Down to Two

Fara lies between Flotta and Hoy in Scapa Flow. It, a fertile and cultivated Orkney island, was occupied until the 1960s and here, photographed by John Bulmer, are its last residents, Gordon and Ina Watters. Apparently there is no full publication dealing with this settlement that features on the Lonely Isles website, which includes Dave Simpson's photograph of an abandoned house.

Scottish Islands Explorer - a full publication 

An Airbrushed Garden?

Today, a Spring Sunday, will see millions in their gardens, but no members of the public visiting Jura House Gardens. They have become both a no-go and a no-news area. Their new owner seldom visits and the local newspapers, despite being asked, have not indicated any interest in the closure of a much-appreciated feature of Jura life. If anyone reading this blog can help with our enquiries, then please make a comment. Just look at what is offered above and below and realise that a valuable asset is, perhaps, being airbrushed from the landscape.

Scottish Islands Explorer -  aware of how assets can be lost

Foula No Go

The sign may read 'Foula: go' but the residents of Britain's most remote permanently-settled island have not been faring well. They are supposed to have a renewable energy system that gives endless supplies, but for the past five months they have had to have the old generators primed. A full account from the news portal, Shetland Daily, indicates just how easy it is for things to go wrong in a place where difficulties are not uncommon.

Scottish Islands Explorer - renewed every eight weeks

Another Era Ending?

The untimely winter image of Goathill Farm, Stornoway, perhaps, symbolises the somewhat bleak ending of a tradition. Here is the last dairy farm on Lewis and milk production is proving to be an expensive business. The concerns surrounding what is now a unique operation are voiced in a Stornoway Gazette item.

Scottish Islands Explorer - no end in sight for this operation

Contrasting Islays

Here are contrasting images and pieces of news concerning different places with the same name. The island of Islay off the west coast of Argyll now has a new hide for bird-watchers on the RSPB Loch Gruinart Reserve and it is officially opened today; the Shetland oilfield of Islay some 87 miles east of Unst is producing its first supplies of gas.

Scottish Islands Explorer - given to hiding and gassing

An England Beyond Skye

If you look to the right soon after crossing the Skye Bridge on the A87 to Broadford, Pabay appears. It is a low-lying island that continues to attract attention in a number of ways. Around 1549, Dean Munro described it as, 'Full of woods, good for fishing and a main shelter for thieves and cut-throats.' The Victorian, Hugh Miller, considered it to be, 'The only piece of flat, level England in the entire landscape.' Now it is known for its own stamps (or 'carriage labels'), ham radio links and historical connections. The house on the island, shown below, looks modern and gives its owners a far different lifestyle from that experienced by the priests who came here in the 13th Century. The contact address given on the Isle of Pabay website is of a house in Martock, Somerset, a far cry from this part of Skye. It is, however, not far from the Somerset Levels, a famously flat area of England. The photographs have been provided by Richard Evans.

'A Machine of Magic'

Albert Winstanley (1917 - 2012) has died and an era has ended. He not only lived for cycling, but, through both his personality and books, encouraged others to get on their bikes and go places, including the Scottish islands. In Golden Days Awheel (1991) he devotes a chapter to visiting and journeying between the Gatliff Hostels in the Western Isles. He described the bicycle as 'a machine of magic' and this, as well as many other insights, are presented in the obituary by Tim Dawson which features in yesterday's edition of The Guardian. Many continue to follow in his tracks.

Scottish Islands Explorer - tries to be 'a magazine of magic'

Fast Forward

Today marks a long wait being over - since 22 December 2011 when the A890 road between Lochcarron and the Kyle of Lochalsh was closed by rockfalls. This blockage of a key route to the islands meant a 145-mile detour for some unfortunate travellers. There was ingenuity, of course, to get around the obstacle - involving the use of the railway line, the re-introduction of the Strome ferry and, on one occasion, the use of long-distance coaches to get members of a wedding party to the church, in one direction, and to the reception, in the other. 24-hour opening of the road means that life is back to normal and the detours will become a matter of memory and a topic for conversation - just as the old Strome Ferry has become. Look at the car models in the picture below, identify them correctly and you are probably middle-aged, at least!

Scottish Islands Explorer - appeals to all ages

Paris, on Orkney

It may be the first round of the French Presidential Election today, with many eyes set on Paris. However, our eyes are on Jill Paris, who is an acclaimed writer and who travels for what she calls 'the inexplicable human connection.' Her blog here on the Orkney Folk Festival certainly explains everything in clear and memorable prose, taking us to an island that has great appeal - to musicians, poets, artists, divers, drivers, walkers ... et al.

Scottish Islands Explorer - tries to explain the inexplicable

Working for the Explorer

There are four jobs on offer related to the expansion of Scottish Islands Explorer. They are for people from Shetland, Orkney, the Outer and the Inner Hebrides. The magazine is attempting to attract individuals who see themselves as enterprising and capable of selling copies, subscriptions and advertising space. Explore more and, if it's applicable, do fill out the form. Please draw this opportunity to the attention of any prospective, suitable and interested parties known to you.

Scottish Islands Explorer - offering something different