Imposing ... As Required

If you want to be an Arctic explorer, you have to look the part ... and Dr John Rae certainly did. The unveiling of a statue commemorating the 200th year of his birth was covered by The Orcadian and imposing it certainly looks. Be impressed.

Scottish Islands Explorer - not quite so intrepid

Island Opportunities

Next year's Independence Referendum is raising issues about the opportunities for island communities. Kenny MacAskill MSP, the Justice Secretary in the Scottish Government, will be airing some of them at Gravir, in the South Lochs of the Isle of Lewis, on Friday 25 October when he gives the annual Angus MacLeod Memorial Lecture. Do book the date for next month.

Scottish Islands Explorer - has presented island opportunities for almost 14 years

Flip for a Trip

Do take a look at a recent issue of Scottish Islands Explorer magazine by the Flipbook approach. This enables a fast read with magnification where necessary. Yesterday's item considered an innovative approach by a British newspaper; today's is about a new device based on an old concept.

Scottish Islands Explorer - remember that the apps are waiting for you to access

Ships through Chips

All the ports of the UK, including those of the Scottish islands, have, at some time featured in Lloyd's List, the oldest business paper in the world. It has been published every working day since 1734, but from 20 December next will become solely a digital, online production. News of the movements of ships will be carried by electronic chips and not on paper. Is this the future of many publications?

Scottish Islands Explorer - tablet apps through Apple, Google and Kindle

Hidden & Hailed

They came, they saw, they conquered the peak and have something to celebrate. This image is used by a new company which will go places, as well as take people there ... to the Hidden Hebrides. Guided walking tours of the Western Isles are their speciality - and the 2014 programme will satisfy needs as well as stimulate interests. The image below encapsulates a Hebridean beach - with its memorable skies, colours, landscapes, sea-shores, a house possibly offering accommodation and walks definitely providing enjoyment.

   Scottish Islands Explorer - an insiders' magazine for those going out

The Wider View

Take time to take in the wider aspects of the Isle of Jura with the panoramic images that are to be found on an informative website.

Scottish Islands Explorer - has time to stand and stare

Mystery to Reality?

The label poses something of a mystery, but the ex-RAF accommodation at Saxa Vord, Unst, could become a real production unit if plans are given the go-ahead. The details about the proposed Shetland Whisky Distillery will, perhaps, stimulate interest.

Scottish Islands Explorer - noses out a future prospect

Destined for Distillery

Here is the raw product for the above as featured in this Stornoway Gazette item. It takes old machinery to make an archaic product.

Scottish Islands Explorer - another increasingly matured production

Plenty To Go Around

There's plenty of rock to go around - for curling stones and much more - on Ailsa Craig. Enjoy the images and items in the Photo Gallery which is exclusively about this remarkable islet.

Scottish Islands Explorer - started on stone; printed on paper; waiting on web

Seabird Explorer

This unusually-shaped vessel, Seabird Explorer, called into Stornoway and alerted the Stornoway Gazette to present an item of interest.

Scottish Islands Explorer - keen to know more about Seabird Exploration