Bobby the Birdman

Here is a chance to discover and relish the achievements of Bobby Tulloch (1929 - 1996) the renowned Shetland naturalist by acquiring a new book book on him from Birlinn. The details of its launch are to be found in Shetland News and an obituary can be read from the pages of The Independent.

Scottish Islands Explorer - records wildlife and its experts' achievements
Digital Edition: go on, go back in time with a futuristic approach

History in the Making

There is something a little eerie when comparatively recent events or constructions are classified as 'historical'. That has happened with the Churchill Barriers in Orkney, two of which have been listed by Historic Environment Scotland for the first time. Follow this up in The Orcadian.

Scottish Islands Explorer - looking forward to editions being 'listed'
Digital Edition: the antidote to 'historic'

Rocket Post

The distance from Hushinish to Scarp, North Harris, is not far, but it has imperilled lives and inspired scientific work. None more so than the events documented in the 2004 production of Rocket Post, a film that is featured in the Stornoway Gazette.

Scottish Islands Explorer - here was exploration with a difference
Digital Edition: quite a contrast in information speeds

Spreading Its Wings

Loganair will be doing two more significant things next year - severing its links with Flybe and operating more services. These will include flying passengers from Stornoway to Manchester and back. For details of what will be on offer, go to the BBC website. The Old Man of Hoy, below, will not be affected.

Scottish Islands Explorer - more ways of getting to destinations of choice

Digital Edition: journeys effortlessly through the internet

Adopt An Acre

Two days ago the notion of living on Skye was highlighted. Now here is a chance to adopt an acre of the 12,000 that make up Bla Bheinn in the Cuillin Hills through a scheme promoted by the John Muir Trust. One or two would make quite a purchase or gift.

Scottish Islands Explorer - another acceptable gift at a comparable price
Digital Edition: and one for under a tenner

Fair Isle - To View

Are these vessels ready to come or go from Northaven, Fair Isle? The island which was once thriving with 400 residents is now surviving with 55. However, publicity is about to happen with a two-part portrait of the life and times of the community starting on BBC Scotland on Monday 28 November at 21.00. Read about it in Shetland News and, if possible, either see the programme or try to persuade the BBC to screen it on One, Two or Four. Prepare yourself with an informative read from Shetland - Pride of Place.

Scottish Islands Explorer - Fair Isle is where the magazine originated
Digital Edition: available everywhere 24 hours per day

Skye High

When Rightmove asked a number of people where they most desired to live in Britain, Skye came top of the list. Take a look at the results of the survey here. For a look at the range of properties they are promoting, click here, and the list includes Crionach pictured above, built to traditional lines in 2003.

For a more modern look and a winner of an architectural award, though built just six years later, is Fiscavaig House, which is not currently for sale. Strathaird House below is an older property on the market with the principal rooms in the Georgian part of the house.

Scottish Islands Explorer - occasionally advertises island properties
Digital Edition: if houses sold at the speed of this style of publication

Festival Fundraising

As the season of good will approaches and the North Ronaldsay Sheep Festival continues to need support - particularly for the sheepdyke re-building that encircles the island - do consider assisting. Ways and means are here.

Scottish Islands Explorer - continuing to build its circulation
Digital Edition: also circles the planet

Ring the Changes

The Northern and Western Isles have long historical pasts that spring to life through delving into them. A way of finding at about what is coming to the surface is to take a look at the blog Archaeology Orkney that is promoted by the University of the Highlands and Islands. It covers more than its title implies.

Scottish Islands Explorer - digs up information about the past
Digital Edition: just look into it for there's no obligation

Islay Appeal

Both cattle and cats on Islay apparently prefer to look out to sea. Humans are usually more interested in what the land, in the form of plots, or what property have to offer. Go to Rightmove where the former on the island starts at £65k and the latter ends at £900k.

Scottish Islands Explorer - houses are up its street
Digital Edition: prospectuses and magazines delivered on-line