Regular readers of The Corncrake will know that the Village Hall Committee
has been selling specially labelled bottles of Malt Whisky to raise money
for the construction of the New Hall. Over the past year, Georgina and Rhona
have been sending bottles all over the world from Europe to the Antipodes.
We were delighted when we received a request from the town of Colonsay in
Saskatchewan for several bottles - they were going to use at least one as a
prize in a local raffle so there was some urgency to get the parcel away by
Air Mail. For safety and convenience we sent each bottle separately as a
"small packet". The first bottle duly arrived but for some weeks there was
no sign of the second one until finally our contact in Colonsay, SASK
reported that Canadian Customs had seized it and were demanding that the
recipient pay for it to be "returned to sender". We assume the alternative
was to simply forfeit the whisky completely! Apparently it is illegal to
post alcohol interstate in both Canada and USA although we had already
posted quite a number of these special bottles successfully.
The good people of Colonsay, Canada - didn't want to lose their Colonsay
whisky so they coughed up for the bottle's return to the Inner Hebrides.
Without waiting to receive it, Georgina sent another bottle to a friend in
London who took it on holiday to Florida where it was given to another
holidaymaker - from Canada- who take it home to Colonsay Saskatchewan after
the New Year.
In the meantime Rhona received a "returned to sender" parcel which she
stored at home, but didn't bother to open. Last Saturday evening, Nigel was
in need of a dram and rather than venture out on a stormy night he decided
to open the returned Colonsay bottle. Imagine his surprise when he found
inside the parcel not one of our specially numbered bottles - but a bottle of
Glenfiddich! Explain that!
Many people in Colonsay have relatives who are interred in the historic Rusk Cemetery, in Ontario. From photographs and other information, it had become clear that some sort of conservation programme would be needed soon, and "The Corncrake" has just been informed of that work has been commissioned.
This is excellent news - from what we hear, the initiative was undertaken by Mary MacKay (a local historian, who visited Colonsay last summer). It seems that Mary was invited to attend a meeting with the Council and was overwhelmed by their supportive attitude; their prompt response means that work can start immediately. In the first year, fencing will be provided and Mary will prioritise the stones in need of restoration. As far as possible, local tradesmen will do the work, but specialist help will be available as required.
Each stone, after renovation, will be returned to its proper grave and provided with a new base. The rows will be straightened to assist future maintenance and a three-year programme has been authorised. By coincidence, Mary MacKay appears in the Magazine Section of this issue, where she has kindly contributed some obituaries that she discovered.
The above excellent report contrasts sadly with matters closer to home. The 15th century Teampul a' Ghlinne (a listed monument) is in a parlous state - one of its funeral cairns was actually vandalised recently, and the entire structure is in danger of collapse. More encouragingly, in response to an approach last October, the Council is thought to be about to sanction a modest memorial to mark the sacrifice of Master Gunner Richard Prior; further details will follow.
The island response to the above paper was submitted on 22 January; there is total opposition to a proposal to levy a 15% - 20% surcharge on Dangerous Goods, which would affect gas, petrol, diesel, hay, medicinal oxygen, herbicides etc.
There is also total opposition to a proposal to use a clawback from freight tariffs to reduce fares for casual visitors, rather than to reduce freight costs. There was dismay that, as ever, no evidence was taken in Colonsay and the very real injustices imposed upon the island have been ignored. The response included a simple proposal to gain free pedestrian access to the mainland for bona fide islanders, and limited free transport for their vehicles. It was noted that Skye residents enjoyed free pedestrian access to the mainland whilst it was still an island, and continue to enjoy it across the new bridge. It was suggested that any revenue implications could be addressed by downsizing CalMac's HQ and by outsourcing Marketing and Reservations functions to an appropriate outside agency, such as an airline or railway company.
It is widely assumed that the island response will be binned as usual.
CalMac and EC Bidding Regulations
The suggestion that CalMac must "bid" to continue to operate its business in order to comply with EC regulations is, of course, one which it is hard to comprehend. Apparently, it caused a slight ripple of curiosity in EC circles, where they last time they heard of CalMac was when they funded a new, purpose-built ferry to service a particularly remote and deserving community. Yes, that was Colonsay, and the ferry was the "Isle of Mull" which, in the event, proved to be ideal for Mull but rather a dog for Colonsay, being unable to carry petrol, diesel, gas, frozen food, explosives or even livestock (except in cold weather).
