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There are some self-catering vacancies at Seaview from the 7th September onwards. Please ring Annie Lawson at 01951 200315 for details.
And there is a cancellation in one of the chalets at Scalasaig from 20 August - details are on the webpage or telephone 01951 200320.
EXCLUSIVE SCOOP: Foot and Mouth "All Clear"
Yes, it's official - Colonsay has lifted the limited but important restrictions at the point of arrival.
After months of worry, the Colonsay farming community believes that the immediate threat of Foot and Mouth contagion is at an end. For most visitors, it is no longer necessary to shampoo the dog, nor to present footwear for disinfection on arrival in the island. Although a spray will still operate meantime at Oban, there will be no further treatment in Colonsay.
On Friday 13th July, it was learned that Dumfriess and Galloway are now officially clear of the disease. As a result, disinfection of cars arriving in Colonsay was immediately suspended. On Saturday 14th, it was decided that at last it is reasonable to regard the threat as over. Obviously anyone from a high-risk occupation or location is asked to follow best-practice procedures - if in doubt, telephone 01951 200303 or 200312
The entire community is most grateful to all visitors and to Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd for their courtesy and good-natured co-operation throughout this lengthy disruption. There was only one Mr. Grumpy and - to be honest - he really did not upset the volunteers too much at all.
The volunteers deserve the renewed thanks and appreciation of one and all. Nobody could be there for every sailing, but some came close: Andrew MacGregor, Davie Sutherland, Jim McLaughlan, Geoff Wilson and Angus McPhee were prominent amongst the non-farmers. Nigel and Rhona Grant, Charlie MacKinnon, Alex Howard, Walter Williams, Seamus McNeill and Pedie MacNeill were amongst those who represented the farmers at every ferry. Many thanks to them all, and to everyone else who helped in any way.
Shearing at Templefield, seen from Cnoc na Fad
Clan MacFie Gathering
There are a number of people seeking accommodation arriving September 9, 2001, and leaving on September 12, 2001. If you can help, please tell Kevin (ref: ncark).
Clan members could try contacting the Co-ordinators by email to iain@mcfie.org.uk
On Monday 9th July, MV "Hebridean Princess" (remembered by many readers as the "Columba" of her CalMac days) arrived for an unscheduled visit. She had been chartered for the week by a private party consisting of motor racing star Jackie Stewart and his family and guests. The party arrived to indifferent weather, but threw themselves into the spirit of the occasion - many members of the party cycled right around the island, and the others divided into "energetic walkers" and "wildflower enthusiasts".
The walkers were taken by Charlie to Kiloran Bay, and walked back by way of Traigh Bhan Chille Odhran, and then followed the Old Road back to Scalasaig. This party included Mr. Stewart himself and many distinguished guests, including HRH Princess Anne.
The other party went with the red minibus to Uragaig, and enjoyed the flowers bordering the road as they walked back down to the grid at the carpark; they then took a circular tour from Pondside through the policies of Colonsay House and finished up with a brief tour of the island - including a fruitless attempt to see chough or hear corncrakes.
Later that evening, the ship was to anchor at Mull and one heard that there would be a pre-prandial lecture on "Mary, Queen of Scots" by an expert who happened to be one of the party. Mr. Sean Connery missed out on the expeditions, but was kind enough to sign autographs for some young admirers.
In line with long-standing Colonsay tradition, the privacy of the celebrity visitors was respected - which is why no pictures were taken for "The Corncrake".
Genial community policeman Raymond Law made an unheralded courtesy call this week, when he arrived unexpectedly by helicopter. His visit was, no doubt, just routine and unconnected with anything special.
An endless succession of two or more motoring incidents enlivened conversation locally; fortunately, as far as one knows, nobody was injured in any incident.
Early last week, there was a reputed collision between a local van and an island pickup in the hollow at the Old Mill, very close to Seamus' Pole. It was daylight and no remarkable circumstances were reported. One can, perhaps, discount reports that both drivers had swerved suddenly to avoid an unidentified tortoise when it leaped out suddenly from the bushes.
