A Blank Canvas

This edge of the St Kilda archipelago is something of a blank canvas, for settlement here was sparse. The same applies to the prospective site of the St Kilda Centre near Uig, Lewis, but Skye-based architects, Dualchas, and their Norwegian partners have been selected to produce the design master plan. Further details appear in the Stornoway Gazette.

Scottish Islands Explorer - has a master plan for the years ahead
Digital Edition: has a plan for you to subscribe instantly

Normal Service

We are not extinct, but waiting for normal service to resume as soon as possible. This old bird was not around long enough to know about connectivity problems.

Scottish Islands Explorer - not affected by issues of transmission

Tagging Along

These seals, pictured on North Ronaldsay, could soon be smartphone linked. Well ... it's the same technology by way of marine tagging. A BBC item covers the topic.

Scottish Islands Explorer - well aware of seals
Digital Edition: uses the technologies to download the magazine

Raised Spirits

This piece of kit is a core component for making Shetland Reel whisky at the Unst Distillery. It looks simple, but the company is delighted that the product, together with its Ocean Sent gin, have won awards in San Francisco. Go to Shetland News for the fuller picture.

Scottish Islands Explorer - raises spirits on occasions
Digital Edition: can be downloaded to California in seconds

Edwin Muir

The Orkney island of Wyre was the childhood home of Edwin Muir (1887 - 1959) whose work as a poet will be the subject of a Radio 4 programme, The Horses -  to be broadcast at 16.30 today. Details are in The Orcadian.

Scottish Islands Explorer - has featured Wyre
Digital Edition: waiting to be transmitted to you

Name the Vessel

Dr John Rae, the Orkney-born polar venturer, has had little recognition until recently. Here's an opportunity to commemorate his name with a new research vessel.

Scottish Islands Explorer - the name has been established
Digital Edition: waiting and ready for global recognition

Good Friday

It may look benign, but this is part of an endurance test that's called The Heb - where running, cycling or kayaking count. It's Good Friday today and a good day for noting this event to be on Saturday & Sunday 3 / 4 September 2016. Consider putting your name down for the challenge where suffering will bring its rewards.

Scottish Islands Explorer - also thinks ahead to plan for important matters
Digital Edition: no planning needed, just a decision with immediate results

143 Years On

It was 143 years ago, in 1873, that a pair of sea eagles raised offspring in Orkney. Now The Orcadian reports on a a significant event relatively close to one of mankind's early dwellings, the Dwarfie Stane, Hoy.

Scottish Islands Explorer - likes to be aware of events
Digital Edition: your copy conceived in a moment

Catch-up on Unst

The catch-up service of BBC iPlayer will be needed for the new series of Island Parish which started on BBC2 last Monday. St John's Church, Baltasound, Unst will be central to the programme and details are to be found in the Radio Times.

Scottish Islands Explorer - needs a series itself
Digital Edition: available at a moment's notice

Scotways

These people could be looking over the sea to a Scottish island. In fact they are standing on Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh. The view below is on the Skye Trail. Throughout the country, Scotways - Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society - has been marking the way. Its presence on the islands is to be found in Skye, Mull and Arran. Following this organisation will bring rewards as well as destinations.

Scottish Islands Explorer - acts as a marker for enthusiasts
Digital Edition: takes you there direct