Benchmark Bunkhouse

The beaches of Coll are places to leave cares, cars, even bikes, behind. Something special on the island attracts visitors -  its recently-opened Bunkhouse 

where hostel-accommodation appears to have hotel-ambience. The simple structures of the building and its interior designs invite inspection of the facilities, including 16 beds in dormitories and a private room. Here is a perfect island-residence for individuals, families and groups.

Scottish Islands Explorer - suggests that island exploration begins with hostels

Tablet and Tabloid

There is a strong chance that you are reading this blog and, perhaps, the Stornoway Gazette on your tablet device. However, when you purchase the print copy of this weekly paper, it comes in the broadsheet format. It could change to tabloid or compact size and a survey is available to gauge your views. So are your preferences for papers with the dimensions of the Daily Telegraph and the Financial Times or do you like to hold the smaller varieties? Here there is an interesting division. The Times, The Independent, The Morning Star and The Scotsman call themselves 'compacts' while the The Sun, Daily Star, Daily Mirror and Daily Record, published in identical form, see themselves as 'tabloids'. The Daily Mail, when it changed from a broadsheet, devised the word 'compact' but now prefers to be seen in 'the tabloid team'. The exception is The Guardian which has an in-between-size, the Berliner format, first produced in Europe and adopted by a significant number of American papers.

Scottish Islands Explorer - an A4-size magazine

Flattened and Full

The underside of the image of this full moon appears to be 'flattened' as it sits on the hills of Eday, Orkney. It was pictured earlier this week by John Vetterlein from Rousay and the explanation of the effect is given in an item from The Orcadian.

Scottish Islands Explorer - strives to be flourishing and full

Two Island Winners

Lottery Funding will be received by two projects with Scottish Islands Explorer connections. One will assist the Pairc Community Trust provide a 24-hour fuel pump at the Ravenspoint Centre, Kershader, where the magazine has its back-office. The Centre, above, already provides the community and visitors with a shop, cafe, archive and hostel. The other will enable the Isle of Jura Development Trust to purchase the island's shop and post office, which has been open at Craighouse for over 160 years. The magazine is designed some three miles north, at Knockrome, and is on sale at the Jura Stores.

Scottish Islands Explorer - congratulates the winners

Top End Catch

The image above has an ultimate feel and is, indeed, Muckle Flugga, among the rocks which mark the top end of the Britain. James Isbister was fishing there last Saturday when he caught a massive ling, measuring 6' in length and weighing 67 lbs. This fisherman's story of a top catch that awaits recognition as a record achievement is to be found on the BBC's website.

Scottish Islands Explorer - looks forward to being a catch for more readers

Shadow Lifting

Research continues into the whereabouts of Alexander MacLeod's Lifting Stone on North Rona. In the meantime enjoy this mock-up of the action in question that was captured on camera in the walls of St Ronan's Chapel on the island. The photographer and 'shadow-he-man' is Marc Calhoun who has written about his visits to this Atlantic outlier in both his book, Exploring the Isles of the West, and in Scottish Islands Explorer.

Scottish Islands Explorer - what would St Ronan make of it all?

Way-out Uplifting

In 1689 Alexander MacLeod was returning from St Kilda when a storm swept him from those islands, 41 miles off-shore, to North Rona, the most isolated island in Britain, 44 miles off-shore, ever to have been permanently settled. He, his wife, and crew discovered that the residents had all died from an epidemic. It was suggested to MacLeod, then about 30 years old, that he use his renowned strength to lift a stone into a prominent place in order to mark this significant event. He did so and consequently a landmark was created. The stone, called Ultach Fear Hiort - St Kildan's Lift - apparently stood the test of time, despite the ferocious winds that strike that island. However, where on North Rona is it? The image above is of the remains of the village with, perhaps, the St Andrew's University Researchers' Hut, and certainly the light installation beyond. Martin Martin published the story in 1703. Please supply the specific location 310 years later.

Scottish Islands Explorer - likes pinpointing stones as well as settlements

February Delights

Here's a 23-second video clip of Traigh Mhor, Tolsta, taken last week in the summery conditions that prevailed in the Isle of Lewis. Bask in it on this Sunday morning.

Scottish Islands Explorer - delights in this, too

A New Kid on the Blog

There's a new kid on the blog - it's Marc Calhoun, the acclaimed author of two books on the Isles of the West and a regular contributor to magazines, including Scottish Islands Explorer. Do take a look and send him a message to complement his interests from the shores of Puget Sound across the Atlantic Ocean to The Minch, Pentland Firth as well as the Irish and the North Seas.

Scottish Islands Explorer - welcomes a fellow-blogger

Before and After

Some school-pupils brush up well and look presentable, whatever their actual disposition. The same can be said of this dilapidated building at Craignure. It has the hallmarks of a side-school - small, corrugated-iron construction and standard design. However, someone wanted to have a holiday cottage in this part of Mull and ... lo and behold! Thanks to Norman Willcock for his archive photographs.

Scottish Islands Explorer - strives to maintain a lasting impression