Mainland Isolated

Fishing News

Loss of Tommy Williams

Planetarium in Colonsay

On Thursday 9 November the new Hall played host to a mobile planetarium. The display was given inside a pitchblack dome supported by air pressure alone, but which at first glance resembled a Mongol yurt.

An enthralled audience disported itself like Roman nobility, so as to enjoy the display in maximum comfort. The £27,000 projector had rather more capability than was perhaps required for our immediate purposes, but if we ever need to plan a moonshot, we will know where to go. Instead, the audience was more than content to be reminded of the major constellations and the components of our solar system.

The lecture was given twice, once for the school children and later for adults. It was a brilliant idea and interested parties should contact M & J Savage-Lowden Tel 01463 741545 Jim@savlow.freeserve.co.uk

Snippets:

Nature Notes:

Many thanks to Donald Gibbie for mentioning the turtle that he found "air taobh a tuadh Dhun Ghalin", to use the old phrase. More prosaically it lies on the shingle beach beside the 11th hole of the golfcourse, just below the dumped remains of Colonsay's first motor car (brought by the then doctor in 1947). Details of the turtle will be sent to Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory and it will perhaps be identified. It seems odd that the shell appears to have deteriorated so much more quickly than the body - which has been greeted with enthusiasm by local gulls.

It was not the only oddity - the goats are on the move (as is their wont at this time), and a billy goat was seen at An Garbh Cladaich on Tuesday - surely, a goat on the west side is very rare? There are enormous numbers of geese, particularly at the Strand; and there are Green Plovers everywhere, especially over the reeds at east Loch Fada. Snow Buntings have been sighted. There are almost 200 rock doves and 100 jackdaws feeding where there was barley at Machrins. An unfortunate Redwing was noted at A' Ghlaic Sheileastair, with a badly damaged wing - possibly a victim of a power line, possibly an interrupted meal break for a sparrowhawk.
Good news on the nature front - as of the next issue, Irene Campbell will contribute notes on the Night Sky; and in 2001 the Nature Notes column will be contributed by Mike Peacock, RSPB warden in Oronsay.

What's On in Colonsay

As usual, it is best to look out for notices at the shop and elsewhere; to add notices to this site make contact via the Editor.
Quiz night - every Wednesday at the hotel.
Religious Services are on certain Sundays at 11.00 in Church of Scotland and 12.00 in the Baptist Church. All are welcome. Please note that in winter there is usually a service once in a fortnight, and that it alternates between the two churches - see shop or hotel for details.
"The Club" meets every Thursday and all children are welcome (3.45pm at the Baptist Church).
Saturday 25th November - Young Farmers' Annual Dinner
Tuesday 21st November at 9.00pm - the first AGM of Colonsay Community Development Company will be held in the Village Hall.
COMING SOON: The schoolchildren are thought to be working on a Pantomime - details to follow. (Does AliceLydall@Wonderland.com mean anything? Or is this a legpull?)
Two one act plays are planned for Easter and interested people should contact Diane and/or Rhona re. auditions or just to signal their willingness to help.
Saturday 16th December: "Thank You" Party for all who assisted in the Medical Fund campaign. New Hall 7.00pm - collecting bottles will be opened and counted to produce Grand total
On Sundays 24 and 31 December there will be additional sailings to Colonsay, depart Oban 09.30hrs

Nooks and Crannies: Atha na Cuirp

On the track towards Ardskenish, 100 metres south of the airstrip, there is a small ford called "Atha na Cuirp", "The Ford of the Corpse". The name is said to commemorate an incident in c. 1646 when islanders, reeling under the imposts of Argyll's factor, appealed for help to Colla Ciotach MacDonald and his family, the rightful but exiled laird. Coll responded to the call and spent some days in the island, during which time he heard that the factor had invoked an ancient (and illegal) tax (Damph Ursainn), whereby he had seized the only cow of an impoverished widow.

