Why Go South?

June approaches and the beaches, at least of the northern hemisphere, will be in demand. Those of the Med, the Adriatic and the South Coast of England may be attractive, but they do appeal to many, sometimes to too many. Why not look north, to Shetland, where five coveted awards have been given? The details are here and the picture is of Breckon Beach, Yell, which has been acknowledged consistently by Keep Scotland Beautiful since 2008.

Scottish Islands Explorer - always on the look-out

Conference Delegates

These are not conference delegates, but are the subjects of a conference which opens on Orkney this week. Groups from various backgrounds are conferring about island sustainability and, among the topics, are the factors governing the rise and fall of ways of life on Easter Island. Talking heads awaiting standing orders, perhaps?

Scottish Islands Explorer - plenty to talk about

Top Temperature

The Campbell-Stokes sunshine recorder (above) at Lerwick was busy last weekend and came within a fraction of scoring a record high. A similar device at Baltasound, on Unst, did measure a top temperature during the recent fine weather spell. The balmy look of bays, such as the one below on the southern Mainland of Shetland, is so attractive that you would never associate them with wind, rain and darkness.

Scottish Islands Explorer - where the sun shines

Sounds Good?

There are plans to create a virtual tour of the seabed of the Sound of Barra in order to ascertain whether it should become an area of special conservation. There is disquiet in some quarters as to whether fishing could become restricted by legislation protecting the environment. The image above is of the old jetty at Eoligarry at the north end of Barra. A passenger service used to operate to South Uist before the building of the causeway to Eriskay and the establishment of a vehicular ferry from there to Barra. The disused quay is a symbol of changing trends which may, in this case, affect the sea-bed.

Scottish Islands Explorer - aware of changes

'A Creative Space ...

... on the Edge of the Atlantic' - is how The Mission House Studio, Finsbay, South Harris is described. In order to appreciate this fully, go to its website and then consider the recital to be held on the Solstice, Friday 22 June. You will not be disappointed by the Finsbay area of Harris, by the Studio, the space that has been constructed within it, its contents ... nor by the forthcoming concert.

Scottish Islands Explorer - keen to create within its 50 pages

Sea Power in Seattle

This Orkney headland shows just how much power there is in the sea. For more information and some videos of wave action go to the site of the European Marine Energy Centre, based in Stromness. One of their recent assignments is to assist in work off the North-west Pacific coast, near Seattle, where there is much energy being produced by natural forces, waiting to be harnessed.

Scottish Islands Explorer - powers already released

Jura on Islay Gallery

There should be standing room only in the Gallery of Islay Images that features, above, the evening light on the Paps of Jura from the Islay ferry. The link will take you to Sgarbh Breac in the largely unpopulated north of the island, where deer roam and a walker has both shot and captured them ... on film.

Scottish Islands Explorer - aware of fine photography

Can You Blame Them?

A survey by a team from St Andrew's University Sea Mammal Research Unit has revealed that seals are no longer so prolific on the east coast of Scotland, but have become more attracted to the Western Isles. However, researchers on the Monach Isles (above) off North Uist, usually a 'hotspot', have had difficulties counting them. The seals have had to take to the sea to cool off. Who wouldn't, if resident in what looks like a series of tropical islands?

Scottish Islands Explorer - occasionally seen by seals

Island Promotion Ladder

John Angus MacRitchie is a real islander. He was born in Stornoway and educated at Alness Acadamy, Ross-shire, before moving to Shetland's Anderson High School. He graduated in law from the University of Aberdeen and has run his own law firm in the city since 1997. He has just been appointed Chief Magistrate of St Helena . This island makes Lewis and Shetland seem mainstream, for it is remotely situated in the mid-Atlantic with, at present, no airport. It looks miniscule on maps, but is the size of the Isle of Wight and has a population of over 4000. It is part of the British Overseas Territory that includes Ascension Island and the Tristan da Cunha group. The image above is of Jacob's Ladder which links two parts of the capital, Jamestown, and that below is of a ship moored off-shore ready for passengers to be ferried to and from the harbour. The map puts the island's position into perspective, with St Helena at the apex of the triangle.

Scottish Islands Explorer - following Scots on islands

Before the Crowds

This image of Kirkwall Main Street has been used here previously, but its caption is rather compelling - 'Before the crowds.' Yesterday saw the cruise ship, Caribbean Princess, in the harbour and this vessel has a passenger list of 3599. Not all of them would have come ashore, although some members of crew may have added to the throng. Read what The Orcadian had to say.

Scottish Islands Explorer - perhaps some copies were purchased by passengers