A Ribbon of Wilderness

Ian Finch is a former Royal Marine, an adventurer and an explorer, particularly of cultures in remote environments. Take five minutes of your time to accompany him - in high definition - with glimpses of his 180-mile walk through the Outer Hebrides in the video presentation, Upon a Ribbon of Wilderness. You will be stimulated by the scenery, techniques of filming and the achievements of a man who walks alone.

Scottish Islands Explorer - rejoices in explorations of this nature

The Purple Dancers

It's time for the Purple Dancers - aka as the Northern Lights - photographed from Rousay, Orkney, by John Vetterlein. Follow his image with an item from the Northern Skies.

Scottish Islands Explorer - looking up

Remembering ... St Kilda

This is Remembrance Sunday - for those who have lost their lives, comrades, family and friends. It's also a reminder of how fragile memories can be. Today's image of the famous archipelago at the western extremes of the Outer Hebrides has a caption to trigger recall. A new arts project about memory loss focuses on the island group evacuated some 85 years ago. The BBC website prompts and the photograph is from the Clydebank Sub Aqua Club.

Scottish Islands Explorer - it's a bi-monthly, full-colour publication

Stoor in Stromness

Orcadian (like Shetlandic) is a dialect of Insular Scots. It derives from a mixture of Lowland Scots and Norn, an extinct Germanic language. Last night, in Stromness, it had an airing with the launch of Orkney Stoor, a booklet from Abersee Press. The details are to be found, understandably, in The Orcadian.

Scottish Islands Explorer - remains exclusively in English

Praying or Laying?

It's only three years since this pilgrims' 'cursing stone' was found on Canna. They were originally turned by their users when either praying for something or laying a curse on someone. Now the authorities are having to decide which way they should turn in relation to a planning application for six wind turbines on the island.

Objections have been raised by Iain Thornber writing in the Oban Times and in his objections made directly to the Planning Department. Do read what he says and wait for responses from the National Trust for Scotland, the island's owners, which will be given comparable space when they are made.

Scottish Islands Explorer - turning to or from turbines?

Hebridean Beach House

It's been described as 'a Scottish version of an Australian beach house' and is there on the Isle of Harris, looking over to Taransay. The details are to be found in a feature in Homebuilding and Renovating. The architect was ready for sun, but prepared for rain. Living accommodation is on the upper floor and the bedrooms are well-protected below.

Scottish Islands Explorer - a relatively new-build itself

Ultimate Challenges

Yesterday 's blog looked at the life and death issues on St Kilda, in general, and Hirta, in particular. Today the focus is on leisure activities on Stac Lee and Stac an Armin in the same archipelago. They represent an ultimate challenge to 'Marilyn Baggers' for they are over 500' high, but have difficult access and climbing. Here is an image seldom seen, the bothy on Stac an Armin. Much more is on the BBC website.

Scottish Islands Explorer - goes to lengths to reveal insights

Taking a Different View

There's yet another new book published about St Kilda and it takes the line, particularly from archaeological studies, that its lifestyles were not so much those of a 'lost world' but more an integral part of the culture of the rest of the Western Isles. Take a look through the BBC website at its preview of St Kilda: The Last and Outmost Isle. Its authors are George Geddes and Angela Gannon.

Scottish Islands Explorer - also reflects different views

Outer Hebridean Mural

Here are two autumnal shots, among many that illustrate a fine blog, The Outer Hebrides - The Mural of Our Hebridean Road Trip by Mark. It takes you along minor roads, such as the one that passes Ravenspoint (below) and off-road such as Glen Ulladail (above). Begin your week by following this eventful journey packed full of items and images.

Scottish Islands Explorer - here's a real exploration

Noup in Loop

Noup Head, Westray, Orkney finds itself in a financial 'loop' of £7.5 million with two other Scottish landscapes. The Heritage Lottery Fund is providing money to protect and promote these places. Callandar's Pass and Galloway Glens will also benefit. Details are provided on the BBC website.

Scottish Islands Explorer - provides much for £3.95