Corncrake Body 1

Hugh of the Glen Vindicated

The story of Hugh of the Glen is well known (see pp. 188-189 of Loder, 2nd edition). It seems that, in a vision in the early 19th century, he foresaw a large scale military funeral in Colonsay. Loder mentions a route from Garvard, whereas the late Para Mor MacAllister described the tradition of the cortege going "across the golf course", but both versions suggested a procession over a mile in length.
Loder, talking about the opening years of the twentieth century, mentions that "when the fleet came to Colonsay, there were people who expected the vision to come true", but leaves the matter at that point. He then goes on to describe the naval gunnery trials of September 1913, in the presence of Winston Churchill, first Lord of the Admiralty.
Para Mor, on the other hand, maintained that there had indeed been a funeral. As he described the matter, the fleet had been hereabouts for weeks on end and the sailors were becoming disenchanted. Then an unfortunate accident occurred, in which a relatively humble crew member was killed in an explosion, and it was decided to give him a full scale military funeral so as to occupy the men and raise morale. In this way, Hugh's vision came to be fulfilled.
There the matter has stood for many years, but a recent visitor to Colonsay, with no knowledge of Hugh's vision, asked for a lift to the graveyard, in search of the grave of a sailor called Prior. No such grave is marked, but the visitor then described the deceased as having been killed in a gunnery explosion during those pre-war trials and went on to say that the circumstances are recorded in the "Naval Gazette". According to her story, the official account records the fact that Winston Churchill was at the graveside.
This most interesting information has now been thoroughly confirmed, through the kindness of a correspondent, the great-niece of the deceased. This lady has expressed her pleasure that the story is remembered here, and provides additional detail:
"Richard Prior was a master gunner in the Royal Marine detachment aboard the battleship "King Edward VII" which was part of the fleet off Colonsay to test a new gun. So important was the exercise that the First Lord of the Admiralty Mr. Winston Churchill and Mrs. Churchill were watching the exercise from Colonsay, and they were quartered aboard the battleship HMS "Enchantress". According to the "Chatham Express" (Richard came from Chatham) a shell stuck in the breech and, as Richard was trying to clear it, the shell exploded, killing him and injuring three others. I have a letter from the Captain of the ship, Captain Heaton Ellis, to my Great Grandmother, dated September 18th 1912 (from which I give) the following extract:

"The accident happened during night practice at 10.15pm on September 16th when a shell exploded in the breech of the gun. Part of the shell struck your son ... killing him instantly, we are quite sure that he could not have suffered.
"Your son has been laid to rest in the cemetery at this beautiful place with all the impressiveness of a naval funeral and the solemnity of that beautiful Service. The First Lord of the Admiralty attended the service as did Admiral Burney, myself and representatives of all the officers messes.""

Richard was 31 years old and unmarried, the eldest of seven sons. Five of his six brothers perished in the Great War:

James Prior, killed at sea 22 September 1914
Charles Prior killed in Belgium 23 December 1914
Harry Prior killed on the Somme 7 October 1916
Archibald Prior killed at Arras 3 May 1917
Herbert Prior killed at sea 30 October 1918

Our correspondent goes on to say that "I am intrigued to hear that his grave is not commemorated since, in his letter of 18 September 1912, the Captain of "King Edward VII" wrote that the shipmates of Richard had collected enough money for a headstone to be erected."

It is surely high time for such a stone to be erected, and it is to be hoped that someone will come forward to arrange this. "The Corncrake" will be ready to give any possible support, and appeals for somebody to advance this worthy cause.

Strange Carryings-0n (and off)

Figures for CalMac's services to Colonsay this summer are now available. The figures reveal that traffic on the "Port Askaig/Colonsay" route is well down:
table14

APRIL-JUNE	PASSENGERS	CARS	COMMERCIALS	CV's by length
2000	4785	1273	135	1498.5 m.
1999	5775	1574	239	2548.0 m.
DIFFERENCE	17.1% down	19.1% down	43.5% down	41.2% down

On the other hand, traffic on the Oban route is running at record levels:

APRIL-JUNE	PASSENGERS	CARS	COMMERCIALS	CV's by length
2000	5837	995	51	558.4
1999	3103	667	24	220.1
DIFFERENCE	88.1% up	49.2% up	112.5% up	153.7% up

At first, one might query the accuracy of the figures - there were twenty four Islay sailings in that period of 1999 and eighteen in 2000, so the average CV length carried was 106.16m each way last year and 83.25m in the current year. An articulated lorry is about 15 metres long, so it suggests an equivalence of about 7 articulated lorries coming and going on an average Wednesday boat last year, down to a mere five-and-a-half this year. One has to hope that no prospective bidder for the route accepts these figures at face value since, as far as is known, the greatest number of articulated lorries in Colonsay in the entire history of the world has not exceeded four at any one time.

