That’s another fine mess you got me into Stanley.

Famous words from Hardy, (Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy) as we arrive at Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands.

It was very windy and we travelled in the ship’s lifeboats to land. We saw a few dolphins as we approached. Once we arrived we got on a coach to take in a few sights as others went to Volunteer Point, and some went for a nature walk.

Annie, our guide was an islander and gave so much information about living here. Shipwrecks, schooling, the hospital, the governor’s house, peat, food, sheep and obviously there were references to the conflict of 1982 when Argentine forces invaded the Islands.

One of the places we stopped at was Dave’s garden. When whalebones are found, he collects them and they are displayed in his garden. It looks quite eerie seeing these but also interesting.

Situated on the Stanley by-pass road, en route to Surf Bay, east of the town, the Totem Pole is a quirky structure signposting distances to various places in the world. Originally created by military personnel, signs have been added by many visitors. Most are villages, towns and cities in the UK at roughly 8,000 miles away but locations in the American continent can also be found, along with Europe and even Russia. To my surprise Arbroath was featured, probably because there were marines from 45 Commando based near to the town.

I was so proud to stand in front of the totem wearing my Arbroath FC hat.

Our coach journey terminated at the Stanley museum which is full of history of the island over the centuries. There is also a poignant picture wall of those that lost their lives in the conflict.

In the afternoon we were on the highlights of Stanley walking tour, which covered some of what we had seen earlier, but not all. Our guide was an ex marine who fought in the conflict, met someone, married and stayed. Although his viewpoint was based on his experiences and his life as a marine, it was uncomfortable and awkward as we were with an Argentinian within the group.

The memorial also had a nod to 45 Commando from Arbroath, and we enjoyed the historical, natural history and maritime references.