Set wide the window. Let me drink the day!

I think author Edith Wharton was onto something with that quote. There is something entirely magical about looking out the window and enthusiastically embracing all that the world has to offer.

Happily, the flat has wonderful views that give a beautiful taste of adventures yet to come. I am very pleased to report that those views will now be encased in much nicer windows too. This week, the new windows were installed - and I can't wait to see the difference.

Trish is keeping the end result a secret until I am in Rothesay in November - a mere 7 sleeps away now. I love the secret thrill of anticipation! But she did send through some of the progress photos, which helped me to visualise what has been achieved.

In these photos, you can get a sense of the lovely views out the front of the flat and the gorgeous bay window. Although it is not as spectacular as the view from the back of the flat, it is not to be sneezed at either!

Interestingly enough, the building you can see from the bay window is actually the General Register Office of Births, Deaths and Marriages - and Isabel tells me that it is the place to visit to find out more about where my ancestors are buried on the island. A convenient spot for me to drop in!

I am really interested to see how the bathroom looks with the new window. Trish had the brilliant idea of having a wee claw foot bath under the window - and repositioning everything else in the space. I can think of nothing more magical than having a lovely bubble bath and a glass of wine, whilst gazing out over that uninterrupted view. That is going to be pretty special - especially when the castle is lit up at night. Anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely love baths, so this is going to be a treat.

The only photo that Trish has sent through of the new windows is that of the second bedroom - which is now very happily going to be much warmer! I can absolutely visualise how everything is going to look once we get to the decorating stage - so it is fun seeing the progress unfold, even from afar.

This week, Shaun is busily getting the insulation and plasterboard in place. As someone who lives in a rather warm climate in Australia, I found it particularly interesting to read that we are installing "lambs wool insulation". It sounds so sweet! But no doubt, also very practical for warmth in Scotland.

I can't wait to see everything soon - not long now.

Ps. Edith Wharton was an American novelist, short story writer and interior designer who lived in upper class New York in the late 1800s. Included in her body of work is "The Age of Innocence" and "The House of Mirth".