tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79535692936199178442024-02-25T07:29:37.689+00:00Island at the EdgeNow living on the Isle of Skye, still designing knitwear and other crafts,and of course being very windswept and interesting.
Follow the tales of Kapitein, Sampster, Wolfie and I as we begin the quest to find our new Homestead.Island at the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862088783039966262noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953569293619917844.post-58744431746256000722018-02-09T17:38:00.000+00:002018-02-17T12:49:16.724+00:00A Year in Review 2017– Part 2<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">July 2017 </span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It was only
half way through the year and we were already rushed off our feet with visitors
and we were expecting many more, not to mention trying to find time to work on
the house and tend to the rest of the jobs that needed doing on the croft.
That’s why we employed our first ever full-time employee – Alexandra. Alexandra
started out as ‘girl Friday’ as she loved coming to help with the donkeys and
before we knew it she became girl Saturday – Thursday as well. It has been
super having an extra pair of hands onboard to help with all the visitors and
animals, she is a wonderful addition to our crofting business and has been
readily accepted by all of the animals too!! We couldn’t have wished for better.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: start;">Alexandra at Dunvegan Show </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> Alexandra
helping to set up at Portree Show<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Once again, we
attended both Dunvegan and Portree show where we showed our sheep. This year,
to our surprise, the judge at Portree show liked black sheep!! This is a bonus
for us as usually, judges are only interested in white sheep. He felt the
breeding was excellent and I was awarded 9 second places for my Black Cheviot
sheep. A huge success for us, especially when there were up to 16 sheep in the
ring at one point. And the bonus, this year was that there were several more
competitors at each show as had been in the past. We were also informed that we
won 2 trophies this year, one of them is the most coveted ‘Crofter with the
Most Points’ which I jointly won this year with the previous winner of the last
5 years!! We are genuinely delighted.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">On the 19<sup>th</sup>
July it was exactly a year since Trevor marked out all the foundations for the
house and a year on he was insulating the boot room. We can’t believe the
amazing progress that has been made on the house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The 22<sup>nd</sup>
of July was another very busy day for us indeed. We started out the morning by
welcoming ten Americans (mainly Texans) who are all avid knitters, spinners and
fellow wool enthusiasts who came to the croft to of course meet the sheep,
admire the fleeces and see the wool and products that we produce here. Cindy
(who brought the group to us) and I had been in contact online for a while so
it was fantastic to finally meet her, and she even brought us some rovings from
her own sheep back in Texas! It was a pleasure to have them here and the
exciting news is that they are currently trying to organise for us to go across
to Texas later in 2018 and hold a Gansey course, in which we would design for them
their own unique Gansey and teach them how to knit it – we are really looking
forward to visiting this wonderful group of ladies in their home country. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">August 2017<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We were privileged
to welcome, for the second year running, two groups in August who had come to
Skye as part of their Craft Cruises trip. We took them to meet some of the boys
before introducing them to the fleeces from our own sheep, as well as fleeces
from different breeds from other crofters here on Skye. Finally, we took them
up to the shop to show them the wool we produce from our own sheep and the
products we can make from it, including Trevor’s famous Gansey. On the whole it
was a lovely day, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves, despite the dark
overcast weather but that’s nothing new here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> One of the
Craft Cruises Groups<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> As well as independent groups we had visiting
we also had many bus trips that brought visitors from every corner of the world
to see us and get a tour of the croft. Trevor, Alexandra and myself take great
pride in taking people round the croft and to see the sheep, giving all our
visitors a taste of what it is to be a crofter and an understanding of the
lifestyle here. The majority of our visitors have no experience working with sheep
and some have never even seen sheep before, least of all black sheep, so this
is something completely different for them to see and experience. Plus, it
makes the sheep very happy with the extra treats they get when the visitors
come to see them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We have
welcomed new tour operators to our croft this year including the newly formed
<a href="https://www.go-skye.co.uk/" target="_blank">Go Skye</a>, a local tour group catering for individual and group travellers and
also offering a new ‘Shuttle Bus’ to and from many of the major tourist
attractions and sites here on Skye.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We have also
greeted ‘<a href="https://www.heartofscotlandtours.co.uk/" target="_blank">Heart of Scotland</a>’ (The Wee Red Bus) tours this year with George and
Scott two of their experienced drivers, we also welcomed <a href="https://www.rabbies.com/en/scotland-tours/see/isle-of-skye-tours?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI45XM_Jib2QIVrr_tCh2raw4dEAAYASAAEgJhFfD_BwE" target="_blank">Rabbie's</a>, <a href="https://www.discreetscotland.com/" target="_blank">DiscreetScotland</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/goldscotlandtours/" target="_blank">Gold Scotland</a>, several private tour companies, Skye Minibus Tours and
for the third year running we have had <a href="http://www.timberbush-tours.co.uk/our-tours/from-edinburgh/three-day/skye-the-highlands-loch-ness-tour11/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhq2x85qb2QIVrbztCh0r-wo-EAAYASAAEgLQ2_D_BwE" target="_blank">Timberbush</a> bringing a wide range of
visitors. It is an absolute delight to welcome not just the visitors from all
over the world, but to meet such enthusiastic and dedicated tour guides, some
of which are with their travellers for up to 6 days. We have forged friendships
and several of the guides support local events and businesses, including
Portree Gaelic Choir Ceilidh’s in the Well Plaid rooms of the <a href="http://www.royalhotel.scot/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2ND3552b2QIVa7HtCh3L-gIbEAAYAyAAEgK7R_D_BwE" target="_blank">Royal Hotel Portree</a> – a good night was had by all…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It is only for
us to say a huge thank you to the guys and girls who bring these tours to our
croft and to the many, many visitors who have and continue to support our wee
business here on the Isle of Skye. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">September 2017<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">There was no
slowing us down in September as there is never a dull moment on the croft. On
the 18<sup>th</sup> September we had a group of 45 lovely American, Canadians
and one Dutch lady who came to visit us on our croft as part of their Celtic
Quilters Tour. They arrived shortly after 9am and their fabulous driver Rab is
the only individual who has reversed a big bus all the way down the hill to our
shop! We took them all to meet and feed
the sheep before splitting them into two groups. One group went down into the
shed where they got to see the fleeces, find out about crofting and participate
in a spinning demonstration, as well as there being a small quilting exhibition
for them to see. The other group came into the shop to see Trevor’s famous
Gansey and the fascinating story it tells as well as being able to see all the
other products we design and make on the croft. The groups then switched and
they were treated to coffee and home-made cake, an essential for any visit to
our croft! We were honoured to have them here and Trevor, Alexandra and myself
had a splendid day – not to mention it was a beautiful sunny day and it didn’t
rain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> The Celtic Quilters Meeting the Sheep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">At the start of
September we also held one of our Gansey courses which we had 4 ladies on, all
who did exceedingly well (one of whom is now finished her Gansey). They were
with us for three days and everyday we were in tears from laughing. As part of their package they receive home-made soup each day for lunch as well as cake and endless cups of tea and
coffee. On one of the days the group was in we also had a visit from a Japanese
film crew who were making a tourist film encouraging those in Japan to come to
Skye. They filmed our knitters working on their Ganseys and of course no visit
to the croft is complete without meeting the sheep, so we took them up to meet
and film the boys! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> Four of our
Fabulous Gansey Knitters<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A few of you
may remember Norman and boys from the hard work they did for us last January
putting the concrete into the lean too, well they were back again this month
but this time putting up the concrete blocks outside the framework of our
house. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">October 2017<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We had a
further two Gansey courses this month with more fabulous knitters. One of the
Ladies who attended, Lee, had come all the way from Canberra and taught
knitting over in Australia (no pressure) but had never knitted a Gansey before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> Our Knitting
Group - In Stitches with Lee and Pippa doing their Gansey’s<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Another
exciting event this month was the Royal National MOD which I participated in
with the Portree Gaelic Choir. This year it was held down in Fort William and
despite the fact there were more competitors this year we managed to achieve
our best results yet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">In the house we
have installed sheep’s wool insulation, for which we are now stockists here in
the Highlands and Islands. This wonderful product – Thermafleece, is far more
environmentally friendly than the ‘rock wool’ a man-made fibreglass product
that has been used to insulate houses here for decades. We have returned to the
traditional – which makes sense as we are in the business of sheep wool. We
have progressed further than the insulation and now have walls and doors in the
house too, as well as having installed nearly all of the bathrooms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">November 2017<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">November was
another exciting month for us, not least because we expanded our sheep family.
Trevor and I set off to Inverness to buy curtain poles, however it happened to
be the day of the rare breed sales in Dingwall and this wasn’t an opportunity
to be missed. By the end of the day we didn’t make it to Inverness but did come
home with four new sheep. These came in the shape of two incredibly rare North
Ronaldsay lambs, a ewe lamb named Peerie Lass and a tup lamb called Thor. The
other new additions were two 'white' Cheviots who came from the Queen mother’s estate,
Mey and Ealasaid (which is the Gaelic for Elizabeth). We purchased these two fine girls as they have a Black Sire and Black Dams so this will add a new 'black' bloodline to our already successful flock of Black Cheviot sheep. This also means in future we
will also be able to sell our own North Ronaldsay yarn as well as the Hebridean, Black and now White Cheviot wool also, watch this space for more details on our wool stock as it arrives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> Our n</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">ew arrivals</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">November is
also 'tupping' time, so many of our boys go away out on hire, some have been with the girls here, so hopefully we will have a busy
month in April with lambing, especially if they all have twins! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We will be
keeping a close eye on the girls over the Winter and into Spring to make sure
there are no problems or complications and keep them as calm as possible as too
much stress and worrying can cause issues which can lead them to miscarry. This usually comes with unattended dogs or owners of dogs who will insist 'their' dogs are fine with sheep!! Our sheep aren't fine with dogs!! so please remember to keep your dog on a lead when around livestock please...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> Harry listening to his pep talk </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">before he goes!</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">At the start of
November I did a talk down in Broadford for a ladies group. The talk was about
what we do here on the croft, the business and crofting diversification. I also
discussed my incredible trip to Japan last year and the opportunities this
opened up, including when we hosted them here back in May.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">With the dark
Winter nights drawing in this is when we offer several courses, one that we
hosted this month was Crochet for Beginners that we held offer three weeks. The
lovely ladies who attended the course learnt lots of different tips and
techniques and made many wonderful things including a crochet bowl, a Santa and
snowman decoration and granny squares. They have all been working hard and one
of the ladies showed us a lovely crochet cowl she had made just a couple of
week after learning to crochet! Talent indeed...<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">and of course there was cake - as no course is complete without home-made cake...</span><br />
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A snowman one of our beginners
made!</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">December 2017<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">On the 9<sup>th</sup>
of December it marked the four-year anniversary since our house on Colonsay was lost. This gave Trevor and myself the opportunity to reflect on the hard
work it has taken to get to where we are now, and we are so grateful for all
the support and kindness we have received from Crofters, locals and those further afield,
so thank you to all. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The exciting news now is that we are now staying in the
house! After all of the hard work and the occasional hiccup, and the floors/carpets have been laid courtesy of <a href="http://www.hhfskye.co.uk/" target="_blank">Harris Home Furnishings</a>, we now have
electricity, the furniture has arrived and the Rayburn is working. This means
after a long and hard days work outside in the bitter cold weather I can go and
put my feet up in a warm and cosy house, finally! The water is connected too which is brilliant
as we are able to enjoy a nice hot bath. A big thank you to the talented young plumber and crofter <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kennysconser" target="_blank">Kenny MacKinnon</a> who has worked incredibly hard since the Summer to help get us to where we are now. During the installation of the Megaflow water system Kenny created a masterpiece of pipework, so much so that some friends of ours have asked for it to be replicated in their own house - well done Kenny! Although we are staying in the house
there is still plenty of work to be done.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">December may be quieter in terms of visitor numbers that doesn’t mean we get a
break, quite the opposite! There are endless rounds of feeding and looking
after the animals as well as the usual work to be done, which all has to be
squeezed in during the few hours of daylight that we have. Alexandra is such an asset to us, and works well with us to achieve all that needs to be done in a day! Occasionally, she can be as muddy as I and we convince ourselves that the 'mud' is good for our skin!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We have to feed the
animals because the grass stops growing over the Autumn and Winter so we have to supplement feed all the
animals with Hay and mixed grain for the sheep and hay, barley straw and hard feed for the Donkeys and we hope this keeps them all healthy over the winter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We have made a
vast range of different products this year which are available in our shop, as
well as our usual favourite items. This year we have produced little sheep fridge
magnets on cards that are wrapped in the wool, we have also
been busy knitting to produce a variety of Fairisle hats and Shetland
cardigans. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A first for us this year was that we were commissioned to make two
different styles of bespoke tailored jackets out of Harris Tweed, with the
customer coming all the way from Germany to have made, which turned out very
successful and the customer was thrilled with. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Me and Martina with one of
her bespoke Jackets<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> (Pictured below is a hand-knitted cashmere
shawl and the Skye Tartan waistcoat complete with stag head brooch which are
both currently available)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Trevor,
Stamford and I had a lovely quiet Christmas down in the house this year,
complete with my Christmas tree that I have been growing over the years. At
least this year I was able to cook my Christmas dinner in a nice warm house and
we could sit at our dinning table and enjoy the stunning views over Loch
Greshornish. We also took a much-needed break between Christmas and New Year,
although there were still the animals to attend to every day, but it meant we could
catch our breath and prepare for the busy season ahead, as well as all the big
changes we have in store for 2018. Follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/IslandattheEdge/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, or stop by and visit
us here on the croft to see what we are up to! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">You might need
to take a seat for this one!! We have exciting news to bring you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">After sending the wool off way back in August, the Black Cheviot wool has
finally been delivered. It is a beautiful dark brown with a subtle grey fleck
and is ideal for hand-knitting, crochet and other craft skills. We ship
worldwide so please get in touch if you are interested and we will happily send
it out to you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Island at the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862088783039966262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953569293619917844.post-45772021489823088582018-02-01T12:01:00.001+00:002018-02-01T12:01:24.080+00:00A Year in Review 2017 Part 1<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">January 2017<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Another New
Year rung in our caravan, but with the hopes it would be our last in our trusty
‘tin can’.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Despite the
festive season we haven’t rested here as we have been very, very busy on our
house site. So much so, we have been able to complete the foundations. Neil –
one of the Bernisdale Boys, Norman, Dave, Cammy and Ross in his concrete wagon,
Trevor driving the dumper and Calum driving his tele-handler all arrived one
morning at 06:45 ready to pour the final layer of concrete which will make up
the finished floor of our home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Preparations
prior to the pouring of concrete included fitting a steel frame to help support
the concrete slab. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We have waited
2 years for this day as we had to monitor the tides and the sea defences we put
in to be absolutely sure that the site will never flood, and it will be just
perfect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The boys worked
well into the evening but as the temperatures dropped we hoped that the
concrete would be ok!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehvUefXa2PkRBUAM7OAxYuiKgBJHdbkrX1VD28e49kn7GuITnEVwTzW8PtCOT_o8KoLWIato58Untt07PR8xDZEFV0B8mFwhyq-vC4ct8stg5yGwZSqWZ_9cmuezSLZsR75twFgXkewk/s1600/Photo+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="580" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehvUefXa2PkRBUAM7OAxYuiKgBJHdbkrX1VD28e49kn7GuITnEVwTzW8PtCOT_o8KoLWIato58Untt07PR8xDZEFV0B8mFwhyq-vC4ct8stg5yGwZSqWZ_9cmuezSLZsR75twFgXkewk/s320/Photo+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We awoke the
following morning to ice on the ‘inside’ of the caravan windows!! This was not
a very good sign as concrete does not like low temperatures. However, we went
down to the site and thankfully all was well… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Neil and the
boys arrived later that morning to smooth out the top of the concrete and were
happy that everything had worked out extremely well for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Trevor has
worked tirelessly to build the individual wooden house panels, helped only when
he hurt his back then Calum and his boys came to help. 34 panels needed to be
built in total and one in particular, that Trevor built, needed 1000 nails
hammered into it!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">This particular
panel I am looking through is for the kitchen wall and what will be my Kitchen
window! Calum and the boys are putting the waterproof membrane on the outside
of the panels for us. Notice it is quite dark in the shed, this is because we
have to work with portable lighting, it is dark here during the winter as early
as 2:30pm in the afternoon!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Some sad news
to bring you this month though was the tragic loss of our beloved tup Ewan-San.
