Sumburgh Soars

Shetland News reports on the increase in passenger numbers from Highlands and Islands Airports, in general, and on the uplift in business at Sumburgh Airport, in particular.

Scottish Islands Explorer - would like to see comparable figures
Digital Edition: aware of uplift in interest

Your Own Westside Story?

Here's a chance to create your own Westside Story with the purchase of the Waas Bakery, Walls, Shetland. It's an established business, is on the market because of an unexpected death and has been consistently profitable. At least look at the full description of what is on offer through Harper Macleod. This is a commercial opportunity in a rural location providing products that are always in demand.

Scottish Islands Explorer - its blog delivers daily
Digital Edition: a product that is continuously available

Mars Alarm

The red-orange surface of Mars, with darker blotches and white icecaps, is captured here by a telescopic camera. The Press and Journal reports how yacht crews and an island resident mistook it for a flare and as a result the Oban and Stornoway lifeboats were alerted for a prospective vessel in distress in The Minch.

Scottish Islands Explorer - no mistaking its cover and contents
Digital Edition: electronic warning devices could at least pinpoint accurately

The World in Lerwick

Yesterday saw the MV The World dock at Lerwick. It's large, luxurious and home - with 165 private residences - for people who can afford to live in such style and, if so wish, be on a permanent cruise. Shetland News has the story; the website of The World has the details.

Scottish Islands Explorer - needs to be on board, for this landing

Digital Edition: wifi is sure to be available in all 165 homes

Past the Last Hurdle

This is one of the ways up to or down from Sgurr na Banachdich, a Skye Munro. It was one climber's 282nd and final Scottish mountain to bag. He reached the summit, toasted his success and descended. See what happened next - in the Daily Record.

Scottish Islands Explorer - would like more 'baggers'

Digital Edition: looks for summits to overcome

Arctic Skuas and Handa

Getting to Handa - off the west coast of Sutherland - involves a ferry trip. Finding out more about the Arctic Skuas on the island can begin with a click on the Handa Island Skua Project. It could assist the slowing of the dramatic decline in the numbers of these birds.

Scottish Islands Explorer - one of many ways of exploring these islands
Digital Edition: declining numbers unknown in this area of computing

Time on Skye

Yesterday's blog was on Sunfish off Skye; today's item is on a blog, Four Days on the Isle of Skye. It is part of a series - Veni Vidi - produced by 23-year-old travel-lover and Classics student, Sanne. Do take the Bridge in her company.

Scottish Islands Explorer - looks forward to featuring more of her work

Digital Edition: no global limitations here

Sunfish off Skye

Tropical Sunfish get around, where temporary, warmer waters appeal. This one was photographed off Vancouver. Others have recently been spotted in the vicinity of Skye and the Ardnamurchan. Follow them on the BBC website.

Scottish Islands Explorer - responds in a comparable way
Digital Edition: reaches destinations regardless of temperature

Home-work in Western Isles

The computer provides an element of access in any environment. It's the skills, not the location, that matter. So this week, would-be home-workers are being invited to apply for employment opportunities in the Western Isles. For full details of a recruitment campaign see the Stornoway Gazette.

In a somewhat dynamic change of working practices, relatively remote locations no longer present problems - given, of course, high-speed internet connections. Kit has become miniaturised; distance has been eliminated. There are new ways of earning as well as of learning.

Scottish Islands Explorer - produced on home computers ahead of printing
Digital Edition: distance no longer a barrier

Old Scottish Shortwool

Jane Cooper lives in Rendall, Orkney, and maintains a flock of 56 of the rarest British breed of sheep, the Old Scottish Shortwool. Full details are in The Orkney News. When the St Kildans were living on the island of Hirta, they once a year tended the sheep on nearby Boreray. These were almost the last of a virtually extinct breed and were left unattended after the evacuation of 1930. A comparable group from Assynt, on the mainland, were moved to Orkney where they now thrive. 

This bothy on Boreray was photographed by 'the campaigner and adventure sleeper' - Andy Strangeway - when he visited the island. It must have sheltered the men and boys of Hirta who went there on the annual outings.

Scottish Islands Explorer - has flocks of followers
Digital Edition: carries items worldwide