Anyway, EC officials are apparently as bemused as the rest of us, and are wondering precisely what sort of a secret agenda is being pursued. A tiny glimpse behind the fig-leaf was gained this week in a Press Release from Mrs. Boyack, the responsible government minister. The whole thing is on their website, but here is a bald summary:
The government supports the opinion of CalMac and almost everybody else that the operations and services of the company do not lend themselves to being broken down into disconnected segments. The government therefore wishes CalMac to be allowed to bid for its own business, and for any competitor to be obliged to use the same ships and infrastructure.
Hmmm.
This is a good month to learn the Constellations. Our sky chart shows Orion (hopefully everyone can identify Orion by now),just past the meridian. In the early evening the Milky Way runs across the sky from north to south, passing through Cassiopeia, Perseus, Auriga, Taurus, Gemini and Orion, finishing near the horizon in Canis Major.
These brilliant constellations are home to some of the best Deep-Sky objects, many of which are visible through binoculars. Rising in the east in early February are Leo and Hydra. With the two main signposts, Ursa Major and Orion, so well placed in the Sky, it makes it easy to hop from one constellation to another using them as pointers.
Late February is a good time to look out for the Zodiacal light - look for a feeble glow running along the epliptic, somewhat fainter than the Milky Way. This light is caused by sunlight reflected by a huge collection of primeval solar system dust, which has been replenished by recent comets. It is often so large and faint that you will not be convinced that you have seen it … try averting your gaze, or looking out of the corner of your eye. If the rods in the centre of your vision are not concentrating on this dim glow, you may have a better chance of detecting it.
Brilliant Venus is at its brightest this month, and is visible soon after sunset. There will be a Full Moon on 9th February.
Irene Campbell
This was spotted on the Internet … not very recent, but still of interest - Editor
"Colonsay Woodland Project Set to Improve the Environment and Create Employment
18 February 2000
The few remaining areas of woodland on the small Hebridean island of Colonsay are to be regenerated, using plans drawn up by SAC Farm Woodlands Specialist, Philip Gordon. As well as renewing the unique natural environment of the island this project, which is being funded by the Forestry Commission and SERAD, will also provide employment for some of the island residents. The plan has now been agreed with the three tenants involved and is due to start in the coming year.
Initial investigations have shown that a great deal can be done to regenerate the woodlands, which are important in maintaining both the beauty and vibrancy of a place which is an attractive holiday destination. As well as enhancing the landscape, the return of some of the woodland cover will also create opportunities for developments that will help to provide livelihoods for the Colonsay islanders.
During the first 5-year period of the plan, new fences will be erected to exclude farm livestock and wild goats from carefully chosen areas. In addition to this, coverage of dense bracken will be reduced and the invasion of rhododendron will be turned around. Regeneration through natural seedling growth will be encouraged close to areas of existing woodland, but where the tree cover is sparse or non-existent, young trees of local or Argyll origin will be planted. With eagles, corncrakes and a remarkable archaeological heritage to protect, the new areas of woodland will be sensitively sited and designed.
In developing the plan for the island woodlands, SAC has worked closely with Farm Manager, Nigel Grant, who has provided enthusiasm and practical insight. The agencies involved, in particular John Grieve and Keith Wishart, of the Forestry Commission, have gone out of their way to support the project.
Notes for Editors:
The more sheltered eastern side of the island of Colonsay is the last refuge for some 100 acres of native oak and birch woodland. Apart from that, the only trees on the island have been planted in more recent times around the Home Farm and Colonsay House with sycamore, Sitka spruce and a wide range of unusual rhododendrons and exotic trees. The common species of rhododendron, whilst beautiful when in flower in the spring, as with elsewhere in Scotland, is showing signs that in the westerly winds, seed is being blown eastwards with the potential to create impenetrable thickets in the more open native woods of the east coast."
The following was posted on the Internet on 3 November 2000.