Through circumstances out with our control we lost one of our best tups, with
his magnificent horns and top-quality fleece (not to mention his lovely nature),
he will be sorely missed by all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">February 2017</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We are
delighted to tell you that our house is standing as a house and is no longer in
pieces in the shed!! The concrete floor was put in and on February 24</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
Calum MacRae our neighbour and local joiner and his team began to erect the
panels down on the house site.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Trevor built
nearly every panel himself, so it was obvious he had to put up the very first
one. The ground floor panels were up in no time at all, closely followed by the
roof trusses which had been strapped to the sides of a big blue container over
the winter months, just in case they blew away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">As well as
working on the house we have been doing plenty of work on the croft as well. We
have been working a lot more with the donkeys and they are now quite happy for
us to walk up to them and give them a good cuddle, Muffin in particular loves
her chest scratched, and they are more comfortable around new people as well.
We have also been working on their halter training and now take them short
walks around the croft, so they can have access to some fresh grass, which of
course they love and are usually well behaved for. This is huge progress from
when we first got them, and we are looking forward to seeing their continued
development. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We have also
been working with the sheep, bringing the boys in for a much-needed pedicure
and their annual medication. We were ably assisted by Euan, who helps us quite
a lot here, he is a learner crofter and is working and saving hard to purchase
his own croft. He is also working towards his crofting qualification which
Trevor and I have been helping him with the practical side of things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We also had a
young chap called Hedser who came all the way from Friesland (Netherlands) to help
out at Dunvegan Castle as an Intern with a specialist painter who restores
paintwork. He wanted to find out about Crofting, so our friend Jeroen, the
custodian of the castle contacted us and asked if Hedser could come along to
help. He really enjoyed working with the animals and both Euan and he helped me
with the weekly mucking out of the donkey stable – I was very grateful indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Trevor, Euan
and Hedser giving the wee man his oral dose of medicine and Ralph Percy and his
son Big Laddy enjoying the hay after they had their medication. They wouldn’t
allow any of the other boys into the hay – greedy boys.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">March 2017</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Our house is
now classed as ‘wind and water tight’ which means the only job needed for the
outside is the breeze blocks, render and a coat of white paint then the house
is secure for all weathers. This last push won’t be until later in the summer
when we have saved enough for the blocks and for Norman, Dave and Neil to come
and lay them for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In the
meantime, Trevor has worked tirelessly inside the house, putting up dividing
walls and setting out bathrooms etc. He is just amazing…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">With all the
current work being completed on the house, I managed to take a tiny wee break
away with my friends on the Isle of Iona. The four of us were invited to sing
in the Abbey with Siosgeul – the Gaelic Gospel Choir. What a privilege to sing
in the Abbey with some other wonderful singers including the very famous Gaelic
singer Joy Dunlop and Mary-Anne Kennedy. We did a workshop with a Gospel Choir Conductor
all the way from London, where we learned songs they would sing, then these
were translated into Gaelic. We finished the evening with a Ceilidh in the
local village hall, where there was dancing, singing and general merriment. A
good time was had by all as we left Iona first thing on the Sunday morning. Our
second ferry from Craignure to Oban wasn’t until much later in the afternoon,
so we had time to visit Ardalanish weaving house. They weave their own tweed
from their own flock of Hebrideans, it was lovely to meet them, especially
while we lived on Colonsay they were our near neighbours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I have also
been getting commissions ready. Many of my hand-knitted garments take time to
make, mainly because they are knitted on fine needles and have lots of
patterns. I have just sent a commissioned Hebridean wool Gansey to Italy, which
took me nearly 200 hours to complete. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Then a Gansey
and Crofters sweater, made from pure Hebridean and Black Cheviot wool were sent
to New York, closely followed by a Tam-O-Shanter (traditional beret type hat)
sent out to Denver and wrist warmers to England and Germany. I have a white
Kiloran to block ready to send out to Minnesota, and one white and one black
Kiloran sweater to sew up and block ready for the Lake District. I then must
order the wool for some Fair Isle cardigans I’ve to make, some are for Japan
and others for the UK! Plus, we are still getting bus tours down each week, so
myself and my knitters are working hard to get beanie hats and wrist warmers
made too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">April 2017</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Lambing time
again… Trevor and I take it in shifts to check on the ewes and sure enough, I
was checking at quarter past five in the morning when Tessie was lambing. Out
popped a lovely little ewe lamb, a first for Tessie, as she has usually
produced tups (boy) lambs. Trevor came down to the shed at quarter past six in
the morning and she began again with a second lamb – another first for her, she
has always produced singles. Sure enough, the same as last year, a small tail
appeared!! This is not what you want to see, you want to see a wee nose and two
front feet, so we knew this was another breech birth (backside first) I had to
hold Tessie down while Trevor managed to find a wee foot and out popped a
little tup lamb. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In the
meantime, we had let Marsaili the Hebridean out into the field, and blow me,
didn’t she just deliver a tiny ewe lamb within minutes of Tessie! We managed to
bring her in too as the weather wasn’t particularly nice, and didn’t she go and
have a second ewe lamb too! This is also unusual as this was a first-time
lambing for her and she also had twins. Ironically the father of the Hebridean
lambs was Ewan-San who sadly passed away earlier this year, so at least we have
his progeny in two lovely little girlies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We also had a
lovely group of Americans who came to visit us on the croft in April, there
were 20 of them in total who had come all the way from Pennsylvania and all had
connections to a knitting shop in Pittsburgh. Whilst they were here they learnt
all about what it takes to be a crofter, knitting in the round, Fairisle
knitting and were given a spinning demonstration, as well as an opportunity to
give it a go themselves. We brought in one of our expert Tutors Pat to give the
demonstration and help the ladies to take away some hand-spun yarn of their
own. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">May 2017</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">May was a big
month for us because we had some very special and much anticipated visitors
come to see us and that was our friends from Japan – there were 22 of them in
total! They are readers of the Japanese magazine I write for, Mr. Partner which
is about all things British and they came over here as part of the Mr. Partner
tour. Before they arrived, we had spent all afternoon in the kitchen preparing
a feast for them, this included the best seafood – Langoustine and Cullen Skink
(an East Coast delicacy) made using fresh ingredients off the boats in Portree
that very morning and supplied to us by our dear friends down at ‘<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JustHooked/" target="_blank">Just Hooked</a>’.
Luckily it was a beautiful sunny day and when our guests arrived we took them
to meet the sheep and introduce them to the fleeces and explain about what it
is we do here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">After this we
took them down to the shed where we provided them with entertainment. This came
in the form of a young and very talented piper from Edinbane (Archie Maclean –
aged 13 years) who is a pupil at Portree School and also some Gaelic singing by
Uiseag (Skylark) a small Gaelic band which is a spin off from Portree Gaelic
Choir in which I also sing. I believe the group didn’t know anything about this
– only Jeffrey the tour guide. It was a nice surprise for everyone. Although we
didn’t have that long with them, we managed to pack a lot in and everyone had
an amazing time and we look forward to them visiting again one day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Our Japanese Visitors enjoying
their food and the piper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">June 2017<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Shearing time
again! This year Malcolm White, a good friend of ours who also happens to be an
excellent shearer and fencer, brought with him his usual partner in crime Marty
from New Zealand and Scott from Australia. We were hoping to have a big
demonstration for people to come and watch but unfortunately the good old Skye
weather let us down as it was raining that day. Therefore, we had to bring the
sheep inside the night before to keep their fleece dry – they cannot be sheared
when wet, it is both difficult to remove the fleece and is more dangerous for
both the shearer and the sheep with everything being waterlogged. Although we
weren’t able to hold the big demonstration we wanted to a few of our friends
and neighbours popped down to watch. They all thoroughly enjoyed the experience,
especially Jaine one of our spinners <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Marty shearing one of the
girls</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Some of t</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">he sheep after the shearing</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Part 2 of our Year in Review will be posted next week, happy knitting till then...</span></div>
Island at the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862088783039966262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953569293619917844.post-88801428998270297092016-12-31T22:49:00.000+00:002016-12-31T22:49:37.993+00:00A Year in Review 2016 – Part 1<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Happy New Year!! We wish you a healthy, happy, safe and
prosperous 2017</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person who has visited our croft this year, whether it was via tours buses with amazing tour guides, our fabulous overseas visitors came from all corners of the globe. Our local, regional and national visitors who arrived from all corners of the UK and whether your visit was to pop into the shop, meet the sheep or participate in one of the several courses we ran this year.. Thank you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We must also say a very special thank you to all of those tradesmen and suppliers who without whom none of what we have achieved would have been possible. We would like also to say a huge thank you to our family and friends who's ongoing support is just amazing... Sometimes we feel overwhelmed with the kindnesses we are shown and w</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">e can hardly believe that another year has passed and the
progress we have made here on the Croft is just immeasurable!! So here is a
brief look at 2016 here at Eilean Oir Croft, Isle of Skye.</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">January
2016<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Last New Year’s Day (2016) we were up with the larks and
did our usual chores – feeding the sheep and walking the dogs ironically, we
first footed ourselves (as Kapitein was once upon a time a very dark haired guy - as per tradition - and as we did last year) so here’s hoping we have as good 2016 as the previous
year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We did receive visitors later that day. Then off out again
to feed the sheep again. Thankfully we didn’t have to dig drainage ditches this
year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ironically, we have had some lovely weather here during the
month of January – a refreshing change. Here is Stamford aka Wolfie watching
for seals on the sea shore just as the sun was setting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We had huge issues on the island with our Broadband access.
But, we were not the only ones here on Skye with problems, this saw a new
dedicated Facebook page has well over 1000 people who have had similar problems
and are taking BT Openreach (who have the monopoly and are the only supplier of
Broadband) to task. We have been very lucky in so much as our local MSP Ian
Blackford has taken it up with BT directly and there is to be a public meeting
on Friday 5<sup>th</sup> February. I do hope they manage to get things sorted
as soon as humanly possible so we can all go about our business. And they did
sort of sort it… All thanks go to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=skye%20broadband%20users%20group" target="_blank">Brian</a> for his ongoing fantastic support…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Storm Gertrude struck Scotland in the latter days of
January!! We had winds in excess of 80 mph! And mainland Scotland has had gusts
in excess of 125mph!! Even the Forth Road Bridge was closed. Ironically,
yesterday was the day the concrete floor was being laid within the agricultural
shed! The wagon came down at 07:30 yesterday morning and after three and a half
loads of concrete he left and just before 10:00pm last night. <a href="http://skye-builders.co.uk/" target="_blank">Neil Montgomery,</a>
another fabulous tradesperson from Bernisdale another friend of John MacLeod,
arrived with his team and they barrowed and tamped down the concrete all day.
The only break they got was when the wagon had to go to refill with cement, gravel
mix and water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Norman,
working with the Lazer Level<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ross’s
brand new wagon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Cammie
barrowing concrete into the lean too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What we didn’t know was that once the concrete was laid,
they needed to use a ‘polisher’ (they call it a Helicopter) which would smooth
and even out the top layer of concrete to give it a good finish. Ah, but, you
have to wait for the concrete to dry! These guys worked, worked and better
worked well into the night. At 11.30pm, Neil said that they would have to come
back through the night to finish the job as the concrete just wasn’t quite dry
enough!!! You can imagine our amazement! True to their word, they arrived back
at approximately 01:00 am and worked until 4:00am in the morning. They did this
amid storm Gertrude with the winds howling and the rain lashing down. They
are truly an outstanding team I am sure you will agree. And the shed base is
amazing, just perfect!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And finally for January…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We were up very early one morning because of the very high
winds. We had a severe electrical storm at around 06:30 am and the lightning
struck just above the caravan!!! We were very lucky indeed, we both just got a
very big fright at the huge ‘crack’ as the lightning struck. Thankfully all was well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As soon as it was light we were up checking for any damage
and we were then able to go and see that the sheep – and the hens were all ok.
I am pleased to report, barring a waterlogged field, due to the subsequent deluge of water, all was well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">February
2016<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The new Agricultural shed completed, and as the winter
weather was quite harsh, we moved the sheep into the purpose built lean too. I
think they thought it was a Palace! We put the girls at one side and the boys
(in the foreground) in the other. I know they were very comfortable as they
didn’t wish to go out into the paircs in the morning! I was working in my
workshop when the ‘Big Fella’ decided to pay me a visit!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I don’t know if those of you who have visited us here will remember that we had some trees
between the caravan and the shop? Well, our old friend Magnus and a ‘tree
surgeon’ Ali from Staffin came to inspect them to find that they were extremely
dangerous! We did suspect this as they weren’t your average tree! They were in
fact overgrown Leylandii hedging, planted over 25 years ago. During high winds,
one of the trees lifted the land surrounding its roots as it swayed with the
gusts of wind! This is not a protected species of tree (as it was never
supposed to grow into a tree). The decision was taken to clear fell the trees
for our safety. We decided to have the trunks logged and the remainder was fed
through a machine that chops up the leaves and branches to make chippings –
these are suitable for composting and making natural walkways.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The day came and Ali had to go up the trees to remove the
thicker branches to secure them so as they wouldn’t fall onto either the
caravan or the shed! He was amazing to watch. Magnus was the ‘ground man’ to
guide branches securely to the ground without touching either the caravan or
the shed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ali up the tree</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Magnus
logging and chipping.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Billy the posty brought us a rather large package, our first
consignment of <a href="http://www.shetlandwoolbrokers.co.uk/" target="_blank">Shetland wool</a> I am
thrilled to be able to sell such a prestigious brand of knitting yarn which is
produced from their native Shetland sheep. This has brightened up the ‘shop’
with an array of colour – and of course, they have send me many patterns. As I
teach Fairisle knitting here, it is just perfect <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">and is the most appropriate yarn (and patterns) to work
with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">March
2016<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My dearest friend (buddy) D’Nanty Sue came for her first
visit of the year way back in March. I love it when she is here…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">She works hard on the croft while she is here, even helping
to clean the lean too and preparing it with clean bedding. She was also on hand
to help Kapitein (on a very cold day) with the windbreak around the vegetable
plot. It was so cold, she even shared her hat with Sammy!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We also had some other visitors to the Croft. Karen and Rob
from the ‘<a href="http://www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk/" target="_blank">Scottish Farmer</a>’ magazine decided they wanted to write a feature
about us. Karen is especially interested in the sheep and how I use their
fleece for wool, knitwear and tweed. They duly arrived and the sun shone for
them. The magazine came out with me on the front cover – complete with my
favourite old orange jacket!! I was amazed!! It was super to welcome them both
and the article is lovely. Karen is coming back to do some knitting too in the
not too distant future…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My next adventure was off island for another very special
occasion. I had been nominated in 2 categories in the <a href="http://www.scottishruralawards.org/" target="_blank">Scottish Rural Awards</a> –
Business Diversification and Rural Enterprise. The ceremony was held at <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1978051787"></span>Dynamic
Earth in Edinburgh<span id="goog_1978051788"></span></a> and both of my daughters, Dionne and Nelly agreed to travel
from Northumberland and come with me, sadly Kapitein had to stay at home to
look after the sheep, dogs and hens.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dionne,
Me and Nelly all dressed up for the ceremony.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was truly amazed when ‘Island at the Edge’ was chosen
from hundreds of nominees to become one of the 6 finalists in the two nominated categories. We were told this was a fantastic achievement and we all enjoyed the evening, I shan’t forget it in a hurry – we all had
a lovely time, and we met some other small start off businesses from the Outer
Hebrides too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNrPoHFf7ufaYMSrQI3NfUg9xEVc5ZS1S-QfcrlYGeAIi11BHIdF5hEkqEya5lUY7CC9gymRRUbZNnVCD20X9we_YUa99tD5OuA3-aqSwF8rvMUkfGjL5DHmbgkcKvfAcrPQjW33RP7k/s1600/Awards+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNrPoHFf7ufaYMSrQI3NfUg9xEVc5ZS1S-QfcrlYGeAIi11BHIdF5hEkqEya5lUY7CC9gymRRUbZNnVCD20X9we_YUa99tD5OuA3-aqSwF8rvMUkfGjL5DHmbgkcKvfAcrPQjW33RP7k/s320/Awards+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">While I was in Edinburgh, I went to visit <a href="https://nicolsonkiltmakers.com/" target="_blank">Gordon NicolsonKiltmakers</a> on the Royal Mile. Gordon is who made Kapitein’s kilt in our
Tattersall Tweed. He is currently piloting a new venture, ‘Kilt School’ a SQA
(Scottish Qualifications Authority) Qualification to make kilts. We have been
in discussions about running this course up here on Skye at Island at the Edge.
