Updated notes at foot of this piece. As is well known, the current outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease is a matter of great concern throughout the UK.
Although the disease has no implications of any kind for human health, it is serious for cattle because it causes a dramatic loss in condition and productivity. Unfortunately it is highly contagious amongst all cloven-hoofed animals and it is believed that the virus can also be carried on footwear, car-tyres and even on the air. Wherever an outbreak occurs, all livestock on the affected farm must be destroyed.
Colonsay's farmers and crofters are alert to this threat, and visitors are asked to co-operate with the minimal but prudent measures which have been introduced to protect our livestock. Disinfectant matting is provided at the pier, across which all incoming cars and foot passengers will pass. If you have been walking on farmland or have contact with the meat or livestock trade please identify yourself to the marshall, and be prepared to pause for a moment so that wellington boots etc. can also be disinfected.
Colonsay's farmers are in touch with veterinary advisers and will follow any official instructions, as will Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd. Although farm animals will not be transported on the ferry for the moment, there is no prohibition on domestic cats and dogs. In line with national policy, the RSPB reserve in Oransay has been closed to the public, although access to the Priory and normal rights of access are not affected.
It is not anticipated that these or any other necessary measures will affect the quality of your visit to the island, whether on business or on holiday, and the Colonsay farming community thanks you for your support at this worrying time.
Because this is an important and fast-developing situation, it is planned to edit this paragraph of "The Corncrake" with additional information as it becomes available.
March 12th: Official statements insist that the threat is under control and that there is not an epidemic, but for the moment, Colonsay remains cautious. At long last, disinfection points have been installed on roads leading into the Highlands, but it now seems that the Highlands and Islands will have to remain vigilant until the end of April.
Fortunately, once you reach Colonsay, you can enjoy your holiday as usual - all that is requested is a little foresight. Until the end of April, car drivers coming to Colonsay are implored to arrive early in Oban and make use of car-wash facilities before going to the pier. There is a carwash at Halfway filling station, about halfway between Connel and Oban; there is another in the first garage on your right after the Hospital, if approaching from the Campbeltown direction; and there is one in Tesco's forecourt. (The latter costs £1.50, takes 3 minutes - call at the kiosk to pay, then drive into the washing bay - not suitable for high vehicles.)
Wash your shoes and boots before you leave home. On arrival, visitors are asked to have ALL their outdoor footwear available for treatment. Disinfectant facilities are provided for the purpose at Colonsay pier - please park your car and bring your boots over to the shed. Please do think carefully about what footwear you have used or intend to use.
If you have any doubts or worries, please contact your hosts in Colonsay - everyone is anxious to be helpful, do not think that you are being a nuisance. If you have a dog, please phone ahead and discuss the position; in principle, it would be better to come without, but a lapdog from Tobermory or an ancient housebound companion might be in a different category to a working gundog. If you wonder if you might have been in proximity to an infected site, ask for advice or check the full list (updated daily) at http://www.maff.gov.uk
On a more cheery note, the Highland Cattle with calves at foot to be seen in Colonsay just now are a reminder of the great days of the prize-winning Colonsay fold. The picture below is by Gourlay Steele R.A., and is dated "Colonsay 1857". The original 4ft x 3ft canvas was sold in a London auction house ; our illustration is from a pair of engravings at Homefield.
The late Andrew McNeill (in a conversation on 30 November 1990) provided some background about "Buidh Bheag and her calf" - she was reared by Flora's grandfather Neil Bhan McNeill when he has at Ardskenish, and she was pail-fed. The print was in Tobar Odhran before it came to Homefield. "The original painting was sold for about £300 at Sotheby's, c. 1975". The artist is thought to have become familiar with Colonsay through the laird, who became Equerry to Queen Victoria; his other works include Scottish Deerhounds (which were saved from extinction through breeding in Oransay).
Downloading and/or Printing "The Corncrake"
In the last issue we asked readers to suggest the easiest way to download "The Corncrake", so as to be able to peruse it off-line. We have been delighted and impressed by the quantity and quality of replies, many of which seemed to be "the perfect answer" until the next one re-opened the matter. On behalf of all our readers, grateful thanks are offered to all who responded. To avoid confusion the suggestions have not been reproduced; instead, we asked Dominic to consider them all and to suggest a "catch-all" paragraph as follows:
THIS IS WHERE IT WILL APPEAR
On 27 February, everyone else seemed to be complaining about the weather; here in Colonsay, Charlie's geese were out and about, enjoying the balmy airs.
Spring is in the air and it seems the sheep are getting out of hand. There are reports of them leaping out in front of passing motorists and accidents have only been avoided by razor-sharp reactions. Apparently they are dashing about all over the place and their behaviour seems to include a lot of rutting. One example of their recent activity at Machrins has been captured in this study of particularly deep ruts, comparable only with specimens which have been observed in the softer peats of Mull.
