Translate the phrase Tir na nOg from the Old Irish and you’ll get something that means, approximately, Land Of Eternal Youth.
Do scones keep one young? I’d certainly like to think so; clotted cream is surely the nectar of the Gods, even old Celtic ones.
This cafe, nestled within a courtyard and animal sanctuary near Balfron, conjures with some witchy magic; the shops it sits beside peddle sandalwood incense, moonstones and, behind one counter, a pretty friendly hound.
The centre also holds firewalks that can heal your soul and, depending on how it goes, hopefully your soles too.
Of course my own aromatherapy is the odour of scones so we hot-stepped it to the Soup Dragon cafe.
Within was the usual homemade fare but also, wonderfully, the lesser-spotted savoury scone option; namely one with goat’s cheese, roasted peppers and salad.
To some this might be sacrilege but you try eating sweets and cakes every week.
What a delicious combination it was, too.
We wandered with our coffees to the garden’s picnic benches to enjoy the sunshine and, less enjoyably, the summertime insect life. Your mileage may vary when it comes to the fauna, of course.
After sunning ourselves with our bellies full of scones it was time for a walk round the grounds and a visit to the animal sanctuary.
There are rescued horses, ponies, goats, pigs, sheep, rabbits and guinea pigs. Just what exactly are these animals doing to get themselves into such difficulties that they need rescued, I wondered.
It’s not that type of rescue, apparently. Go and have a blether with the animals if you decide to visit – they’re a great bunch of lads. I think the horse’s name was Winnie; it certainly whinnied quite a lot.
The centre offers private therapeutic sessions with the animal life if you want to hang with Winnie and the gang. Maybe you’re feeling a little hoarse? Why not feel a little horse, by cuddling a pony?
The shop also sells a mug with Hocus Pocus written on the side. In our case it should have said Sconus Gonus.
Scone score
Savour this savoury cheese and pepper effort. 8/10
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