And for me to offer Traditional Dress Hire and kilt making facilities here too.
This is a wonderful opportunity and will develop further during 2017.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="Default">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">April
2016</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lambing started in earnest with ‘Guffy’ having twin lambs,
closely followed by another ewe lambing just as the most horrendous snow storm
hit!! Thankfully the girls were in the lean too so were more protected than in
years before. We had an interesting lambing this year, what with Mastitis,
breach births – back legs first, difficult twins it just went on and on. We
were thankful when lambing ended and we counted our blessings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">May
2016<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We received our very first large ‘group’ of visitors here on the
croft, comprising of Rare Breed sheep breeders all the way from Germany.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We spent three days prior to their visit getting everything
ready. Kapitein had a couple of helpers and together they tidied up the whole
croft and stacked logs neatly away. I prepared fleeces and rovings (wool prepared
for spinning) for a spinning demonstration in the agricultural shed, got my
shed ready and gave Kapitein’s kilt a much-needed press in anticipation of our
visitor’s arrival. Our dear friends and helpers all arrived just before the earlier than anticipated arrival of the bus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We had 37 people and one guide arrived at 09:00 in the
morning. They managed to park their huge 55 seat coach off road at the entrance
to our croft. And then we divided them up into 3 groups so Kapitein could take
one to show them around the croft where they got to meet the sheep including
lambs in the lean too, one of our friends had the second group and took them where they were shown how to spin and saw demonstrations about the differences between the
fleeces and myself and Sarah had the remaining group and showed them how to
knit a Gansey telling them all about the heritage and what the motifs mean (the
designs knitted into the garment). The groups were amazing and huge fun, we all
laughed a lot and they presented us with books, literature and a small hand
woven mat made with their own wool as a farewell gift, what a lovely thought.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">They left at 11:00 am and traveled to <a href="http://www.dunvegancastle.com/" target="_blank">Dunvegan Castle</a>
where another warm highland welcome awaited them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We all had some hot soup and coffee for lunch as we waited
for the next group of 41 and 2 guides arrived at 1:30pm. They too parked their
huge coach up at the gates and were divided into 3 groups. And again, this
group were amazing fun and as the first group, presented us with some lovely
gifts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We were all very pleased that they had enjoyed their day,
as we had too, but as we waved off the final coach at 4:00pm, we all needed to
sit down and have several cups of tea as we reminisced about the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Not resting on our laurels. We have been running several courses
on everything from learning to crochet and knitting to a first for us an
introduction to spinning. This course was run by our friend Anne Salter, a
renowned spinner and teacher of this skill. We all learned about choosing the
right fleece, preparing a fleece and spinning with a spinning wheel, a drop
spindle and another spinning device that Anne has invented – based on a
football rattle. All of us had a wonderful time and we even managed to spin
some fleece into wool. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And finally for May…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You may remember I was a finalist in the Scottish Rural
Awards. Well, my daughters and I made it into the ‘people of note’ section of
the <a href="http://www.scottishfield.co.uk/" target="_blank">Scottish Field magazine</a> during this month!! One of our customers has
likened this to being in the ‘Hello’ or OK magazines!! Either way we all feel
very privileged indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">June
2016<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> We had a mini
heatwave here on the Isle of Skye. This has been recognised by the Met Office
that we were the hottest place in the whole of the British Isles with
temperatures of 27c!! What a coup this was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Whilst the sun shone, we welcomed another group of visitors
here to the croft. They came on the cruise ship<a href="http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-onboard/Zuiderdam?legacy=true" target="_blank"> Zuiderdam</a> which came into
Portree harbour and one of our tour operators, Tour Skye brought on a
pre-booked tour, several groups of ‘knitting and craft’ ladies and gentlemen
here to the croft. One very, very special lady arrived with the first group. A
very famous lady called <a href="http://www.hazeltindall.com/" target="_blank">Hazel Tindall</a> – she is the world’s fastest knitter and
has held this record since 2004. She knits with the wonderful Jamiesons and
Smith’s Shetland yarn and she knits Fairisle.<b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We took delivery of our very own digger. This is mainly due
to our needing to get lots of small jobs done that require a digger. Kapitein
has never used one before but he took to it like a ‘duck to water’. His first
job was trenching in the water pipe ready before the installation of the Poly
Tunnel (Greenhouse). He also carried on and trenched in over 100 metres of
electricity cable from the back of the agricultural shed to the caravan as he
could complete another big job, which was to move the Generator, battery pack
and solar panels to the agricultural shed. What a star…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ably assisted by Calum MacRae, joiner extraordinaire, the Generator was swiftly
moved into the shed. The battery pack has taken a battering through the 2 years
it has been outside, so this is the best option. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We waited with bated breath for the arrival of our <a href="http://www.kedergreenhouse.co.uk/" target="_blank">Keder</a>Greenhouse. Kapitein had been working for several months getting the foundations
ready. This was a very precise job, and we really hoped everything would fit
when Dean and Lee from Keder were setting the framework down. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We watched the weather forecast and realised that the
wonderful heatwave we had been enjoying was coming to an end!! This didn’t mean
a storm was brewing, but more of the ‘usual’ misty and wet weather we usually
have here on Skye with a slight 30-40 mph breeze. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The day arrived and the guys travelled up from Evesham in the
south of England. They arrived here on the croft at 3.30 in the afternoon and
told Kapitein that the foundations were perfect!! He was extremely happy – and
so was I… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The following morning the boys arrived on site at 7.10am and
started work immediately. I can honestly say, I haven’t met such fast and
precise workers for a long time – they put up these greenhouses on a regular
basis, but to watch them work was amazing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And since they have installed it, Kapitein has planted several
seeds, bedding plants, slips and cuttings so we can ‘hopefully’ have our own
vegetables this year. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHK1HFMmxlwJtUkFw6glFl1dDP_W2lU6LM_m6RqZZh72d4DioQgbztQe4-uhUo8wLxGvzYLCc24z50hlga4LMQzffi_CLYIFpW4gDkAK6RscJlGP2_eSnmqHA6zln3GVMYXkP_y7YI3dk/s1600/Porridge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHK1HFMmxlwJtUkFw6glFl1dDP_W2lU6LM_m6RqZZh72d4DioQgbztQe4-uhUo8wLxGvzYLCc24z50hlga4LMQzffi_CLYIFpW4gDkAK6RscJlGP2_eSnmqHA6zln3GVMYXkP_y7YI3dk/s320/Porridge.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Visitors tell us that we have made phenomenal the progress this year, in the next </span>installment<span style="font-size: 12pt;">, I will tell you all about the progress on our house build and the
trip of a lifetime… Japan…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Until then, Bliadhna Mhath Ur - Happy New Year.</span></span></div>
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Island at the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862088783039966262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953569293619917844.post-91667745802077509212016-01-26T16:36:00.000+00:002016-01-26T16:36:01.099+00:002015 a Year in Review...<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">2015 a year in review!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7953569293619917844" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7953569293619917844" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7953569293619917844" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7953569293619917844" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7953569293619917844" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7953569293619917844" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Happy New Year!! We wish you a healthy, happy, safe and
prosperous 2016.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A second year has passed since the devastating fire, our time
we feel to reflect on what has been happening here on the croft! I think we
progress more than we think we do, especially when we look at the photographs! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>January 2015</b> saw an inundation of water and our first New Year
on the croft saw us digging drainage ditches to direct the water away from the
fields. Kapitein dug nearly 40 metres, my small offering (although the ditch I
was digging was much wider) achieved 2.5 metres, but every little helps
so they say. With high winds and more rain forecast I suspect I could be
digging some more in the next day or two.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We also celebrated Burns Night in traditional style with
Haggis, neeps and tatties (turnip and potatoes) washed down with wonderful 16
year old Jura Whisky, yummy...</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxKMd_WV44thY_NKIkdthj76uTTNQMdwRiKDA1p2dD4CZ7L3TqFvrViuZni0YX_xyaQYP2h1Rzv5nfqbhrasaPwVM-VOjypt1U8GiF1Rids7njVNqrR1rzr4WkT9jarBKHB7V6s5dR8o/s1600/water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxKMd_WV44thY_NKIkdthj76uTTNQMdwRiKDA1p2dD4CZ7L3TqFvrViuZni0YX_xyaQYP2h1Rzv5nfqbhrasaPwVM-VOjypt1U8GiF1Rids7njVNqrR1rzr4WkT9jarBKHB7V6s5dR8o/s320/water.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our own wee waterfall</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYetPCIm5x2jffjBezyoy8l2VBZeCssK4p4R7vCmp78qcluUGn0E2qbjiXMpnYvlH_XFPGRZvHndnRrejAl1zMvaYnkQpW893lRo4jJ-4C8-7rLMA4asE3njNaaddYwFl3C2rlCG8EZg/s1600/Haggis+and+neep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYetPCIm5x2jffjBezyoy8l2VBZeCssK4p4R7vCmp78qcluUGn0E2qbjiXMpnYvlH_XFPGRZvHndnRrejAl1zMvaYnkQpW893lRo4jJ-4C8-7rLMA4asE3njNaaddYwFl3C2rlCG8EZg/s320/Haggis+and+neep.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">February</b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> saw completion of the foundations for my work shed
and shop, Kapitein managed to lay breeze blocks all through January and early February
to give a sound frame for the concrete to be poured.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ross pouring concrete - it even snowed! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Raking the concrete.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Shed duly arrived (albeit 5 days earlier than expected) and building commenced that very day. It took just a few hours to get the main frame of the shed constructed - a bit like putting together some over-sized jigsaw. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4STGV7Y0SOFFaVpzoWyDdApF4mvJI75YQD5UFebFYZFuAr2mHu9q4sDKKw1y0KoEz-X7YSBT5ld0K7VJdLhyphenhyphenVZzOYBJFr-5B8v4prMabt4S4ihyphenhyphenSoJXs-Za6S66_P5xM8l08KzFnBfbI/s1600/IMG_3526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4STGV7Y0SOFFaVpzoWyDdApF4mvJI75YQD5UFebFYZFuAr2mHu9q4sDKKw1y0KoEz-X7YSBT5ld0K7VJdLhyphenhyphenVZzOYBJFr-5B8v4prMabt4S4ihyphenhyphenSoJXs-Za6S66_P5xM8l08KzFnBfbI/s320/IMG_3526.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mid construction - windows in and doors to be installed and the roof of course! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the shed was fully constructed, we changed the roof - just to make sure there wasn't any leakage! Then we sprayed the wood to protect it as far as possible from the inclement weather. It is a super place to work and we have even had one lovely visitor who came on a knitting course stated on her next visit she is going to bring her sleeping bag!! Rae, you will be more than welcome and you will be nice and snug amongst the wool too...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Initially access was via steps, but a short while later we were able to install a more 'user friendly' access which works a treat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Easter and the shop was open for business stocked with many different
hand knitted items I had made during the winter months. I was also assisted by
several local hand knitters who have worked tirelessly to help me rebuild my
stock levels. And this year for the first time, we produced our very own home
grown and Skye woven tweed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This has proved hugely popular with handbags, hip flasks
and waistcoats sent worldwide. All thanks to our wonderful flock of Hebridean
sheep!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All stocked and ready to go and with a knitting area too.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Also during April and lambing was in full flow, the Hebrideans and Black Cheviots producing some wonderful lambs – with proud fathers watching on, we could not have wished for anything better. Albeit we did have bleary eyes! Up before the larks and still checking the girl’s way past midnight – all in a day’s work for us.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">We had an extra special girly this year, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">here she is with the hens who I am sure believe they are indeed sheep! </span></span></div>
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break none the less.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">This gave the opportunity for the 'boys' to be out and about on the bunds where there was grass in abundance. The 'Big Fella' is always up for a photograph. He is such a handsome chap.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">This is 'Big Laddy' The Black Cheviot tup and 'Skyefall (our pedigree Hebridean tup) both lambs are still the best of friends and follow each other everywhere. And get into great mischief whereever they can. They became the best escapologists of all... But always happy to go back with the others, especially when encouraged with food!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>June, July and August</b> and we were busy, busy busy in the workshop. We have had some delightful visitors here to the croft from all corners
of the globe. Everyone has been delighted in being able to get up close to our
sheep as ultimately everything I make comes from their fleeces. The wool, the
knitted products and of course the tweed. You can’t get better provenance than
this, especially when you can touch next year’s wool as it grows on the back of
the sheep.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">We have met some wonderful people, one lady who visited with her husband and who has been following the blog. She asked if the Electricity supply was sorted! I realised then I hadn't been updating the blog! So we took the time to show her our progress. I was thrilled to meet her and hope to welcome her and many, many others back again this year too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In-between working in my shop, knitting, sewing and
designing knitwear both Kapitein and I have been working at Dunvegan Castle. Kapitein – as a fully qualified commercial Skipper worked on the seal boats,
taking visitors out to view in excess of 300 native common seals. Whilst I
worked within Dunvegan Castle as a tour guide. This was a welcome break from all
things sheep and I had the privilege of working within a superb team and of
course I met some fantastic visitors here on Skye.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Late summer</b> is the show season for most of Scotland which
for us started with Dunvegan show closely followed by Portree Agricultural
show. My flock of sheep received a very warm welcome and won first prizes in
both shows. I am especially proud of my Hebrideans which won reserve champion
at Portree. I was privileged and honoured to be awarded a plaque which is on
display in my shop. I am permitted to keep the trophy for one year – until the
Portree Agricultural Show in August 2016. Who knows who will win it this time,
we will have to wait and see.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Here I am for the very first time in a show ring at Dunvegan show with these my two wonderful Black Cheviot Shearlings Harry Hotspur and Ralph Percy (pronounced Raaf Porcy) Ive got Harry and the wonderful gentleman in front of me is handling Ralph. I am especially grateful to everyone who helped and supported me that day. Especially to Magnus (sheep handler </span><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">extraordinaire</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">) and Kenna (official photographer) the guys in and around the show ring and the huge support from my colleagues at Dunvegan Castle, this was a very, very special day indeed - thank you to one and all.</span></span></div>
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Whilst Kapiten and I were working we had the Bernisdale Boys back. DJ arrived
with the even bigger digger and set too building the much needed sea defences down on the
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;"> One balmy summer evening, I was taking in the remaining view just before sunset when a sheep came to the garden gate. I had to let him in!!</span></div>
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How could I resist!! He has become so popular, a very special artist, Linda Foster has painted a wonderful portrait of the Big Fella, she has really captured the likeness and her style of painting is just wonderful. The print is available on our website on the page listed <a href="http://www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk/The--Big-Fella-.html" target="_blank">'Big Fella'.</a> Watch this space for more 'Big Fella' merchandise this coming spring.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Autumn & Winter </b>DJ also dug out the foundations for our Agricultural Shed –
a must have before the winter set in. Progress has been ongoing and as I write, the last stages are underway with the preparation for the concrete flooring which should be poured on this Thursday. Fingers crossed. x<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The very beginning of the shed build we were once again helped by a fantastic band of folk. Stephen (my son-in-law) aka the Mechanic (little miss no no gladly kept everyone going with teas and coffees!!) General 'Dogs Body', I am sure you will get to know more of him as time goes on! Brian, Salty - not quite a 'sea dog' as he's in training, John the very, very professional Bernisdale Boy, Andrew, Gerry and of course Kapitein. I am </span><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">immensely proud of all of them and hey voila we have a shed!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">If you ever see any of the above team and especially John - the Bernisdale Boy, just don't mention the roller shutter door! If you do, ask him where the digger was!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">John went out on a high, as he has since changed jobs (no I don't think that it was the building of the shed that 'finished him'!!) He has moved on to pastures new and we wish him every success with his new endeavours. He has been with us since the start here on the croft and without him, we know we would not be as far forward with our plans as we are, a truly great guy - 'Kettle's always on John'!! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">But he has left us in very capable hands and in the photo is Ali from Sconsor with </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">the sub base going down in preparation for the shuttering (its all technical stuff - or so they tell me).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Just in time for the last day on the Seal boats Kapitein’s
