ADVERT
Kirsty McLoughlin has a dog grooming business in Glasgow -
web site address is
www.pamperedpawsglasgow.co.uk
NEW HOMES IN COLONSAY
There is significant progress on the four new houses being built for local occupation at Scalasaig. Main contractors Brown from Dunoon have almost completed very extensive groundworks and the foundation walls seem to be mostly complete. At the same time, foundations have been laid for two workshop units to be rented by Argyll & Isles Enterprise to local businesses. It is understood that the kits for the new houses are to be produced in Colonsay by local craftsman Don MacLeod.
Erection of the kits will probably commence in early October, and it is believed that preparatory work for allocation of the new houses has already been completed - the tenancies will be awarded by an independent organisation based upon a "points" system.
It is good to see this project going ahead, one which will give a great boost to the confidence of the entire community. Many people worked very hard to get the project off the ground, but a particular vote of thanks must go to Andrew Abrahams who adopted it as his own and worked tirelessly in pursuit of hos objective. Let's hope he can survive the rigours of 4 consecutive house-warming parties…
Site for the New Houses
AUGUST IN COLONSAY
The very windy spring was followed by a damp and dull July, so the warm and sunny month of August was especially welcome. The island was very busy and all accommodation was fully occupied; CalMac added to the bustle by additional boats on Saturdays and Mondays - the Monday service came by way of Corrievreckan and proved particularly popular as an excursion from Oban.
There were some excellent ceilidhean and Hector MacFadyen and his band gave freely of their talents. There were art exhibitions, craft fairs, and plenty of sporting events including weekly football matches, the golf open etc.
With everything being so busy, it seemed a good time to have lots more official visits, business meetings and general mayhem. As September approaches, a slightly slower pace will seem attractive. Seals will be pupping, birds will be flighting and the heather will be at its best. On calm nights with temperature invertion,look out of Will o' the Wisp in the early hours - the bog below Machrins is a good spot, also Achadh nan Darach on the Oransay road.
Brian Ivory and John Bridges in summer plumageLOAVES AND FISHES - by a Special Correspondent
The Searle family arrived in Balnahard in early August for a week's holiday. They brought with them a few vital basics - Algerian Coffee, flour for bread-making, organic red peppers, Bruichladdich Whisky, that kind of thing…expecting to be able to live off the fat of the land. Every morning the cruel mother sent them out to fish for their supper from the rocks at the North Point. Every evening they trudged home empty-handed except for a few limpets and winkles they had gathered in the rock pools. There weren't even any mushrooms although some ancient rhubarb was found. Luckily their dog was able to catch a few rabbits.
After 5 days they ventured down to Scalasaig to purchase Kiloran Lamb and Strand Oysters and to seek fishing advice from the natives. They were told, by the man in the Bookshop, to seek out places along the shore with the name "Carraig" as this signifies in Gaelic a good fishing rock. On the Thursday, while "Mother" cooked a delicious rabbit stew for their last meal before returning to the mainland, the brave boys struggled through the bracken and knee high heather to Rubha Carraig nan Darach. After losing some tackle in the weeds, they returned to the farmhouse triumphant, with 7 fishes including two mackerel.
And next year they are coming back for TWO weeks.
SERIOUSLY EXCITING
Many thanks to Peter MacNeill for the following pictures, which show former CalMac ferry "Suilven" hitting heavy swell as she exited Wellington Heads and entered Cook Strait, early afternoon 6 February 2002.
2002 COLONSAY GOLF OPEN
Best Net Score for Cup:
3rd - George Brolly (Net 77)
2nd - Ian Longdon (Net 76)
1st - Nico Furze (Net 68)
Scratch Score
1st - Jim Forson, 88 Scratch
Junior Competition
2nd - Finlay Barge (Net 120)
1st - Sterven MacAllister (Net 85)
Nearest the Pin
George Brolly
Longest Drive
Jim Forson
Best Islander
Steven MacAllister
Most Shots Taken
Leslie Du Cane (138)
Best Dressed
Ian Wood
Most Enthusiastic
Douglas Forson
TAKE A BOW
Congratulations to George and Carol Brolly, and a hearty welcome to baby Heather Brolly, born August 28th. Mother and baby are both well (we have no picture yet and have resisted the temptation to give an artist's impression…).
