Second Time Around?

This building may not look inspiring - the former primary school in Stromness, Orkney - but it is planned (and reported in The Orcadian) to make it the hub of a research campus. It is encouraging to think of the development of methods, products and inventive thinking here. Recent archaeological research suggests that in the Neolithic Era and later, Orcadians had cultures that were innovative.

Scottish Islands Explorer - first time around
Digital Edition: assisted by this rather special method

Cumbrae is Compact

There is something expansive about the approach to Millport, the main settlement on Cumbrae in the lower Firth of Clyde (originally located by me in the Forth!). Some 1400 residents live on the island that measures 2.5 x 1.2 miles. There is obviously room for them as well as for visitors. The house with the narrowest frontage in the world, The Wedge, provides an intensive entrance and a compact interior. Activities and accommodation details are to be found on the Cumbrae section of VisitScotland.

Scottish Islands Explorer - extensive coverage given
Digital Edition: comes in compacted form through broadband

The Bute Appeal

As the crow flies, Bute is only 33 miles from Glasgow. In reality, it's a little further, but looking at the Visit Bute website, in general, and the gallery of images at the top of its home-page, in particular, there is much to attract visitors. If you are considering a long stay, like a career-move, then go to the website of Bruce & Co, business sales specialists.

Scottish Islands Explorer - sells well in Rothesay
Digital Edition: 33 or 3333 miles are all the same

Arran Activities

Years ago the post, at this time of year, would contain many requested travel brochures. Such items have now migrated to the internet. So, if you are thinking of what activities take place on the Isle of Arran, they are available at the click of a button. Two are here: Scotcampus and Trip Advisor. Delve into what's on offer from such places as Glen Rosa (above) to Holy Isle (below).

Scottish Islands Explorer - covers what has gone on ...
Digital Edition: ... and is  available right now

Seasonal Stocking

Here's an image that resembles the top of a woollen Christmas stocking and it's rather appropriate. It features Foula Wool and today that island traditionally celebrates the festive day which the rest of the UK commemorates on 25 December. So it's a good opportunity to take a look at the place in pictures as presented in a recent edition of The Guardian.

Scottish Islands Explorer - chooses to celebrate island communities
Digital Edition: always ready to present itself in the twinkling of an eye

The Barra Flag

The word 'vexillogy' has not appeared on this blog previously. It is a combination of the Latin word - vexillium - meaning flag and the Greek suffix - logia - for study. The design here is of a flag for the island of Barrra. The interest it has raised in vexillogy and its application to local matters is outlined on the BBC website.

Scottish Islands Explorer - content to be considered unflagging in its efforts
Digital Edition: certainly commands the airwaves

The Story of Island Roan

Eilean nan Ron is not far from the northern shores of the Scottish mainland, but is a world away. However, a community website that brings it closer is that of Skerry and within its pages is a complete book, The Story of Island Roan. Take a dip into, enjoy the photographs and, perhaps, request that it be published in print form. There is a market for publications about places that have, within living memory, disappeared. The last residents prepared to leave in the late 1930s and the 2008 Northern Times photograph shows Kitty Ann MacQueen, then 89-years-of-age, returning to the house she had lived in some 70 years previously.

Scottish Islands Explorer - covers evacuations; welcomes new readers
Digital Edition: opens up a new world on the internet

Grand-and-a-Half

To mark the 200th anniversary of the Lagavulin Distillery on Islay, the owner, Diageo, is launching a single cask edition of its 1991 single malt with 522 bottles selling at £1494 each. This will help raise funds for community and trust projects on the island. If you have 'a grand-and-a-half' to spare, like both a vintage dram and good causes, go straight to the BBC website for details.

Scottish Islands Explorer - some editions are becoming vintage stock
Digital Edition: its pages are produced in unlimited quantities

Ancient Britain Tonight

Tonight at 21.00 on BBC Two, Neil Oliver will be presenting A History of Ancient Britain with the focus on Orkney's Stone Age Temple. Take a look at a preview that lasts for 66 seconds. There's nothing quite like celebrating the past - and 17 years ago today saw the launch of Scottish Islands Explorer on Fair Isle, just a few sea-miles north of Orkney.

Scottish Islands Explorer - Why not take out a 'birthday' subscription?
Digital Edition: Or for under ten pounds per year a New Age version?

Greetings from Islay

The image of ten sheep at Machir Bay, Islay, greets you on this New Year's Day. They surprised Neil MacNeill, who then captured them on camera and presented his work to the BBC website. His was the only photograph in the Your Pictures 23 - 30 December series that came from an island location. Best wishes to all our readers for a fulfilling 2017.

Scottish Islands Explorer - created on 2 January 2000
Digital Edition: came alive later