Coll seems to have gone to Kilchattan to console the widow, whilst his son Angus set off towards the factor's house in Oransay, in pursuit of satisfaction. As Angus crossed the ford, he is said to have challenged a woman there, carrying a babe-in-arms, demanding that she identify herself and the child. When he learned that it was a Campbell, Angus is said to have drawn his sword and beheaded it upon the spot, thus adding a new placename to Colonsay's map.

There is in fact no authenticated account of any single atrocity with which the MacDonalds were associated, but a number of unsubstantiated stories have survived in this vein; they smack of counter-propaganda. In this case, it seems that the widow was avenged and that Angus executed the factor, in a formal and public manner, and in an act that received subsequent royal approval. No doubt Argyll was not best pleased, and will have tried to play down the execution of his factor by inventing an atrocity tale.

Romantically enough, Colla proved to be the perfect gentleman and seems to have married the widow, who thus "became Angus' stepmother". Colla Ciotach was 76yrs old at the time, but had the misfortune to be hanged at Dunstaffnage the following year.

The Magazine Section

The Baptist Church in Colonsay (Part 2 of 4)

Eagle-eyed readers may have noted that this article has become a four-part serial publication. Part 1 is available from "The Corncrake" archive (see link under banner, above).

"When Mr Sinclair was addressing an open-air meeting in a certain place, the laird sent his factor with the following message, which was uttered at the pitch of the factor's voice: - "Any person who attends this man's meetings, or listens to his preaching, shall lose all his lands."

On hearing this, and knowing that the laird's word was law, Mr. Sinclair's congregation began to move off one by one. Mr. Sinclair made a short pause here, and then said: "I am sorry that the factor has caused such a disturbance, and also to see so many turning away from hearing the Word of Life, and choosing rather the profit of this world; but if I should resort to the law of the land I could place him (the factor) within four walls of stone and lime (meaning prison)." On hearing this the factor returned to the laird and said: "You and the minister can pull each other's noses if you choose, but I am not the man to disturb his meeting again."

Another incident is related, which reveals the tact with which this venerable missionary dealt with his opponents.

On visiting the island of Coll on one occasion Mr. Sinclair announced that he would preach on the Sabbath morning. Just before the service began the laird sent his factor to tell Mr. Sinclair that he was not to preach on his island on any account. To this Mr. Sinclair replied: "Well, sir, I have already intimated the meeting, and as I am not in the habit of telling lies I am bound to preach. But you had better return to your master and tell him that directly after the service I will call and have dinner with him, and no doubt we shall agree between ourselves about the meetings." The factor returned home and on meeting the laird delivered Mr. Sinclair's message as above recorded. Dinner was prepared accordingly, and Mr. Sinclair, true to his promise, called upon the laird. So well did they get on together that after the dinner the laird turned to Mr. Sinclair and said: "You are at liberty to hold as many meetings on the island as you yourself see proper."

The two daughters of the laird of Colonsay were converted and became a great help to the cause in the island, bringing out the people to the meetings and in various other ways. At the time of their conversion the laird and his lady were on a visit to Edinburgh. On their return one of the islanders, an unconverted sinner, thinking no doubt to do injury to the truly Christian inhabitants, told the laird of his daughters' conversion, and how they were visiting the poor people at their cottages and persuading them to go to the meetings. He was allowed to finish his story without interruption, but listened to impatiently, I fear, judging from the reply he got. Raising his stick in a threatening attitude, the laird said: "The first who dares say anything against my daughters again will get this stick across the head." One of the ladies was baptized in Edinburgh, and the lother in Loch Sgoltaire by Mr. Grant, minister for many years at Tobermory.