Under the circumstances, one must assume that the "Port Askaig/Colonsay" figures are in fact aggregate figures to describe total activity on the Wednesday sailing Kennacraig/Oban. Thus, in addition to the 7 artics. coming and going on every boat, there should have been 66 cars. With an average of 266 passengers on the route this year, it makes the average Oban crossing look rather empty with only 112 Colonsay folk. Last year, there would have been 240 people on the Islay boat, and only 59 on the Oban run.

It would be nice to have a formal interpretation of the figures, but they do seem to suggest that traffic to Colonsay is running at a record level, and that any fall in traffic to Islay may be understated due to the underlying strength of our own demand. Certainly the figures do seem to confirm local perceptions - most people agree that this has been a record year, and that the pier staff in Colonsay deserve a handsome bonus.

Construction News

# 1 Glassard has timber framing in place, everything else is going according to plan and additional works are appearing. Pede and Carol are building a new agricultural shed at Drumclach, site plans for four new houses at Scalasaig have been published and a very large lorry has delivered materials to permit the reconstruction of the chimneys on the existing houses at Glen Odhran. Two additional houses at Kilchattan are thought to be imminent, and plans for two "workshop units" have been revealed.

The workshop units are intended to provide modest "start-up" facilities for new enterprise; they are quite small but will be fully equipped to modern standards. Unfortunately, when the plans were examined at a public meeting on Monday 21 August, they were felt to be disappointing. Their location was not a problem, but their orientation was unexpected (presenting a bunker-like wall of concrete towards the pier) and they seemed at odds with their surroundings and function. Further consultation has been requested, although those present do recognise the difficulty of designing something without specific brief. Perhaps this could be Colonsay's answer to the Dome?

Big Licks!

The bench near the old Weighing Machine at the pier seemed a convenient spot to sit quietly, enjoying a book, whilst awaiting the ferry on Friday night. The lady became more and more engrossed, and as her head leaned forward the back of her neck visibly lengthened. One of Jane's cows was grazing quietly nearby and slowly moved towards the back of the bench, paused, straightened up - leaned forward and, with quiet deliberation, licked the full length of the lady's neck, to her complete surprise and the inexpressable satisfaction of one and all. Archie and Susan nearly fell out of their cab with laughter. This may not be big news, but it was a highlight of the evening!

More prosaically, the harvest seems to be going well, but the extraordinarily dry summer is presenting some slight problems in providing stock with drinking water. A specialist team from the Loch Gruinard reserve spent a week on the RSPB farm in Oransay and made short work of the silage making.

Snippets

A boat stranded on rocks near the perch had an undignified afternoon but was fortunately undamaged; exam results have been received with satisfaction - all details are unfortunately not to hand but we know that Mairi has done well and is planning a year out, also "Donald McAllister passed 6 highers (maths, physics amongst others) -four of them brilliantly. He starts his Electrical Apprenticeship with Bruno now and that includes periods at James Watt College Greenock. First day at college is this Monday. His father, Donald is also triumphant as he is the overall winner of last Sunday's Colonsay Golf Open"; particular congratulations go to Sandy Abrahams for her outstanding success (four "A"'s in Highers); two Sea King helicopters were here for a brief jolly and treated the schoolchildren to a fly-past; Rhoda Grant, the Highlands and Islands MSP, spent a day in Colonsay and consulted widely; a family have offered to sponsor a paintjob and overhaul for "Sula" this winter - can you do the work? Contact the Editor. The "Medical Equipment" Ceilidh was a big success from what one hears, as was Brian MacNeill's concert. "A big visitors barbecue took place on Kiloran bay on Tuesday night. In fact rumour has it that it was two rival parties at either end of the beach. Either way most of the residents of Holland Park and Notting Hill were there and consequently Jeannie reports things have been very quiet in the Portobello Road!" The "Oban Times" reports that an application for European funds has been submitted in respect of Colonsay's air service.

