BACK ON TRACK
This issue has been delayed and lacks some of the usual features. On the other hand, there is a great deal of fascinating correspondence and contributions are as welcome as ever. The problem with the Archived Issue 74 will be adressed as soon as possible, and the early issues will be replaced on line.
COLONSAY DIARY
Most of us will probably remember May 2003 for the unrelentingly disappointing weather - day after day of dismal skies and chilly temperature. Fortunately this was so unusual that most visitors were prepared to ignore it and instead took advantage of retarded bracken growth to explore unfamiliar areas. The corncrake returned later than usual, but seems to have arrived in abundant numbers and is to be heard almost everywhere. Black guillemots seem to be more plentiful, but marine wildlife has been otherwise quite low-key: passengers on "Lady Jayne" have seen lots of northern divers, half a dozen puffins and a "bonxie" but only 3 porpoise and 4 minke whales. A pair of Golden Eagles was seen this week, and the birdcliffs are teeming with activity.
A party from St. Andrew's University was here recently, attaching radio transmitters to Grey Seals; the organiser has kindly permitted us to follow the tracks of a few local seals as monitored by satellite - they seem to dive to about 80 metres, and have the most extraordinary social life. One seal just potters about Oransay, whereas another popped across to Donegal for a while; another has nipped up to Orkney, whilst a fourth savours a circuit of Loch Gruinart, Loch Tarbert, Scalasaig and the Torran Rocks.
The new houses are now occupied by their new tenants and the "workshop units" are almost completed; the development is to be planted with trees, but the main outstanding task will be to tarmacadam the road, for which all preparations are complete.
Early in May, Chaps Ltd. arrived in Colonsay with a raft of equipment and have been engaged for three weeks in laying underground telecoms cabling; they had to work in difficult conditions due to the narrow road and constant traffic and it is to their credit that their team remained helpful and courteous throughout the project. Unfortunately, the roadway is now pitted with trenches, but it is to be re-instated very shortly.
A large shed has been constructed beside the new Mast above Scalasaig, but the construction work seems to be past its worst and the "old road" will soon regain its old allure. Elsewhere, a giant holding-tank for fresh water is being constructed beside Abhainn nan toitichean on Learga Mhor, a project that will take some months to complete; work is advancing apace on the changes at Torr an Tuirc, including landscaping; and huge excavations in Pairc Stroyan indicate the site of a new house for Mr & Mrs Butcher.
The harbour is filling with boats again for summer - Bill has an additional fishing boat, an old craft which he has restored over the last eighteen months or so; Duncan "Sandy" has arrived back, with "Wild Rose"; and "Barbel" is also in her accustomed berth. The "Chug", built by Silvers for Lord Strathcona's father with pine from the estate at Glencoe, got off to a sticky start - whilst being launched she was punctured by a rock, but repairs are almost complete and she should be afloat this week.
The 105ft brigantine STV "Asgard" was here last week, with a permanent crew of five and capacity for twenty more; she is the ideal vessel for our projected "Spencer" voyage to P.E.I. in 2006 and every effort will be made to secure her. She is owned by the Irish Department of Defence and it is hoped that the spirit of the Council of the Isles may prevail when our application is considered.
STV "Asgard"Eight youngsters from the "Asgard" attended the dance following Donald Harrison's Fiddlers' Concert in the Village Hall. It had been a brilliant evening and the absence of local partners did not phase the visitors - they got up on their own and demonstrated an Irish set. The Fiddlers had come from far and wide, and we hope to see them again before too long.
Georgina Hobhouse celebrated an important birthday with a weekend of hospitality and fun; Donald MacAllister of Colonsay assisted the MacAllisters of Campeltown in providing the music for a wonderful night in the Village Hall, after a splendid meal provided for about a hundred guests from far and wide. To her surprise (and slight alarm) Georgina discovered next day that a rather fine stone had been erected in her honour and to mark the occasion; but was re-assured to learn that it is intended as a tribute rather than a memorial.