kilt arrived all the way from Edinburgh. A hand-sewn kilt made by <a href="http://nicolsonkiltmakers.com/" target="_blank">GordonNicolson Kiltmakers</a> especially for Trevor from our own Tattersall tweed. He is
also wearing his traditionally hand knitted, (and designed and knitted by me)
in our Hebridean yarn, Colonsay Gansey and matching Hebridean Kilt socks. I
think he looks fantastic…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Watch this space for further collaborative work with Gordon in the future here on the croft!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The kilt is just amazing to see - we have sufficient material to make just 2 more so if you're interested, do get in touch with us or pop along to the croft to see the orginial for your self.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We celebrated our second Christmas here in the caravan. We had the obligatory storm just prior to Christmas Eve,
including snow – it didn’t stay, but on the day it was calm and we even saw the
sunshine too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s that time of the year where we wait to see a wee bit of the 'white stuff' and we found some on our journey travelling to
Fort William over the hill at Glengarry saw more than a light covering of snow
– truly lovely…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I have hardly touched on the immense 'goings on' down on the croft. But for more catch-ups we had a dedicated <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Island-at-the-Edge-677783139006232/" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> where you can find out news, offers, courses and this is where we upload our video's too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And last, but by no means least, we would just like to say a huge thank you to all of you who have supported our endeavours, either by working with us, just visiting, shopping with us, participating in courses and the ' In Stitches' ladies who just make life worth living, it has been truly amazing to meet everyone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Happy knitting and '</span><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">woolly</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> crafting' wherever you are. Until next time...</span></span></div>
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Island at the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862088783039966262noreply@blogger.com0Edinbane, Portree, Highland IV51, UK57.47177099999999 -6.424469000000044631.94973649999999 -47.733063000000044 82.9938055 34.884124999999955tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953569293619917844.post-69835328138907244632015-01-11T16:15:00.000+00:002015-01-11T16:27:08.787+00:00One Year On - A Year in Review...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Just over a year has
passed since we lost everything in the fire. We worked as usual on the first
anniversary, on our croft and remembered how very, very lucky we are to be alive
and well. Since our arrival here on the Isle of Skye, we have been overwhelmed
with the genuine kindness that has been shown to us. This is a wonderful island
with folk that are sincere and have shown that indeed when you are down on your
uppers, that honest help is available. Thank you – you know who you all are… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Such a huge amount
has been happening but the main thing was that we found it! Our new abode - for the next few years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">With a a lot of searching - the whole of the UK to be exact, we found a suitably
sized caravan. We were contacted about a rather ‘individual’ second hand static
caravan for sale. The only problem is the 35 feet x 12 feet mobile home was
situated in Dumfries and Galloway, the southern tip in the west of mainland
Scotland. But the young chap, affectionately known as JJ, said he could
organise the transportation of our new abode. Little did we know at this point
that the delivery wagon would require an ‘escort’ due to the width and length
of the load, but that wasn’t a problem for JJ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">K.Lee Plant,
the owner John who is the dab hand with a digger arrived to excavate a
suitable, flat area to site the caravan with an even bigger digger and this time he
brought along his sidekick – Wullie. What these boys can’t do with a digger,
isn’t worth knowing about! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wullie with the even bigger digger</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Once again we
also needed to enlist the help of Magnus. When he isn’t fencing, he will help
with any kind of ‘land’ work, we can add strimming and cutting down trees to
his portfolio of skills.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In the
meantime, I had been pining! Yes fretting for my 3 boys – No, not some ‘hunky
human’ chaps, but my 3 handsome Tups who were still on Colonsay!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">So, how do you
get 3 Tups from Colonsay to Skye?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It started with
a flight with my favourite airline – Hebridean Air Services, the plane was
piloted by Julie, it was fantastic to see everyone, especially Dixie, and had a
good ‘natter’ on the fabulous flight over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Our dear friend
Annie collected me from Colonsay International Airport and we went to find the
Tups. They remembered me (well ish) but they were running with another 3 tups
who are renowned for being mischievous. They didn’t disappoint us, it took
Graham, Joe (with his two dogs) and me to get the tups into a secure corner of
the field so we could grab my 3 and put them into the trailer to take them to
the pier.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Graham with my tups at the pier</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Kapitein in the
meantime had put our unaccompanied trailer onto my other favourite mode of
transport, the Calmac ferry LOTI. The tups were safe and sound down at the pier
which gave me a wee while to catch up with Annie and visit Gavalus Gavalar in
the Pantry. ‘Nice coffee Gav’! Meanwhile, Kapitein was enjoying himself in Oban, he’s grand at shopping, he even bought me some presents! Some fabulous
Jura whisky and a bottle of ‘dog’!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The ferry duly
arrived and with the help of Phil on the Hill and Will, our trailer was hastily
towed off the ferry, backed up to the holding pens, tups loaded and then re-loaded
back onto the ferry. With fond farewells my tups and I sailed onward to Oban,
all in a mornings work!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Big Fella in the trailer on-board LOTI </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Kapitein
collected me and the trailer and we headed home to Skye. We offloaded the tups
safe and well in their new field all within the regulated time for transporting
animals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Meanwhile, Magnus
had started with the chain saw and the strimmer to clear a path through the
undergrowth, cutting down an abundance of Bog Myrtle. He informed me there were Midgies in the Bog Myrtle bushes! I always thought Bog Myrtle was a remedy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Following
Magnus’s run in with the Midgey, the ‘Bernisdale Boys’ continued to excavate in
preparation for the caravan, the area was covered with years and year’s growth
of weeds and grass. Then, low and behold, on a balmy summer evening, we came to
the croft and a ‘site’ had appeared! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6djXl9aNsgm1oI0UiHAansuWOzmcFGGP9RXwnP3TxoXl0VJy3R2316gjDqVmeT72FGfv1MFU55OsEeIKNS1pCtHZnNzmvjFI6gxDV0d6t7-UhDc6rcoJBlGJybW8Y41h-yTMsAdHs50/s1600/IMG_1369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6djXl9aNsgm1oI0UiHAansuWOzmcFGGP9RXwnP3TxoXl0VJy3R2316gjDqVmeT72FGfv1MFU55OsEeIKNS1pCtHZnNzmvjFI6gxDV0d6t7-UhDc6rcoJBlGJybW8Y41h-yTMsAdHs50/s1600/IMG_1369.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Amidst all of
these jobs, we have had little time to go out and explore Skye, but we had been
blessed with several visitors to the croft - members of our families and friends from the Low Lands, Islands and the very North of
Englandshire. Our friends from the lowlands arrived en-route to heading out over
the Minch to Harris. They were due on the Friday evening, travelling early the next day
on the early morning Calmac ferry from Uig to Tarbert onward to their destination of Harris, their base for a spectacular trip to St. Kilda. We had a wonderful time
catching up on all of our news.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOd0cyQXX59SE-o3QCXuKT2NPeuRiKQiGpeba073E8dp9mFusqsnNs-D5DHn1AaY9cqiSttuET2wgsStyPZvmlgNN0XmcK__blP_p7O-ED4XVpVR7wPko2lIaZQ4iI2_8HSOVOfVrqvM/s1600/Uig+ferry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOd0cyQXX59SE-o3QCXuKT2NPeuRiKQiGpeba073E8dp9mFusqsnNs-D5DHn1AaY9cqiSttuET2wgsStyPZvmlgNN0XmcK__blP_p7O-ED4XVpVR7wPko2lIaZQ4iI2_8HSOVOfVrqvM/s1600/Uig+ferry.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Hebrides arriving at Uig, Isle of Skye</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I digress…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We finally got
word from JJ, that our caravan could be delivered, complete with escort.
Ironically, it would arrive exactly 6 months to the day after we had left
Colonsay.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">At exactly
11.15pm, the wagon and escort vehicle with JJ duly arrived with our new home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYd46eU6w6T51iQkvKacq5KGIFpBESQTv-yJZZYP3KLP16Od5Oamz7-uM-v42FMOZvE72y7NPrhIhiG0pynxClSYhk4zFr7tTvBQPgnjSKQH-Qkdjo-nKzT4B_hwOnPRkZBTloiUmFc8/s1600/IMG_1518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYd46eU6w6T51iQkvKacq5KGIFpBESQTv-yJZZYP3KLP16Od5Oamz7-uM-v42FMOZvE72y7NPrhIhiG0pynxClSYhk4zFr7tTvBQPgnjSKQH-Qkdjo-nKzT4B_hwOnPRkZBTloiUmFc8/s1600/IMG_1518.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The caravan being offloaded from the
wagon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">At precisely
midnight our caravan ‘touched down’ onto our land, a very significant and
emotional moment – we had our new home, at last.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The following morning
John (Bernisdale Boys) came to help Kapitein to site the caravan, quite a difficult task to get a
35ft long and 12ft wide caravan turned and positioned exactly where we needed
it to be. But they both did a magnificent job, I was so proud of both of them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXhKnwYt7DGjnN6vN2iJPNKW_M08eipoDvHN-uJmHRCvHnirkKSMKS9ldKVP9wMk4tbOyQo-VuNaOs6B2TDTvEBg7bAwTvRjO4vFABpbTDME74OqLtkAjH9FtxVkwFKAyfH8aEfKYp3k/s1600/IMG_1533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXhKnwYt7DGjnN6vN2iJPNKW_M08eipoDvHN-uJmHRCvHnirkKSMKS9ldKVP9wMk4tbOyQo-VuNaOs6B2TDTvEBg7bAwTvRjO4vFABpbTDME74OqLtkAjH9FtxVkwFKAyfH8aEfKYp3k/s1600/IMG_1533.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">With the aid of Kapitein’s landrover,
the caravan was sited.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We had only
seen photographs of the caravan, so we were very excited to see the inside! It
was all JJ said it was – very purple, but in splendid condition, a much loved
caravan indeed, we are so grateful to the previous owners who obviously took
good care of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0AC68Txfs5Knp9CjbjKNKf6i_whO-awM97v3qIJNKuY3kyvMQFeolplXq5SPFmD7hdDTODsx68ZlgAqIUm2MFncaqqGcl1BFODbVO5WZEaGBREJOnTApEvg_6V1nLLZ1r9mrqLf5vsI/s1600/IMG_2050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0AC68Txfs5Knp9CjbjKNKf6i_whO-awM97v3qIJNKuY3kyvMQFeolplXq5SPFmD7hdDTODsx68ZlgAqIUm2MFncaqqGcl1BFODbVO5WZEaGBREJOnTApEvg_6V1nLLZ1r9mrqLf5vsI/s1600/IMG_2050.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Samster & Wolfie enjoying home comforts.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Now then, the
next thing on our list was to install services to the caravan, in-between
preparing it for the winter. We installed a wood burning stove (our thanks go
to Neil from Skye Finishing Touches – well done) anchors and chains – to stop
it blowing away in the gales, skirting, to protect the chassis and add much
needed insulation and thick carpets – courtesy of Harris Home Furnishings. Water
was eventually connected, BT finally put a pole up and Kapitein and I trenched
in over 200 metres of phone cable – it’s brilliant when communications are up
and running, then Billy came to connect the gas for my new oven and hob! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">But, no
electricity! SSE tried their utmost to get the wayleaves signed so mains electric
could be brought into the site, but to no avail. So we had to re-think how we
can live and work here without mains electricity. But aha! It’s solved… We are
officially ‘off grid’. Kapitein and I are ‘eco-friendly’ with solar panels and
a battery pack that would keep mobile devices going forever. It’s brilliant…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlWhTYGfIotjHxu706UnVyfrmDr_vAG6umiiz1aRHwX-KkIIGP2Wp_aAYdIbdLwrbQ93Ttut4WK-g_x5XUUOTgNqSQJ4-wkd7mbBXbMa8NPijQgouIXLjgqCqXrjKE2J3UZvCfUqZoQU/s1600/IMG_2365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlWhTYGfIotjHxu706UnVyfrmDr_vAG6umiiz1aRHwX-KkIIGP2Wp_aAYdIbdLwrbQ93Ttut4WK-g_x5XUUOTgNqSQJ4-wkd7mbBXbMa8NPijQgouIXLjgqCqXrjKE2J3UZvCfUqZoQU/s1600/IMG_2365.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The Generator only runs an hour or two in the absence of sunshine, plus we have planted in excess of 800 trees on the croft, not bad for 'carbon offset'.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My Birthday during this year was a very special day indeed. Kapitein had a wonderful treat in store. I had the privilege of flying with <a href="http://www.lochlomondseaplanes.com/" target="_blank">Loch Lomand Seaplanes</a>. What an exciting day, especially as it was their 'yellow' plane the same colour as Hebridean Air Services plane.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EPwBAUo7e_5394tx0NJRli4wf1XrrztvuJz3n-krOBmKWmdxvmMjKmJNDxxPd8Sz2CH_vHUfImFA9nMZ9KT_sGrSQk7amUd3YUQ1IQXUk3NU5drZY4uFmzv7SWSQ_6zeChysaVLbTd4/s1600/IMG_2212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EPwBAUo7e_5394tx0NJRli4wf1XrrztvuJz3n-krOBmKWmdxvmMjKmJNDxxPd8Sz2CH_vHUfImFA9nMZ9KT_sGrSQk7amUd3YUQ1IQXUk3NU5drZY4uFmzv7SWSQ_6zeChysaVLbTd4/s1600/IMG_2212.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Loch Lomand 'Yellow' Seaplane - fabulous<br /><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIDBVXw1js5sy7U1dqJnaUsJR9K17TlgwogXIWeYm-ZPUJuDy0k24DKyYt8ryD7ukR_xEuTTNvuJRhOztcvHzsTGFwcm74zJ1jlBwkITtYQKURIbCiVx2VJmf6GudeLSFnmzrm4lLcYw/s1600/IMG_2236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIDBVXw1js5sy7U1dqJnaUsJR9K17TlgwogXIWeYm-ZPUJuDy0k24DKyYt8ryD7ukR_xEuTTNvuJRhOztcvHzsTGFwcm74zJ1jlBwkITtYQKURIbCiVx2VJmf6GudeLSFnmzrm4lLcYw/s1600/IMG_2236.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flying towards Loch Coruisk - amazing views</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We flew over Portree, to the North of Skye - Staffin and the Quiraing then landed in the Sound of Raasay. I highly recommend this trip if you are ever visiting Skye, it is truly amazing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We had also
re-stocked with another breed of sheep – the Black Cheviot. Historically the
black sheep were used to spot the white ones up on the Cheviot Hills when the
snow fell. They have a wonderful fleece, close and of a lighter brown to the
Hebrideans – I can hardly wait until shearing time next year to send the
fleeces off for processing into wool.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRdiyHiHQXDiiEbgJjDMi7WwdpW8Ftocq3r_2Z-auD6IoBxX0dcwPLB07Ov6Sc4QQ1mBUe0vOAZegqnIHGXFI_jF92DpBlUALfsTQFVZIVsviuDjaY5X3fLltAu_ZTrOQ-EA7eUj4NLw/s1600/IMG_2788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRdiyHiHQXDiiEbgJjDMi7WwdpW8Ftocq3r_2Z-auD6IoBxX0dcwPLB07Ov6Sc4QQ1mBUe0vOAZegqnIHGXFI_jF92DpBlUALfsTQFVZIVsviuDjaY5X3fLltAu_ZTrOQ-EA7eUj4NLw/s1600/IMG_2788.JPG" height="162" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meet Harry Hotspur and Ralph Percy - New Black Cheviot tups</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We also have some new Pedigree Hebridean ewes. They are delightful and run quite happily with the new Black Cheviot ewes. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExj9u8IdBff_WJJ3W7nbdd_eOLqVd_kmzWNzLkqq0dKyGOjLA46PFpNd0xoxKiDK58llm_exZyg5_8w2VyYKJ_OFXytpsszC2SAOMZgprEQQlpoetKcz4tQ4Tf7ePWx71O1pN3tB8V80/s1600/IMG_2906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExj9u8IdBff_WJJ3W7nbdd_eOLqVd_kmzWNzLkqq0dKyGOjLA46PFpNd0xoxKiDK58llm_exZyg5_8w2VyYKJ_OFXytpsszC2SAOMZgprEQQlpoetKcz4tQ4Tf7ePWx71O1pN3tB8V80/s1600/IMG_2906.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the new Hebridean ewes</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Amidst all of
the work, we put in planning permission for our new home, agricultural shed and
business – which will be housed in a traditional Blackhouse – we were again
very blessed and all planning was passed. Phew!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Before we knew it the time had come for putting the tups in. It was quite funny when we went to collect the tups from their field. The 'wee man' (who sadly wasn't going to meet the girls) came right up to me, I think he is saying it all... </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZduykm_nPny2aCyt6Oy9GNBIuwfhyphenhyphenHMWub-S-t7F72oG2estn6tJ33g4CtKawUaNj_sph_5CKBcjbSabaGmhgY_RxAzlHUlD4d8zCy6SfAJBm5Fruf7W4XcygUtVkPpoGnJJWk-E0m0E/s1600/IMG_3269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZduykm_nPny2aCyt6Oy9GNBIuwfhyphenhyphenHMWub-S-t7F72oG2estn6tJ33g4CtKawUaNj_sph_5CKBcjbSabaGmhgY_RxAzlHUlD4d8zCy6SfAJBm5Fruf7W4XcygUtVkPpoGnJJWk-E0m0E/s1600/IMG_3269.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Wee Man "What about me? Am I not perfect!!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Sinterklass came to us again with a wonderful array of goodies. I didn't know where to start! But we have waded our way through as much as we could. Yum yum - delicious.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKQeL0PML28hG3LXyXRZoVtNwuvXfdVrOSeU67QU9-AhzCZKDB5OPqvWWqNgDWrFTS05eIUJIPBINeQ9QRtvtzqowR07yKLG2T5cY0qvJwUUQt8gJOHpVD_0nyw7qE3P00YnrSVZ7Vo0/s1600/IMG_3102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKQeL0PML28hG3LXyXRZoVtNwuvXfdVrOSeU67QU9-AhzCZKDB5OPqvWWqNgDWrFTS05eIUJIPBINeQ9QRtvtzqowR07yKLG2T5cY0qvJwUUQt8gJOHpVD_0nyw7qE3P00YnrSVZ7Vo0/s1600/IMG_3102.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A package arrived in the post a year to the day since the fire on Colonsay. This was a copy of the book that Keiko Honda produced when she visited us on Colonsay. It was quite surreal to see the photographs. Also enclosed in the package were copies of the first 3 magazines which my articles about rebuilding our lives here on the Isle of Skye are featured. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4qFcZIUdaGwOS4OOQ3oUXDeOu23QJznfBAUqKAGmKfXZY2yJxmk-xcj2dvd5CSwbL80MHTNmHMzzp03JmVHGv6gFVNnrbZES2cbh83XsAWPCO6HZ_OLNnMYXQtkUyFhItg1qEHI6SwU/s1600/IMG_3142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4qFcZIUdaGwOS4OOQ3oUXDeOu23QJznfBAUqKAGmKfXZY2yJxmk-xcj2dvd5CSwbL80MHTNmHMzzp03JmVHGv6gFVNnrbZES2cbh83XsAWPCO6HZ_OLNnMYXQtkUyFhItg1qEHI6SwU/s1600/IMG_3142.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keiko Honda's Book about my work and life on Colonsay.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Christmas was upon us and Kapitein and I had delighted in preparing for the festivities - purchasing gifts for our family and friends.
