COLONSAY DIARY
Congratulations to Morna MacNeill, who has now qualified as a doctor; congratulations also to Georgina's mother, Penelope Hobhouse, who has been awarded an honorary doctorate at Birmingham; great party in the Hall to celebrate 21st Birthdays of Sandy Abrahams and Jen MacNeill; Mike Yellowlees' "So Strange a Monster as a Jesuiste" has been listed as a contender for a prestigious Saltire award; the McAllisters and MacFadyens are home again but Donald says there will always be a part of him in Portugal; cars seems to be having considerable difficulty holding the road lately, possibly due to sheep leaping out in front of them - fortunately no injuries have been sustained:
CHLOE SHAW - Queen of the Sea
Chloe Shaw, 12 years old, has been selected to reign over the prestigious Saltcoats "Queen of the Sea" Festival 2003. She is especially fortunate in an event-filled week, because she has been promised the full support of her identical twin Stephanie - who was only one point behind Chloe in the selection campaign! The twins used to live here in Colonsay but moved away and have been living in Saltcoats for the last three years, where they attend Dykesmains Primary School. They are just as keen on music and drama as ever and their proud mother Lorraine is delighted by their success.
The Festival is a big event in Saltcoats and Chloe's name has been added to a regal line stretching back to 1928. Almost every page of the substantial programme features Chloe and North Ayrshire Provost Drew Duncan singles her out for special mention in his message of support. Chloe and Stephanie are much-missed here in Colonsay and everyone is delighted to know that together with wee sister Holly they are cutting such capers in their new home. Their grandpa Archie MacConnell was down to see Chloe's coronation.
WEDDED BELL
Frank Nicholson was away south last week for the wedding of his grandson Steven to Michelle. (Steven is of course the son of Davie and Moira Bell.) By all accounts it was a splendid event and Frank seems to have enjoyed it mightily - even better, the happy couple were here in Colonsay for their honeymoon. We unfortunately have no pictures of Frank as yet, but at least we have one of the bride and groom.
PLANS AND SCHEMES
More information is to hand about the apparently controversial house-site mentioned in our last issue and a very detailed report (Reference 03/00563/OUT) was made available to the Community Council. The report is clear, factual, concise and very professional - regardless of the actual circumstances of any individual case, one is impressed and re-assured by the way in which such a matter has been addressed.
The site in question is identified as "land south of No. 1 Glassard, Scalasaig" and there was no requirement for the application to be advertised in the local press. "However, eight letters of representation have been received in respect of the proposed development from the following:
Shepherd and Wedderburn on behalf of DB & Miss MC Carmichael, owners of 1 Glassard, Colonsay (received 14.04.03); additional letters also submitted by DB Carmichael, Kirk Brae, Edinburgh (25.04.03); Miss MC Carmichael, Culnacnoc, Isle of Skye (09.05.03); Douglas R McKean, letter unsigned with no return address (14.04.03); Mary Ann MacAllister, 4 Glassard, Colonsay, letter unsigned (14.04.03); Wendy Radford, 5 Glassard, Colonsay (16.04.03); Mrs Lillian N. Carmichael, 1 Glassard, Colonsay; and Mr D R McKean of the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh (13.05.03)."
The reasons for the objections are summarised under ten headings and in each case the planners' response is also given. It is not possible to cover all these points here, so a random example is given:
"viii) The proposed development does not promote the residential housing needs of Colonsay, in that it is understood that the site is to be sold to a non-resident of the island for a second home.
Comments: The current proposal is for a site for a dwelling to be used as a full time residence and has been assessed as being suitable for such a use. Specific planning consent is not required for use of a dwelling as a holiday or second home, and therefore this issue is not a material planning consideration."
The Applicant was given an opportunity to consider all the issues raised, and to make a "Supporting Statement" in response. His remarks are summarised in turn, and the example used above has been met by the following rejoinder:
"In respect of second home ownership, it is ironic that a number of the representations have been submitted by persons who own second homes at Glassard. It should also be noted that the Estate's holiday cottage business is the largest on the island, and therefore plays a significant part in sustaining the economy of the island community. It is also stated that the prospective purchaser of this site is keen to be resident on the island if possible."
The planning officer has suggested strict conditions in his report to the Committee; there appear to be 9 such conditions, starting in the document to hand at number 4 (and immediately begging the question). Of the 6 conditions in the copy of the document which is to hand, three deal with road safety, one protects the trees and one prevents any future development which might affect the overall ambience (however modest, e.g. new fence or gate).
The remaining item is worth noting in full:
"Details submitted … shall show a dwelling of traditional design which reflects the characteristics of existing development adjacent, and which incorporates the following features and details:
* A building of 1.5 storeys in height not exceeding the height of adjoining dwellings
* With a footprint sited to reflect the existing building line
* The footprint should be generally rectangular in shape with traditional gable ends and internal chimneys on both gables
* A pitched roof of at least 37 degrees with a roof covering of natural slate
* Traditional peaked roof dormers
* Exterior walls finished in a grey wet/dry dash render or natural stone
* Timber sliding sash & case windows with a strong vertical emphasis
* Details of the finished floor level relative to that of an identifiable fixed datum outwith the application site."