Late on Saturday night, a car is said to have left the carpark at Kiloran Bay carpark and to have been recovered subsequently from the wee quarry beside the Kissing Gate. In unconnected circumstances, it was noted that the bench nearby has fallen into Slochd a' Chait and awaits recovery. The motor car seemed to land upside-down and is said to be a write-off, but the surfboard on its roof-rack survived intact, which was a comfort.
The scene of the alleged incident
As it happened, a couple of cars collided just before the ferry departed on Wednesday, so Raymond's visit was a great convenience to those involved. A few minutes later some folk who appeared to be travelling on the outside of their vehicle were quite surprised, but no doubt gratified, to be reminded of the benefits of seatbelts.
Meantime, on Sunday the owners of a rather nice £40,000 go-anywhere Mercedes took their children up to see Walter's baby ducks. One of the children took the opportunity to lock it up properly - with the keys inside. Fortunately their house was only a couple of miles away, and only a few miles from the shop, pub, pier and everything else; what with all the walking and everything, time flew by until replacement keys arrived late on Wednesday night.
Only four people turned up for the meeting on Monday. Improvements at the cemetery and the repair of the public callbox were noted, but the condition of the box itself remains parlous. Various outstanding matters are being pursued, but initiatives will await the next meeting.
An IaaO sponsored public meeting was held on Wednesday, and there was a further meeting on Thursday night. No reports have been received on the grapevine, but a newsletter will be circulated shortly, and we have just received the minutes:
Meeting held in Colonsay Village Hall
on 11 July 2001
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Present |
Councillor Robin Currie Meg Rodger, Initiative at the Edge Archie MacNab, Crofters Commission Alan McDonald, SNH David Haworth, AIE Deirdre Forsyth, Argyll and Bute Council Diane Clark, CDC Christa Byrne,CDC Andrew McGregor,CDC and Community Council Angela Skrimshire, Community Council Andrew Abrahams, Housing spokesperson for Colonsay Nigel Grant ,CDC Margaret Kiernan, CDC Georgina Hobhouse, AIE and Hall Committee Alex Howard, Laird and Hall Committee |
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Councillor Currie welcomed all to the meeting and Meg Rodger gave a brief overview of the current position in regard to the Initiative at the Edge. |
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HOUSING |
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Andrew Abrahamsexplained that Scottish Homes were looking at the estimated costs of building the 4 houses and would be talking to the Islanders again when their analysis was complete. The prices seem very high. He asked if AIE could check whether they could pay all or most of the servicing costs including those for the road. He said that there should be a minuted decision which indicated that this was a possibility. David agreed to investigate this and discuss it with Scottish Homes. Nigel said that the normal building price for a house on Colonsay would be about £100,000. On top of this the costs for a tarred road per house would be say £20,000.The groundworks for this site are very high because of the contours and slope of the land. |
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Andrew also expressed concern because he had been told that the Council were now saying there was no demand for 4 bedroomed houses despite this having been agreed at an earlier stage after the housing survey had been done. Deirdre will speak to Malcolm McFadyen about this issue, and will arrange a meeting between the Council, AIE, Scottish Homes and Island representatives if she cannot resolve it internally. Roads and planning officers will also be invited to see if the specification for the road can be reduced. The meeting will be on Colonsay if possible although Andrew is willing to go to the mainland if necessary. Deirdre will also find out if there has been any progress on the improvements to estate houses. |
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AIR SERVICE |
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David explained that Oban Airport will not get a licence for commercial flights but chartered or taxi type services remain a possibility. Also flights could come into Colonsay from elsewhere if there were an improved runway. Alex has agreed to discuss a long lease for the ground subject to satisfactory conditions.Blair Fletcher from the Coucil is exploring the costs of levelling the runway and Deirdre will find out from him the up-to-date position. There followed a general discussion about whether the air service was the best option for the island or whether it would be best to vigorously pursue with Cal-Mac an improved ferry service consisting of at least 4 sailings per week. It was agreed that the community council should arrange a public meeting to 1] work out the specification which was required for the best ferry service for the island taking freight into account 2] arrange to discuss the proposed spec. with appropriate reps of the Scottish Executive { Meg will advise on whom to contact} and send letters to Sarah Boyack and Alasdair Morrison about this issue. |
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PROJECTS |
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Rhododendron Clearance |
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The funding problems have now been resolved with help from the Scottish Land Fund and Scottish Land Unit. The posts will soon be advertised and training will start. Alan suggested that 6 people should be trained because these will be useful skills for the future. A question was raised about bracken eradication. Alan explained that this would be best managed through the rural stewardship scheme. SNH will work with groups of Farmers, Crofters and SERAD to look at spraying bracken over 2 years and then control can be done in small localised areas by manual spraying which is how the training skills can be used. |
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Petrol Pump |
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David pointed out that this is now urgent because the funding has to be spent by March2002. Alex is still to advise on the cost of the ground and he hopes to have this information soon. Planning permission will include consultation with the petroleum officer and then 3 quotations for the work will be required. Using the experience on Jura and Coll it should only take about 2 months for the work to be done. The Development Company will deal with this urgently. |
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Coal Supply |
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The community are now arranging for the coal supply to be delivered and have made a saving because they no longer have to pay rates. A discussion followed about whether this could be extended to supplying food and other necessities. The main problem is the depot in Oban which needs to be open at all times to receive ordered goods. It was agreed, however, that this might be a possible long term goal.