Oonagh Ivory and friends with Georgina's stoneIN MEMORIAM
On 29th May it was learned with great sadness that Jean Darmody had passed away. Jean came to the island to be with her family here and was a very popular individual, full of fun and very buoyant. Unfortunately Jean fell ill in recent months but she remained in her own home and in the care of her family until the end. Jean is survived by her daughter Linda, son-in-law Les Robinson and grandson Chris, to whom all sympathy is extended.
NEW PORSCHE
Even the Editor has caught the building bug, as was duly noted by a local satirist whose cartoon we reproduce… it shows "Homefield Palace" with Wee Davy mounting guard flanked by Corgi look-alike Coco and the gracious chatelaine "Queen Christa".
"The Royal Byrne's delusions of grandeur have finally taken over when a Sentry Box was suddenly constructed on the front of their croft house, complete with sentry. New Rolls-Peugeot also sighted" - News Flash by Porncrake.
WHACKY RACES
Elsewhere, Mount Everest and the North Pole have lost their dignity, whilst nearer home the informal competition to conquer Uragaig by use of the most inappropriate vehicle continues apace. An official challenge was to be lodged against Willie Currie's lorry because it was actually only 20 tonnes, but his achievement had already been overtaken by both Muir's cattle float and Brown's 9.3 metre lorry. The latter's effort was all the more remarkable for the fact that it made most of the journey off-road, thus sparing the authorities the expense of trimming the erstwhile verges.
It is rumoured that all previous efforts will be trumped by Ross and Hughie, who intend to make a surprise arrival with a troop of elephants via the pass at Loch an Sgoltaire. Meanwhile, even the pedestrians seem to have joined in the fun - they were unable to damage the road, but earlier this week they managed to trash the bench.
GOVERNMENT IS SPOILING OUR PENSIONERS
The following letter recently appeared in "The Express", submitted by Margaret Hall-Gardiner of Colonsay:
"WITH regard to David Prosser (Letters, Scottish Daily Express, May 7), how many pensioners think that they automatically receive the increased personal tax allowance of £6,610 when they reach 65?
By chance I happened to check my recent tax code, only to find that I had been receiving the basic tax allowance of £4,615 for those under 65 for the past four years.
On contacting of the Inland Revenue to find out why, their reply was that it was because I had not signed a form when I was 65 confirming my age.
I have now been required to complete a form showing all my income for the past four years.
How many pensioners have or are able to produce this information and are able to cope with such a task?
This is bureaucracy gone mad. We are urged to claim the benefits that we are entitled to, but the most basic one that should be given on reaching pension age automatically, has to be signed for or is made complicated to obtain."
Older readers might wish to check their own Codes; meantime younger readers might consider writing to NHI requesting an estimate of retirement pension. Such estimates are provided free, and can provide a considerable surprise. The Editor has never missed a contribution, and has been fortunate enough to have never received a penny in sick-pay, unemployment benefit or any other form of entitlement. Yet his state pension is estimated at £44.00 per week and NHI will not contemplate investigating any possible error until retirement age is actually reached.
ADVERT
Day-long trip to Corrievreckan Whirlpool and Scarba
On Saturday 21 June, departing Scalasaig at 08.30 and passing through the Gulf of Corrievreckan. Land on Scarba and spend the day there - perhaps observe the Corrievreckan in spate, or watch the Grey Dogs. The Chapel of Our Lady "where many miracles occur" was mentioned by John of Fordun in 1380 and was once part of Colonsay's own parish - interesting gravestones survive and miracles do happen.
In the afternoon, return through Corrievreckan ("second largest whirlpool in the world") and home to Scalasaig for c. 18.30 hrs. To get an idea of Corrievreckan's appeal, please see "I Know Where I'm Going", available on video from Amazon for £4.95.
Up to eight places are still available for this trip, £40 per adult. Contact Kevin Byrne byrme@colonsay.org.uk Tel 01951 200320 to book. The trip is weather dependant - can be reconfirmed the night before or at time of departure.
