Still Sorting

The modern postcode system was devised in 1959, and tested first in Norwich. Then 40 years ago it was established throughout the UK. Some factors have still to be sorted according to some residents ... particularly those in Caithness and parts of Sutherland who were allotted KW codes.

KW refers to Kirkwall, the administrative centre of Orkney, and people who, for example, live in KW13 - Forsinard (above) - feel that they are in the dead centre  of the mainland. Sometimes they are requested to pay additional delivery charges

as though goods ordered have to be flown first into the main Orkney airport. It can seem confusing and be expensive. This BBC News item gives further insights.

Scottish Islands Explorer - depends on postcodes for effective deliveries

Glimpsed on Scalpay

The distance between Scalpay, with its bridge, and Kershader, with its Ravenspoint Visitors' Centre, is, as the crow flies, some 18 miles. The road route is a little further. The two places were brought together for a few tantalising moments during BBC Alba's Eilean Fraoich programme when, among the background features during an interview in the Scalpay Community Shop, were copies of Scottish Islands Explorer magazine. Its back office is to be found at the Ravenspoint Centre.

Scottish Islands Explorer - in place, exactly where it should be

Diary for Dairy

Milk production in the Western Isles ceased relatively recently and all dairy products are now imported. That is about to change as Gordon and Scott Mackay, from Shawbost (below) are planning to bring sources of fresh milk to their croft on Lewis. Four Guernsey cows have arrived from the South of England and the Isle of Wight. The rest of the young stock will be coming from Wales in September. Nine dairy farms a week are closing in the UK as profit margins have become eroded. The trend is being resisted here. The details are in a Stornoway Gazette item which indicates certain connections between island interests.

Scottish Islands Explorer - Guernsey and the Isle of Wight not usually covered

Heather on Islands

Heather Dewar was born on Islay and from tomorrow, Tuesday 8 April, will be introducing eight other islands through a series of programmes on BBC Alba. The Stornoway Gazette has details of her insights, through the appropriately-named Eileanan Fraoich (for Fraolich is Gaelic for 'Heather'), about Scalpay, Rum, Tiree, Gigha, Eigg, Raasay, Rathlin and Lismore. If you are able to do so, tune in at 20.30 on Tuesdays for the next eight weeks or see what BBC iPlayer can provide.

Scottish Islands Explorer - in its case, every eight weeks

A Singular Existence

The Aurora Borealis - known in the Northern Isles as 'The Mirrie Dancers' - gives this tin shed at Haroldswick, Unst, a distinctive look. Obviously the most northerly of the British Isles is unique, but yesterday's item about a person leading a singular existence on Fair Isle prompted another response. Last year some readers of the magazine were visiting the island and met a man, probably in his 80s, who claimed never to have left Unst in his life. For him, even Yell was a step or sail too far. Any more examples of restrictive practices?

Scottish Islands Explorer - tries to step it out

Straight and Narrow

Some people have comfort zones in which they spend much of their lives. There are infinite routes to follow in life, but the appeal of the 'straight and narrow', the 'well-trodden trail' or the 'customary routine' can dictate and form psychological bonds as well as boundaries. A reader responded to the recent Fair Isle item and described how he had, some years ago, met a resident, in her 90s, of that island. She claimed never, ever, to have seen the North Lighthouse (above). She was the eldest in a family, her parents had died young and she prepared meals as well as undertake housework for her younger siblings. When they went to cut peat, within sight of the lighthouse, she stayed at home. Other tales of 'restricted horizons' - please.

Scottish Islands Explorer - Tries to extend horizons    

Cnoc On Effect

The Toravaig House Hotel (above) on the peninsula of Skye with the Sound of Sleat coastline is an award-winning establishment. Soon it may be joined by another enterprising development - the Torabhaig Distillery - which is planned to be set up at

Cnoc on a former farm steading (above) that will look like the architects' concepts (below). A full and highly-informative account of the project and the involvement  of Finlay Calder, capped 34 times for Scotland and British Lions' captain, is to be found in the West Highland Free Press.

Scottish Islands Explorer - Here's to a new malt on the block ... at Cnoc

Firsts on Fair Isle

Undoubtedly, Fair Isle can claim a number of firsts. Some varieties of birds on their first visit to the UK have been sighted and recorded here. Now the first television drama to be set in this northern isle will be presented on BBC1 on 8 & 15 April at 21.00. It's the location for the next two episodes of Shetland, the crime thriller based on the the books of Ann Cleeves. Full details appear as an item in Shetland News, but do remember that reference is made here on the blog of Scottish Islands Explorer, a national magazine with international sales which was founded on the island on 2 January 2000. So maybe it was the first publication to be set up anywhere on the first working day of the new millennium?

Scottish Islands Explorer - now in its 15th year

Lifestyle Differences

Holy Island, off Arran, attracts visitors to its Centre for World Peace and Health at which Tibetan Buddhist traditions are practised and encouraged. Activities on the island have not always been so serene - for the naval anchorages used in the First World War can still be observed because the large mooring buoys have survived for a century. At one time it was considered a feat of strength and endurance for young men to swim the short, but treacherous, distance from Kings Cross Point to the jetty at the south of the island. A practice not to be encouraged.

Scottish Islands Explorer - also presents choices

Three Key-Words

Interest is aroused in a project involving three key-words: 'Tidal - Power - Bridge'. The possible site for this scheme to produce a valuable resource from a local feature and link two islands is Bluemell Sound, Shetland. So in years to come a bridge between Yell and Unst could be dynamic as well as connecting. Read more about the early stages of the project in Shetland News.

Scottish Islands Explorer - tries to connect with a certain dynamic