Last year we were with our dear friend Annie on Colonsay, this year we were in our own home. We’ve even got a ‘caravan’ sized real Christmas tree.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCd-OUMG4z5JrFZ0jziZqtZwLMoDkW7mtKjWQCDz9gsuwZnQ2svv6shFQwVGZXqw3Uyp2IrAzwubMOy0GDiEGLjcowP5XXlhnV46hloqDFM0mxPi1B90It5IN2cd5ykSA3nFwxXdJ-AVI/s1600/IMG_3119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCd-OUMG4z5JrFZ0jziZqtZwLMoDkW7mtKjWQCDz9gsuwZnQ2svv6shFQwVGZXqw3Uyp2IrAzwubMOy0GDiEGLjcowP5XXlhnV46hloqDFM0mxPi1B90It5IN2cd5ykSA3nFwxXdJ-AVI/s1600/IMG_3119.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our 'real' Christmas Tree</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In the meantime, I had sent off Hebridean fleeces to the mill for processing and have received the wool back, it is beautiful, so it’s back to designing and knitting – fantastic. Check it out on the <a href="http://www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk/wool.html" target="_blank">Island at the Edge</a> website. It is lovely and soft just perfect for your new creative projects.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQn-Nqa6b-RBs3K4FaTRsmcOyRy9NB0uu3SmIplpzUGJ9hyphenhyphen-XSPM6zkG0nAXRfakfVNtzPUAIMj69WUGtCvLjV1FPRLiwx-w3nRh8DmSHAfmOTb15zW3KoOzU_BQgNRKb-M3pBVKbUttk/s1600/IMG_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQn-Nqa6b-RBs3K4FaTRsmcOyRy9NB0uu3SmIplpzUGJ9hyphenhyphen-XSPM6zkG0nAXRfakfVNtzPUAIMj69WUGtCvLjV1FPRLiwx-w3nRh8DmSHAfmOTb15zW3KoOzU_BQgNRKb-M3pBVKbUttk/s1600/IMG_0041.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sitting nestled within fleece showing the shades within the wool</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This year I will also be producing both Worsted and Wool fabric with the help of Andrea and Roger from </span><a href="http://www.skyeweavers.co.uk/" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Skye Weavers</a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> – I can hardly contain myself. They are busy with the first sample so you’ll have to keep a watchful eye both here and on the website for the new designs in the early spring. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So here we are in 2015 amid huge storms – thankfully the caravan has stood firm in winds of over 100mph! There is something to be said for all of the hard work we have done in securing the caravan during the summer. Anchors and chains, skirting - to protect the chasis, guy wires to secure the chimney to mention just a few, but I believe we are in for a few more storms, so fingers crossed all will be well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And finally we have a new Facebook page<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Island-at-the-Edge/677783139006232" target="_blank"> Island at the Edge</a> this is where we will keep you up to date with daily news.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It's time to go out and feed the sheep now I thought this photo may cheer us all up during this stormy weather it is the view out over the loch from our front window - happy days...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsw_tQq7tr-eEC6MuuhqOitOoO1r94ute9Pvj1QQ8L1f8yCIZfJ0UldKtz78pV9Fc4-QK_S4OuKgWiI5nGk4U42L6_AzbKIvCAZcWrKNNnwjy6sDeQ4s9Nc3gDHSXVS35UeqcKBc585CE/s1600/IMG_2524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsw_tQq7tr-eEC6MuuhqOitOoO1r94ute9Pvj1QQ8L1f8yCIZfJ0UldKtz78pV9Fc4-QK_S4OuKgWiI5nGk4U42L6_AzbKIvCAZcWrKNNnwjy6sDeQ4s9Nc3gDHSXVS35UeqcKBc585CE/s1600/IMG_2524.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">With more plans afoot I'll keep you posted... Be safe and well wherever you are.</span></div>
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Island at the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862088783039966262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953569293619917844.post-18081078841344471672014-10-18T16:17:00.003+01:002014-10-18T16:17:37.414+01:00Home Sweet Home...<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We have found
it! Our new home for the next 2 years or so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">With
a huge amount of searching - the whole of the UK to be exact, we found a
suitably sized caravan. We were contacted about a rather ‘individual’ second
hand static caravan for sale. The only problem was that the 35 feet x 12 feet mobile
home was situated in Dumfries and Galloway. But the young chap, affectionately known as JJ, said he
could organise the transportation of our new abode. Little did we know at this
point that the delivery wagon would require an ‘escort’ due to the width and
length of the load, but that wasn't a problem for JJ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">K.Lee Plant,
the owner John who is a dab hand with a digger, was then contacted to excavate
a suitable, flat, area to site the caravan. He duly arrived with an even bigger
digger and this time he brought along his sidekick – Wullie. What these boys
can’t do with a digger, isn't worth knowing about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_88yxznsGXw025teNIgZlt2rWsl9RE822T_FsS7KDYHzK6TDmK5AL3r6i9HOBDWnvWCaILSLrJQZi2XNltu_NYEBqzSJsqEPq8N7bM2RKhY0c2jTruNkjxbtKk7GwOgKTqqZ_slYqOes/s1600/IMG_1664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_88yxznsGXw025teNIgZlt2rWsl9RE822T_FsS7KDYHzK6TDmK5AL3r6i9HOBDWnvWCaILSLrJQZi2XNltu_NYEBqzSJsqEPq8N7bM2RKhY0c2jTruNkjxbtKk7GwOgKTqqZ_slYqOes/s1600/IMG_1664.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The even bigger digger.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Once again we
also needed to enlist the help of Magnus. When he isn’t fencing, he will help
with any kind of ‘land’ work, we can add strimming and cutting down trees to
his portfolio of skills.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In the
meantime, I have been pining! Yes fretting for my 3 boys – No, not some ‘hunky’
chaps, but my 3 handsome Tups who were still on Colonsay!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So, how do
you get 3 Tups from Colonsay to Skye?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It started
with a flight with my <a href="http://www.hebrideanair.co.uk/flights/Air_Charter.html" target="_blank">favourite airline – Hebridean Air Services</a>, the plane was
piloted by Julie, it was fantastic to see everyone, especially Dixie, and have
a good ‘natter’ with Julie on the fabulous flight over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitx3zvmj6HslM0jY-wnifcDO3x0hi3gyMk2kBqB6TA40T-n7IP-jNreCpkMoA7bZKEaln3C3pp_E2QAgkcroOWrAEglh4dgKevn-eYuBkH9w2acHDuXJqIP7QKe54hIAIBnnrBSaSzW4w/s1600/IMG_1384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitx3zvmj6HslM0jY-wnifcDO3x0hi3gyMk2kBqB6TA40T-n7IP-jNreCpkMoA7bZKEaln3C3pp_E2QAgkcroOWrAEglh4dgKevn-eYuBkH9w2acHDuXJqIP7QKe54hIAIBnnrBSaSzW4w/s1600/IMG_1384.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My favourite plane</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Our dear
friend Annie collected me from Colonsay International Airport and we went to
find the Tups. They remembered me (well ish) but they were running with another
3 tups who are renowned for being mischievous. They didn’t disappoint us, it
took Graham, Joe (with his two dogs) and me to get the tups into a secure
corner of the field so we could grab my 3 and put them into the trailer to take
them to the pier.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LQ98_Q-8Fbk0ScurnVDNZzXIcBjnPDvkiEUnKjvkTLb20AvvWmjpm1ZXmPFSiqH5Agp9KETTj1mHi3vq8DjIEoNojEcwa_hfePHQJS1shRTedvqziLEmLuaouSirKPYv-j8cAKA9I6M/s1600/IMG_1387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LQ98_Q-8Fbk0ScurnVDNZzXIcBjnPDvkiEUnKjvkTLb20AvvWmjpm1ZXmPFSiqH5Agp9KETTj1mHi3vq8DjIEoNojEcwa_hfePHQJS1shRTedvqziLEmLuaouSirKPYv-j8cAKA9I6M/s1600/IMG_1387.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Graham with the Tups at the pier.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Kapitein in
the meantime had put our unaccompanied trailer onto my other favourite mode of
transport, the <a href="http://www.calmac.co.uk/on-board-ships-guide/MV%20Lord%20of%20the%20Isles%20Onboard%20Guide.pdf" target="_blank">Calmac ferry LOTI</a>. The tups were safe and sound down at the pier
which gave me a wee while to catch up with Annie and of course visit <a href="http://www.thecolonsaypantry.co.uk/" target="_blank">GavalusGavalar in the Pantry. ‘Nice coffee Gav’!</a> Meanwhile, Kapitein was enjoying
himself in Oban, he’s grand at shopping, he even bought me some presents! Some
fabulous <a href="http://www.jurawhisky.com/language-selector?ref=/" target="_blank">Jura whisky</a> and a bottle of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newcastle_Brown_Ale" target="_blank">‘dog’!</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The ferry
duly arrived and with the help of Phil on the Hill and Will, our trailer was
hastily towed off the ferry, backed up to the holding pens, tups loaded and then
re-loaded back onto the ferry. With fond farewells my tups and I sailed onward
to Oban, all in a mornings work!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhrlDn16k583I61ORvFR7bnLPVpn0E_Q51wuS1x8YGW3EmruNr9QRNYFxS4B18Zp0sLlAC-gayNiW0se5ebSBMBD0yX47m-ZgDSkqdNnh8nft-mPyGDDdyPFUsSEDePLRjh7bYpnoZhs/s1600/IMG_1397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhrlDn16k583I61ORvFR7bnLPVpn0E_Q51wuS1x8YGW3EmruNr9QRNYFxS4B18Zp0sLlAC-gayNiW0se5ebSBMBD0yX47m-ZgDSkqdNnh8nft-mPyGDDdyPFUsSEDePLRjh7bYpnoZhs/s1600/IMG_1397.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 'Big Fella' quite happy in the trailer</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Kapitein
collected me and the trailer and we headed home to Skye. We offloaded the tups
safe and well in their new field all within the regulated time for transporting
animals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Meanwhile, Magnus
had started with the chain saw and the strimmer to clear a path through the
undergrowth, cutting down an abundance of Bog Myrtle. Bog Myrtle is reputed to
repel the dreaded Midgey but in my experience, the Midgey seems to thrive in
the Bog Myrtle bushes! These ‘wee beasties’ have a nasty habit of getting into
small places, especially eyes and ears and for such a small insect, it has a
nasty bite. So the less bushes we have, the better it might be! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Following
Magnus’s run in with the Midgey, the Bernisdale boys began to excavate for the
caravan, the area was covered with years and year’s growth of weeds and grass. Then,
low and behold, on a balmy summer evening, we came to the croft and a ‘site’ had
appeared! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Amidst all of
these jobs, we have had little time to go out and explore Skye, but we heard
news that some friends of ours were coming to the island for a wee stopover
before heading out over the Minch to Harris. They were due on the Friday
evening and would travel, the next day on the early morning<a href="http://www.calmac.co.uk/timetables/winter-timetables.htm?id=winter-north-uist--uig-skye-lochmaddy-north-uist.png" target="_blank"> Calmac ferry</a> from
Uig to Tarbert. They duly arrived and we had a wonderful time catching up on
all of our news. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I digress…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We finally
got word from JJ, that our caravan could be delivered, complete with escort.