VROOM VROOM
By an historical accident, residents of Colonsay have always been permitted to drive on the public road using a Provisional Licence and without submitting themselves to any form of examination. In the same way, owners of vehicles have been granted exemption from the M.O.T. roadworthiness examination.
There was a time when a trip to the mainland was a major event. Individuals would have to leap aboard a moving ferry from a tiny flit-boat and be prepared to be away from home for days on end. Motor cars had to be craned on and off the ships. Nowadays, none of these difficulties remain - there are almost daily ferries and vehicles can be sent to a mainland garage unaccompanied. In the meantime, the level of traffic upon our road has increased out of all recognition, as has the weight and performance of the vehicles in use.
Is it reasonable that the existing situation should continue indefinitely? There are no notices to warn visitors that they are sharing the road with unqualified drivers and untested vehicles. Some visitors discover the truth, and then see the place as a free for all - they carry children on their tailgates and roof-racks, and even let the children drive. Perhaps it is now time to move forward. Correspondence on the subject will be welcomed in "The Corncrake" and might hopefully lead to an informed debate at some future Community Council meeting.
NOOKS & CRANNIES: Cille Mhoire, Oransay
The mediaeval chapel beside the present road was possibly associated with the funeral route to the Priory, but the site is of much greater antiquity since it was used for a Viking funeral. Possibly in later times it was the point at which a funeral cortege would be joined by representatives of the Oransay community; from this point, the route lay some 200 metres south of the present road, with a resting point where the famed McDuffy Cross once stood.
The church was dedicated to Our Lady and the remains are about 5.5m by 3.5m internally, with walls 1 metre in thickness but surviving to barely one third of that height. It is correctly oriented and a couple of grave markers survive close at hand.
WHAT'S ON IN COLONSAY
Colonsay House Gardens - every Wednesday and Friday afternoon; refreshments are available
Boat Trips - daily, obtain brochure at Hotel, Pantry, Shop, P.O., Bookshop or Pier.
Note: On Mondays, the service to Port Askaig connects with the Kennacraig ferry.
Quiz in the Hotel every THURSDAY at 9.30 pm.
Evening Meals: 6pm - 9pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
5pm - 9.30pm on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Lunches served daily 12 - 2.30pm
Bar open: 12 - 2.30 and 6pm till late (from 5pm on Friday and Sunday).
The Pantry - Summer hours apply
Tel 01951 200235
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 regularly - see notices in the shop and hotel for details.
DIARY DATE - 26 July 2003
We are reliably informed that ever-popular musicians "Follow that Camel" are coming to Colonsay Hall on the Saturday 26th July, 2003.
The idea is for a concert followed by a dance..... there will be a big group coming with the band and the concert will feature singers, pipers and highland dancers.....followed by a dance to "Follow that Camel"", live!!
Graham Fuge has promised to give us more details nearer the time, but for the moment it should be sufficient to clear your diary, open your card and book your partners.
SNIPPETS
Computer classes continue throughout June, but will be suspended in the school holidays; at island B&Bs you get Bed but not Bored - at one establishment guests can get locked into their rooms, at another they can get locked out, but seemingly everyone enjoys the ladder and a fireman's lift; National Trust's "Black Prince" is due to return in 2004, and "Hebridean Spirit" is to make her first visit on July 6th; all work has been completed on the new solar-powered lighthouse:
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.
Hi Kevin
Noting your reference in the latest Corncrake to our recent and extremely enjoyable Jura day trip, here are a few notes, for the benefit of any other party that may do it.
1. Your recommended route up Beinn an Oir, along the west flank of Scrinadle, is excellent (as you well know!)
2. After that, the route off the top is due south along a narrow ridge and then steeply down a path that varies between boulders, narrow path and scree. It is clear but very steep, and slow going in places, and you find yourself running some of the scree. It is also a long way down to the bealach - about 400 metres difference. Allow an hour to get down.