Nooks and Crannies: The Brangas Stone

This stone is at the northern corner of the upper end of the small corrie above Coire nan Caorach, to the east of Maol Chlibhe. The corrie runs south-west to north-east and has a marshy bottom which is a growing bog - (Grieve). The easiest approach is turn up the hill about 50 yards west of Port Mor and Gart a' Gobhan, follow that hollow to the very top, then poke about to your left.
"The Brangas Stone is also known as the Stone of Punishment, and is hog-backed. It is 5 feet 10 inches in length, and its breadth at the broadest part is 25 inches. Its thickness at the thickest part, measured perpendicularly is 1 foot 6 inches.
"The stone rests upon two pillars of built dry stone neatly fitted together. The stones composing these are more or less angular, but are laid laterally, and the joints where each stone meets are wonderfully close..... beneath the stone and between the pillars is a hole full of water which has been searched with the hand (October 1921), and nothing found in the bottom of it but mud. ... It may possibly be one of the stones the pagan Norsemen used for breaking men upon." (Grieve).

Nature Notes:

Mackerel are now off the north end of the island, Gannets are still plentiful, also terns in big numbers. The bell heather is beautiful, although others seem to have been affected by the drought - but there are splendid displays of ling just above Milbuie Brae. Wild mushrooms are in profusion and the blackberries are promising. During the last week there have been large balls of mist, about 10 feet in diameter, drifting across the island and only a few feet above the ground; perhaps they were a precursor of the thick seamist experienced on the 25th.
Within the next few weeks, there should be opportunity to see "Will o' the Wisp", but it needs to be a calm, clear night with temperature inversion. The best time is between 2 am and dawn, in complete darkness (it will be utterly invisible otherwise). Good locations are the bog just south of the Sguid Bhride s-bends at Machrins, also the bog on the right after you have passed up Milbuie Brae and start to descend Bruthach Achaidh nan Darraich.

What's On in Colonsay

There is a lot happening and it is best to look out for the notices at shop and elsewhere:
Helen MacPherson and Tim Dew will be getting married in Colonsay next weekend, and we wish them every happiness.
The September Shoot - clay pigeon shooting at September weekend, Machrins.
An exhibition in "The Upper Room", featuring the oeuvre of a party of artists who were working in Colonsay earlier this year - details in shop.
An exhibition of work by Colonsay and Oransay artists is open before the arrival of each ferry, and is mounted in the Pier Waiting Room.
The Colonsay and Oronsay Heritage Trust is running a series of exhibitions in the Old Waiting Room, times as advertised (usually around boat time; going by past experience, these are absolutely first class and the schedule is as follows:
6th August - 1st September Veronica Togneri Weaving and Patchwork
3rd - 10th September Time & Place Heritage and Environment Exhibition
11th - 22nd September Kilchattan Primary School
Colonsay House Gardens are open to the public every Wednesday, and the woodland gardens are open every day.Light lunches are available on Wednesdays, with an emphasis on organic ingredients. Please note that fresh vegetables are available for sale.
There are regular BBQ's at the hotel - see notices for details; also Malt Whisky tasting weekend.
Quiz night - every Wednesday at the hotel.
Religious Services each Sunday are at 11.00 in Church of Scotland and 12.00 in the Baptist Church. All are welcome.

The Magazine Section

Building a House in Colonsay

Building a House on Colonsay

Chapter 6

So where are we now?

From the outside it doesn�t look as if much has happened in the last two weeks or so and as a result I am not putting in a new picture this time. But just to make you all jealous I am putting in a view from the Living room window.

Inside progress has been made and all sorts of small pieces of wood have been cut to size and nailed in position so that as soon as needed plasterboard can be fitted to walls and ceilings.

This seems to be the time of problems. First of all the Architect came for one of his visits of inspection and spotted that the kit manufacturer had arranged the framework for the porch to be connected directly to the main timber framework. This looks at first (or even later) sight to be logical, until you stop and think how the blockwork outer shell is to be supported round and above the porch. A second look at the Architect's drawings shows that the block work for the house was to be completed first, and only then should the frame for the porch have been added. So Don will have to cut about 200 millimetres off the porch roof and a reinforced concrete lintel will be put in over the inner front door to support the blockwork above. No problem then with the finished quality and I get a porch a bit bigger than expected!

The other problem of the moment is to do with transport. We are waiting for the timber flooring to arrive. We know it was delivered to MacLennan�s in Oban last Tuesday. It was on the freight manifest on Wednesday, but still hasn�t appeared on Friday night. Usually cargo not being delivered but on the manifest would give cause for great concern, but in this case the gravest charge being levelled at anyone is that of incompetence in the freight department.