FRESH FROM THE FRINGE
Alasdair Satchel (grandson of Barbara and a true Colasaich) appears in "One Man Rant" at Colonsay Village Hall on Tuesday 3 September, 8 p.m.
Tickets on door £3.50 (concessions £2.50 … Dr. Currie to adjudicate)
Followed by ceilidh - BYOB
Straight from its World Premier, this energetic and original show from Scottish Lecoq-trained writer and performer Alasdair Satchel is one where movement, mime, music, fruity puppetry and crafty vocals with much silliness leads to an unforgettable climax.
Al is twenty-something and is discontented with his grudge-some life and weird workmates, especially Fiona, who is having an affair with the office photocopying machine.
He takes refuge in gargantuan flights of office based fantasy, until his Dickensian boss, Mr Andouilette, sacks him and Al is forced to face his darkest demon.
The music is specially commissioned from the Glasgow based Electronic Underground group The Marcia Blame School for Girls.
MR & MRS LEPPARD
Congratulations and all good wishes to George Leppard and his lovely bride Pauline, daughter of Jim and Jeanette McLoughlin of Milbuie West (and granddaughter of the late Alec and Rene Campbell). The wedding was in Glasgow on 10 August, the honeymoon was in Turkey and the glittering future lies here in Colonsay, where George and Pauline will make their home.
DEVELOPMENT GRANTS
The latest round of Development grants has been published by AIE, and can be sen in full by following this link:
NOOKS and CRANNIES: Uamh an Righ, Jura
Correction: in Issue 59, the name "Ton na t'Soitheach" was given in error. It has been kindly pointed out that it has to be either Ton na Soithich (f.) (rear end of the vessel) or Ton an t-Sothaich (m.) from some unknown masculine word "sothach" or "tothach" or something of the kind. Unless further information is available, Ton na Soithich is therefore the correct spelling.
On the north side of Loch Tarbert in Jura is a magnificent cave, Uamh an Righ (The Royal Cave), which shows signs of habitation since the Bronze Age. Viewed from within, its entrance frames a dramatic vista, symetrically based upon the sugar-loaf shape of Beinn Shiantaidh (755m), the "Sacred Mountain". For centuries, this cave had an important link with our own island, as it lay upon the funeral route to Oransay Priory and Kiloran Abbey. A side chamber may well have been used for a catafalque and our picture shows just some of the dozens of crosses which survive upon the walls and ceiling of the cave. In many cases these crosses were made by the smoke of oil-lamps or crusies and are etched by fatty deposits.
Foreign influences at the time of the Reformation undermined native traditions and put an end to many funeral customs. Unmarked graves became the norm and ancient burial centres fell from use; very few people visit Uamh an Righ today, and even less are aware of its significance.
WHAT'S ON IN COLONSAY
Tuesday 3 September - "One Man Rant" featuring Alasdair Satchel straight from the Fringe, at Colonsay Hall 8pm. Tickets £3.50 and £2.50. Followed by ceilidh, so BYOB
Saturday 5th October - Colonsay Young Farmer's Annual Root and Grain Show. Show Forms for all entries will shortly be available from the Shop or Post Office.
Saturday 5th October - Colonsay Young Farmers' Dinner & Dance - for tickets, contact Rhona on 01951 200303 or Angus on 200229. Music, songs, dancing etc. will be provided, and local musicians will be performing.
Boat Trips: daily until late October aboard "Lady Jayne" - see brochures and webpage.
The Hotel bar and restaurant opening times are as follows:
BAR - OPEN DAILY -11am till 1am- serving alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, tea & coffee, confectionary and tobacco.