Ironically, it would arrive exactly 6 months to the day after we had left
Colonsay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We headed up
to the croft to see how progress was coming along with the site, and what a
surprise, everything was ready, including a protective bund (a miniature man
made hill to protect the caravan from the prevailing southerly winds)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJj0LNYzKvnEQPobpg3DFwYKmNp6wU4rvyGL4XLVotAPBBjVpEB5N7c2QpPu1QRYxQDMhiKbTX6B37isN_CoatsmDKOfnLgT_LRcOWzxaRaH2_u8CPKovX7uu9GIveeD7Q_TdEuzwh2A/s1600/prepared+site.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJj0LNYzKvnEQPobpg3DFwYKmNp6wU4rvyGL4XLVotAPBBjVpEB5N7c2QpPu1QRYxQDMhiKbTX6B37isN_CoatsmDKOfnLgT_LRcOWzxaRaH2_u8CPKovX7uu9GIveeD7Q_TdEuzwh2A/s1600/prepared+site.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The excavated site ready to take
delivery of the caravan<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">On the day of
delivery, we received a phone call to say the transport was running late, their
estimated time of arrival was 11 pm! But the weather was on our side and it
stays light until late in the evening during the summer months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">At exactly
11.15pm, the wagon and escort vehicle with JJ duly arrived with our new home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilEYyc91hc1G9jDNGKaGnWK8W_9uZKp97bklQCumWD749aC3ZYFs_fOxRNQ7i0kka81UWZ7KCQb_M0sRU6H2pDJMMNnDdMpuNrnarppGvHb5PMQi6WRsri_f5LcTWKQZGjwu-XlWGnlo/s1600/caravan+delivery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilEYyc91hc1G9jDNGKaGnWK8W_9uZKp97bklQCumWD749aC3ZYFs_fOxRNQ7i0kka81UWZ7KCQb_M0sRU6H2pDJMMNnDdMpuNrnarppGvHb5PMQi6WRsri_f5LcTWKQZGjwu-XlWGnlo/s1600/caravan+delivery.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The caravan being offloaded from the
wagon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">At precisely
midnight our caravan ‘touched down’ onto our land a very significant and
emotional moment – we had our new home, at last.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The following
morning John came to help Kapitein to site the caravan, quite a difficult task
to get a 35ft long and 12ft wide caravan turned and positioned exactly where we
needed it to be. But they both did a magnificent job, I was so proud of both of
them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">With the aid of Kapitein’s landrover,
the caravan was sited.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We had only
seen photographs of the caravan, so we were very excited to see the inside! It
was all JJ said it was – very purple, but in splendid condition, a much loved
caravan indeed, we are so grateful to the previous owners who obviously took
good care of it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In the
meantime, I have sent off my remaining Hebridean fleeces to the mill for processing and
expect the wool back during October. I will be producing fabric this time with
the help of <a href="http://www.skyeweavers.co.uk/" target="_blank">Andrea and Roger from Skye Weavers</a> – I can hardly contain myself - and will keep you informed of some rather exciting new designs which will be made here on Skye during the coming months.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Now then, the
next thing on our list was to install services to the caravan, in-between
preparing it for the winter. We installed a wood burning stove (our thanks go
to Neil from <a href="http://www.skye4stoves.co.uk/" target="_blank">Skye Finishing Touches</a> – well done) anchors and chains – to stop
it blowing away in the gales, skirting, to protect the chassis and add much
needed insulation in the form of thick carpets – courtesy of Paul & Tasha at <a href="http://www.hhfskye.co.uk/" target="_blank">Harris Home Furnishings</a>. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09oXePmutG-I5p6jsUH4liPzCxmt8Bvz79DyCoCY9F4vm77LVkG09h0jI7YcilzMfNCgVoXEKyd_xvtiJO_DDuRNMc-s7oRrO0q4oowE7DWCCKhAykjohcNdHM6p9iG9PKcG3tjs-exg/s1600/IMG_2050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09oXePmutG-I5p6jsUH4liPzCxmt8Bvz79DyCoCY9F4vm77LVkG09h0jI7YcilzMfNCgVoXEKyd_xvtiJO_DDuRNMc-s7oRrO0q4oowE7DWCCKhAykjohcNdHM6p9iG9PKcG3tjs-exg/s1600/IMG_2050.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The boys enjoying the comforts of the caravan.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Water
was eventually connected, BT finally put a pole up and Kapitein and I trenched
in over 200 metres of phone cable – it’s brilliant when communications are up
and running, then Billy came to connect the gas for my new oven and hob! But, no
electric! SSE tried their utmost to get the wayleaves signed so mains electric
could be brought into the site, but to no avail – Ian was marvelous, he tried everything, but no was still the
answer. So we have had to re-think how we can live and work here without mains
electricity. But aha! It’s solved… We will be going ‘off grid’. I will tell you
all about Kapitein and I becoming ‘eco-friendly’ (no not hippies) in my next post.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So that's me off up the croft to see how the Tups are and how other vital work is progressing, I will report back very soon.</span></div>
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Island at the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862088783039966262noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953569293619917844.post-90158226200091659632014-07-16T16:55:00.000+01:002014-07-16T16:55:52.400+01:00Home - at last...<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What a journey! In real time, it has taken 6 months to
find and secure a croft site for our new Homestead, it seems like years…But our
long awaited ‘good times’ are finally here. Yipee!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On the morning of December 27<sup>th</sup> 2013, we left
the final reminder of our time on Colonsay, our footprints in the sand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We arrived at our temporary Homestead with a view to
settling somewhere ‘out West’.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The variation of scenes from our temporary homestead are
just amazing – including the myriad of wildlife – otters, herons, eagles, you
name it and it is here…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So what now! We have settled on the wonderful Isle of
Skye, but, we haven’t rested on our laurels while we’ve been here. There was
such a huge amount to do even just to regain our identities – Kapitein thought
I could be Demi Moore! I’m sure she would have been delighted with that!
Especially when I don’t look like her… I thought he could be George Clooney!!
Well, one does live in hope… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">All of the paperwork during the aftermath of the fire,
takes time and effort, including the reporting of, several times a day, the
same story of how everything was lost in the fire. But, we have come out the
other side, and are raring to go… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So what about Skye! There is a shop here called the Co-op!!
It is such a novelty to us, it’s like being in a huge sweetie shop! Kapitein’s
eyes light up every time he sees the large selection of Pizza’s – we’ll have to
keep an eye on his waistline me thinks. He is notorious when he nips to the
shops, he always comes back with armfuls of goodies, not that I am complaining.
There is everything you could wish for and more, nearly on our doorstep, well,
far fewer miles than 2.20 hours on a ferry and an overnight stay in Oban. But,
I do miss seeing the wonderful yellow plane flying overhead on Colonsay,
especially when it was bringing freight for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We have visited many parts of Skye and beyond. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was the depths of winter when we arrived with lots of
snow – brilliant if you own a snowdog like Wolfie!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Faerie Pools at Glenbrittle<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Applecross
with Skye in the distance – it was very, very cold that day.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Neist
Point – where waterfalls traverse ‘uphill’ on windy days<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I have also been very busy designing new products, the
inspiration here on Skye is fantastic. The Cuillin mountain range is just amazing, and at the
time of posting this blog, there is still a wee patch of snow!! And it’s the
summer!! I will post up more details on my latest designs soon…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Isle of Skye is our new island home, and we have been so
lucky. We have purchased an owner occupied croft where we are at the ‘edge’
too. It has shore frontage, with not one, but three slipways! Perfect for
Kapitein. And a huge acreage too, perfect for our ‘boys’ (the canine and sheep
variety) so it’s all go from now on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We received the keys – well, to the wooden gate, on
Friday 23<sup>rd</sup> May 2014, with plans, plans and more plans in our heads.
So where do you begin when you own a bare-land croft?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Plant a tree, this is a native Alder – we thought we
needed to put down our roots as soon as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Surveying the land, we noticed there is an inordinate
amount of Bog Myrtle on the croft – I see beer production, just for our own
consumption, will be a must… Anyway, we were put in touch with a young chap, Magnus,
an absolute dab hand with a chain saw. He cleared a path through the Bog Myrtle
so that Malcolm the fencer could get a paddock fenced off, ready for the Tups
arrival from Colonsay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Malcolm
& Magnus fencers extraordinaire <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Next was to get a hard-standing so we could access the
site with vehicles. John from K.Lee Plant came and started scraping away the top
soil in readiness for a temporary hard standing. Brilliant work!! More about
John and Willie aka the Bernisdale boys in a later post…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">With all of this work there is a huge amount of
preparation now already completed. But one of our most wonderful moments ( and
there has been several) was the day the containers arrived from storage – it was
nice to see Gary from MaQueen’s storage in Oban, the last time we saw him was
the day he left Colonsay via Hebridean Air Services (as the ferry had been
cancelled) arriving home, just in time for Christmas. He told us he had a super
flight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He offloaded the containers which had housed our few
possessions rescued from the shed, including all of last year’s wool clip, this
is so important, especially when starting anew. Plus Kapitein has some tools
again, and we all know that every guy needs a shed with tools! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Everything
arrived safely and in good order, what a relief...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Next on the list of things to acquire was, we needed to
get equipment for working the land – it has been neglected for a number of
years, but the ground is good. First and foremost on this list was a tractor!
And after an epic journey-it took just over a week to get here from the
mainland, the tractor, affectionately known as Wouter de Boskabouter, arrived.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Wouter
De Boskabouter with our miniature Macleod’s Table in the background – built by
a Macleod of course!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And Kapitein! Well, he is in his element with all things
tractor. What is it about ‘Boys and their toys’? He is often seen ‘flailing’
about in the field!! Well, that’s what he calls it!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Next thing we found was that many years ago, there had
been caravans on this croft and that there was already a track down to the
trees. We spoke with John again from K.Lee Plant and what a surprise, he
arrived with his ‘even bigger’ digger and set too on reinstating the track.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This is very exciting to us, the old road, becoming the
new! And a bonus for us is we have a wee quarry which contains ‘rotten rock’ which
is rock that is perfect for the road. John got very excited when he saw this…
He’s nearly as bad as Kapitein! Especially when both could be found
‘inspecting’ rock!! John is an extremely professional person and what he can’t
do with his diggers isn’t worth knowing about. We are so very, very grateful
for all of his hard work and sound advice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We also unearthed an old, working, septic tank and water
connection – which had serviced the old caravan, neatly hidden under the
undergrowth. There was also the old hard-standing where the caravan had stood.
I will tell you all about the excavations with Wouter de Boskabouter in my next
blog.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The flora and fauna on our site is exquisite, we have so
many Hebridean Orchids, amongst other wild flowers here, and they are truly
beautiful…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We have also taken time out from working to see even more
of our new island home. We headed off south to see the Glenelg ferry, it was a
glorious day to see the ferry with new livery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Isle of Skye has everything, even two way traffic!
Something very new to us having previously lived on such a small island with
only single road – and passing places. But once off the beaten track, there are
still many miles of single track roads here, with passing places that you never
know what you may have to pull in for!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I am now off back up to the croft to do some more work, I
will keep you posted on our progress…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Island at the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862088783039966262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953569293619917844.post-15387587191615389072014-01-21T11:12:00.000+00:002014-02-04T18:24:34.495+00:00Where have we been???<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s been quite a
while since I have written my blog, primarily due to the fact that on the
morning of Monday 9<sup>th</sup> December (2013) Our wonderful Homestead,
burned to the ground.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDcDoKQSl24U-5DMkY-7hxEtbO4imCqtwuLf1Z4Ih-JL01hByw7omOFoJTiq0f3V1Sxk0vLn1RAz7SI9KpJmp3nImc2DEXYgz005Nuem5N0QZJF2KdzPXpssH9HnsAgUvoBbPYYiGsB4/s1600/IMG_3186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDcDoKQSl24U-5DMkY-7hxEtbO4imCqtwuLf1Z4Ih-JL01hByw7omOFoJTiq0f3V1Sxk0vLn1RAz7SI9KpJmp3nImc2DEXYgz005Nuem5N0QZJF2KdzPXpssH9HnsAgUvoBbPYYiGsB4/s1600/IMG_3186.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Col Na Sithe</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmS7_PmPOqzRC-JSTBte2Euh1BUHDc5euzcJrMyutqU9221jQ7Ld_TioKzru7WRE12s2y0NMEFQCH4Bv0OtQR3r6uTWJ0u_hgDe1_2WneoGvK6XMvhfDYoAcqpDumDP3ud6kKVhzIpduQ/s1600/IMG_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmS7_PmPOqzRC-JSTBte2Euh1BUHDc5euzcJrMyutqU9221jQ7Ld_TioKzru7WRE12s2y0NMEFQCH4Bv0OtQR3r6uTWJ0u_hgDe1_2WneoGvK6XMvhfDYoAcqpDumDP3ud6kKVhzIpduQ/s1600/IMG_0081.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the height of the fire</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The aftermath</span></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kapitein,
Sampster, Wolfie and I escaped unharmed (other than a wee bit smoke inhalation)
in only the clothes we stood up in and feel truly blessed to be alive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fire had started
in the Attic, Captain Flack and his team came to the rescue and donned
breathing apparatus to source the seat of the fire – which they did, however,
they ran out of water (as there isn’t a Hydrant nearby) by the time they
returned from filling the tender with water, the fire had spread through the
fire wall and the roof was well alight.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sampster, Wolfie
and I had been evacuated to safety with our dear neighbour Anne (whom we will
be eternally grateful for everything she did for us) and we watched on as the
Homestead was decimated by the fire.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Captain Flack and
the Colonsay fire crew did everything in their power to save the Homestead,
their determination was amazing, we will never forget what they did for us, and
we fully understand their frustrations, but we never doubted their ability.
They are truly amazing…Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I visited the site
as they dampened down and each and every one of the fire crew apologised for
not being able to save the Homestead, but as we said then, and now, Kapitein,
the dogs and I got out and that is the most important aspect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We cannot stress
enough, please, CHECK your smoke alarms regularly and ALWAYS have a practiced
fire plan/escape route, as you can’t see anything for thick acrid smoke, but if
you know where you are going, this makes your means of escape very effective.