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3 Islands Project-Modernising Government |
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Deirdre advised that the plan for the proposed hall extension had been in the shop for a month and she would now report back to John Wilson, Architects with the comments from the Island so that planning permission could be applied for. She briefly reminded people that among other things the Library would be in the building and there would be access to everyone at no charge apart from private use. The main reason for the project is to try to give as equal an opportunity as possible to the islanders to contact the statutory organisations as if they were on the mainland; for example the local crofters could arrange a video meeting with the crofters commission, or the planning officer could come to Colonsay and hold a surgery and yet carry on with her normal office business in between interviews. Alex has agreed to lease the ground on the same terms and conditions as the Hall lease and when the extension is finished it will be handed over to the Hall committee to maintain with funding from the partners. The development company is discussing how they will manage the facility including staffing it. Training for the company and staff will be arranged too. |
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Business Seedcorn Funding |
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Meg explained that there had been a low take up from this fund partly because it duplicated what was already available from the local enterprise companies. It is proposed to ask the Scottish Executive to agree that the fund can be distributed to the each initiative area to deliver their local development plan and help with their projects. |
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ANY OTHER BUSINESS |
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Meg asked if the Island would wish to have a meeting with the local agencies twice a year to discuss progress. All were of the opinion that transport representatives from the Scottish Executive would be vital for such a meeting. Any meeting would have to be at a time to suit the island if it were to demonstrate that the Initiative was really working and being taken seriously by the partners. There was some doubt about whether all the partners were really signed up to the concept of the Initiative. |
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Alex has been in touch with CalMac's Marketing Manager and has confirmation of a special offer coming soon, in conjunction with Visitscotland's "Autumn Gold" programme. This is very welcome - it is a great opportunity for CalMac and islanders to work together for our mutual benefit.
Between October 21st and November 30th, up to 4 adults can travel FREE to and from Colonsay; you pay for a basic 5 day return ticket for a car, and the passengers are free. This is a saving of almost £100 and is to be applauded. As soon as printed details of the offer are to hand, it is hoped to display them prominently on the Colonsay Website. Most local accommodation is based on weekly tariffs, so if anybody wishes to quote special 5 day rates to be linked to this offer, please get in touch with Kevin so that details can be added to the appropriate page.
It is unlikely that standard tickets will be exchanged for "Autumn Gold", so visitors intending to come to Colonsay in that period should ask for details of the special offer before they purchase their tickets. Advance reservations can be made in the normal way but travellers should ensure that the remittance paid is in line with the offer.
On the lochs the water lilies are lovely - perfect white flowers with their huge floating leaves. Also look out for Water Lobelia - a leafless stem rising from shallow water with nodding violet flowers. Common water plantain also rises from shallow water and has shiny oval leaves and a stem with whorls of pale flowers, which open in the afternoon. All these plants look especially lovely on a sunny day when they are reflected in the still water.
In damp areas you can find the lovely dark maroon Marsh Cinquefoil, Grass of Parnassus, the yellow star like flowers of Bog Asphodel and, if you are lucky, the small, pale pink nodding flowers of Pale Butterwort.