The result of the application will be published here as soon as it is known. In the meantime it has stimulated quite a lot of debate concerning future development in general. The main questions might be summarised as follows:
Should houses be built in existing residential areas, interfering with the privacy and amenity of existing occupants; or should they be scattered all over the island - possibly easing the way for much more widespread "infill" proposals in the future?
Should the Community Council take note of every planning application as a matter of course, or just wait until something contentious arises?
Is it time to call a moratorium on new-build, so as to protect existing amenity and property values, or is it better to allow supply to match demand until such time as equilibrium is reached?
Persons from Edinburgh and elsewhere seek to influence planning and development locally - does this mean that islanders are perceived to be failing in their stewardship, or is it that islanders are likely to be ineffectual?
Many months ago, Argyll & Bute Planning Department was asked to attend a public meeting in Colonsay, where existing planning constraints and guidelines could be made known; it was also requested that existing Listed Buildings should be revisited, with a view to de-listing those buildings whose listed features no longer exist. This meeting has not taken place and it is hardly surprising that there is some current unease as to the planning process. Everybody, regardless of their personal stance, wants to believe that there is some sort of coherent strategy in place, something that will protect the special but rapidly-eroding nature of the island. The case reviewed in this issue shows that individual applications are considered with care and sensitivity, and the officers concerned must be congratulated. Nonetheless, a piecemeal response in reaction to random applications must be expensive and time-consuming; if the planners could be more pro-active, it might help. It is high time for the overall strategy to be unveiled.
We already have one letter on the subject (see below) and will welcome more.
The plot in question
DO YOU LIVE IN AN SSSI?
Islanders were bemused to be asked to complete a questionnaire, including the following:
"Is the building located within or close to any of the following: Conservation area? Site of Special Scientific Interest? Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty?"
How would any normal person know? This sort of information is shared jealously between the landowner and the subsidising agency, but only reaches a wider audience in a random way. It is believed that the Service Point holds official maps and perhaps it would be possible to produce one large map for public display. Such a map could be annotated where appropriate and would be of great interest to visitors and islanders alike.
Hopefully not an SSSI. The War Graves Commission seems to have sprayed these lairs with poison.GETTING GREENER
The Community Council has again been invited to get involved in a re-cycling programme. It seems odd that we should devote time and fossil fuels to driving around with old cans and newspapers in pursuit of the negative returns inherent in any such an endeavour in Colonsay, when much greater opportunity lies all around. We have all stood by and watched as literally hundreds of one-tonne re-useable bags have been slashed and destroyed by contractors in recent months. These bags, costing up to £10 each retail, have then been burned, placed in landfill or scattered to the four winds; one was physically recovered from Eilean Dubh a' Chumhainn Mhoir and doubtless many more are littering the Jura shoreline. Perhaps the Community Council would be better advised to provide re-cycling facilities for items such as these, and for old pallets and barrels. Perhaps they could also grasp the nettle of engine and cooking oil waste, old filters, grease cartridges etc.
Elsewhere, other communities seem to set their sights a little higher. As reported in this week's West Highland Free Press, HIE chiefs are investigating how communities might manage to develop their own windfarms. Chief Executive Sandy Cumming is reported as saying "Overall we are coming to the view that a form of strategic community-owned investment and development vehicle would be the most appropriate way forward to ensure that the benefits of renewables are kept in the Highlands and Islands." Calum MacDonald MP noted that "A 2.5-megawatt turbine will produce a return, when mature, of an estimated £450,000 a year. This means that even a small community-owned wind farm of just five such turbines would return more cash into local communities than the 240 turbine-farm proposed for north Lewis". The farm to which he refers will pay just £2m per year to the Stornoway Trust, about 2% of its return; whereas a very small operation of just 5 units would produce £2,250,000 per annum provided that it was wholly-owned by the community. It is understood that the CCDevCo is negotiating to purchase some very suitable land at present and, given the vision, this might provide us with the chance to do something a bit more practical on the environmental front. (Yes, that was the correct figure - Colonsay could gross more than two million p.a., whilst playing its part in the reduction of greenhouse gases).
SNAKE-BITE HORROR
As is well-known, there are no snakes in Colonsay, but they are to be found in neighbouring islands and one tends to wonder how dangerous they are. Whilst walking in Jura last week, a visitor from Colonsay who was unfortunately only wearing trainers instead of proper walking boots was bitten on the ankle. He did not notice at the time, was both young and fit and possibly benefited from the fact that blood vessels on the ankle bone are not especially big. He woke up next day thinking that he had been kicked in the night and by mid-afternoon was sufficiently alarmed to be very glad of an interview with Dr. Currie. In the event he recovered very quickly, but medication meant he had to avoid alcohol for a few days.