The UK Fire Service will offer advice and practical support (ie: fitting smoke
alarms etc.) so do it!! If it hadn’t been for the smoke alarm, I wouldn’t be
writing this now!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> What was anticipated to be a short stay with
Anne, turned out to be two and a half weeks!! And a better hostess we couldn’t
have wished for – we were made to feel so welcome and we did have some laughs. I even found some tools to knit with and produced a wee 'lug muffler' to keep Anne warm whilst walking the dogs with us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lhtxVjZhaESSgfsaAZ7AaZcOWz-jF6cMm7HYRYG8pyPJWl5sSVmBhJnU83C-kErxGC5qWshOMW1F2UrGsI0I9vBCWAKU5caDOPdSJJs7ANS2UgC-usCfkSg2XtUxntDNqbiTeOAZ1jY/s1600/IMG_0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lhtxVjZhaESSgfsaAZ7AaZcOWz-jF6cMm7HYRYG8pyPJWl5sSVmBhJnU83C-kErxGC5qWshOMW1F2UrGsI0I9vBCWAKU5caDOPdSJJs7ANS2UgC-usCfkSg2XtUxntDNqbiTeOAZ1jY/s1600/IMG_0095.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its amazing what you can do with a wooden spoon and a poker!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf41_hPbe3FX1aY5ptV2IFrUuPpjCz_4mybB10VFarBXg53mY_v8-gkpWHq-mSxP6s2KSypi2EJai2EcZ7M_XYyHksiO8x4OVuPfl-WZKei7-hvK9QeF69FZup-APm4qVhObUEsXN4j5s/s1600/IMG_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf41_hPbe3FX1aY5ptV2IFrUuPpjCz_4mybB10VFarBXg53mY_v8-gkpWHq-mSxP6s2KSypi2EJai2EcZ7M_XYyHksiO8x4OVuPfl-WZKei7-hvK9QeF69FZup-APm4qVhObUEsXN4j5s/s1600/IMG_0121.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think Anne looks lovely... Don't you...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sampster thoroughly enjoyed being 'de-haired' by Anne!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs04ABtanbcaC3QFgXlFcyZJPAFS1gQOpqOIgG9NMzK6YziwOETYGEO_MDpNAMcitPA-r_JBES_UM5kOV0IPHDZBjeJS5icGKkNL-D9SYQ8XYQw-rlz7pNPfjTvup8RTtmaU23KvO4XGE/s1600/IMG_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs04ABtanbcaC3QFgXlFcyZJPAFS1gQOpqOIgG9NMzK6YziwOETYGEO_MDpNAMcitPA-r_JBES_UM5kOV0IPHDZBjeJS5icGKkNL-D9SYQ8XYQw-rlz7pNPfjTvup8RTtmaU23KvO4XGE/s1600/IMG_0093.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our heartfelt thanks go to those members of the community who helped us in our hour of need, bringing us
much needed clothes, toiletries, dog leads/bowls, waterproofs etc. We will be
eternally grateful. Also our thanks go out to our families and close friends, they have been fantastic...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We do still have one endearing thought –
Gavalus Gavalar (who was on the mainland at the time) shopping for
‘undergarments’ for Kapitein and I, dashing between the Lingerie and Mens Wear
departments, it must have been a sight for sore eyes! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As our ‘wardrobe’ was
interesting to say the least, we contacted various businesses in and around
Oban to restock items such as waterproofs, shirts etc., and low and behold, our
‘shopping’ arrived on the next flight from Oban. We will never forget all that
<a href="http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/oban-airport" target="_blank">Oban Airport</a>, <a href="http://www.hebrideanair.co.uk/flights/Air_Charter.html" target="_blank">Hebridean Air</a> and those business outlets that helped us – thank
you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now it was the
onerous task of packing up our few possessions that remained in the shed, primarily, Kapiteins tools – we know how important tools are, don’t we! And thankfully,
the Firecrew and Kapitein had managed to rescue some unusual items from my
workroom before the roof collapsed. Namely, the original Colonsay Gansey and my
Grandmothers circa 1948 sewing machine, a couple of chairs and some books. With
everything packed, <a href="http://www.macqueenbros.com/removalsandstorage.html" target="_blank">McQueens from Oban</a> sent over their trusty driver, Gary, on
the Friday (before Christmas), with a couple of small containers to store our
things. He duly arrived amidst rain, hail, snow and sunshine, we packed
everything in double quick time and watched on as he loaded the containers back
onto the wagon. Then… News came that the Saturday ferry was cancelled! And the
weather wasn’t looking good for the Monday ferry either! Oh dear me… what to
do…and how to get Gary home in time for Christmas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturday morning
came and Kapitein had a brainwave, he asked me to contact<a href="http://www.hebrideanair.co.uk/flights/Air_Charter.html" target="_blank"> Hebridean Air Services </a>to see if there was any chance of booking a charter flight, poor Gary
needed to be with his own family for Christmas, even if this meant leaving the
wagon to go on the next ferry unaccompanied. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Andy, at Hebridean
Air, said no problem, but we had a tight weather window. As it turned out,
there were 3 folks who wanted to get back to Colonsay and a total of 5 wanting
to leave – including Gary and another stranded, wagon driver.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At 2.00pm,
Sebastian arrived (a perfect landing) with the 3 folk from Oban, and then took
off again 15 minutes later with the passengers wishing to leave, so everyone
was where they wanted to be for Christmas. Brilliant!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwDFf_3KqpLSRRjWuHRYkPRjTDZ4j8EOeyeFDSlsr8qtoIhyWSS80ptMv0wrC7_zJb4iP3lvbOelJtuhW-02Kmspq7oPay6qq-76oqDraXXpUsY5JuzKbI1y-aq1AyGZV4ltG34pnlqk/s1600/IMG_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwDFf_3KqpLSRRjWuHRYkPRjTDZ4j8EOeyeFDSlsr8qtoIhyWSS80ptMv0wrC7_zJb4iP3lvbOelJtuhW-02Kmspq7oPay6qq-76oqDraXXpUsY5JuzKbI1y-aq1AyGZV4ltG34pnlqk/s1600/IMG_0115.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sebastian taking everyone home for Christmas.</span></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ferry managed
to make it into Colonsay on the Monday, McQueens and the other two wagons were
on their way to back to the mainland.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, what next!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had, through
sheer luck, managed to source an available letting property, which was vacant,
on the Isle of Skye. And as Christmas Day arrived – which was superb; Kapitein
and I had smoked bacon sandwiches for our Christmas dinner, just what we
wanted, Kapitein spoke to Cameron and Struan from Coastal Connection, as our
only weather window to leave Colonsay, was Boxing Day and sure enough, they
were more than happy to come over.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As it turned out, on
the morning of Boxing day, the weather was wonderful. We packed our cars with
our few possessions, hitched up the sheep handling system and headed to the
pier – our vehicles would leave Colonsay on the next available ferry. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anne came to see
us off and off we went on a fabulous journey on the <a href="http://coastal-connection.co.uk/" target="_blank">Coastal Connection RIB.</a>Even Sampster and Wolfie enjoyed the ride, they are following in Kapiteins
footsteps and becoming salty sea dogs indeed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAnVuzc6vQ6nuBfHbnwsHGWtGQSA5BRW7CDf3YPS8J-jI2z_qYL_KAZH6uWwxyMpEGpaEfO0Uw16xLsFa-8CFVjjuZ2aju5b8SvUL5uXbwuohTzAYfKnYUwQy86DakAPcx5d7lyiXYtQ/s1600/IMG_0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAnVuzc6vQ6nuBfHbnwsHGWtGQSA5BRW7CDf3YPS8J-jI2z_qYL_KAZH6uWwxyMpEGpaEfO0Uw16xLsFa-8CFVjjuZ2aju5b8SvUL5uXbwuohTzAYfKnYUwQy86DakAPcx5d7lyiXYtQ/s1600/IMG_0126.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Colonsay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkC4zEBiGeNhJ0RocdKdZLKKG6QneN8qjnmlejM63Z51vL1glRzpNAnaQmlbdqy0QtS3jB-Kj-yVFFjpHYt1Yu3T65KwaRqWLG149FP84Bv0Q0890n1c82t92Cpp4SYrAGSpmt0sMTOY/s1600/IMG_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkC4zEBiGeNhJ0RocdKdZLKKG6QneN8qjnmlejM63Z51vL1glRzpNAnaQmlbdqy0QtS3jB-Kj-yVFFjpHYt1Yu3T65KwaRqWLG149FP84Bv0Q0890n1c82t92Cpp4SYrAGSpmt0sMTOY/s1600/IMG_0150.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving in Loch Feochan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1P_21fX0lhpIVjROg04pu-PJLABWaaA4EDwCmCtYJ1Q-QmJcSKSCY5z4OkCGY-XxTLKvvf9mB1J8WBaJsn9Q3df_8NpMAd-om74D8mzmAxiBDcAglFmzfnWMBDBZHSWcDiFJzKU4agA/s1600/IMG_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1P_21fX0lhpIVjROg04pu-PJLABWaaA4EDwCmCtYJ1Q-QmJcSKSCY5z4OkCGY-XxTLKvvf9mB1J8WBaJsn9Q3df_8NpMAd-om74D8mzmAxiBDcAglFmzfnWMBDBZHSWcDiFJzKU4agA/s1600/IMG_0152.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 3 salty sea dogs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWOmGbbBarHK5V3ux4I4gf-Hmtiejrc_3tjxv2v0kuORRBa_sSyr3QynquoOgAnIh9UrvTOCHh7y4Pvl8ad-lkrcA_keBwGZyzIoVALDfp9brhDcG0flHgXoI4kmOZAaJ0EKeXJmr8yM/s1600/IMG_0157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWOmGbbBarHK5V3ux4I4gf-Hmtiejrc_3tjxv2v0kuORRBa_sSyr3QynquoOgAnIh9UrvTOCHh7y4Pvl8ad-lkrcA_keBwGZyzIoVALDfp9brhDcG0flHgXoI4kmOZAaJ0EKeXJmr8yM/s1600/IMG_0157.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coastal Connection - Cameron and Struan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We arrived at</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Loch Feochan where Cameron and Struan’s father
met us to take us onwards to Oban, what kindness, we can’t thank them enough
either. We highly recommend <a href="http://coastal-connection.co.uk/" target="_blank">Coastal Connection a very professional service indeed.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following day, the ferry brought our cars over and we headed North to the Isle of Skye to our temporary accommodation - a very warm house, overlooking the sea, what more could we ask for...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLOoB4m6zztotzMAMWB92nlSl6oVyRjoZufmQIOlBcUNjE9dic6d1lyqVOykyZxiJb0t7iTFCzz7DgfnRS0sV_1_KfapXLgu51Z967p5wsjyI9vHRLYG-mWsCxUHoA_mmyW7_tzYqVwE/s1600/IMG_0177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLOoB4m6zztotzMAMWB92nlSl6oVyRjoZufmQIOlBcUNjE9dic6d1lyqVOykyZxiJb0t7iTFCzz7DgfnRS0sV_1_KfapXLgu51Z967p5wsjyI9vHRLYG-mWsCxUHoA_mmyW7_tzYqVwE/s1600/IMG_0177.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">So now it is onwards and upwards - working our way through endless lists of things to do, amidst replacing commissions! I managed to complete a Braveheart Waistcoat in double quick time and posted it off to the customer - they are delighted with it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Back to the knitting needles to finish the next...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We couldn't start our new lives without offering our heartfelt thanks to all those who supported Hebridean Isles Trading Company during our time on Colonsay.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We would like to thank Pauline, owner of <a href="http://colonsaycosmetics.vpweb.co.uk/Home.html" target="_blank">Colonsay Cosmetics</a> who supplied us with the most delightful toiletries for our guests. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then we needed to think about quality food for our guests, that's when we sourced as much 'local' produce as was possible.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>We must thank:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.forteith.co.uk/" target="_blank">Forteiths -Oban</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.jmbreckenridge.co.uk/" target="_blank">J.M. Breckenridge - Oban</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.booker.co.uk/home.aspx" target="_blank">Booker - Oban</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://jackson-butchers.com/" target="_blank">Jackson's Butchers - Oban</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.visitscotland.com/info/food-drink/d-watt-sons-fishmonger-p302581" target="_blank">D. Watts Fishmongers - Oban</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the best locally sourced produce in Argyll...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knitting courses took off at an unbelievable pace, we would like to thank all of the participants and our wonderful sheep for adding to the whole 'woolly' experience, including, of course, their wonderful fleeces.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>But how to get products to Colonsay?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.yell.com/biz/etive-taxis-oban-5911618/" target="_blank">Helmut & Michelle of Etive Taxis</a> were just the best, they went over and above our expectations, collecting orders from the Oban businesses and taking them up to Oban Airport, we highly recommend them, they even transport people too!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/oban-airport" target="_blank">Oban Airport.</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The staff at <a href="https://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/Support-Oban-Airport/154506021245001" target="_blank">Oban Airport</a> are the most professional, courteous and obliging group of people I have ever met. Thanks go to them for everything they have done for us. From the delightful Dixie at reception, to the 'big fella' (wor Tom) and all of the fire crew/freight handlers, without whom, all of our hard work would have been in vane. I cannot recommend this establishment highly enough. If and when Skye gets its own Airport - I hope it is as wonderful as Oban, thank you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.hebrideanair.co.uk/flights/Oban_Scheduled_Timetable.html" target="_blank">Hebridean Air Services.</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What can I say, as a 'frustrated' Pilot (or so they say) my first few times flying with Hebridean Air Services had me perplexed! I couldn't understand why no-one was using the plane to bring in freight! That is where it all began, with the first air freight regularly coming into Colonsay...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The three pilots, Julie, Allan and Sebastian are just brilliant, our thanks go to them all, to Andy Jolly, and of course, the owner, George Cormack. It has been a privilege, flying and working with you all - I do miss seeing that lovely yellow plane flying overhead... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last, but by no means least, we would like to thank all of our guests, customers and stockists, we have met some lovely people and we do hope to meet customers old and new in the very near future.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what now...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the search for our new Homestead continues. Hebridean Isles Trading Company is beginning to 'rise from the ashes' and with new designs hot off the needles very soon, there are very e</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xciting times ahead, I will keep you all posted - watch this space...</span><br />
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Island at the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862088783039966262noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953569293619917844.post-43612261282799192222013-11-22T08:45:00.000+00:002013-11-22T08:45:10.726+00:00Busy, Busy, Busy...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Goodness me we have been so busy here at the Homestead. We have had some truly fabulous guests staying with us during the summer months and they have been blessed with fantastic weather too. What more could you ask for here on our wonderful island at the edge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been knitting commissions continuously, I love it! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpx3zOxTXm5DoNb4-J3HGZ-9gsyw69w5ehI-MCGchKKTdVHTv8EYRvQAJcT3UMJ68Ql74z3Q6EfidkuEAazRotRh8VsxPQ8ELeUAXxo2-f_Y_aNgFfmRobDxSqtAOgzlq0Dmw_Akf_j4/s1600/Gansey+commission.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpx3zOxTXm5DoNb4-J3HGZ-9gsyw69w5ehI-MCGchKKTdVHTv8EYRvQAJcT3UMJ68Ql74z3Q6EfidkuEAazRotRh8VsxPQ8ELeUAXxo2-f_Y_aNgFfmRobDxSqtAOgzlq0Dmw_Akf_j4/s320/Gansey+commission.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I have had the pleasure of teaching some lovely folk how to knit Ganseys, design their own garments, using traditional patterns, intarsia and Fairisle too. I delight in sharing knowledge about 'all things' knitting and I have also learned a thing or two myself. Reverse and Continental style knitting are a couple of new skills. I believe reverse knitting is widely known as 'frogging' I prefer reversing as it doesn't sound quite so drastic as 'ripping out' rows and possibly more rows of wonderful work. I must admit, when I knit a commissioned Gansey and find a mistake several rows back, I only reverse knit the stitches where the 'variance' of the motif is. This works for me and I find it less onerous than to reverse knit several 'full' rows. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Continental knitting is a brilliant way to knit. I believe our friends over the pond refer to our knitting style as 'throwing' the wool, their style is to hold the wool in their left hand (if you are a right handed knitter) and hook the wool with your left hand needle. Purling is a wee bit more technical - for me, but as I usually work on 40 cm needles, even for the smallest of knitted items I make, continental style suits my knitting style so as I can work on 20 - 30 cm needles. Brilliant, I don't poke anyone's eye out anymore - least of all my own...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been designing new things too - but you'll have to wait a wee while longer to see what I have been up to - I will post the pictures up as soon as I have completed the 'sample' garments.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do have some Crofters, Aviators and Kiloran Sweaters in stock, perfect for keeping out the cold and for Christmas of course. Have a look at the <a href="http://www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk/Knitwear.html" target="_blank">Island at the Edge </a>website.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also came across a wonderful book, Dutch Traditional Ganseys written by Stella Ruhe. She writes about the history of Dutch Ganseys and how they originated in Britain. Some say that the quality of the 'old' photo's isn't perfect, but we mustn't forget, they are old! Does a little 'graininess' detract from the ambiance of the photo? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stella has compiled 60 fabulous, easy to follow, Gansey patterns, I am planning my first knit from this fabulous book as part of my winter projects list.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you would like a copy for only £19.99 plus postage and packing, I am a stockist for the book, contact me and I will post one straight out to you, it's well worth it...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LIwzb-03ijxS_xYh6WbLtsTQ0RLDZ-tVFkIBj3QV70PU59IARtyrM0G7Jym3chnUAq9rCvGZx7ydVNf0fJEgvDRTEN6rQh2_3vBZMj6Lnr6e0r1GdxA7v-8-76ntObEFRNUh4af5AG4/s1600/Dutch+Traditional+Ganseys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LIwzb-03ijxS_xYh6WbLtsTQ0RLDZ-tVFkIBj3QV70PU59IARtyrM0G7Jym3chnUAq9rCvGZx7ydVNf0fJEgvDRTEN6rQh2_3vBZMj6Lnr6e0r1GdxA7v-8-76ntObEFRNUh4af5AG4/s320/Dutch+Traditional+Ganseys.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what else I hear you ask!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you had a wee read of the blog I have added to my blog roll? Wooly adventures? We were featured in this blog earlier this year as part of an extensive and whistle stop tour of the UK (for all things sheep and wool). Jacqueline was an absolute pleasure to be with, such a kindred spirit. Her enthusiasm for knitting (and all things sheep) was unbounding, I truly missed her when she left here. I do hope we can meet again someday. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kapitein has been hard at work, he has moved his orifice (office) twice this year, but is finally settled in his new domain with views over the hills and far away. He finally got the barnacles</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> off his bottom and coated it with special lubricant to keep any future 'growths' from forming, I am not saying a word about the colour - battleship grey, but he likes it...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have been having some fantastic weather of late, hold on to your hats! winter is coming...</span><br />
