun tan.
But there is no beating the Highlands and Islands when the sun is shining.
Glasgow, however, looks forward to September – when the Highlanders come back down the A82 and a winter of cèilidhs and craic begins once again.