A Broader Band?

Here is the beach at Ardroil, Isle of Lewis. Those strolling on it may not be aware that it's a mobile 'not-spot'. However, soon it (as well as others) may be converted into a 'hot-spot' thanks to the technology and the efforts of the Mobile Infrastructure Project that is being rolled out and which is explained in the Stornoway Gazette.

Scottish Island Explorer - 'not-hot' but keen to be 'on-the-spot'

Present Solution

The Mission House at Finsbay, Isle of Harris, is offering a special series of photographic prints - 96 of them - at an attractive price. Do take a look at the work of Beka Globe to see what's on offer and the opportunities presented for present-buying.

Scottish Islands Explorer - photographs in plenty on the printed page

Islay Seen from Germany

Folkert Eilts, a German visitor to Islay, sent the island's blog a number of his photographs which are well worth seeing. There is a certain Sunday feel to them - Portnahaven, without anyone in sight, and Machair Bay with evidence of just one or two people walking.

Scottish Islands Explorer - appreciates exploring at quiet times

Name Change

It is almost 50 years since the authorities changed the name of this lighthouse from 'North Unst' to 'Muckle Flugga'. However, the move, in 1964, could not amend its location at the northern extremity of Britain - with the ultimate piece of land beyond, Out Stack, photographed here by Terry Mooney.

Scottish Islands Explorer - goes to extremes, on occasions

Winds Can Speed

Yesterday the wind was recorded at Europie, Ness, Isle of Lewis, to be speeding at 116 mph. That's, of course, fast, but does not quite match the 134 mph gust recorded on North Rona on the night of 11 / 12 January 2005. The seas can be pounding the shores during one season and the beach, at Europie (below) can look benign within a relatively short time.

Scottish Islands Explorer - thankful the internet is not subject to weather factors

Week Without Setting

Here's Comet Lovejoy, which is giving a treat to those Orcadians prepared to look up, for its setting is in a constant latitude throughout the rest of the week. Links and explanations are available at The Orcadian. The photograph is by Dan Burbank and was taken back in December 2011. The comet was discovered by the Australian astronomer, Terry Lovejoy, a month previously.

Scottish Islands Explorer - into orbit again within two weeks

The Appeal of August

The darkest of days will be here during the week after next. However, this photograph of Valtos by David Glenday has been selected to represent 'August' in the STV Appeal Calendar. The story appears in the Stornoway Gazette and is a reminder of one of the lighter months ahead.

Scottish Islands Explorer - appears and is read in all lights

Along the Coast

The image, from the Kinloch Historical Society, shows the abandoned house at Valamus, along the coast of The Pairc from Mulhagery that was featured here yesterday. This account from Hebridean Connections looks back to that era when more people lived in comparable settlements and isolated houses, miles from the road, right on the highway of the sea. Take a look at Kenny Maclean, one time resident, in front of the house featured above.

Scottish Islands Explorer - pleased to be in contact with the mainstream

Abandoned

Two places, about a half-mile apart, never made the headlines. One is the now abandoned house at Mulhagery on the coast of The Pairc in Lewis. The Royal Mail, at one time, undertook to make deliveries there. The other is Fiar-Chreag where a Lockheed Hudson crashed in 1942. It would not, as part of war security, have been reported at the time.

Scottish Islands Explorer - has never been delivered to the house

Tome on Thoms

A new book, Mirth, Madness and St Magnus, was launched yesterday. It's about the eccentric and wealthy bachelor, Sheriff Thoms of Kirkwall, who is credited with the restoration of St Magnus Cathedral. See what's on offer at The Orcadian website.