For the first time in its long and celebrated history, the Corncrake has undergone a change of Editor.
A huge debt of gratitude and appreciation is owed by all Corncrake aficianados to Kevin, who single-handedly brought to life all 100 issues to date and whose TLC has made each issue of the Corncrake an eagerly awaited event in the lives of the growing number of readers (circa 1,600 per issue at the last count).
Many superlatives have been sought and expressed by many in an attempt to define the qualities of Kevin's Editorship, but to list them all here would of course take up an inordinate amount of web space and still singularly fail to fully capture the uniqueness of his contribution.
Suffice to say that a great many Corncrake readers have revealed that their anticipation in logging on to the Corncrake has not been concerned solely with the news content but with the presentation of same. Kevin indeed will be an extremely difficult (if not impossible!) act to follow. Our only consolation in his departure from the Editor's chair is that the free time now at his disposal will undoubtedly yield
further, future literary and historical harvests for our consumption and delectation.
Technical difficulties in transferring the Corncrake software between computers has delayed the arrival of this issue of the Corncrake but, thanks to the intervention of Dominic Cornford, all will be better in future. Sincere apologies to all readers for the delay - hopefully this will not be repeated! This unscheduled delay has allowed the Editor-in-Waiting a little breathing space, but has also prompted a number of enquiries from readers as to whether the Corncrake will in future be issued fortnightly or monthly. The answer, or decision, is of course ultimately with the wishes of the readership and the Editor would be pleased to hear your views. Similarly, the Editor is keen to have as many people involved with the Corncrake as may wish, in terms of features, articles, regular columns etc etc so please get in touch if you feel you may be able to contribute in any way.(E.mail address). In the interim it is hoped that the Corncrake will continue the established tradition of fortnightly appearances.
As reported in the last issue, a bottle bank and paper recycling bin have arrived on Colonsay. These units have now been removed from the quarry and are now to be found at the edge of the Calmac car park. It is the Editor's belief that there is no truth in the story that two men were seen with arms stuck in the bottle bank, having put in the full bottle of whisky and not the empty one….
Colonsay took another brave leap into the new century when broadband was activated on the island on August 2nd. Although not all broadband subscribers have yet "surfed the supersonic net", those that have report that they no longer have the time to brew a pot of tea while trying to log on to pick up their e.mails. Ah, how technology touches our lives.
The island was recently visited by chimney sweeps representing the Housing Association and the 9 houses involved duly had their chimneys swept. Whilst the import to the island (at considerable cost) of this specialised labour meant no lucrative remuneration for our resident chimney sweeping experts, we can perhaps take comfort in the hope that at least the soot garnered was exported to the mainland.
A marriage ceremony was conducted on Oronsay on Saturday Aug 14th when Daniel Gray, son of former Oronsay farmer John and his wife Dinah pledged his troth to his fiancée Sarah. The weather was fine and all went smoothly and the day judged by all concerned to have been a great success. The celebrations culminated in a reception/ceilidh in the Hall to which islanders had very kindly been invited. Whilst the wedding party danced and jigged the night away until 2am, they could not match the stamina of the locals who attended, who apparently danced and air-guitared into the very wee sma' hours…
MEDICAL USE OF PLANTS AND HERBS
The Corncrake has been contacted by an Edinburgh girl, Annette Greenfield, currently in her 4th and final year at the University of Wales where she is studying towards a degree in Herbal Medicine. Annette is researching the traditional uses of plants as medicine in the Western Highlands and Islands and is basing the core of her research on first-hand information ie travelling to meet with people and recording their stories of plant remedies that they benefitted from personally or which were handed down from older relatives or acquaintances. Annette intends visiting Colonsay later in the year and if any reader would be willing to share any relevant knowledge with her, she would be pleased to hear from you. Annette can be contacted on 0131 331 4551 or by email at a.greenfield1@btinternet.com.
The Corncrake is in receipt, through Clan Commander AC (Sandy) McPhie of Queensland,Australia, of the latest issue of the Clan Macfie News. As well as a mention in this particular issue of the sole remaining Colonsay Macphee, Angus, we learn that the 15th International Gathering and 9th Parliament of Clan Macfie is to take place in Inverness,Scotland from the 6th to the 11th of September 2005. This will be followed by a Clan visit to its ancestral and spiritual home of Colonsay and Oronsay from the 11th to the 14th of September. Angus is reportedly already brushing up his dancing skills.
Island residents were recently saddened to hear that local resident and artist Wendy Radcliffe has put her Glassard house on the market, having made a decision to relocate to the island of Luing. Wendy has already acquired a house on Luing and hopes to move there during the course of the next few weeks. Whilst the move will give Wendy easier access to the mainland to visit family and friends, no doubt she will not sorely miss the noise of the pecker being used to break rock in Glassard for the new houses currently being built there. All island residents wish her well and look forward to seeing her again when she undoubtedly returns for wee visits in the future.
