Years Gone By

Go to the westerly extremes of Lewis and Harris and you will find yourself, probably alone, at the former settlement of Kinlochresort. Something of its past was recalled in 1950 by the Revd Col Alexander J Mackenzie, an Army Chaplain, when he reflected on his life which started there in 1887. Hebridean Connections contains his words and is illustrated by photographs of this, the remotest of places. The image above was taken by Julian Paren in 1964. That's some 54 years ago compared with the 63 years of Mackenzie's memories.

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Cross a Bridge to Canna

Here is the bridge which links the Small Isles of Canna and Sanday. These islands have not been successful in attracting residents and the National Trust for Scotland has passed the responsibility to the 15 people who live there. So are you prepared to cross the metaphorical bridge and move from mainland life to island existence? Read more in The Guardian.

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Ulva Issues

Sheltered waters or ready for turmoil on Ulva. A Financial Times article takes a look at the ownership issues on an island that's for sale where, in under 200 years, the population has declined from over 600 to six. Go back to the blog of 2 August 2014 when the hostel at Ardalum House was open and you could pay for a bed and, if required, access to a well-stocked freezer. 

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Birds on Atlantic Shores

The Editors of the Berlin-based Hidden Europe, Nicky Gardner and Susanne Kries, have been staying on Barra during the festivities. They filed a report which I have called Birds of a Feather which considers a variety of species to be found along the Atlantic shorelines. The photograph is of a St Kilda Wren and comes from an organisation creating interesting voyages in these waters and to a significant number of islands, Northern Light Cruising Company.

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No Pupil is an Island

An article in The Economist draws attention to e-Sgoil (e-School in Gaelic) and how it can provide tuition to schools that are both remote and insular. The consequences are significant, although the school above at Sanday on the Small Isles has just run out of pupils.

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All-Year Sale

Time to push the boat out - from Norwick, Unst - and secure something in the Sales which now make a customary start on Boxing Day? The purchase of the Digital Edition of Scottish Islands Explorer remains at an All-Year bargain price of £9.99. It also helps a good cause, the magazine's revenue. Thanks for considering the purchase.

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Six Years On

Here is the entry from the blog of six years ago: 'The residents of Foula, the most remote island in the Shetland group, have since 1752 traditionally adhered to the Julian Calendar when it comes to Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Foula also adhered to the older calendar by keeping 1800 as a leap year, but did not observe a leap year in 1900. As a result, the island is now one day ahead of the Julian calendar and twelve days behind the Gregorian, observing Christmas Day on 6 January Gregorian and New Year on 13 January Gregorian. At one time the Foula Post Office made a token opening for business on Christmas Day morning.  A similar resistance to the date change brought in 260 years ago is shown by the 200 or so residents of the Gwaun Valley in West Wales.'

Scottish Islands Explorer - 36 editions later

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Poetic Inspiration

Imagine living in this house overlooking a tombola. Being almost cut off could be inspirational. The image features in the Poem Blog which focuses on Mountains and Sunsets. Take them in through words and pictures.

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An Accommodating Venture?

There were reports during the Summer of insufficient accommodation available on the Isle of Skye. Now this former care home, Coillore Farmhouse, Struan, is on the market for offers over £350k. Ten bedrooms and a self-contained apartment are included. Would it make an attractive holiday destination? Click onto SPC Scotland for details.

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A Romantic Blackhouse

If you are thinking about different ways to spend the festive season, then staying on the coast of a Scottish island requires certain features. The house needs to be 'eco' and cosy, well-equipped, have wifi, be accessible, with supplies available not far away, have views and be inviting. When the attractive specifications for Grandfather's House at Northton, South Harris, are studied, it is easy to realise how the builders of the original blackhouse would now be bemused. The realistic and down-to-earth approach of those distant days contrasts with the romantic and luxurious appeal of today.

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