As a result of this lack of floor, Bruno is held up from running pipes and cables and work is at a temporary, and we hope, brief halt. This is probably not as serious as it sounds as it means that everyone can get on with Jenny and Hughie�s house; then when they move on to mine again, they can work straight on without having any breaks in continuity. Well that�s the theory anyway!

THE COLONSAY REGISTER

The following is the first draft of a Register which will be associated with the Genealogy section of the Colonsay Website. It is hoped that it will evolve, and that one day this first tentative version will be a curiosity.
REGISTER2 THE COLONSAY REGISTER

It is hoped that in due course this register will list all Colonsay and Oronsay residents prior to 1900. In the present phase, listings are restricted to known emigrants. This is an ongoing project and contributions are invited - please submit corrections and/or additions, including reference source. Biographical details will be welcomed.

The main purpose of this register is to enable descendants and researchers to contact one another. Please submit your email address together with details of up to four individuals on the list that are of interest to you, giving "Register contact" in your subject line. Your email address will then be posted up in conjunction with those individuals, thus:

1806 PEI BELL, Angus, 1782-18?? "Spencer" DW anon@colonsay.org.uk example@colonsay.org.uk andanother@anywhereelse.com

Notes: Date normally indicates emigration "in or before" year in question, italics indicate "in or after". Spelling of names may vary. References and additional information have been kept to a minimum at this stage. Date of birth must be assumed to be approximate.

DW=Donald Whyte; LSC=Little Sands Cemetery; WIC=Wood Islands Cemetery; OPR=Old Parish Register

Information is entered in the following order:

DATE... DESTINATION... EMIGRANT'S DETAILS... SHIP... REFERENCES

1774 PEI BELL, Archibald 1774-1835 WIC

1789 Pictou SHAW, Donald "Hector"? DW

1791 N.C. c. 150 people, untraced "Gen. Washington" PRO

1805 PEI CURRIE, Janet 1781-1866 m. Donald MacLean DW

1806 PEI BELL, Angus, 1782-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI BELL, Archibald, 1781-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI BELL, Catherine, 1796-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI BELL, Dugald, 1781-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI BELL, Duncan 1797-1877 "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI BELL, Duncan, 1728-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI BELL, Duncan, 1799-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI BELL, Flora, 1797-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI BELL, Janet, 1788-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI BELL, Janet, 1801-?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI BELL, Malcolm, 1741-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI BELL, Margaret, 1806-?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI BELL, Marion, 1772-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI BELL, Mary, 1791-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI BELL, Nelly, 1794-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI BROWN, Nancy, 1783-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI BUCHANAN, Flora m. Malcolm McEachern "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI CAMPBELL, Hector, 1776-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI CAMPBELL, John 1805-?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI CAMPBELL, Neil 1803 - 18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI CURRIE, Cathrine 1780-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI CURRIE, James 1776-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI CURRIE, James 1781-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI CURRIE, James 1804-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI CURRIE, Jane 1785-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI CURRIE, Janet 1751-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI CURRIE, Mary 1806-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI DARROCH, Angus 1746 -18?? m. Effy McAlister "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI DARROCH, Archibald 1786-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI DARROCH, Cathrine 1776-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI DARROCH, Duncan 1777-1853 m. Mgt McMillan "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI DARROCH, James 1774-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI DARROCH, John 1802-74 res. Clyde River "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI DARROCH, John 1803-?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI DARROCH, Malcolm 1786-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI DARROCH, Malcolm 1786-1864 d. Covehead "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI DARROCH, Nancy 1783-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI DARROCH, Rachel 1769-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI LIVINGSTON, Margaret 1774-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI LIVINGSTON, Mary 1755-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI MacEACHERN, James 1804-82 m. Christie -? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI MacNEIL, Alexander 1779-1863, soldier, deacon DW

