Selling on Berneray

The approach to Berneray is either across the causeway or directly from the ferry terminal at the south end of the Sound of Harris crossing. Virtually the first building on the island is the Ardmaree Stores & Lobster Pot Cafe where the proprietors sell a wide range of goods and services to residents and visitors.

The business is on the market through Anderson Banks at a price of around £130k. So if you are thinking of of retailing in a position that is both commanding and attractive, look into it as a commercial proposition. The forecasting stone outside the premises is for meteorologic, not economic, purposes.

Scottish Islands Explorer - does business on many islands
Digital Edition: here's business through the internet

Fish Scales Up

This Shetland shore-angler has reasons to look pleased. The deep-sea trawler crews also had a good time last year, with the value of catches up 30% from 2015. Read the detailed figures in Shetland News.

Scottish Islands Explorer - trying to catch an increased readership
Digital Edition: nets increasing numbers on the internet

London Cancelling

Here is London Airport ... at Eday in Orkney's north islands. It was, alas, missed out, owing to timing problems, in a Loganair Tour to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of flights to these parts. A gold-painted plane took off from Kirkwall and landed on Stronsay, Sanday, North Ronaldsay, Westray and Papa Westray. Details and a range of images are to found on the BBC website.

Scottish Islands Explorer - an anniversary approaches
Digital Edition: always ready to land

Home Alone

Seilebost and Luskentyre, Isle of Harris, have beaches renowned throughout the world. Here's a rare opportunity to purchase a local property with views. It may have only one bedroom with a kitchen and lounge area plus a bathroom, but the Seilebost location means that its price - £125k - has attractions. See more at the website of Ken MacDonald & Co.

Scottish Islands Explorer - likes minimalism with vistas
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From St Kilda

Here's a reminder to our readers who live on Lewis and Harris. Tonight at 18.00 the AGM of The Islands Book Trust will be taking place in the Education Room of the Lews Castle Museum. At 19.30  Maureen Kerr will be talking about her experiences in working on St Kilda as well as visiting the Blasket Islands off the west coast of Ireland.

Scottish Islands Explorer - works closely with the IBT
Digital Edition: available on islands everywhere

Rum Bunkhouse

Thinking of a late break or considering an adventure for next year? Bear in mind that the Rum Bunkhouse has much to offer. The website is innovative; the construction is imaginative; the location is inspirational.

Scottish Islands Explorer - goes for Rum and more
Digital Edition: wifi is free at the bunkhouse - so access there

Open Doors

September is into its last full week and Doors OpenDays Scotland will soon be closing. Take a look at a wide range of doors and doorways - with an Isle of Skye and a St Kilda example presented here.

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Digital Edition: enters homes without visible means of access

The Past Surfaces

The Windhouse, Yell, is allegedly Britain's most haunted house, and tales about it are set to continue. Two skeletons, perhaps some 750 years old, have been unearthed close to the property and just six inches below the surface. Read the item in Shetland News and, if still gripped, the essay by Lynn Cherry called The Haunting of Windhouse on Yell.

Scottish Islands Explorer - brings news and views to the surface
Digital Edition: arrives by overground routes

Safer for Storm Petrel

The Shiant Isles, in The Minch, look formidable enough in the winter light. However, this group wintered over as part of the RSPB's Shiant Isles Recovery Project with the intention of clearing the islands of non-native black rats.

According to a BBC Report, their work is showing signs of success with the return of Storm Petrels, which are not found in the same vicinity as rats.

Scottish Islands Explorer - its niche market not threatened at present
Digital Edition: has an even longer range than the storm petrel

The Competitive Thrust

Orkney has been and is in the forefront of lifestyles. The ways of life and death of the Neolithic people there is examined in a BBC item; the increase in the amount of disposable income among islanders during recent years is featured in The Scotsman. The constructions above were state of the art in their day; the architectural detail of this house near the beach in Durness, across the Pentland Firth in Sutherland, attracts.

Scottish Islands Explorer - takes in time as well as presenting place
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