This is the final issue of "The Corncrake" under the original editor and Kevin Byrne would like to thank all readers and contributors for their help and support over the years. We have about 1,600 readers per issue and it is clear from conversation and private correspondence that very little goes un-noticed in these columns. Particular thanks are due to those of our readers who have sent private messages of encouragement and appreciation, some of which have come from singularly august individuals.
"The Corncrake" has achieved some quite remarkable feats, and will hopefully continue to do so. Meanwhile the outgoing editor will address some unfinished business including handling more than 2,000 unread emails; the finishing touches to a new Colonsay book, due for submission to the publishers by 24 October; progressing the 2006 commemorative "Spencer" voyage to Prince Edward Island; working on the Colonsay Biographical Dictionary; and developing the new Family History section of the shortly-to-be-revamped website. Two much larger projects have also been on hold - some method of indexing the extraordinarily extended and complex archive material which has been gathered, and progress on a study of "The McNeill Dynasty in Colonsay 1680 - 1904".
It will be remembered that a modest and unobtrusive commemorative plaque for all victims of the Arandorra Star is planned at Leum a Bhriair. When details are finalised the courtesy of these columns will be sought to announce them and to request help with the cost of same.
Another important project has not been forgotten - the creation of a digital photographic archive. Technically and financially this is well within our local capabilities; once the framework is in place, it becomes a very simple matter to input the raw material. All of us will be aware of heaps of photographs which we treasure, but which will be utterly valueless unless they are properly indexed and captioned. If anybody is interested in such work, please contact Kevin Byrne.
On Tuesday 20th July, in atrocious weather conditions, a very large gathering participated in a simple service to mark the 80th anniversary of the original dedication.
Piper David Johnston opened the proceedings, whereupon Angus MacPhee, Chairman of the Community Council, welcomed all present. Alan Davis, author of a book of commemoration, stepped forward to thank all islanders and officials who had assisted him in his researches. Prof. Parrot (Baptist Union) led the service and gave a brief but inspiring peroration based upon Joshua. Katherine Rennie (Church of Scotland) led the closing prayers, and Seamus McNeill led the singing of "For Those in Peril" and the 23rd Psalm. Our oldest inhabitant, Dugie MacGilvary, then stepped forward to place a beautiful lily-wreath, generously provided by Mr & Mrs David Johnston. Davie Sutherland, British Legion fund-raiser in Colonsay, recited the roll of honour and reminded us that "They Shall not Grow Old". The proceedings were then brought to a fitting close when the piper played "The Flowers o' The Forest".
Mr. Dugie MacGilvary laid the wreath
Alan Davis has written a carefully researched and most informative book to commemorate all those who are recorded on the Colonsay war-memorial, or whose remains came ashore and are buried here. This book has now been launched and the original or subscriber's edition has already sold out.
A paperback edition has also been produced, and is now on sale at £10 per copy. Please note that this is also in the form of a limited edition - if you are anxious to obtain a copy, please contact byrne@colonsay.org.uk or order through www.houseoflochar.com The book has been produced for the benefit of future generations and copies will be lodged in all the copyright libraries. The author has pledged all royalties for the Poppy Appeal.
An independent review of "Colonsay's Fallen" is not yet to hand, but could be submitted to The Corncrake for consideration by the new editor.
Signing the Subscribers' Edition
A fine three-masted schooner arrived at Colonsay last week, the "Maja" from Denmark. The owner and skipper is Joacim Bollehuus and he kindly gave a tour of this very fine ship, built in 1916 and maintained to a very high standard. The accommodation comprises forward quarters for the permanent crew plus a very large saloon cabin with 24 bunks for the passengers. All bunks are recessed individually, the saloon has good ventilation and light and has two well-appointed shower-rooms.
The galley is commodious and well-equipped, and the dining saloon seats about 20 people at a sitting. One noticed that the schooner rig permits all work to be done from the security of the deck, with little need for anyone to go aloft. There is a powerful engine, good winch and all modern navigational aids, although the helmsman stands out on deck in the traditional manner.
It is hoped that we may at last have found the vessel we need for the 2006 voyage from Colonsay to Prince Edward Island. Over the next few weeks, we will see if it is possible to make a firm arrangement - if so, The Corncrake will carry details and a dedicated page will be created elsewhere on the website. Participation will be open to people living in Colonsay and to descendants of those who made the original crossing on the "Spencer" in 1806; possibly we can make two trips, since PEI to Colonsay might be equally attractive.
