I came across this lovely video of Easdale, the Slate islands and some views of Oban. I hope you like it too!
Oban, Easdale and Seil Island (The Slate Islands) Video
Aug 11th, 2010 by Ron
Walking on Colonsay and Oronsay
Apr 27th, 2010 by Ron
High Cross Oronsay Priory
On the ferry trip out, most of us had a good CalMac breakfast, and some of us checked our maps and got ourselves orientated. It wasn’t long until we were ashore on Scalasaig pier in Colonsay. As the Colonsay minibus wasn’t available, some of the walk leaders with vehicles gave lifts for the 3.5 miles to the road-end, where the ford across The Strand to Oronsay starts. This is as far as vehicles are allowed. Others of the party walked some or all of the way from Scalasaig to the ford. We all met at the road-end, where James How gave a short talk about Oronsay, as did Crystal, the current RSPB warden on Oronsay. Continue Reading »
Tropical Image Isle of Iona
Mar 6th, 2010 by Ron
Jill Kooijman sent me a stunning, almost tropical looking image of a beautiful day in the Southern Hebrides which she wanted to share with others, for which I’m very grateful. The image was taken from the north-eastern tip of the Isle of Iona looking across the Caolas Annraidh to Eilean Annraidh. Notice the yacht on the left and the beautiful white sandy beaches which makes the tranquil view complete. The Isle of Mull is visible in the distance.
The Isle of Iona on a Beautiful Day
Cruising the Inner Hebridean Islands on the Hebridean Princess
Jan 27th, 2010 by Ron
The Scotsman published an article by Gareth Moore titled Inner Hebrides Cruise. In fact it’s more a travel report about a cruise in November, a time when the first winter storms hit the west of Scotland which, as the author confirms, results in alterations in the schedule. Gareth choose not just a cruise ship but embarked on the Hebridean Princess, a familiar sight in the Inner Hebridean waters and according to the writer a floating palace of pampering. I myself never had the pleasure of making such a cruise but if I would I know that the Inner Hebrides would be my nr1 choice for making a cruise in Scotland. To share this fantastic experience I’ll offer you a quote of this highly interesting article. With impeccable service, an intimate atmosphere and heart-stoppingly beautiful scenery, a cruise around the Inner Hebrides recharges body and soul: Continue Reading »
Crew from Calmac Ferry MV Hebrides Make Video
Dec 5th, 2009 by Ron
I have posted this article on my Islay Blog earlier today and I want to share it with the readers here as well: “Ever wondered what the Calmac crew were up to when you arrived safely on your destination and drove off the ferry? Well the answer can be found on Youtube. The crew from one of Calmac’s vessels created a video called ‘Heb Madness’ imitating the band Madness on board one of their vessels. The video is big fun and now they are challenging the crews from other vessels to try and beat them. This is going to be an interesting competition and I can already picture a couple of titles. How about ‘One Sail Beyond’ ‘Nightboat to Oban’ ‘Our Boat’ or ‘It must be Calmac’. For now enjoy the video, it’s great!”
Mull Tips from a Visitor
Nov 14th, 2009 by Ron
When I wrote the travel report about Mull a while back one of the readers sent me an email with some additional information. It’s always good to get some “inside information” and I have decided to publish vicky’s comments here on the blog: “Of the countless castles I’ve visited in Western Scotland, Torosay Castle rates the most visitor-friendly. No ribbons barring tourists from sitting in the parlor chairs and one vast room devoted to library tables piled with scrapbooks inviting you to delve into the life and history of the resident family. I could have spent an entire day looking at vintage photos and reading old newspaper clippings. And how cool is this(?): A hand-written sign at the bottom of the staircase said (as best I can recall), “These stairs lead to our living quarters. You won’t find us all that interesting but if you want, do come on up.” That was in 2005. I really hope it is still as wonderfully quirky and accessible.”
Duart Castle from the Mull Ferry
Vicky also mentioned something about fish and chips: “The best fish and chips in all of Scotland are served daily from a food caravan on the Tobermory Pier. to convince you have a look here. The site has an interesting article: “The Prince of Wales gave a fish-and-chip van the royal seal of approval as he paid a visit to Scotland yesterday.” They report that, “The Prince tasted fresh scallops from the Fisherman’s Pier chip van in Tobermory, Mull, and declared them “delicious”,” before adding that, “Owners Jeanette Gallagher and Jane MacLean were delighted to serve the royal visitor with some local produce.” According to Vicky The line starts forming a good half hour before they open. Bring your own napkins and plan to eat standing up unless you can find a curb or lobster pot to sit on.