If any reader aspires to owning No5 Glassard, details and particulars of the property may be obtained from DM Mackinnon Estates on 01631 566122 or by e.mail at jwilson@dmkestates.co.uk or www.dmkestates.co.uk
The picturesque Church of Scotland in Scalasaig was recently the scene of a rare event for Colonsay - the holding of a Roman Catholic Mass. The new parish priest for Lochgilphead, Father Michael Hudson, visited the island for a few hours on Wednesday August 18th and performed the Mass for Colonsay's Roman Catholics - apparently the first parochial Mass said on the island for over10 years. It is not known if Father Michael found the congregation in dire need of ministration, but he quickly cleared his diary for an urgent return in October…..
The main link to the mainland is obviously of crucial importance to the island and therefore the following article which appeared in the most recent newletter of the Scottish Islands website (www.scottishislands.org.uk) is reprinted here:
Public Enquiry Will Decide Oban Linkspan Debate
Lengthy talks between ferry operators Caledonian MacBrayne, the Scottish Executive, Argyll & Bute Council and groups objecting to Calmac's plans for a second linkspan at Oban harbour failed to reach any satisfactory outcome for all parties involved. Calmac is arguing for a second linkspan to cope with increasing volumes of traffic travelling on ferries to and from Oban and to act as a back-up in case the existing linkspan breaks down. The lack of a second facility is placing current ferry operations in jeopardy and curtailing plans to expand existing services. Islands currently served by ferries from Oban include Islay, Colonsay, Mull, Lismore, Coll, Tiree, Barra and South Uist.
However, other groups using the harbour who object to the idea of a new linkspan in principle have opposed the existing plans - arguing that they would create safety issues and reduce the berthing currently available for other vessels using the pier.
A lengthy public enquiry by the Scottish Executive will now determine whether or not the new linkspan will go ahead. If approved, the earliest the new linkspan could be installed would be 2006.
The Scottish Islands website has also recently been conducting a survey into petrol costs in the islands and in their June newsletter it was reported that, at 94.3 pence per litre, South Uist had the highest petrol prices in the U.K. They do now appear to have the full facts before them and the following appears in the current Newsletter:
"But topping the chart at a whopping £1.05 per litre is the Isle of Colonsay (almost 30% higher than the U.K. average!!). It is also worth noting that the petrol station on Colonsay is run as a non-profit making enterprise by the local Colonsay Community
Development Company".
Remedial work continues apace on the former Oronsay boat and Jim McLoughlin has been seen whizzing in and out of Scalasaig harbour, conducting engine tests. Indeed, such has been Jim's speed on these occasions that by a unanimous decision, he has been elected as a member of the fledgling but illustrious EBRYC. The makers of the EBRYC teeshirt (mandatory wear) are now planning expansion and with Kevin now reporting speeds of 13mph, the committee of the EBRYC is currently considering extending the offer of membership to the skipper of Lady Jayne…….
The island summer population was swollen early in the month of August when a party of 28 Canadians and Americans arrived on Colonsay for a short but poignant visit. Although not all bearing the surname Macdonald, the party were all descended from one single Macdonald who emigrated from Colonsay in 1806. This was perhaps one of the passengers on board The Spencer, which left Scalasaig harbour in June 1806 carrying 150 Colonsay souls to a new life on Prince Edward Island (coincidently, see the Magazine Section below). Perhaps on of the family could remind us of the details?
THE RHYTHM OF THE FALLING RAIN
The significant activity that house- building is currently on Colonsay suffered a double setback early in the month. Firstly, there has been the prolonged enforced absence from work of that powerhouse of progress, Don Macleod, who has been suffering severe back and leg pain and was off the island on two separate occasions
undergoing treatment at the hospital in Oban. Don recently returned to work but has yet to make a full recovery.
Secondly, in common with the mainland and indeed much of the European continent,
Colonsay has suffered from some very unseasonable and prolonged spells of rain. This of course adversely affected growing crops as much as it did house-building, leaving Nigel doubly affected. His response was however typically phlegmatic :"A bit rain's nothing - all part of a farmer's lot".
The longest spell of rain, from the 8th to the 11th of the month, also unfortunately coincided with the first visit to the island of Trevor Martin and his family. Trevor, one of Ireland's most lauded singer/songwriters, guested with local musicians at the Visitors' Ceilidh and, despite the days of rain, has promised to return, if only to apologise to Scalasaig residents kept awake by his al fresco singing into the post-ceilidh dawn. The Editor believes however that Trevor's was not the only voice drowning out the corncrakes that night….
