An Array of Sunrises

Yesterday morning - the final Monday in October - saw clear skies over much of Scotland and a fine array of sunrises. Some of them - like the one above at Port Askaig, Islay - are presented on the BBC website.

Scottish Islands Explorer - often worked on at that hour
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Business Opportunities

Business is booming in places, but running a small commercial enterprise is never easy. Take a look at what's on offer in Shetland. However, in a recent presentation on the topic to the Scottish Parliament, only 12 small businesses in that area responded. Were they too busy or so despondent?

Scottish Islands Explorer - well aware of the ups and downs
Digital Edition:  certainly shows innovative ways

Logging Today?

Did you have an extra hour in bed today - even apart from having the clocks go back? When sperm whales sleep on, the term used is 'logging' and a group of them off the Isle of Lewis were caught doing so on camera last Wednesday. Catch up with the details on the BBC website.

Scottish Islands Explorer - rests a little between issues
Digital Edition: never sleeps

Challenging Plots

Here are two challenging plots - both in Orphir, Orkney. Above is the winner of a competition in Gardeners' World magazine; below is for building at Houton Head.

Scottish Islands Explorer - challenging topics encouraged
Digital Edition: overcomes challenges of time and space

Were Lights Turned On?

Were your lights turned on by the National Trust for Scotland appointment? It was featured here on Monday and Tuesday - with a closing of applications today. The Barra Head lighthouse on Berneray at the foot of the Outer Hebrides towers over an island that would be in your care, were you Operations Manager here. Do consider the post as well as the work of photographer, Charles Tait, who was responsible for this image.

Scottish Islands Explorer - loves the thought of this job
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Always Away Games

Barra planes land on sand; Greenock Morton football teams play on grass. One young player commutes between them. Read the story in yesterday's edition of The Times.

Scottish Islands Explorer - goes on regular missions for coverage
Digital Edition: takes from little to no time

Long Lens Needed

Here's an aerial view of Sule Skerry, 37 miles west of Orkney, and its lighthouse, the most remote of the formerly-manned installations in Britain. Were it to require a replacement lens then that could be difficult to acquire as well as to deliver. However, the BBC website features a item on a man whose work involves keeping this aspect of glass-making, an old technology, alive.

Scottish Islands Explorer - likes looking a long distance
Digital Edition: part of the new technology

Calling Again

There were many visitors to the blog yesterday and with the Friday 27 October closing date for applications, here are the details of the Operations Manager, Natural Heritage (Islands) appointment from the National Trust for Scotland. It's the chance of a lifetime for the right person wanting to care for such as Canna (above) and Fair Isle.

Scottish Islands Explorer - the magazine has a keen operations manager
Digital Edition: getting around them is no problem by this method

Calling for a Custodian

Do you feel a calling to protect and promote such places as Staffa and Fair Isle as well as St Kilda, Canna, Iona, Mingulay, Berneray and Pabbay? If so, then act quickly if a 'dream job' appeals. The National Trust for Scotland is advertising for a Custodian for these islands. According to an article in The Scotsman only five people have, so far, formally expressed an interest in the appointment for which applications close on Friday.

Scottish Islands Explorer - do mention the magazine if applying
Digital Edition: acquire knowledge of the islands through this acquisition

Elevation and Location

There would be something stimulating about having a contemporary house set into the hillside, with your own three acres around you, views across Skye and, on a clear day, out to North Uist. The plot is on offer - in excess of £80k - and it's at Lower Milovaig, beyond Glendale. Worth checking out the details through the agent, RE/MAX.

Scottish Islands Explorer - likes locations with elevations
Digital Edition: always in a commanding position on the internet