It has been a record year for job creation and retention for Argyll and the Islands Enterprise (AIE) with over 590 jobs secured through the company's Finance for Business initiative, one of the strongest results in AIE's history. It has also been a successful year for new businesses with the number of small business starts representing 38 per cent of all starts in the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) area.
Launching AIE's 9th annual report today (Thursday 2nd November), AIE chairman Angus Johnston said: "Unemployment in Argyll and the Islands has decreased over the past year and although it remains higher than the HIE Network average, reducing it further is our prime objective".
AIE chief executive Ken Abernethy said: "I am particularly pleased with AIE's success in levering European money for projects, especially with regards to community initiatives. LEADER II funding worth £297,000 helped a total of 27 projects get off the ground and the EU PESCA programme, which directs help to communities reliant on the fishing industry, helped 38 projects with £290,000 worth of funding.
"Our team of 13 local working groups, which act as a sounding board providing information on opportunities and issues of concern to the businesses and communities in their areas, were responsible for the administration of EU LEADER II Local Project Funds. They awarded grants to over 130 small projects throughout Argyll and the Islands.
"AIE was the most successful Local Enterprise Company in obtaining money from the 21st Century Halls initiative with 23 per cent of Scottish grants going to halls in Argyll and the Islands. Lochranza and Catacol Village Hall on the island of Arran was just one of 12 to receive funding from the scheme.
"Our island and remote communities continue to be a priority for AIE with these areas facing fundamental problems of peripherality and accessibility. For communities to thrive they need access to services, education and employment. We have supported various projects and initiatives throughout the year including the development of a Gaelic centre on Isaly, a business development grant for the only hotel on the island of Coll and funding towards the cost of a new car ferry linking the island of Kerrera to the mainland."
Colonsay is the only island in the region designated under Iomairt aig an Oir (Initiative at the Edge) which aims to promote an integrated approach to economic and social development. The range of projects carried out on the island is varied; Colonsay's population of just 105 raised over £60,000 towards the £370,000 cost of a new village hall at Scalasaig, attracting £180,000 from the 21st Century Halls scheme and £40,000 from AIE; Colonsay Primary School received LEADER II Local Project Funds for video equipment to help them with their studies; and AIE acquired one hectare from Colonsay Estate through HIE's Community Land Unit for housing and workshops.
Ken Abernethy added: "A feasibility study on a Colonsay air link ranks among the most important projects for Colonsay this year, as existing transport links to the mainland are limited. The study, which considers the costs of an air service and the upgrading of the airstrip, will look at the possibility of providing an air link to other islands such as Coll, Tiree and Islay. Improved transport links to remote areas remains one of our main priorities.
Copies of the AIE annual report, which provides details of its results, budgets and assisted projects, are available free from its offices at the Kilmory Industrial Estate, Lochgilphead or by telephoning 01546 602281.
The childrens' pantomime was performed in seven acts on Friday 27th to a packed audience in the new Hall. Teachers and parents had gone to great lengths in the preparations and costumes, volunteers had worked hard to install the new Stage Curtains and Andrew MacGregor had provided a very professional lighting rig.
After all that, it was up to the children themselves - and they were brilliant! Hamish Grant played an admirable Mad Hatter and also provided continuity, whilst Kareen McLeod was a delightful and highly accomplished Alice; her alter-ego ("Virtual Alice") was played by Caitlin MacNeill who is evidently born to the stage.
"Off with their heads!" was the enthusiastic refrain of Jasmine Brown, an imperious "Queen of Hearts", supported by Chris Robinson, a very perfect Knave. The 5 of Spades, the Caterpillar and the White Rabbit were all played by a versatile and convincing Morag Grant, whilst Carol McLeod, not to be outdone, was almost simultaneously the Mock Turtle, Cybermouse, the March Hare and the 2 of Spades.
The Cheshire Cat was represented very convincingly (and enigmatically) by both Angus Howard and Sean Swift … and Angus deserves special plaudits for his soft-shoe shuffle!