The annual Colonsay Open Golf Competition was held on Saturday 21st August in glorious sunshine. Enthusiasts gathered at the hotel around midday where excellent soup and sandwiches were served. The draw for players duly done, everyone made their way to the golf course for the first tee off around 1.00pm. As players returned their score cards, it became obvious that this years competition was going to be close. At the Ceilidh held in the village hall that evening, prizes were presented by Christine Bailey as follows:
Benoran Trophy 1st Iain Congdon, 2nd Nico Furz, 3rd Steven Mac Allister
Scratch Trophy 1st Iain Congdon, 2nd equal, Steven MacAllister and Nico Furz,
3rd Stuart Ferguson
Best Local Trophy Steven MacAllister
Nearest the Pin John Sibley
Longest Drive Iain Congdon
Highest Score Daniel Castles
Seniors Ken Chadwick and Walter Williams
Best Caddie Rachel Middleton
The Ceilidh also proved to be a huge success with everyone dancing enthusiastically to music provided by Donald MacAllister (jnr). The Golf Club Committee would like to thank everyone concerned for making the whole day so enjoyable, but in particular thank the following for sponsoring prizes:
Colonsay Hotel, Colonsay Shop, The Pantry, Glencruitten Golf Club, Oban Distillery and Bruichladdich Distillery.
For your diaries, next years competition will be held on Saturday 20th August.
For readers information, fleeces, sweatshirts, polo shirts and caps bearing the Colonsay Golf Club logo are now on sale. An excellent Christmas present!! Contact Colonsay Hotel for details.
Whilst the golf match was underway in the West of the island, an event to mark the Howard family's 100 years ownership of Colonsay was underway in the East.
This was the much anticipated sailing race between the Howard family and representatives of Colonsay Community Council. Alex nominated "Kestrel" as his craft whilst "Sula" was entered by Colonsay Yacht Club under the skipperage of Alistair Watkins, at that time holidaying in Angus and Jen's "Drumbuie" in Uragaig.
Lord Strathcona, Angus and Millie assisted Alex whilst Alistair's daughters Anna and Rosie assisted their father.
Our first photograph shows the two craft making their way out of Scalasaig in almost perfect sailing conditions and a large (and thirsty) crowd watched as Kestrel took up an early lead. A fascinating 3 mile race ensued and whilst Kestrel eventually crossed the finishing line first, the previously agreed handicapping system meant victory for Sula by the narrowest of margins.
Kevin Byrne presented the prize, a copy of Murdoch McNeill's book on Colonsay and temporary (very) custodianship of the Regatta Cup. Meanwhile, Alex was magnanimous in defeat and dispensed drinks to the (still thirsty) assembled crowd.
A great and memorable day was had by all and a century truly commemorated.
The ceilidh season reached its peak during August with highly successful and enjoyable ceilidhean being held each Saturday during the month ; Pedie and Jen's concerts continued to exercise a magnetic pull on visitors and residents alike, culminating in a full house for their final concert of the season on the 24th ; Miki and Tom's welcome return to Colonsay has come to an end - one visitor was heard to remark that friends back in Ireland wouldn't believe that he learned Egyptian dancing from an Australian girl on a remote Scottish island ; Keir's tenure as barman in the Hotel has also come to an end , but his sister and her friend Sam continue to dispense youthful exuberance to Hotel clients ; the owners of Maclennan's Transport visited and arranged a meeting in the Hotel on the 23rd, promising to give due consideration to numerous concerns aired and to respond to same formally through the Community Council. Around 100 intending travellers were left stranded on the evening of Sunday 29th August when the "Lord Of The Isles" failed to make an appearance due to technical failure. Confusion reigned on the Monday when, at short notice, Calmac arranged a relief ferry, the "Isle Of Arran", at 2.30pm. News of the sailing spread like wildfire, Margaret MacDougall on Oronsay for example, alerting visitors to the Priory and a goodly number eventually reached the mainland later in the day. Normal services have now been resumed.
Please note that there is also a Notice Board on the Homepage; anyone 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
Badminton on every Tuesday and Thursday
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
Please note new opening times from August 30th:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9am - 12.45pm; 2pm - 5.30pm
Tuesday and Saturday 9am - 1pm
Sunday - day of rest!
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:
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)
Colonsay Boat Hire
The Colonsay school bus remains on the mainland undergoing extensive and extremely costly repair. Meanwhile,the children of the island having returned to school on August 18th, a temporary bus has appeared bearing the name of the hiring company, F.L.I.T. It is hoped by all islanders that this is not an acronym for Fast Learner-driver's Immobile Target….
Also on the subject of vehicles, the white,lesser-spotted Pocklington Clio has been sighted on the island again after a seemingly interminable migration to the mainland;
And congratulations to Jenny Mcneill, currently resident in Glencoe with husband Hughie and family, who has passed her driving test.
The peaceful idyll that Colonsay represents for so many was shattered yet again in the early morning of Wednesday 19th August. Just after 1am a young male visitor with 3 passengers lost control of his vehicle after crossing the cattle grid on the road to Glassard. The car hit the ditch to the left of the road and the speed of the impact somersaulted the vehicle into the air, spun it around and it landed on its roof facing the way it had just come. Within minutes help was at hand and Dr John was soon in attendance. Miraculously, all 4 occupants of the car escaped with minor cuts and bruising.
The effect of yet another accident has however reverberated around the island and, fearing greater catastrophe, petitions have been raised and calls made for a public meeting in a concerted effort by the residents to see what can best be done to stem the spate of road accidents which have scarred the island this summer. The evolving debate promises to be full and frank - watch this space…..
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.
No letters for publication this week
The Magazine Section