Back Come the Birds

The American Mink was introduced to Scotland as part of fur farming enterprises in the 1950s. Some of them escaped and have become feral. However, a Scottish Natural Heritage eradication programme has been successful, leading to birds returning to their breeding grounds, particularly in the Outer Hebrides, now safe of a relentless predator. See the MailOnline.

Scottish Islands Explorer - has been evident in Scotland for a far shorter time

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Ten Feet in the Air

Members of the Davidson Family were captured, ten feet in the air, by Craig Davidson with his camera on an Isle of Gigha beach. They are one of the many subjects in the current BBC - Your Pictures of Scotland series.

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Beware the Idyllic

Uyea is a deserted and appealing island off the coast of the northern parts of Shetland Mainland. One family visited it earlier this week and had to be rescued. Read the account in The Press and Journal.

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Dream, Then Roam

Do you dream about running a company in an idyllic location? There can be nowhere in Britain as attractive as Seilebost, South Harris - it's almost too stunning for work! However, that's where Andrew Reeve has recently set up Roam Outer Hebrides to encourage both young and older people to enjoy Sea Kayaking. Go straight to his website and linger over what's on offer around the shores of Harris. His venture could well be your first step to a new adventure.

Scottish Islands Explorer - many an exploration by kayak
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Numbers that Numb

Here is Baile na Cille Glebe, a stretch of land near the idyllic Uig Sands. In the 1820s - that's almost 200 years ago - there was a religious revival on the Isle of Lewis and some 9,000 people would gather to take communion here. A commenorative ecumenical service is planned for the evening of Friday 27 July and all are invited to attend. The last time this occurred was in 2010 when 250 worshippers from across Lewis were attracted. There are currently around 18,500 residents and so, if one in two went, it would replicate the 19th Century figures. Details of the background to this item are in the Stornoway Gazette.

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Marine Litter Louts

Shetland News reports on the comments of Sean Whyte, a campaigner against marine litter, who has labelled the islands 'the worst in the world'. His interests also include the protection of orangutans, obviously in a far different environment. Take a look at Shetland Storm Force Photography and the work of Robbie Ashbee to see the extent of the pollution problem.

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Re-live the Ride

Arran has a distinctive shape. David Gartside and his grandson, Josh, have experienced cycling around it and have compiled another illustrative presentation of one of their routes - via 'The String'. Here's an opportunity to Re-live the Ride by clicking here.

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Clyde Waves

Jet-skiing on the Clyde could be a hazard to shipping - with the CalMac crossings. This image by Bill McCrorie was taken near Largs close to the ferry route to Cumbrae. Watch out for a video clip from near Ardrossan.

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Arran Re-run

David Gartside has recently completed a re-run of a cycle-ride around Arran, first made with his grandson  20 years ago. Share the stimulating journey with them with images presented on the innovative presentation through Relive. It will start the week well.

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Tallest Land-based

The North Ronaldsay Lighthouse is the tallest of Britain's land-based lighthouses. Take a closer look with the websites for its Visitors' Centre and of the Northern Lighthouse Board.

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