It is not always possible to mention everyone individually, but this time it is essential. Everyone agreed that the singing was particularly good… and the junior members of the cast contributed to the full. Glen Brown, Millie Howard and cousins Calum and Liam MacNeill deserve a show of their own - indeed, nearly gave one, and more than one person thought that wee Liam would dance himself right over the edge of the stage.
The Bard was feted twice this year - once with a buffet and evening of song at the Colonsay Hotel on Thursday 25th, and again at a formal Burns Supper in the Hall on Saturday 27th. Both nights were well attended and thoroughly enjoyed … people said that they had never heard Hughie and Seamus on better form than on the Thursday and it believed that for many the excitement went on well into the night.
On Saturday Diane Clark addressed the magnificent haggis, prepared as ever by Ross Moodie, piped by John Clark and borne into the chamber by Angus McPhee. Pede, Seamus and Charlie provided music and song, playing guitar, bodhran and mouthorgan. Tremendous work was carried out by the Young Farmers' Club, who surpassed themselves in decorating and equipping a groaning board with all manner of delights. A special thank you to May MacKinnon who provided all the puddings.
Pede's lovely red sheepdog ate rat-poison last weekend and was fortunate enough to receive first aid of a very high degree… the difficulty was a shortage of antidote coupled with a stormbound ferry on the Monday… fortunately, from what we hear, the patient is now on a drip and improving fast; the Boat Show featured a range of quality food products, including Colonsay Blackface Lamb described as "fantastic" by a researcher for Scotland's Larder (follow the links on the homepage to find out more and how to buy it); an expert has been here to evaluate Colonsay's progress with IaaO - since his own firm was involved with the CalMac Fares Review which totally blanked us, he hardly needs to ask!; Kevin has attended an MCA "Oilspill Response" course for CalMac; and Jockey has been tidying the coup - he was always keen on the limbo-dancing but it was only recently that he started doing it in cars, building up to the 17 vehicles shown below.
Nooks & Crannies: Tobar Chattan
Colonsay is graced with a number of important wells, some of them being of considerable antiquity; one of these is the Holy Well of St. Chattan, at the foot of a raised beach overlooking Port Mor.
Symington Grieve acknowledged that this was "probably" a sacred well - rather grudgingly, in view of it location in a pre-christian site of major significance and its close proximity to the eponymous chapel.
The importance of the saint himself is well attested, not least by the late Angus Macmillan who, in 1880, at the age of eighty-five years, confirmed the tradition that St, Cathan was the first person to be buried in Kilchattan graveyard. More famously, he is remembered as having acted with considerable presence of mind, if ill-advisedly, when St. Odhran was discovered to have been buried in a catatonic condition.
The well "situated on the croft of Mr Angus McNeill, Druim Clach, in the face of the bank opposite Kilchattan Church to the east" is at present hard to distinguish. I helped the late Donald "Garvard" to clean it out on more than one occasion and am surprised to see how quickly it has become obscured; fortunately Pede MacNeill is happy to have it attended to once more and it should soon be back to normal.
Although officially we are still in the middle of winter there are a few indications that spring is not so far away. Ravens are displaying enthusiastically with their wonderful aerial acrobatics rolling, tumbling, diving on the updrafts of their cliff nest sites, with their distinctive low pitched gruff croaking "pruk pruk" calls carrying on the wind. Nest building will be complete by the end of the month, with egg laying in early March.
Another herald of a change of season is the return of Lapwing to the islands, most having moved south after the breeding season to spend the autumn and winter in warmer climes. Again, they are starting to display over the breeding areas on days when the sun shines.
The chough flock of around 40 birds continues to rely on beach feeding, taking maggots and sandhoppers from the piles of rotting seaweed; they are joined by a host of other birds that benefit from their digging activities, with rock pipit and pied wagtails gleaning missed food.
Not strictly on Colonsay or Oronsay but worth a mention was a pod of seven Bottle-nosed Dolphins seen from a local boat, the "Angie", on my way over to Islay. These wonderful animals aere increasingly to be seen around the coasts of Islay, Jura and Colonsay - it seems likely that we now have a resident population of between fifteen and twenty animals. A great privilege, to have them bow-wave riding just a couple of metres from you. Mike Peacock
The Magazine Section