If we go ahead, we will establish a list of intending passengers and will open an escrow account with a bank. Those intending to travel will make regular payments into the account, so as to ease the pain and so as to give a guarantee to the skipper and all fellow-travellers. In addition, some places will be held back so that we can seek to interest a television company in the potential of the adventure. Once the project is under way, we may seek charitable status and undertake various fund-raising ventures so as to minimise the cost. It is early days yet, but good rapport was established with Skipper Bollehuus and we hope to make progress. There is a website in Danish at www.skonnerten-maja.dk
On August 25th it will be 100 years since ownership of Colonsay passed to the Howard family from their second (?) cousins, the McNeills. Curiously enough, it now emerges that the McNeills were also related to their predecessors, the MacDonalds, so there might be something like another millennium celebration on the horizon.
Meantime, one would not wish this important family milestone to pass unremarked so Colonsay Community Council has invited Alex and his family to participate in a traditional sailing race. Colonsay Yacht Club will be entering "Sula" to represent CCC and there is talk of secret modifications to her keel; the crew have been selected and are training vigourously. Alex has yet to nominate his craft, but details of the handicapping will then be determined.
Weather permitting, the event is planned for 2pm on Saturday 21st August, over the usual triangular course. Other craft will be most welcome to participate, but crews must attend a pre-race briefing and proper buoyancy aids must be worn for the race and any associated activity. Everything and everyone is participating, watching or passing-by at their own exclusive risk.
For details, look for notices at the pier etc. Some help will be needed in preparations and Kevin Byrne will be glad to hear from volunteers.
In a gesture which appeals to many residents, the council have sited a bottle bank and paper recycling bin in Colonsay, at the quarry. There is no denying that this is good practice, and it is to be hoped that everyone takes full advantage of this extremely expensive facility. If each container costs £2,000 and has a "life" of ten years and an assumed uplift once per year, the capital cost is £200 per load; to this must be added £294.20 freight charge and (say) £100 p.a. to maintain the immediate environs of each bin. At £600 per tonne, Colonsay broken glass will be a luxury item. It is a misfortune that the use of the facility will tend to act against the justification for the weekly visit of the bin lorry, which we are unable to fill and for which the ferry ticket costs £384.72 (Maybe this is why the Hall Committee stuck with the normal bin-lorry service after the ceilidh on Saturday night).
Now that we have made a start on the inert and inoffensive end of the problem, better things may follow. At present, despite years of pleading, there is NO facility for the disposal and re-cycling of used oil in Colonsay. A moment's calculation suggests that about 500 gallons of oil per year is being dumped hither-and-yon about the island. Cooking oil from the school, the pantry and the hotel, lubrication oil from diggers, tractors, cars, mowers, boats and generators is all being smeared around in our fragile environment. Unlike paper and glass, it is neither inert nor inoffensive, and it also differs in being a valuable and easily-recycled resource. A very neat unit has been in use at Port Askaig for years and might serve as a model. Perhaps the Community Council could seek some action in the matter.
NOOKS & CRANNIES: Uamh Ur - "The New Cave"
This cave was systematically explored by Symington Grieve between 1879 and 1881, and he was intrigued to discover bones of red deer as well of those of "unclean animals" such as horse and pig, which he attributed to pre-Christian occupation. The cave runs about 80ft into the cliff at Kiloran, and has a substantial cross-arm, running 40ft to the left and about 120 ft to the right. There is a "well" at the end of the shorter transept, there is a whetsone for sharpening swords at the junction, and there are stalactites in the right hand chamber (very delicate, not to be touched).
The cave is treacherous of access, extremely dark and probably best ignored. But then again … if you do go, be sure to bring two good torches and to tell somebody where you have gone. Go past Kiloran Bay towards Uragaig until you reach the fine stand of wheely-bins on your right; there is a low cliff on your right, covered in honeysuckle. Follow the line of the curving cliff towards the north, following it in a gentle curve as it descends towards the sea. In about 50 metres you will find yourself in a circular hollow - this is a mistake, you have entered a cul-de-sac so go back and continue to follow the original curve for another 50 metres. At this point you will be confronted by a giant bramble entanglement … towards the left you will find it possible to creep into it, crossing moss-covered treacherous and unstable ankle-crushing rocks. After you have crawled and slithered about 10 metres you will find yourself at the entrance to the cave, small and uninviting. Best to send a small boy ahead at this point, for fear of otters etc., but once you are safely inside it opens up into a very wide and comfortable, sweet-smelling sort of a place.