The Harebells are starting to appear on the dunes and the creamy Burnet Roses are at their best. Other dune plants to look out for are Field (sepals different sizes) and Autumn (sepals all the same size) Gentians, pink Common Centaury and Carline Thistles.
The hedgerows are full of honeysuckle, meadow sweet and bramble flowers. The striking Purple Loosestrife will soon be adding some colour. Perhaps you might spot the beautifully named Enchanter's Nightshade in Colonsay House woods?
This month there are new orchids to be seen. Fragrant Orchid and Marsh Helleborine in damp places and Pyramidal Orchids on the dunes. The diminutive Bog Orchid has been found occasionally on Colonsay during July in the past (in damp places - as its name suggests!) If anyone spotted one I would be interested to hear from them. Good flower spotting! Margaret Keirnen.
Meadow-cranesbill at Kilchattan
The new scavenging service means that the coup has been cleaned up, and is no longer receiving domestic waste. Furthermore, all households have secure vermin-proof wheelie bins, and the majority of the old litter-bins have been removed. The whole island is immensely improved, but because of the sudden reduction in food sources, there seems to be pressure on the vermin population. This is a great opportunity - vermin are very keen to accept bait at present and householders may care to take advantage of the situation. If the opportunity is missed, there will be endless problems in the coming winter.
Every Tuesday from 10 July to 28 August in Village Hall - Pedie and Jen MacNeill "Home to you". An evening of music and song, a matchless entertainment.
Monday 16 July: Open-air Barbecue, at the Hotel, in aid of Children's Party.
Tuesday 17 July: Don't miss "Home to You" - this and every Tuesday.
Saturday 21 July: Hector MacFadyen and his Band, dance with licensed bar in aid of Hall Funds
Saturday 28 July: Fun Run and dance featuring "Camel Train" in aid of Medical Fund.
Quiz in the Hotel every Wednesday at 9.30 pm.
Barbecues, music and other events - see notices locally.
Church services every Sunday: 11 am at the Church of Scotland, Scalasaig, and 12 noon at the Baptist Church, Kilchattan.
Saturday 11 August: Community Concert for Hall Funds - all entertainers who will be here are asked to contact Pedie McNeill
Colonsay House Gardens: Open every Wednesday. Al Fresco meals, organic produce etc. (Also Friday lunchtime).
Colonsay & Oronsay Artists - Entirely new Exhibition before every ferry, in the CalMac VIP Lounge at Pier.
Sunday 9 September: Clan Macfie membership to visit their ancestral home - (three day formal programme)
Monday 10th September: Clan Macfie ceilidh in the Village Hall
SPECIAL NOTICE
The OS Pathfinder map of Colonsay and Oronsay has been replaced with one which includes bits of Jura and Islay and lots of sea. The new map includes viewpoints, "bicycle hire" and other features, but is seriously very disappointing - it is enormous, because of all the extra "sea", and very inconvenient. Colonsay Bookshop has secured all remaining copies of the original edition, both folded and flat, in order to save them from being pulped. If your old copy is getting worn, or if you want something suitable for framing or lamination, do remember that stocks are limited. The new edition is also being stocked, to try to conserve stocks of the old edition, but supplies of the old one are unlikely to last more than a year.
From the IaaO meeting in the Hall on Wednesday, it sounds as if the "airplane service" was just a ploy and we are back at square one; Kevin has been given the school bus contract again; sheep shearing is at an advanced stage and the silage crop seems likely to be heavy; weather has been a bit dull for the last fortnight; 29 cars left on Friday night and 40 cars arrived; the Binnies house is really coming on:
The new house on 14 July 2001
Visitors to Balnahard may like to be reminded that the scraps of wreckage still to be seen along the shoreline belong to the wooden Steam Ship "WASA" of Liverpool (1919) which caught fire and was taken under tow before she grounded in Balnahard Bay and was subsequently wrecked. She was in ballast at the time. The wreckage was later dynamited by salvors trying to extract copper fittings and scrap, and the bulk of the wreck is about 200 yards offshore. It is now a favoured place for fishing.
Remnants of SS "WASA" at Balnahard
The Magazine Section
