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Mist is still rolling in from the sea ... but there's no sign of Paul in Kintyre By Mike Merrit

SIR Paul McCartney's Scottish home has become his lull of Kintyre, with locals saying he has not set foot there for over two years. Few places are more special to the ex-Beatle than High Park Farm near Campbeltown where he discovered vegetarianism and where he fled with his wife Linda to rebuild his shattered confidence following the break-up of The Beatles. It is also where he was busted for growing cannabis, for which he was fined £100. Great songs flowed out of Kintyre, such as The Long And Winding Road, Maybe I'm Amazed and, of course, Mull Of Kintyre, one of the biggest-selling singles ever. Scottish critical opinion remains divided over the song, although it helped to put Kintyre on the world map. But since starting his relationship with former model Heather Mills, whom he married in June, Sir Paul has not been seen in Kintyre. Last month newspapers and some residents accused him of snubbing Linda's memory by not attending the unveiling in Campbeltown of a sculpture he had commissioned. The £20,000 statue of Linda holding a lamb was commissioned from his cousin, Jane Robbins.

Locals Disappointed

Linda, who died of breast cancer in 1998, was known to have loved the farm, and photographed the area extensively because she particularly loved the light. But when the statue was unveiled, there was no Sir Paul and only a brief statement from two of her daughters -- Mary and Stella -- saying how much their mother had loved the place. Sir Paul was said to be too busy touring in Mexico to attend, but fashion designer Stella, who is known to have been especially uncomfortable over her father's remarriage, did come secretly. 'She came up the same day but did not see the statue until the next. It was a private visit. She liked the statue, she felt it captured her mother's personality,' said Alistair Cousin, chairman of the Lady Linda McCartney Kintyre Memorial Trust.

Uncertainty and Love for Kintyre

Mr Cousin, a much respected local vet who has cared for the McCartneys' animals for 30 years, admitted he does not know when the ex-Beatle was last on Kintyre. Sir Paul employs just a farm manager to look after his 200 or so sheep on the farm, where he has also planted hundreds of trees. 'The family used to come up for two or three weeks in August. I think it is a place where they got peace and quiet -- it was a family holiday,' said Mr Cousin. 'You rarely see them in town -- the farm is very much their place. But people here hold them in great affection.' He said he thought it unlikely Sir Paul would ever sell the farm. Another local said the former Beatle had not visited the farm for around two years. 'When he comes he flies in by private jet and disappears into the farm. There are guards posted at the bottom of the road. He really loves the place but he does not mix with locals anymore,' he said.

Denying the Accusations

Sir Paul's spokesman, Geoff Baker, denied he had turned his back on Kintyre since his relationship with Heather. 'If it was anything to do with Heather he wouldn't have taken her to his other homes,' he said. 'People forget he bought High Park before he met Linda, when he was with Jane Asher. 'Paul has not been to Australia for nine years either. This has all come about from the imaginings of local newspapers. Kintyre remains a special place for him and he has no plans to sell it -- it is not even under consideration. 'Paul has been touring hard and is working on a secret musical project, which may be unveiled before Christmas.' Sir Paul revealed last year that he returned to Scotland again to write an inspirational song for his last album, Driving Rain, his first new set of songs for four years. He took time out at his farm to score the song Tiny Bubble. He is reported to be so pleased with the results of the demo recording at his small studio at High Park that he used much of it when he recorded it fully on the album. 'I have always found inspiration in the calm beauty of Scotland,' he said at the time. The album also included love songs to both his wives. 'High Park was really loved by Linda. It was one of her favorite places. I think it is really associated with her more in a way than the other homes. That may be hard for Heather, who is far more sensitive to Paul and his children's feelings than is known,' said a friend of Linda. 'When you see the place you can understand why. It is not luxurious -- but it has Linda's character. In a way, she still haunts the place. It has her touch. Paul and Linda did it up together.' Sir Paul bought the run-down farm as an investment after viewing it with Jane Asher. In a Channel 4 film Sir Paul revealed he was on the verge of a nervous breakdown when he fled to High Park, which he has added to over the years by buying two neighboring farms. 'We went up to Scotland. I just had to get out of London and get in the mist and the mountains -- just to try to walk around and get some air and get away from this trauma,' said Sir Paul in the film. He wasn't keen on its remoteness at first, but that became an advantage. Linda came to appreciate the place too. 'She adored it. Maybe it was Linda being American. But she could see the whole romance of it all -- and then I started to see it through her eyes. Sure it was run-down, she said, but we could fix it up. And she was right. You could run anywhere up there -- you could just walk forever, and over the weeks that passed, I just fell in love with the place.'

Hotels in Kintyre

Where to Stay in Beautiful Kintyre

If you're planning a visit to the picturesque region of Kintyre and looking for accommodation, there are several delightful options available. Whether you prefer a cozy bed and breakfast or a luxurious hotel, Kintyre has something for every traveler's taste.

The Argyll Hotel

Situated in Campbeltown, The Argyll Hotel offers stunning views of Campbeltown Loch and the surrounding landscapes. With comfortable rooms, a traditional bar, and a fantastic restaurant serving delicious local cuisine, this hotel provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for visitors.

The Royal Hotel

In the heart of Campbeltown, The Royal Hotel is steeped in history and offers a blend of traditional charm and modern comfort. The hotel features elegant rooms, a renowned restaurant, and a cozy bar where guests can enjoy drinks and live music in the evenings.

Bed and Breakfast Options

For a more intimate and personalized experience, there are also several delightful bed and breakfast establishments in Kintyre. From quaint cottages to elegant Victorian houses, these B&Bs offer a warm welcome and a comfortable stay.

Whether you choose a hotel or a bed and breakfast, staying in Kintyre allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich cultural history of the area. As you explore the scenic landscapes and visit iconic sites, such as High Park Farm, you'll understand why this region holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and visitors alike.

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