Subsequent research revealed that only 5 people have died of adder bites in Britain in the last 100 years, the most recent being a child of eight in the 1970's. Nonetheless, the First Aid advice is not encouraging - keep the heart above the bite, immobilise the patient, take the patient to hospital immediately; not easy to achieve in these parts. In practical terms, proper boots should be worn, thick ground cover should be avoided, the least vulnerable individuals should lead the way, a walking stick should probe any unavoidable clumps of cover. Children should probably wear long boots and dogs should be expendable. The Jura adder is regarded as non-aggressive and only mildly venomous - it is encouraging to know that a bite is not necessarily life-threatening, but it is evidently better to be prudent.
WHAT'S ON IN COLONSAY
Mondays 6.00 - 7.15pm, Village Hall
RAQS SHARQI - EGYPTIAN DANCE
Raqs Sharqi is the traditional women's dance of Egypt. It originates in the gypsy dances of the Middle East and North Africa. In a contemporary form it is enjoyed by women all over the world.
Classes are suitable for women of all ages and fitness levels. Raqs Sharqi is great for increasing strength and flexibility and classes take place in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere. Island residents, visitors and children - all are welcome!
Miki Perkins has studied Raqs Sharqi for five years. She taught regular classes in Australia and continues to enjoy sharing this unique dance form with others. Participants should wear loose, comfortable clothing.
"Tides" Seafood Shop - Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday 1 - 5.30pm
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.
Please note: "Lady Jayne has been out of service for three weeks awaiting an exhaust part; deep apologies to everyone who has been disappointed - normal service will resume on or about 17th July.
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 every Sunday in July and August in both churches - see notices in the shop and hotel for further details.
UISKEN BEACH GAMES - 27 July 2003
Beach Games, Raft Race and BBQ at Uisken from 2pm, in aid of RNLI. Hopefully "Lady Jayne" will be attending and if required can act as an escort for other Colonsay craft. Uisken folk could not be more hospitable and kind - do take this chance to support them in this popular cause.
CAROLINA SCOTS CELEBRATION:
November 28 - 30 at The Fair Barn, Pinehurst, North Carolina. A commemoration of the 1803 arrival of Daniel Kelly from the Isle of Skye, but a weekend of activity that will appeal to anybody who can make it to the venue. More information on www.carolinascots.com
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.
On development of Glassard.
Reading a report on the outline planning application for one of the sites at Glassard makes clear just how impossible it is to protect the more subtle assets of any site through objective planning considerations, however well intentioned. This is partly why I did not attempt to express any formal objections to these sites, the other reason being that I feel it is primarily for Glassard residents to decide what happens, and I know some residents seem quite accepting that there should be 4 or 5 new houses there. But I myself feel very sad, as follows:
As I see it, the peculiar value of Glassard has two aspects, history and environment:
Historically it is still in part a community with family relationship to and a living memory (albeit now tenuous) of the community that moved there from Riasg Buidhe. Although time will inevitably dissolve this link, it is still sad to think it will eventually become just another holiday estate…
Environmentally, the extraordinary beauty of the outlook towards Jura will remain whatever happens. But the spaciousness of the little settlement, and the wealth of plant life that it supports are already being eroded. Although much diminished and invaded with bracken etc., there are in places still vestiges of delicate hay meadows, and elsewhere a mass of wild flowers (primroses, bluebells, orchids, meadow cranesbill etc) persists until the bracken matures.
There is nothing to merit scientific designation or notification, but this does not mean that it has no value - this is the kind of site that has been lost over and over again in the impoverished landscapes of lowland Britain in the past 50 years. Even on Colonsay in the past few years, the vegetation of the meadows has been coarsening and disappearing, as former hay fields are fertilised and silaged, and grazing is invaded by rushes, docks and thistles.
Now on Glassard hay has not been made for several years. The productive vegetable patch of No.7, last tended about 3 years ago, has gone to waste. Mary-Ann's hard fought protective fence has gone, another harsh fence slices through the beautiful little burn, where the goats are demolishing the last few fruit trees. And the space created by land originally too rocky to be settled is to be "infilled".
I know that my values are not shared by everyone and anyhow weigh little against the short term profitability of a development. They are also probably impossible to translate into objective and fair planning considerations. Yet in the long term such subtle, fragile features are the unique assets of land on Colonsay, which alone make it competitive in markets where an isolated island is otherwise seriously disadvantaged.
I dream most unrealistically that Glassard might have been bought by someone with both the capacity to appreciate its unique value and the wealth to care for it, who could restore the hayfields and small rich gardens, graze sensitively, and control the bracken without destroying ferns, and leave the spaciousness untouched, not torn apart by any new building. But I know this subjective sadness is no ground for formal objection, especially if one does not live that side of the island and cannot claim to be directly affected. I'm just writing it down because it's 3 in the morning and thinking about it is keeping me awake …
Angela Skrimshire,
10.07.03
The Magazine Section
