They're justified and they're ancient…And they drive an ice cream van

They're justified and they're ancient…And they drive an ice cream van

Sun’s oot! - right then – priorities. What’s the game plan for a sunny day in Scotland? Beach trip? Ice cream run? Scenic wander? Full-on sunbathing session (Factor 50, folks)?

Me? Washing. I know, I know - but honestly, there’s nothing quite like the opportunity to empty the washing basket. Ah, sheets dried outdoors, flapping away like they’ve got a new lease of life. Call it boring - I call it making hay while the sun shines, or at least getting the duvets on the line before the inevitable cloud rolls back in.

I’ve often thought that there’s something slightly odd about the Scottish relationship with sunshine. The second it appears, we collectively lose the plot. It’s a mysterious identified object, and yet we start squinting up at it like, "Is this real? Should we report it?" That unexpected warmth…are we being gently microwaved by an alien species testing new tech? Our time perception goes haywire – especially if it’s a weekend. Blink and it’s Sunday night, and the only thing you’ve achieved is a regretful radiation sunburn tattoo from your sunglasses. The local Cosmic Kids’ Irn Bru consumption rockets giving them the fuel they need to appear from another dimension armed with water balloons as well as wild ambition…. and a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away someone starts a BBQ…

But whatever you do with your precious Scottish sunshine enjoy what it does for your wellbeing. And be it hanging out the washing, hitting the beach, or chasing an ice cream van – do it with a lot of SPF, and a healthy respect for the brief moment that is summer in Scotland.

The latest round of Renfrewshire’s Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund is now open for notes of interest: https://engagerenfrewshire.org/engage-support/community-mental-health-wellbeing-fund.html

All the best

Alan