[The laird was John McNeill, 1767-1846. Can anyone identify the daughters? Or the "unconverted sinner"? Rev. Alexander Grant was baptized in Kingussie c. 1808, trained under Haldane and was appointed to Scarba by the Gaelic Schools Society; the local minister (i.e. of Colonsay and Jura) campaigned against him and James Haldane intervened. With £10 for expenses he established himselkf in Tobermory in 1821, where he laboured successfully until his death in 1874. The Baptist Manse in Colonsay was designed by an architect in Tobermory, no doubt reflecting this close link between the two churches. - editor's note]

Although the laird objected to anyone speaking to him about the conversion of his daughters, he was, at the same time, greatly annoyed over the matter; so much so, indeed, that he caused a number of those that he thought instrumental in their conversion to leave the island. This he could easily do by refusing them any kind of employment. As showing the spirit in which the laird's action was accepted, one of those who had to leave the island - Donald Currie - left singing the Paraphrase: "I'm not ashamed to own my Lord."

[This sounds like a young man. Could it have been Donald, son of Archibald Currie and Effie McNeill, baptized February 10 1811? - editor]

Among those who had to go was the writer's uncle - Malcolm McNeill - one of the first in the island to be baptized. He went over to Islay, but at the end of two years he was recalled by the laird and made manager of Oronsay, a post which he retained till the laird's death, twenty years afterwards. The laird found him such a faithful and upright servant - one who practised what he preached - that his ideas regarding the Baptists and their creed became considerably modified; and not his only, but his wife's as well, who began to entertain a great regard for Malcolm, asking him to pray for herself and her husband.

[The "Old Laird" died in 1846, so the conversion of the laird's daughters and the subsequent evictions may be dated to 1823 or thereabouts - editor]

Malcolm, better known as "Calum Ruadh" [i.e. red-haired], was one of the leaders of the Church, and was continually crossing over to the meetings at Kilchattan, a distance of some six miles. [Meetings at the time were held at the school, then owned by SSPCK]. One can easily understand the many difficulties he had to encounter in getting across the strand owing to the tide. Sometimes he had to leave before daylight, and as often getting back in the dark, frequently having to wade, carrying his boots over his shoulders. He was often accompanied on these journeys by his wife, and for fear the tide might cut them off they often dispensed with breakfast, taking with them a piece of bread and butter to be eaten at their leisure on the other side.

Captain McNeill, son of the laird, was staying at Oronsay at this time. He was married to an English lady who appears to have been very much impressed with Malcolm's piety. One Sunday when he could not get over the strand, she invited him to hold a meeting in her house. Calling all her servants together she sat with them and listened throughout the service, although not understanding a single word of what was said.

[Alexander McNeill (1791-1850) married Anne-Elizabeth Carstairs in 1830. The 1841 census shows Ann at Oronsay with 6 children, their tutor and 11 servants; Malcolm lived next door with 8 dependants and 3 servants - editor].

At this time [1830's?] the Baptist Church in Colonsay was prospering and greatly increasing in membership. This was due in a large measure to the labours of one gifted man, Malcolm Blue, a native of the island and a true follower of Christ, but still an unbeliever in the matter of immersion. He had preached against it in Mull, but afterwards becoming convinced that he had been altogether wrong in his views, he made a point of going to Mull (the very place where he had spoken against it) to be baptized.

Blue was regarded by those who had the privilege of listening to his discourses as a splendid preacher; he therefore generally undertook the expounding of the Gospel, while Malcolm McNeill prayed and read and also conducted the singing. Malcolm, however, had only three tunes at his command, "Martyrdom", "Coleshill" and "Stroudwater", and these had to do duty on every occasion. Now, however correctly Malcolm might sing as regards time, Blue was sure to be a note ahead. This did not worry Malcolm much, but he was rather surprised one day when they were walking home from the meeting together to hear his friend say: "You were singing too quick to-day." This evidently annoyed Malcolm, for he replied: "If I was twice as quick, you would be sure to be before me"

As Others See Us ...

This contribution is by Gary and Mary Snyder of Depoe Bay, State of Oregon, USA, who are currently visiting Colonsay and Oronsay.

We determined several months ago to make our first journey abroad, and that it would be to Colonsay. We had contacted the Colonsay web-site initially through our interest in Mary's genealogical roots on the isle, asking many questions via the Internet of Kevin Byrne regarding all manner of queries. He, though busy with his many activities, was gracious enough to respond to even the most mundane and obscure matters of our concern.