3. Crucially, although once you get to the tracks marked on the OS map it is easy walking, I reckon it is at least seven miles from the lochans between Beinn an Oir and Beinn a Chaolais to Feolin, so you need to allow at least three hours from the bealach.
4. So you need to start the descent from Beinn an Oir by about 2.00 p.m., to make sure of catching the 18.40 ferry from Feolin to Part Askaig.
5. This suggests that any party planning to take in either or both of the other Paps as well, and still catch the ferry back, would need an even earlier start from Colonsay, and would still need to be pretty fit!
Bearing in mind the consequences of missing the ferry (i.e. an unscheduled week on Islay, or calling Lady Jayne out!), I pass this on for anyone else who may do this route. As long as these timings are borne in mind, it is thoroughly recommended.
We really enjoyed our visit to Colonsay, as ever, and look forward to the next one.
Regards, David Hoult
Now there is an early boat at 0930 Thursdays from Oban it is possible to leave London Euston on the sleeper at 2105 for Crianlarich arrive 0739 or Tyndrum Upper arrive 0752, taxi to Oban(about 50 minutes) and be on Colonsay for lunch time .
Sleeper generally runs to time these days.
Regards Damian and Alison Samuels
Dear Kevin,
I read with interest, every issue of the Corncrake and find the
photos bring back happy memories of Colonsay. Obviously there have been many
changes since we use to spend our summer holidays there - for the better we
hope ! I am pleased to see that new houses are being built, - rather too late
for us now !
I recently had my Map of Colonsay (which I designed in 1975/6 )scanned in
various sizes of resolution
so I am attaching an A4 copy for you, as you did so much in allowing the sale
of many of them in the Hotel. Including Keith's Shop, almost 3,000 of them
were
sold on the island. Where have they all gone ? ?
Please give our warmest regards to any of our "old" friends that we
made on Colonsay, - Frank, May and Charlie, Netta, Rena, Irene, Douggie,
Eleanor, the Bridges, Rhona & Nigel, Archie and Bill Lawson.
With Best wishes to you all Dorothy and Oscar Bingham
Hi, Kevin...
Reflections on the 73rd Issue of the Corncrake:
I read with great interest your new summertime scheme for handling the traffic flow on your lovely island...a real bit of good thinking and planning obviously went into the final decision making as to direction, days of clockwise and counter clockwise movement, and of course, the Sunday arrangement(s). Handling the potential for head-ons with the speed being limited with/by second gear is a fine idea, as is the prohibition on backing more than the two kilometer limitation without a trailer. Beyond that distance serious neck injury can occur from staring out the rear window whilst backing.
Best to you and yours on the fair Isle of Colonsay, Gary Snyder
[NOTE: Gary kindly submitted thoughts on the issues raised by our recent foray into perceptions of French politicians. I am most grateful for those and other comments but have decided to close that subject for now, since we are all so close to the unfolding events. Instead, one might choose to reflect upon the lesson of history. For example, when regime change was last achieved here in Great Britain through foreign intervention it was the work of the Dutch. It led to generations of strife; Scotland was eventually crushed by Butcher Cumberland, but bitter inter-tribal hostility continues in some parts of the realm to the present day. It is not an encouraging precedent - Editor].
To The Editor, The Colonsay Sun:
Dear Kevin,
Just to let you know that yes, we too could not access issue 74 in the archive, getting an Error 404 message.
We're interested to hear of the Sustainable Energy investigation. It will clearly propose a barrage across the Strand, no doubt with a causeway carrying a railway to support Keith in steam train to provide all-weather access to Oronsay. There will have to be 15 wind turbines north of Balnahard and if this does not provide enough enegy for Colonsay additional superheated steam could be imported from heat-exchangers sited under the new Holyrood parliament building.
It is always a joy to read Corncrake and hear what's news on the island and we're looking forward to visiting in September
Barrie & Celia Sinton
[Many thanks… will try to get that error message sorted a.s.a.p. and rest of archive copies uploaded - Editor]
The Magazine Section
