Ronay for Rent

Ronay in North Uist has not been inhabited since 1931, although a hundred years previously it had a population of 180. Apparently it may be rented for holiday purposes and its house looks to be in good condition. The island has, according to Hamish Haswell-Smith, attracted religious interests, with a priest's hill, a monk's headland, a Druid's hill and a chapel described by none other than Martin Martin.

Scottish Islands Explorer - The Scottish Islands by HH-S is so highly rated

Digital Edition: unlikely to be available

One Fire; Many Problems

The travel plans of residents of Yell, Unst and Fetlar have been affected by a fire on board the MV Diggri on Monday morning. The ship that normally sails out of Toft on Shetland Mainland is out of service  and, once again the vulnerability of island life is evident. The Shetland Times has a report.

Scottish Islands Explorer - most deliveries do not involve ferries
Digital Edition: very much an air mail service

Lochaline is Vulnerable

The CalMac ferry from Fishinish on Mull to Lochaline on the Morvern Peninsula could ban cars for an eight-week period while improvements are made to the slipway. Suddenly Lochaline residents, among others, feel vulnerable, for the alternative is an 80-mile round-trip. That's vulnerability and highlights one of the problems of remoteness and reliance on transport links. Read more in The Press and Journal.

Scottish Islands Explorer - aware of fragility as a factor in island life 

Digital Edition: helps deliveries … of information 

Islandeering

The time has come for those interested in Scottish islands to consider the work of Lisa Drewe. Her Islandeering is the topic of an extended item on the BBC Website and, of course, on her own website - with 130 insular places visited. Click on, view and experience!

Scottish Islands Explorer - invites you to get involved

Digital Edition: another way of finding out more

Look at Erraid

When you reach the ferry for Iona, turn left instead of right, and you could soon be transported to Erraid. Take a look at what's on offer through the Findhorn Community for staying on an island with R L Stevenson connections.

Scottish Islands Explorer - there is a gulf between Erraid and Iona
Digital Edition:  reaches both islands effortlessly

Auskerry

A family has been producing goods on the Isle of Auskerry, Orkney, for some 35 years. That's some achievement as it is the least visited inhabited island of the archipelago and the epitome of being off-grid. Take a look at the website which features, among other matters, its flock of North Ronaldsay sheep.

Scottish Islands Explorer - productive about remote places
Digital Edition: on-grid, if ever there is such a concept

Not a Viking Issue

How times have changed since, for example, the Norse invasions of a thousand years ago. Did gender equality issues ever cross the mind of a Viking warrior? Bear this in mind when looking at The Press and Journal report on an aspect of Up Helly Aa, the Shetland Festival.

Scottish Islands Explorer - tries to see matters in perspective

Digital Edition: how times have changed! 

Which Way to Cycle?

When choosing the route to cycle the Western Isles - from Vatersay to the Butt of Lewis - most prefer to have the prevailing wind at their backs. However, there are contrarians to be observed and listened to - at Pedalling the Wrong Way.

Scottish Islands Explorer - likes to take a popular route
Digital Edition: goes wherever as directed

Stained Glass in Stornoway

A storm in 1946 severely damaged the stained glass windows of St Columba's Church in Stornoway, the Isle of Lewis. 73 years on and their restoration is underway. The Press and Journal has the story.

Scottish Islands Explorer - likes light in all forms -natural and reflected

Digital Edition: travels at a speed comparable to that of light

Garden Fest & Best

There is something remarkable about the style and scale of the locations for the Orkney Garden Festival, to be held from 4 - 14 July. Take a look here to see what's on and how you can book to enjoy the best of different dimensions in one of the Northern Isles.

Scottish Islands Explorer - enjoys featuring the cultivated as well as the wild

Digital Edition: takes seconds rather than years to create