The ceilidh season is in full swing, and the cricket match against the mainlanders was much enjoyed despite driving rain and winds gusting up to Force 7; work has started on nought-point-five Glassard; Andrew MacGregor has gone (by plane rather than by "Heidi") to check out the new Trans-Australia railway line; population is up by two, now the the Butchers have moved in; Rena is back home after a few weeks away at Oban; very few car crashes this week, but we did hear that a notorious "boy racer" got hold of a roller and coped it at Maggie Thomson's; a visitor's car was badly damaged by a hit-and-run driver at the hotel carpark; Alex has a new engine in his plane; the island population was boosted by a record 468 overnight visitors on Monday, the highest total population since 1861; and the aliens are back, this time leaving a neat crop-mark impression of their mystery craft:
Please note that there is also a Notice Board on the Homepage; anybody wishing to publicise any event or attraction is invited to send details to the Editor.
Mondays, 6 - 7pm in Hall - YOGA @ £2.00 per session. Call Jo 0789 907 0153 for details
Thursdays, 6.45 - 8pm, Egyptian Dance Class. Contact Miki 200358
August 3rd - Pedie and Jen in concert
August 7th - The Visitors' Ceilidh, in aid of Hall funds
August 10th - Pedie and Jen in concert
August 12th - Development ompany's Ceilidh
August 17th - Pedie and Jen in concert
August 21st - Golf Club Ceilidh
August 24th - Pedie and Jen in concert
August 31st - Pedie and Jen in concert
Badminton on every Tuesday and Thursday
Football on Wednesdays
Colonsay House & Gardens, open each Wednesday 12 - 5pm. Light lunches and Afternoon Teas. Also Fridays, 3 - 5pm Afternoon Teas
Lobster and Crab: Freshly caught, telephone Bill Lawson 01951 200315
Village Hall for rent: Ceilidhean, dances etc. £50; private parties £75; weddings £100
The Pantry Restaurant:
Sunday 2.30 - 8pm
Monday - Friday 9am - 8pm
Saturday 9am - 6pm
The Village Stores
Monday - Friday 9am - 1pm; 2pm - 5.30pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm
CHURCH SERVICES: Weekly Services are held each Sunday at 11.30 a.m. The Church of Scotland and the Baptist Church work closely together and frequently hold joint services - please see notice at Shop for details of venue. All are welcome and our visitors are cordially invited to join the island congregation. Immediate schedule is:
8th August - Church of Scotland
15th August - Baptist Church
22nd Augusr - Church of Scotland
29th August - Baptist Church
5th September - Church of Scotland
12th September - Baptist Church
19th September - Church of Scotland
26th September - Baptist Church
BOAT TRIPS: Daily boat trips operate throughout the season; details are elsewhere on this site, also comprehensive brochures are available at Hotel, Shop, Pantry, Bookshop etc.
Note: On most Saturdays, an all-day guided trip to the top of the Paps of Jura (2,570ft)
IONA ... All day trip to Iona, August 7, August 21
Colonsay Boat Hire
Clan Macfie will be holding its 15th International Gathering and 9th Clan Parliament in Inverness from 6th to 11th September 2005. This will be followed immediately by a Clan visit to the historic homeland the Islands of Colonsay and Oronsay.
Dates for the Colonsay visit are (subject to CalMac timetables in 2005) arrive on Sunday 11th September, depart on Wednesday 14th September or later should members so wish.
All Clan members have been notified that they are individually responsible for arranging their own accommodation reservations and payments.
Further details from: Clan Macfie Secretariat Email: macfie@austarnet.com.au
Clan Macfie Home Page address: http://home.austarnet.com.au/macfie/macfie.htm
For convenience of readers, letters now appear in two sections. Anything to do with current events appears here, and letters to do with the Magazine section or historical research etc. will appear at the end of the Magazine section.
Hello Kevin,
My computer tells me Corncrake No. 100 is due to appear on the 1st August and you have already told us you will be handing it over to a new editor when No. 100 is posted up.
While Helen and I have enjoyed Corncrake for so many years and are sorry to see you hand over the reins, we do understand. We both thank you for the hours of enjoyable readinhg you have provided, and for being our contact with those islands that mean so much to us.
Too, as Commander of Clan Macfie, I thank you sincerely on behalf of all Clan Macfie readers for the interesting and informative content that has kept the worldwide membership of the Clan in touch with "home".
We all wish you the very best for the future and look forward to seeing you and Christa next year.
Sandy McPhie
Commander of Clan Macfie
Clan Macfie Secretariat
macfie@austarnet.com.au
Clan Macfie Homepage
http://home.austarnet.com.au/macfie/macfie.htm
The Magazine Section