Hidden treasures of Scotland’s seas to be explored
Nov 2nd, 2009 by Ron
Some of the secrets and mysteries surrounding Scotland’s rich marine heritage could soon be revealed according to the Scottish government. The Scottish Marine Bill aims to improve the protection of Scotland’s treasured marine heritage and our understanding and enjoyment of it. It is hoped that technological advances and opportunities for closer co-operation on survey and data collection, will help locate undiscovered marine heritage sites such as historic shipwrecks. And under the Bill, a new Historic Marine Protected Area provision will allow a broader range of historic assets to be protected in a proportionate manner. Continue Reading »
A Land that Lies Westward Book Review
Oct 10th, 2009 by Ron
The eighth International Conference on the Languages of Scotland and Ulster was held at the Columba Centre (Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle), Isle of Islay in July 2006. Although papers from the entire field of Scottish and Ulster language study were included, a special focus was on the areas of Islay, Jura and coastal mainland Argyll. The languages, place-names, culture, history, literature and culture of this distinctive area of Scotland were examined in papers which are revised and edited for this publication by Derrick McClure, John Kirk and Margaret Storrie, presenting a fascinating collection of new studies by leading scholars.
Earra-Ghaidheil, ‘the coast of the Gael’, was where the Gaelic language was first established in Scotland, and the collection begins with an account of the Gaelic of South Argyll by scholar and researcher, George Jones. Concentrating on Jura Gaelic and its differences from Islay Gaelic, Jones provides a detailed linguistic examination and calls for further research to be done while native speakers remain alive, for sadly Jura Gaelic appears to be in terminal decline.
The theme of place-names is continued in papers by Peter Drummond of Glasgow University and Paul Tempan, researcher in the Northern Ireland Place-name Project. They present complementary studies of place-names, the first concentrating on mountain names in Islay and Jura and the second extending the discussion in time and space by tracing ancient Indo-European roots of the word structures, and examining instances of it in Ireland. Continue Reading »
Tobermory Distillery Isle of Mull in 1885
Sep 30th, 2009 by Ron
Tobermory Distillery late 1800s
Nowadays the Tobermory distillery website states the following: “It takes something unique to create an Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky. There is a unique blend of location, ingredients, timing and people. Just as Mull is a special place, nestled on the West Coast of Scotland and Tobermory is a unique distillery, as the only one on the island, the people who craft our island spirit are artisans of their craft.” It’s interesting to see what Alfred Barnard wrote of his visit of the Tobermory Distillery back in the late 1800s.
THE voyage from Oban to Tobermory in fine weather is one of the pleasantest imaginable; the scenery is described in many of the guide hooks, but none of them have ever done it justice. After passing the ruins of Aros Castle, we obtained a fine view of Benmore, 3,097 feet above sea level, the highest mountain in Mull, and for the next two hours we feasted our eyes on scenery of surpassing beauty. Steaming round the island of Calve, we entered the bay, at the head of which stands Tobermory, “the well of our Lady St. Mary.”
Small Islands Film Festival Isle of Islay
Sep 23rd, 2009 by Ron
Columba Centre Bowmore Islay
The programme for this years festival is as follows:
Friday 2nd October
7.15pm – 9.30pm Session A
I Know Where I’m Going Revisited (dir. Mark Cousins, 1994) 30min
I Know Where I’m Going (dir. Michael Powell & Emeric Pressburger, 1945) 91 min
Saturday 3rd October
10.00am – 12.15pm Session B
Blackman’s Houses (dir. Steve Thomas, 1992), 58 min
Being Rapanui (dir. Susan & Santi Hitorangi, 2007) 56 min
4.30pm – 6.00pm Session C
The Island Tapes [St Kilda (dir. David Allison, 2008); A New Way to A New World (dir. Peter Murray, 2008] 16 min + 15 min
Act of War: The Overthrow of the Hawai’ian Nation (dir. Puhipau & Joan Lander, 1993), 58 min
7.30 pm – 9.45pm Session D
Home and Away (dir. Mike Alexander, 1974) 30 min
The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe (dir. Luis Bu?uel, 1952) 90 min
On Saturday a selection of Gaelic documentaries and Film G shorts will also be available for viewing in the Library Resource Centre. All Sessions: £15(£10 con.) Individual Session: £4 (£2 con.) Full Festival & film details on: eileananbeaga.wordpress.com
