Time To Test Tidal

The sub-structure of the HS (Hammerfest Strom) 1000 tidal turbine was constructed in the Arnish Yard , Stornoway; is about to be tested off the Orkney coast; and is a device that will be part of the forthcoming Islay Sound project. Out of sight, out-of-mind, but capable of powering 500 homes.

Scottish Islands Explorer - subject more to times than to tides

Way Off Course

Two Kemp's ridley sea turtles have been found washed up on Britain's shores. One was at Llannon in west Wales; the other was early this month on the Isle of Tiree. They are members of an endangered species and require special handling whether dead or alive. The Marine Conservation Society is keen to see that stranded creatures are carefully prepared for return to the waters or be given a suitable post-mortem.

Scottish Islands Explorer - aware of what has come ashore

On Top, On Top

Sufficient residents of Shetland, at the top end of the UK, have indicated that they are happy with their lot. This year's Bank of Scotland survey has placed them on top of a table measuring what is presented as 'quality of life'. They may be short of daylight at his time of year and an average of three hours of sunshine per week, but this has not deterred them.

Scottish Islands Explorer - considered, by some readers, to be a top publication

Caroline at Coastcard

This image of a bird flying over Bass Rock was taken by Suffolk photographer, Caroline Gill, and is part of a collection that deserves full attention. Have a read of her travels to the Scottish islands and the ways in which she presents her subjects. You will not be disappointed.

Scottish Islands Explorer - keen to take a bird's eye view

Birds En Masse

This feral Canada Goose has its eye on us and the film-maker of a seven minute YouTube clip certainly had his lens focused on a large flock of the geese descending on Islay. Sit back and enjoy, especially after traditional fare of the season.

Scottish Islands Explorer - attracts birds of a feather

Wait For It

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 January 6 Gregorian and New Year on January 13 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 - changing with the times 

It's a Four-Letter Word

This image of the Paps of Jura does have an austere feel, with Islay appearing through the clouds across the Sound. Yet the name of Jura has a wide appeal - not just for whisky connoisseurs, but for those who like a particular make of coffee machine, a brand of watch and a European range of mountains. Which one for a Christmas present?

Scottish Islands Explorer - still available as a Christmas gift

More Claymore?

There has been a new Ferry Review published by the Scottish Government. The popular petition for the establishment of a Mallaig to Lochboisdale crossing has not been dismissed, but, as yet, there is no plan to implement it. Support will continue to be sought. A report in the West Highland Free Press suggests that Pentland Ferries with its now spare, former CalMac vessel, the MV Claymore, may be interested. Now that the Fort William - Mallaig road has been upgraded, this new ferry route does appeal.


Scottish Islands Explorer - looking for new avenues

Where's Jimmy?

Names come and go - in the Northern Isles as well as anywhere. The range available on Shetland takes in those of Scandinavian origin, but a look at the island group's popular names for babies in 2011 indicates that there are many different strands that appeal to parents. The letter accompanying the item shows how deep the resources are when it comes to choice.

Scottish Islands Explorer - has remained the same name for 13 years

Join the Elite

Here, in the winter sun, is Maeshowe on Orkney. It was built in Neolithic times and was intended, perhaps, as accommodation for the socially elite in a prehistoric tribe. One of its attributes, enjoyed to this day, is the alignment of the sun on the Winter Solstice. Go there today, with its shortest hours of light, via the three webcams that bring images to all parts of the world, wherever there is an internet connection.

Scottish Islands Explorer - keen to illuminate