Pede is learning how to use the P.O. computer; The Pantry has applied for a seven-day Refreshment Licence; Duncan MacDougall has stood down as a director and Chair of the Community Company; Building Control discovered faulty soilpipes in the new manse; the Rhododendron Eradication gaffer's job is on offer @ £9.00 per hour; the editor is back from a powerboat course on the Mersey; there are lambs and calves everywhere - the Highland calves are only beautiful; the hill to the left as you climb Spion Kopje is being fenced, woodland regeneration is rumoured.
Nooks and Crannies: MacPhee's Lair
There are a number of locations in Colonsay which are named "Leab' fhalaich Mhic a' Phi", or "MacPhee's Hiding Place". They are said to commemorate Malcolm MacPhie, the last chieftain of his clan, who returned to Colonsay after detention in Edinburgh to find that his position had been assumed by Colla Ciotach MacDonald. Malcolm is said to have attempted to turn the tables and in the end found himself being hunted from lair to lair, the length of Colonsay, over to Oransay and eventually to be captured on An t-Eilean Iarach, the furthest extremity of Eilean nan Ron.
As is well known, he was taken back to Colonsay and executed at Balerominmor, in Pairc na h'Eaglais, February 1623. A commemorative plaque marks the site and, very probably, his burial place. Our picture shows the view from within the Leabaidh at Dun Ghallain; please note that access is hazardous and local guidance should be sought.
The night sky in March contains the best of both the winter and the spring skies. March is the month of the Vernal Equinox. [During its annual journey against the stars, the Sun must cross the equator twice, once when travelling from south to north (around March 20th), and once when travelling from north to south (around September 23rd); these two points are known as the Equinoxes.]
Spring officially arrives on March 20th. The evenings become lighter and there are noticeably fewer hours available for observing the sky.
Leading the stars of spring is the backwards question mark or sickle shape that marks the regal head of Leo "The Lion"; the end of the question mark is marked by Regulus, a brilliant blue-white star. Leo represents the lion slain by Hercules as one of his Twelve Labours.
To the southeast of Leo is Virgo "The Virgin" and her brightest star, Spica. Spica is whiter than Regulus, although the difference is subtle. Just rising over the eastern horizon is Acturus, the brightest star in the kite-shaped Bootes "The Herdsman". He is herding the celestial bears around the North Pole - the Great Bear (Ursa Major) containing the familiar pattern of the Plough is at its highest at this time of year.
March also sees the departure of Venus and by the month's end the season for taking in the splendours of Orion will be almost over too. Mars will be visible in the morning sky, and there will be a Full Moon on March 9th. I hope you will all feel inclined to look up at the sky - your efforts are sure to be rewarded.
Irene Campbell
On a recent boat trip on the west coast of Oronsay, there was a marked increase in sea bird activity, with Black guillemots displaying in the early morning, with frequent fluttering flights back and forth to the nest sites, showing off their white wing panels and bright red legs. Guillemots and razorbill are present in fairly large numbers and no doubt are already visiting the big nesting colonies on the west coast of Colonsay.
A large flock of Eiders (108) were busy feeding between Oronsay and Eilean Ghaoideamal, diving in the shallows for Molluscs such as mussels and Gastropods like periwinkle. Between feeding bouts they were busy displaying to each other in large groups, with lots of heads bobbing and calling. Several Great Northern Divers were found along the coast. Although breeding in Iceland and Greenland on the large freshwater lakes, they spend the winter on inshore waters on the west coasts of Britain and Ireland.
On the strand between Colonsay and Oronsay over the last few weeks we have seen a large increase in the number of Shelduck which have been absent since last summer. These birds are probably returninmg from the German Waddenenzee area (Grosser Knechtsand) where they joined virtually the whole of the north west European population of over 100,000 birds to moult.
Mike Peacock.
Books: Place Names around Appin
An Comunn Ghaidhlig na h-Apainn has just published "Place Names around Appin, from Oban to Glencoe" by David J. Potts, illustrated by Fiona Hunter and Ken Massey. It runs to about 80 pages, and includes Lismore and Kerrera as well as a short list of major places throughout Scotland. The vast majority of placenames are given, together with a translation into English and, where appropriate, a note of the derivation. For example "Gleann Salach seailach Willowy Glen; although "salach" itself means "dirty", it is often written this way for "seilach" meaning "willowy"".
An Irishman would have been unable to resist reference to Yeats' "Sally Gardens" in this connection! The book is clearly written, has useful introductory notes and is enhanced by interesting historical and topographical material. It does not have an ISBN, which will make it difficult to order, but will no doubt be available in local bookshops. It is certainly available through Colonsay Bookshop, and is currently in stock.
Our picture shows Angela's house on 27 February... the garden has been levelled and there cannot be much more than a month to go. Oddly enough, most of Scotland was under deep snow that day.
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