1806 PEI McALDRIDGE, Alexander 1801-?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McALDRIDGE, Gilbert 1768-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McALDRIDGE, John 1799-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McALDRIDGE, John 1805-?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McALDRIDGE, Peter 1803-?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McALISTER, Effy 1746-18?? m. Angus Darroch "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McDOUGALD, peter 1773-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McDUFFIE, Catherine 1797-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McDUFFIE, Donald 1802-?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McDUFFIE, Dugald 1789-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McDUFFIE, Duncan 1752-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McDUFFIE, Duncan m. Mary McNeil? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McDUFFIE, Effy 1801-?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McDUFFIE, Flora 1765-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McDUFFIE, Janet 1792-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McDUFFIE, Margaret 1786-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McDUFFIE, Mary 1734-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McDUFFIE, Nancy 1787-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McEACHERN, Angus 1794-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McEACHERN, Catherine 1779-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McEACHERN, Donald 1784-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McEACHERN, Mary 1778-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McEAHERN, Malcolm 1748-18?? m. Fl. Buchanan "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McFEE, Margaret 1784-1870 m. Alex. McNeil DW

1806 PEI McMILLAN, James 1783-1861 m. Ann Munn "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McMILLAN, James 1783-1861 m. Ann Munn "Spencer" WIC

1806 PEI McMILLAN, Malcolm 1751-1847 "Spencer" WIC

1806 PEI McMILLAN, Malcolm 1794-1867 m. Ch. Currie "Spencer" WIC

1806 PEI McMILLAN, Malcolm 1794-1867 m. Chna Currie "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McMILLAN, Margaret 1780-1853 m. D'n Darroch "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McMILLAN, Murdoch 1751-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McNEIL Alexander 1779-1863 m. Mgt McFee "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McNEIL, Charles 1790-1879 m. Flora Bell "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McNEIL, Charles 1791-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McNEIL, Donald 1772-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McNEIL, Donald 1804-?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McNEIL, Dougald 1746-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McNEIL, Dougald 1794-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McNEIL, Dougald 1794-1879 m. Cath. McPhee "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McNEIL, Grizel 1776-1833 m. Mlcm MacMillan "Spencer" DW;WIC

1806 PEI McNEIL, Hector 1779-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McNEIL, Janet 1786-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McNEIL, John 1792-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McNEIL, Malcolm 1755-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McNEIL, Malcolm 1801-?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McNEIL, Mary 1766-18?? m. Duncan McDuffie? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI McPHADEN, Christian 1779-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI MUNN, Angus (ex CSA?) m. Margaret - ?, d. 1871 DW

1806 PEI MUNN, Angus 1775-1837 "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI MUNN, Ann 1789-1870 m. James McMillan "Spencer" DW,WIC

1806 PEI MUNN, Catherine 1806-?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI MUNN, Duncan 1746-18?? M. Flora Brown "Spencer" DW,WIC

1806 PEI MUNN, Effie 1791-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI MUNN, James 1783-1867 "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI MUNN, James 1786-1868 m. Elix McMillan "Spencer" DW,WIC

1806 PEI MUNN, Malcolm 1783-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI MUNN, Neil 1778-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 PEI SHAW, Donald 1776-18?? "Spencer" DW