OFF SALES - available from 11am till 1am
BREAKFAST- for non residents from 8.30am till 9.30am (Booking Essential)
PACKED LUNCHES- from 10am till 2pm
MORNING COFFEE - from 11am till 12 noon
LUNCHES AND LIGHT BITES- 12 noon till 2.30pm
AFTERNOON TEA- 3pm till 5pm
EVENING MEALS - served from 6pm till 9.30pm
Food is served all day Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
May's Pantry is open daily from 9am, licensed to sell wines, beers and spirits. Meals and snacks are served all day, with homemade bread baked to order. Please book in advance for evening meals, to be sure of a reservation. Telephone the Pantry on 01951 200325 or call May MacKinnon at home 0n 01951 200341
Tides Seafood Take Away - 12.00 - 5.00 pm, Tel 01951 200200364
Colonsay House Gardens are open (see sign for details) and light lunches are served in the Loggia on Wednesdays.
Quiz in the Hotel every Wednesday at 9.30 pm.
Church Service
Please note that services in both the Baptist Church and the Church of Scotland are at the new time of 11.30hrs. Services are held weekly throughout the summer - see notices in the shop and hotel for details.
Other activities to be advertised in shop etc.
Advance notice:
The 14th International Gathering of Clan Macfie is to be held May 14-18, 2003 in Gatlinburg, TN, hosted by the Macfie Clan Society of America. For more information see http://www.macfiesocietyofamerica.com or contact:
Jim McAfee, Macfie Clan Society of America
420 Ash Dr.; Baxter, TN 38544 USA
jgmcafee@tnaccess.com
SNIPPETS
A Valuator is due on Wednesday to look at available crofts and other properties which might be available to Land Fund supported purchase; the computers are due very soon - excitement is mounting; Geoff and Hazel Wilson are shortly departing to Fermanagh, and Angus McPhee will be off to Oban - we wish them well but will be much diminished by their departure; Lucy has been refenestrated;
TOPICAL LETTERS
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.
Having spent some very enjoyable days on Colonsay in July my children and I have enjoyed the Corncrake.However what happened to Irene's tortoise?
Jane Douglas
The Editor,
The Corncrake,
Isle of Colonsay.
Dear Sir,
I write in response to your article "Fleeced in our Time" in the current issue of "The Corncrake". I shall ignore the offensive reference to fleeces, with its obvious sheepist undertones, and merely point out that confining your consideration of this extremely serious and sensitive issue to one particular point of view, that of the goat community, ignores the wider interests of the island's non-human population.
The recent erection of a fence in Glassard, a crime comparable only to the construction of the Berlin Wall, has not only deprived my colleagues and myself of access to essential food supplies (the grass, I assure you, is greener on that side), but has also meant that our traditional sport of Maryann-baiting, as practised by several generations of sheep from both Kiloran and Scalasaig, can no longer be enjoyed. For those of your readers unfamiliar with country sports, the game consists of stealthily creeping up to the Glassard houses, sometimes under cover of darkness, and then at a critical moment exclaiming "Baa", or some such call, whereupon the quarry is flushed out, and a chase ensues. There is no evidence that any harm ever resulted from this innocent pursuit, but since the fence was completed, it is clear that the human residents of Glassard no longer have any interest in playing - or is it just that they are deterred by the thought of having to cross such a formidable barrier?
While you correctly refer to the Iberian connections of our caprine neighbours, I would just point out that our connections with the island also extend back into the mists of history, as evidenced by place-names such as Beinn nan Caorach, Eilean nan Uan, Lamalum, and even possibly Ewe-ragaig. Even the most casual visitor to the island cannot fail to notice the traces we have left behind, when stepping ashore at the pier. And of course our influence can be traced in the local Gaelic dialect, where expressions such as "Tha sin meh", "Chi sinn a meh-rach", etc. point to close social intercourse having taken place in times gone by.
It is regrettable that suburban attitudes on the part of Glassard residents ("no blackfaces in our back yard") have, with the connivance of landed interests, conspired to exclude the majority population from access to important amenities. I do not wish to ram home the point any further, but it certainly suggests a deplorable lack of woolly thinking on their part.
Ewes sincerely,
Caora Bhan (Mrs.)
Glassard
The Magazine Section