Additionally, we decided that we could and would make all the necessary arrangements over the Internet, up to and including the rail, plane, hotel, motel, and lodgings here on Colonsay. Though there were a few airline pitfalls, none really of our own making, we managed to get all done with an eye towards being on the fair isle during the low season, thereby taking advantage of lesser transportation fares and lodging costs. Because we live in an area of high tourism during the seasons of best weather, and wanting to see and feel the country side on the Isle of Colonsay in a relaxed and quiet mode, we were not deterred by the fact weather can and would be, most likely, an on and off affair, given the time of year.

The weather has been much as anticipated, sun, rain, and wind, but always with many breaks as the fronts blow through...very similar to our own on the Oregon coast, though not with such sustained high wind levels as on Colonsay currently. Temperatures are quite similar, as well...though we were informed we had our first frost in our region in Oregon Friday night, with none on Colonsay as yet. All in all, very agreeable as far as we are concerned.

When we'd anticipated the trip, one of our goals was to find all we could regarding Mary's ancestors on Colonsay. They'd emigrated to Bruce County, Ontario, from about 1861 to 1865. Though still very interested in obtaining whatever information is allowed to come our way, it's truly become a secondary issue for us both. First has been the marvelous feeling of this land, the weather, the waters, the beautiful land formations, so steeped in history, yet barren of the hard roots often put down by man in his quest for "progress". But, mostly, it's been a journey with wonderous souls, welcoming us to the isle in a friendly manner that awes us both with their kindness and generosity. The rhythms of the isle and its inhabitants are in a relaxed mood, awaiting whatever begets them. And, our view, overlooking Kiloran Bay, is as beautiful as any we've seen anywhere on the Pacific coast where we hang our hats. Just right for us...and we thank you all on Colonsay for our being a part of it!

Building a House in Colonsay - Chapter 11

Well, with a bit of luck with the weather and everything, this may be the last instalment written from 2 Hall Cottage. Yes, we have fixed a moving in day. Tuesday 21st November 2000. The youngsters are coming up to give a hand,. It will be great to see them and for them to have their first sight of the house.

The boiler and oil tank are in place and the rest of the heating system is just about finished. However there are a few things to be finished before the move.

1) Roughcasting, Mickey is due back tomorrow so if the weather is kind that will be finished in a day or so.
2) Gutters and down pipes and paint outside woodwork, these depend on the roughcasting.
3) Connecting up the septic tank, this is in hand.
4) Finishing the electrical work, Bruno has that in hand.
5) Finish installing bathroom suites, Armitage Shanks where are the ****** baths? Well I suppose for a few days one can wash in the wash hand basin.
6) Lay floor coverings in Kitchen and bathrooms.
7) Tiling in bathrooms and kitchen and last few bits of plastering and painting.
8) Lay foundations for shed and erect it.
Well that looks like a pretty impressive list but it should all be finished in time. At least Nigel assures me it will be.

The missing baths are the only major item that has not turned up on time. Trust me to choose things that are not stock items at the Plumb Centre. But there you are, if you know what you like and can afford it, second best is just not acceptable.

No real change outside so here is a picture of the living room with walls painted but still some woodwork uncoated.

Colonsay Weather Jan/Oct 2000

So many interesting sites have come up recently that it is possible that some have been ommitted. If you think an important one was missed, please send a message to the Editor - byrne@colonsay.org.uk. He is slowly becoming better organised, so material is now stored in a rolling file and should not get lost. Heather McFarlane, of Whitehorse, Yukon, has a particular interest in Kintyre and the McNeills; Heather has unearthed some fascinating information from original sources and has been good enough to share it - as an example, one of her documents seems to be evidence of the manner in which the "Old Laird" financed the 1806 "Spencer" emigration. Heather has now created her own website at www.kilvicocharmaig.yk.net.
Heather says "My website has just gone up, I hope to keep it up on a monthly basis. I am combining historical topics and news items about the descendents of the 2 couples who left Kilvicocharmaig in 1853. Take a look!

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