1806 Queens MUNN, Angus DW

1806 Woods MUNN, Malcolm DW

1808 PEI MUNN, Barbara 1803-?? "Clarendon" DW

1808 PEI MUNN, Catherine 1801-?? "Clarendon" DW

1808 PEI MUNN, Catherine m. John Munn "Clarendon" DW

1808 PEI MUNN, Donald 1792-18?? "Clarendon" DW

1808 PEI MUNN, Duncan 1794-18?? "Clarendon" DW

1808 PEI MUNN, John 1760-18?? m. Catherine -? "Clarendon" DW

1808 PEI MUNN, John 1804- "Clarendon" DW

1808 PEI MUNN, Sarah 1796-18?? "Clarendon" DW

1810 PEI CURRIE, James 1771-1843 DW

1810 PEI MacEACHERN, Donald d. 1888, m. Janet Bell DW

1810 PEI SHAW, Donald 1760-1836, Queens Lot 58 DW

1811 PEI CURRIE, Christena 1811-85 m. Mlm. McMillan WIC

1812 PEI MUNN, Angus 1774-1837 Queens, Lot 62 DW

1812 PEI MUNN, John , Queens, d. 1833, Pictou DW

1812 PEI MUNN, John 1801-1833 d. Pictou WIC

1815 PEI SHAW, Robert 1798-1888 m. Jane Williams DW

1815 Pictou SHAW, Donald 1804-72 m. Mary Stewart DW

1815 Pictou SHAW, Donald m. Christian Amos? DW

1815 Pictou SHAW, John 1797-18?? m. Chte. Dockendorf DW

1816 PEI BELL, Janet 1801-1888 m. Donald MacEachern DW

1819 PEI AMOS, Flora, 1818-97 m. Archibald Shaw "Economy"? DW

1819 PEI AMOS, Joseph, 1811- ?? m. Catherine McNeill "Economy"? DW

1819 PEI AMOS, Malcolm, 1789-?? m. Ellen Gillis "Economy"? DW

1819 PEI AMOS, Margaret, 1816-46 m. Malcolm Ferguson "Economy"? DW

1819 PEI AMOS, Robert, 1815-1900 m. Margaret McNeill "Economy" DW

1819 PEI CURRIE, John 1798-1885 "Economy" DW

1819 PEI GILLIS, Ellen 1786-18??m. Malcolm Amos "Economy"? DW

1819 PEI McNEIL, Donald 1787-1848 d. Lot 31 "Economy"? DW

1819 Pictou JOHNSTON, Duncan 1819-1911 (with parents) "Economy" DW Became shipbuilder

1820 PEI CURRIE, Duncan 1800-32 "Economy"? DW

1820 PEI CURRIE, Malcolm 1774-1864 m. Sarah McEachern "Economy"? DW

1820 PEI CURRIE, Mary m. John McPherson "Economy" DW

1820 PEI MacEACHERN, Sarah 1775-1832 m. Mlm Currie "Economy"? DW

1820 PEI McNEIL, John 1802-78 Teacher w. & 7 sons DW

1820 PEI SMITH, Donald 1797-1875 Kings Lot 64 "Economy"? DW, WIC

1824 PEI McNEIL, James 1806-76 d. W.River DW

1825 PEI BLUE, Angus 1798-1872 m. Catherine -? LSC, DW

1830 PEI BELL, Archibald 1794-1855 DW

1830 PEI BLUE, Archibald 1796-1894 DW

1830 PEI CURRIE, Archibald 1809-69 d. Canoe Cove DW

1830 PEI CURRIE, Malcolm 1803-1880, Lot 65 DW

1830 PEI McNEIL, grizel 1809-1883 m. Mlm McMillan DW

1830 PEI SHAW, Duncan 1795-1886 res. Queens DW

1830 PEI SHAW, John 1799-1874 m. Ann -? D. Kings 64 DW

1832 PEI BLUE, Alexander 1822-92 m. Mary -? DW

1835 PEI CURRIE, Donald m. Janet Currie d/o Donald C, Kilchattan DW

1835 PEI CURRIE, Janet 1813-1872 m. Donald Currie DW

1836 ONT BELL, John 1810-?? m. Margaret McAlder DW

1836 York McALDER, Margaret 1836-??m. John Bell DW

1840 PEI BROWN, Isabella m. Peter McCalder DW

1840 PEI LIVINGSTONE, John 1793-1864 m. Mgt McLeod DW

1840 PEI McCALDER, Isabella 1832-?? DW

1840 PEI McCALDER, Mary 1825-?? DW

1840 PEI McCALDER, Peter 1790-1845 m. Isabella Brown DW

1840 PEI McCALDER, William 1827-45 DW

1840 PEI McLEOD, margaret 1815-1903 m. John Livingstone DW

1840 PEI McMILLAN, Angus d. 1876 m. CSA wife 1812/92 DW Wife's family came out on the "Spencer" 1806

1840 PEI SMITH, Alexander 1809-95, m. & 7 children DW

1847 Vict. McFEE, Angus 1846-1922 m. Sarah Buchanan DW

1847 Vict. McFEE, John 1814-1906 m. Hester Galbraith ("son of chief") DW

1850 Welland BUIE, Jane m. (1840) Angus McPhee DW, OPR

1851 Arran BLUE, Angus 1845-?? DW

1851 Arran BLUE, Barbara 1843-?? DW

1851 Arran BLUE, Duncan 1841-?? DW

1851 Arran BLUE, Grizel 1838-?? DW

1851 Arran BLUE, Malcolm 1809-59 m. Mary McMillan DW

1851 Arran McMILLAN, Mary 1808- m. Malcolm Blue DW

1851 Arran McMILLAN, Mary 1808-?? m. Malcolm Blue DW

