Slow Faroe Row

When you are committed to ocean rowing - in the Avalon - you have to take the good weather with the bad. The journey of the ten men to the Faroes started from Scrabster, Caithness, and continued to Stromness, Orkney, where a forced rest-stop has been necessary. Follow (and contribute) through The Orcadian.

Scottish Islands Explorer - rowing is not its style

Cold War to Whale Songs

This derelict radar station at Gallan Head, Lewis, was busy during the Cold War to monitor Soviet air and sea activities in the North Atlantic. Now there is a proposal to re-open it for ... listening to the sounds of whales.  Read more in a BBC website item.

Scottish Islands Explorer - whale songs not included

Seaweed for Gin?

Gin drinkers like their flavours, but juniper is the one most often mentioned. The new Isle of Harris Distillery is adding something that is locally plentiful ... seaweed. See what's happening by clicking on above.

Scottish Islands Explorer - gin and iodine now have something in common

1700 Years and Counting

Some findings announced last April indicated a Pictish fort of some age and significance. The sea stack, Dunnicaer, near Stonehaven, has yielded more evidence and archaeologists are now suggesting that the original construction work took place in the Third and Fourth Centuries. Delve deeper through the BBC website.

Scottish Islands Explorer -  still in minority years

Saving Devices

The ways and means of saving whales - by this style of pontoon, for example - have encouraged donations, bringing in over £4,000 in four days. Read and see the new device that will be used on the north-west coast in this Stornoway Gazette item.

Scottish Islands Explorer - saving readers if a priority

Opening Up

The opening up of part of a famous archaeological site finished yesterday and Open Days for the public now begin. See The Orcadian for details.

Scottish Islands Explorer - get exploring beneath the surface

Shetland Show

Shore by David Sinclair is one of the images featured at the Islesburgh Photographic Club's exhibition covered by Shetland News.

Scottish Islands Explorer - often looks north for inspiration

Trailing and Tracking

The clouds are trailing over St Kilda and it is hoped that the current calm conditions will persist from the 4.00 start this morning for the relay team of swimmers making the epic journey of 60 miles. Their progress may be tracked through a Stornoway Gazette item.

Scottish Islands Explorer - has relays of writers

Head in the Clouds

For a sustained display of noctilucent clouds, a place to be is Rousay, Orkney, in the company of John Vetterlein.

Scottish Islands Explorer - worth looking up

Significant Skye Steps

Thinking of making that significant change of life? There's an hotel for sale - the Balmacara - on the way to Skye. There is also a photographer - Lynne Kennedy - ready to record weddings which take place in the vicinity. Check out both sites for a sense of commercial or personal venture.

Scottish Islands Explorer - changes every other month