Against the Tide

A Toothed Rock Crab was caught off Muckle Flugga last week, having wandered far from its native habitat of the West African coast, in the Mediterranean or around the Azores and Canary Islands. The account in Shetland News gives further details of a creature going somewhat against the tide ... at least in terms of human holiday movements.

Scottish Islands Explorer - aware of the contrarian

Business Intent

Here is an ultimate invitation which will possibly, in time, come from the West Harris Trust. Rent a business unit at Horgabost. Can you imagine how business and pleasure would be combined by going to work at this location? Go so far now by reading about the proposal and seeing an artist's impression at the BBC - and that does not stand for Brilliant Business Concept!

Scottish Islands Explorer - ready to re-locate

Timeline

The excavations at Udal, North Uist, yielded a timeline of occupation from the Neolithic to the contemporary era and will be kept as well as displayed in the Western Isles, according to this BBC item.

Scottish Islands Explorer - already laid down for posterity.

Under a Tenner

"Go on, give us a break," as they say. The annual subscription for Scottish Islands Explorer print edition is £24.97 and it has remained at that for over two years. However, the digital issue is now fully-launched and although individual copies are £1.99, you can secure an annual subscription for £9.99 - 'Under a Tenner'. We are keen to test the market for this product and so, do please forward this item to your friends. Tablets and iPads are shipping fast and people need to have their screens filled ... with something attractive. If you or they want a 'test-drive' then click onto the same website as above and download the free issue, featured below.

Scottish Islands Explorer - the future is print ... and modern technology

Counting Sheep

Aspects of animal arithmetic feature in a Stornoway Gazette item which indicates that sheep numbers have dipped; cattle herds have declined; pigs have risen. Ten years ago there were 100,000 more sheep in the Western Isles, averaging ten per resident. However, some say the quality has increased and certainly prices are up.

Scottish Islands Explorer - also concerned with circulation figures

Past Postcards

Take a look at this view of Ardbeg School, Islay, and then go to a gallery of postcard photographs from the 1900s that puts architectural and historical matters into visual context.

Scottish Islands Explorer - wonders how it will look in years to come

Townscape Signs

Stromness, the second largest of Orkney's urban areas, has its Townscape Heritage Initiative. During the winter months the signs to its many streets, lanes and closes will be receiving treatment - painting or replacement. There has been an evolving of these place-names since the mid-19th Century, but the formal recognition of them has declined as the signs have weathered and become dilapidated. That's about to change with this initiative and re-aligning of an element of 'townscape'. Read more in The Orcadian.

Scottish Islands Explorer - more on landscape, seascape ... and escape

A Great Entry

There are few CalMac terminals close to such an iconic feature as Kisimul Castle at Castlebay, Barra. Renovating and archaeological work is about to be undertaken and the full details are available on a BBC item.

Scottish Islands Explorer - always re-designing and digging

Getting Ready To Go

From Tuesday 12 November, through much of the winter months, there will be a revived CalMac service in place. A three-year pilot is being run to judge demand for the Mallaig - Lochboisdale route. Consider the CalMac timetable and the positive news item from the Stornoway Gazette about coach links to and from Fort William. This is potentially a great way for foot passengers to get from the south to South Uist - with a relatively short walk from Glasgow Central to Queen Street or a walk around Buchanan Street Coach Station / direct access to and from the rail station and the bus stance at Fort William / the proximity of train, bus and ship terminals at Mallaig. Then the crossing in relatively sheltered waters on the designated ship, the MV Lord of the Isles,  passing the Small Isles en route. Get looking ... and booking!

Scottish Islands Explorer - promoting journeys with a difference

Shetland Food Fair

The Clickimin Centre, Lerwick, is the venue for the Shetland Food Fair from 15 - 17 November when members of the Shetland Food Producers Group will be holding their second annual event. 15 stalls with a variety of products and a cafe will be providing delicious fare alongside the Craft Fair where seasonal goods, also from local suppliers, will be on sale.

Scottish Islands Explorer - also a useful supplier of presents