1852 Bruce GALBRAITH, Angus 1828-?? m. Mary - ? DW

1852 Bruce GALBRAITH, Archibald 1834-89 m. 1st Ann Graham DW

1852 Bruce GALBRAITH, Christina 1831-??m. A. McCalder DW

1852 Bruce GALBRAITH, Donald 1812-96 m. Mgt McDougall DW

1852 Bruce GALBRAITH, Donald 1824-76 m. Christina - ? DW

1852 Bruce GALBRAITH, Duncan 1844-1909 DW

1852 Bruce GALBRAITH, John 1821-??m. Mgt Cameron DW

1852 Bruce GALBRAITH, Kate 1845-?? DW

1852 Bruce McDOUGALL, Margaret 1830-?? m. D'ld Galbraith DW

1852 PEI BLUE, Duncan 1803-1881 (not 1890?) LSC, DW

1853 Bruce McDUGALD, Ann c. 1847-?? DW

1853 Bruce McDUGALD, Donald 1833-?? DW

1853 Bruce McDUGALD, Flora 1842-?? DW

1853 Bruce McDUGALD, Hugh 1836-?? DW

1853 Bruce McDUGALD, Malcolm ??-1866 m. Euphemia Currie DW

1853 Bruce McDUGALD, Malcolm c. 1849 DW

1853 Bruce McDUGALD, Margaret c. 1846-?? DW

1853 Bruce McDUGALD, Mary 1845-?? DW

1853 Bruce McKINON, Janet 1827-?? m. Arch. McNeill DW

1853 Bruce McNEIL, Archibald 1817-?? m. Janet (mcKinon?) DW

1853 Bruce McNEIL, Hugh 1852-?? DW

1855 Vict. McCALDER, Malcolm Og DW

Colonsay's Weather 2000

The weather record to end of July, extracted from the meteorological figures recorded at Homefield.

COLONSAY 2000

COLONSAY 2000

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

Highest Max

10.3

11.0

10.5

16.0

22.5

19.7

22.9

Lowest Max

4.8

3.0

6.5

3.8

11.0

10.5

13.0

Lowest Min

-1.0

-0.7

0.5

-0.9

3.8

5.5

7.6

Highest Min

7.5

9.2

8.7

8.0

11.8

14.6

14.0

Average Max

8.4

8.3

9.1

10.4

14.6

14.7

17.2

Average Min

4.2

3.6

5.1

3.6

7.6

9.3

11.1

Total Rain mm

88.2

126.2

56.6

68.6

39.9

47.2

11.4

Last year

n/a

104.5

70.8

85.1

61.2

72.7

70.3

86.5

171.2

74.4

123.3

227.4

[Ave 1951 - 80]

[133]

[81]

[81]

[67]

[61]

[71]

[89]

[90]

[125]

[136]

[140]

[140]

Greatest Fall mm

20.2

13.1

12.1

18.2

7.9

10.2

3.3

No. Days of Rain

21

28

21

11

13

18

9

No. Days > 5mm

7

11

3

5

2

3

0

Days of Frost

2

1

0

2

0

0

0

Groundfrost

3

4

5

5

0

0

0

Days snow/sleet

0

6

0

0

0

0

0

Days Hail/ice

3

9

4

2

0

0

0

Days of Thunder

0

0

1

0

0

0

1

Days of Gale

7

5

0

2

0

2

0

Highest Gust knots

n/a

n/a

N/a

N/a

N/a

N/a

N/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Ave Highest Gust

n/a

n/a

N/a

N/a

N/a

N/a

N/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Ave at 09.00hrs

14

19

13

11

10

11

6

Ave Direction

210

240

230

120

210

180

160

Cloud cover 09.00

71%

68%

77%

56%

50%

71%

68%

Hours Sunshine

38.7

67.3

90.4

188.1

321.5

182.1

215.9

Daily Average

1.2

2.3

2.9

6.2

10.3

6.0

6.9

[Tiree 30 yr Ave]

[1.3]

[2.4]

[3.7]

[5.8]

[7.0]

[6.6]

[5.1]

[5.2]

[3.9]

[2.5]

[1.5]

[0.9]

Ferry Cancelled

1

Website to explore: Islay/Jura

As readers may know, there has been talk of "Web Wars" on some Hebridean islands, but that should be impossible now in Islay and Jura, where a new portal site is intended to bring the various elements together. It is unfortunate that the "Ileach" looks likely to become a victim of its own success, but one can probably follow the sorry tale via links from http://www.islay-jura.com and sympathise.
Regulars

Readers Write

As will be seen from our lead story, some letters are of very great interest. It was surprising that the 1822 "letter from Kilchattan" produced no reaction or comment, but the level of interest in Colonsay history remains very high.
For example: "I just today came upon the website for Colonsay and I haven't been able to take myself away from it for very long. Questions that I've had regarding the island, emigration, history etc. are finally at a place where they might be answered. This is most exciting...."

This is a very encouraging sort of message, and it is gratifying to receive such messages on a regular basis, perhaps three or four per day. In this case the writer continues:
"The MUNN and SMITH families are who I'm looking for. I was told the Munn family had been on Colonsay and left from the port of Oban to go to America.... birth dates for some of the Munns in North Carolina are mid 18th century and early 19th century. Duncan Munn was married to Catherine Smith and they had a daughter, Mary Jane 3 August 1797."

With a view to trying to improve the response to such messages, the "Colonsay Register" mentioned in the Magazine Section has now been introduced. In the coming weeks, a "Bulletin Board" will also be created, so that interesting messages such as the one quoted here can be properly displayed. It has also been proposed that a section for "FAQ's" might be helpful, possibly with background information about such important Colonsay families as Munn, Blue, Buie, Pierrie, Amos, Bell, McMillan.

Hopefully a Colonsay History Society may be formed this winter, so that a wider pool of information can be accessed. On the other hand, Colonsay is a living place and there must be plenty of contemporary subjects which are not receiving an airing. We have an example to hand, the pipe tune "Kiloran Bay", composed and submitted for our readers by John Macdonald; it is proving a little tricky to link it to this page, but hopefully will be managed for a future issue. Meantime, please do not be dismayed by our technical fumblings - as always, readers are invited to submit suggestions and material for publication. Contact
the Editor - byrne@colonsay.org.uk

Editorial Policy

Corncrake is published to keep all our friends in touch with life on the island. Contributions are invited and welcomed.
Fortnightly editions will carry details of coming events, special offers etc. Please send letters and proposals for specific articles to
the Editor
Brief genealogical and related queries are also welcome from Colbhasachs overseas, as are obituaries and family traditions relating to Colonsay emigrants.
This publication will hopefully develop to reflect the interests of the readership so please feel free to make your contribution. The magazine section needs articles on flora, fauna, geology, fishing, crofting etc.

COLONSAY 2000	JAN	FEB	MAR	APR	MAY	JUN	JUL	AUG	SEP	OCT	NOV	DEC
Highest Max	10.3	11.0	10.5	16.0	22.5	19.7	22.9
Lowest Max	4.8	3.0	6.5	3.8	11.0	10.5	13.0
Lowest Min	-1.0	-0.7	0.5	-0.9	3.8	5.5	7.6
Highest Min	7.5	9.2	8.7	8.0	11.8	14.6	14.0
Average Max	8.4	8.3	9.1	10.4	14.6	14.7	17.2
Average Min	4.2	3.6	5.1	3.6	7.6	9.3	11.1

Total Rain mm	88.2	126.2	56.6	68.6	39.9	47.2	11.4
Last year	n/a	104.5	70.8	85.1	61.2	72.7	70.3	86.5	171.2	74.4	123.3	227.4
[Ave 1951 - 80]	[133]	[81]	[81]	[67]	[61]	[71]	[89]	[90]	[125]	[136]	[140]	[140]
Greatest Fall mm	20.2	13.1	12.1	18.2	7.9	10.2	3.3
No. Days of Rain	21	28	21	11	13	18	9
No. Days > 5mm	7	11	3	5	2	3	0

Days of Frost	2	1	0	2	0	0	0
Groundfrost	3	4	5	5	0	0	0
Days snow/sleet	0	6	0	0	0	0	0
Days Hail/ice	3	9	4	2	0	0	0
Days of Thunder	0	0	1	0	0	0	1

Days of Gale	7	5	0	2	0	2	0
Highest Gust knots	n/a	n/a	N/a	N/a	N/a	N/a	N/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Ave Highest Gust	n/a	n/a	N/a	N/a	N/a	N/a	N/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Ave at 09.00hrs	14	19	13	11	10	11	6
Ave Direction	210	240	230	120	210	180	160

Cloud cover 09.00	71%	68%	77%	56%	50%	71%	68%
Hours Sunshine	38.7	67.3	90.4	188.1	321.5	182.1	215.9
Daily Average	1.2	2.3	2.9	6.2	10.3	6.0	6.9
[Tiree 30 yr Ave]	[1.3]	[2.4]	[3.7]	[5.8]	[7.0]	[6.6]	[5.1]	[5.2]	[3.9]	[2.5]	[1.5]	[0.9]
Ferry Cancelled				1