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Island at the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862088783039966262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953569293619917844.post-4254374686824131462013-08-16T12:19:00.000+01:002013-08-16T12:19:10.681+01:00Cassidy and Sundance come to visit!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The island is still recovering from some very, very special visitors...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">D'Nanty Sue came all the way from the mainland - she had serious concerns about the removal of barnacles from Kapiteins bottom and the mere mention of 'blue rinses' and the use of sanding equipment had her in a bit of a spin. She came with hair, paint and everything else stripper to aid Kapitein in his quest! He's like a shiny new pin, he even glistens in the sunlight - well done D'Nanty Sue!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">D'Nanty Sue departed on LOTI (we miss her already) and we greeted Cassidy & Sundance! They got seriously lost on the Colonsay Ring road (our equivalent to the M8) but eventually found us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their visit was a huge success. They sampled everything here on our wee island, even doing laps!! (they were spotted on several occasions driving around the ring road, causing havoc). They stayed at 'Fawlty Towers and met up with the rest of the posse </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shortbread - by Royal Appointment and Little Jem.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> They all teamed up for the Quiz and were joined by 'Eric' the fastest cyclist in the West! There was rumours there was a wee bit of cheating (as if) but their score was healthy - or so I am led to believe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other highlights of their visit was when they met Compo and Cleggy, but there again, who doesn't think they are a wonderful pair! Sundance was also amazed with May's Sugary Wonders and thrilled to meet Gavalus Gavalar at the Pantry. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cassidy & Sundance believed they may find their </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'Hole in the Wall' here on Colonsay. Strange when we don't have a bank! But to be honest, I think they did and assure me they are now 'going' straight! However, they had to r</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eturn to Tombstone to meet up with Wyatt Earp and Billy the Kid as there is work to be done... I can't wait until they return here to our wonderful wee island. But, I have the pleasure of going off to meet them later in the year. They both think I need a 'dose' of all things mainland and are even planning a visit to a Casino! I will definitely keep you posted on this outing...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The truth is out there.... Next blog coming soon...</span><br />
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Island at the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862088783039966262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953569293619917844.post-11962416396696625972013-06-09T11:42:00.002+01:002013-06-09T11:42:49.582+01:00Oh what a fantastic journey...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been on an epic journey over the last 2 - 3 days and when 'travelling' from our wee island at the edge, first and foremost, we pray for good weather!! And very, very good weather is what we have been having of late.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It all started on Thursday morning with a flight to Islay with <a href="http://www.hebrideanair.co.uk/flights/Oban_Scheduled_Timetable.html" target="_blank">Hebrideanair</a> - I can't thank Julie enough, we landed in Islay at 09:00 hrs. I was transferred to the main terminal to connect with the 09:40 hrs flight to Glasgow International with<a href="http://www.discoverislay.com/loganair_flights_islay.html" target="_blank"> Flybe/Loganair</a>. Checked in and through to security - Fantastic...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On paper, this journey appeared impossible as the scheduled landing of Hebridean Air Services flight to Islay was 10 mins after the Glasgow flight check in closed! but Hebridean Air pulled out all of the stops - Hebridean Air Services are an extremely professional team and were more than happy to make this possible for me. The moral of the story is... Yes you can fly to Glasgow from Colonsay - all it takes is a wee bit negotiation and everything is possible. So all I can say is a huge big thank you to all those who made this journey possible...</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flying over Islay</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out into the 'wild blue'</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isle of Arran in the distance</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I arrived in Glasgow safe and well...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After all of the 'bits and bobs' I had to do (all things mainland to you and I) I had to return to Colonsay.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, how could this be done!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Easy...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I caught the 08:40 <a href="http://www.discoverislay.com/loganair_flights_islay.html" target="_blank">Flybe/Loganair</a> flight to Islay on Saturday morning - was collected by the wonderful Lamont in his trusty taxi and transferred up to Port Askaig to connect with the Saturday ferry back to Colonsay.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And what a surprise!! <a href="http://www.portaskaig.co.uk/" target="_blank">Port Askaig </a>is just beautiful...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I arrived, very, very hungry (for those that know me - this isn't unusual)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I headed for the wee <a href="http://www.portaskaig.co.uk/" target="_blank">Port Askaig Hotel</a>. They were just clearing breakfasts away and I tentatively knocked on the kitchen door.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The gentleman who greeted me was so polite. I asked if it was at all possible, to have an obligatory bacon sandwich and some coffee. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Of course" he said.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So there I was, sitting in the wee snug bar at 10:00 am enjoying the most delicious coffee I have had in ages with a super bacon sandwich - Thank you so much, it saved my life!! I highly recommend this hostelry...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-ItT3Sty4RBkKiN8ZcAXsbq336uTjkt6UE32dgjTeY6qqE_8pnhemnVrsSlerv5QZwuX0uerdd5LAJoCpIhcSd00G8HfVyNHTGI-mSdbXvsPn8sCzS6CmGMsACzpAMqrJwT4vpcHTv0/s1600/Port+Askaig+Hotel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-ItT3Sty4RBkKiN8ZcAXsbq336uTjkt6UE32dgjTeY6qqE_8pnhemnVrsSlerv5QZwuX0uerdd5LAJoCpIhcSd00G8HfVyNHTGI-mSdbXvsPn8sCzS6CmGMsACzpAMqrJwT4vpcHTv0/s320/Port+Askaig+Hotel.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel at Port Askaig</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a wee wait for the ferry to come in... It was lovely, just sitting on the 'dock of the bay - wasting time' in the warm sunshine overlooking the isle of Jura.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTSxNP_pYdeiKqm5OAsRekXpjNpbzUOpHVjGvfkVW4Zd3YcByIe_REND1EOjpjbmgc_3JfIQtIqC2e-b4-etcOl5hjLaJsUvXfHCNQjecMmECd1-xXQvIm4R65Aa0RX19bDsbp1Bv-ao/s1600/Isle+of+Jura+from+Port+Askaig.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTSxNP_pYdeiKqm5OAsRekXpjNpbzUOpHVjGvfkVW4Zd3YcByIe_REND1EOjpjbmgc_3JfIQtIqC2e-b4-etcOl5hjLaJsUvXfHCNQjecMmECd1-xXQvIm4R65Aa0RX19bDsbp1Bv-ao/s320/Isle+of+Jura+from+Port+Askaig.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlooking Jura from Port Askaig harbour<br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.calmac.co.uk/destinations/islay.htm" target="_blank">Calmac</a> staff were so helpful we had a good chat about all things 'ferry' which raised a question as to why so few folk come to Colonsay via this route? is it because it is not known about?</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpqbZRGdbMB-SPGaGSGDHm-qsXHszCSS1uulV3dckXZW7cK2ELa6BQgVy3dFzmk1BuuNGU2J5qMxElEibTAPSkdjUn4eqkduQUPPQAY5BGDYWnAz6REa89S5hE2HvSyRU3TBKBnrs75s/s1600/Aboard+the+Hebridean+Isles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpqbZRGdbMB-SPGaGSGDHm-qsXHszCSS1uulV3dckXZW7cK2ELa6BQgVy3dFzmk1BuuNGU2J5qMxElEibTAPSkdjUn4eqkduQUPPQAY5BGDYWnAz6REa89S5hE2HvSyRU3TBKBnrs75s/s320/Aboard+the+Hebridean+Isles.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aboard the Hebridean Isles</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, to all of you out there, wishing to island hop, come and visit us here on the wee Isle of Colonsay, even if it is just for a few hours on a Saturday afternoon. The journey is truly wonderful and when you arrive, you will see our fantastic wee island. Diogenes can organise a 'whistlestop' tour of Colonsay in his trusty minubus. You can visit the <a href="http://www.thecolonsaypantry.co.uk/" target="_blank">Pantry to see Gavalus Gavalar</a> and sample 'May's Sugary Wonders', you can take a wee perambulation through the <a href="http://www.colonsayestate.co.uk/The-Estate/Colonsay-House-And-Garden.aspx" target="_blank">Colonsay Gardens,</a> meander up to the <a href="http://www.colonsayestate.co.uk/Colonsay-Hotel.aspx" target="_blank">Hotel</a> for a nice coffee or a wee spot of lunch, go to Christines Den to see her wonderful array of crafts, visit the Old Waiting Room Gallery, visit the <a href="http://www.colonsay.info/text/Bookshop1.htm" target="_blank">Bookshop</a> or <a href="http://www.colonsaybrewery.co.uk/" target="_blank">Colonsay Brewery</a> or you can be collected, by me or Kapitein and sit a while and the home of <a href="http://www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk/default.html" target="_blank">Hebridean Isles Trading Company</a> (Island at the Edge) and <a href="http://www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk/Knitting-courses.html" target="_blank">knit</a>, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. With so much to do on our wee island, what better way is there to spend your time on a Saturday afternoon.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aH2u7_7oS2pAlVo6rxOzgRsymMo2YnqRbDOP74H7Y-QLixEM8A6dZq8iFMPDATkW2rQ_f_ZNo35V6fVe4wokbvW_yKD-_qva-Nu5f90UcMW-hqdkoQcxfegXpAx0310Os8AghQvqptA/s1600/Approaching+Colonsay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aH2u7_7oS2pAlVo6rxOzgRsymMo2YnqRbDOP74H7Y-QLixEM8A6dZq8iFMPDATkW2rQ_f_ZNo35V6fVe4wokbvW_yKD-_qva-Nu5f90UcMW-hqdkoQcxfegXpAx0310Os8AghQvqptA/s320/Approaching+Colonsay.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching Colonsay</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So much so, you may really like our wonderful wee island and wish to come and stay here in our <a href="http://www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk/Bed---Breakfast.html" target="_blank">4 star Bed & Breakfast.</a> We do hope to see you all very, very soon and a huge, big thank you to everyone who made my mainland visit possible....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Island at the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862088783039966262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953569293619917844.post-19070311092407256342013-06-01T12:56:00.001+01:002013-06-01T12:56:16.407+01:00The Generals visit...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where have I been!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been inordinately busy here at the Homestead, we have had lots of wonderful guests here, from all over the world, of late and one extra special person, t</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he General - AKA - Stocky, who came on a whistle stop tour of all things 'Colonsay' choosing to stay here with us here at the Homestead, and what a delightful chap he was...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We knew he was that little bit 'extra special' from the moment he arrived! but couldn't quite put our finger on it!! Was he a 'celebrity'? Another 'secret agent', Well, it turned out he was all of these things - then he informed us of why he had travelled all the way to our wee island, in rough seas, way out here in the Atlantic ocean, to sample all things 'Homestead'...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It turned out he was a 4 star General, and we discovered much to our delight that he had left behind 4 of his stars just for us! The best Bed & Breakfast on Colonsay...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So if you wish to Colonsay then why not come and join us here at the <a href="http://www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk/Bed---Breakfast.html" target="_blank">Homestead</a> for your quality bed and breakfast and delicious evening meals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Island at the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862088783039966262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953569293619917844.post-65577552016958288932013-04-17T10:55:00.001+01:002013-04-17T10:55:40.732+01:00Wedding Bells...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The marriage of Chris Baker and Pauline Campbell took place here on our wonderful Isle of Colonsay on Saturday.Guests were piped into the church by Hollie Nesbit (and a grand job she did! Lewis - you've got competition!)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZPrXYhNezTTctAwFL3FcbR7CLN-d4lnzA3gQsgiWubc6MMZla37pdA26r5IehP3LHha3aGmtDQa33rdChy9kQ1f_8dZ0WwOX3eDE_d-PN-fVoeWeh8vMouO8V7-SsMhQj2gmeD808RE/s1600/P1050195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZPrXYhNezTTctAwFL3FcbR7CLN-d4lnzA3gQsgiWubc6MMZla37pdA26r5IehP3LHha3aGmtDQa33rdChy9kQ1f_8dZ0WwOX3eDE_d-PN-fVoeWeh8vMouO8V7-SsMhQj2gmeD808RE/s320/P1050195.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hollie - photo courtesy of Paula Higson</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The guys looked really dapper in their traditional dress - fabulous...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2KxIagrsOT3bF26zqZMzKDso08d7SrsOC60acbpNxip2XGA-izlgwCnNLgeBIScL2hPpxwxH5xpn2XWIYrVw07ml5y7mPctUdtNhyphenhyphen7l2znpqxliGBfNqCgCNGGki_1pM820RrB52uGk/s1600/P1050205+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2KxIagrsOT3bF26zqZMzKDso08d7SrsOC60acbpNxip2XGA-izlgwCnNLgeBIScL2hPpxwxH5xpn2XWIYrVw07ml5y7mPctUdtNhyphenhyphen7l2znpqxliGBfNqCgCNGGki_1pM820RrB52uGk/s320/P1050205+(3).jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo courtesy of Paula Higson</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pauline and all of the wedding party looked radiant... I'm sure you'll agree.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxiwjwG0sGk2-qM-4jqRu5Vath45enVG3-AmlSBq8pOwS4WTkHLopMy-dgEpZWwH__TkexhGlRm-YI8fxLv7ryWjv9iq9XozMTLL9kiVmnD6dgvlkPrZCky6jU8tdwtMccoM8Hk-5_gs/s1600/P1050213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxiwjwG0sGk2-qM-4jqRu5Vath45enVG3-AmlSBq8pOwS4WTkHLopMy-dgEpZWwH__TkexhGlRm-YI8fxLv7ryWjv9iq9XozMTLL9kiVmnD6dgvlkPrZCky6jU8tdwtMccoM8Hk-5_gs/s320/P1050213.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo courtesy of Paula Higson</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4o_lXBeMD5LzWgDZ0zRHn7F72KKIdOHRN-nJdGtQIfRhFYwPoa70gW_VyLJq3_zKmlFN9jeSI-CUSEFt-2sEWsLubiA7QF7W_iD7jb8GEU8VQGUgkxOP8I2kB_FyXMPF2GyWvdKUhiYs/s1600/P1050220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4o_lXBeMD5LzWgDZ0zRHn7F72KKIdOHRN-nJdGtQIfRhFYwPoa70gW_VyLJq3_zKmlFN9jeSI-CUSEFt-2sEWsLubiA7QF7W_iD7jb8GEU8VQGUgkxOP8I2kB_FyXMPF2GyWvdKUhiYs/s320/P1050220.JPG" width="163" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo courtesy of Paula Higson</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was one uninvited guest who appeared at the church!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdXHeFd3K-c9MSYMELxJJPip2DfYgRHy_zyabvCYmuRfoYL5rT5lz94UF7dKl8FXNuBBQt7wPHZiOqwOBSUFAs68_jlFVbSQ4VK61WyQMw2REdriZNwlUuMXWkiOXQX5qXDfYat73ow0/s1600/P1050199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdXHeFd3K-c9MSYMELxJJPip2DfYgRHy_zyabvCYmuRfoYL5rT5lz94UF7dKl8FXNuBBQt7wPHZiOqwOBSUFAs68_jlFVbSQ4VK61WyQMw2REdriZNwlUuMXWkiOXQX5qXDfYat73ow0/s320/P1050199.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo courtesy of Paula Higson</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am sure you will join Kapitein and I in wishing the happy couple every happiness for their married life together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The wedding breakfast was held at the Village Hall in Scalasaig -which had been beautifully decorated by Fiona a long time friend of Pauline. She did a fantastic job, I've never seen the Hall look so welcoming.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The night saw everyone dancing at a traditional Ceilidh topped off with Semus, Keir and the Campbellini's singing. Thank you to everyone for a fantastic evening. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Island at the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862088783039966262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953569293619917844.post-38663275268725564632013-04-16T16:25:00.000+01:002013-04-19T15:40:27.516+01:00Colonsay on the TV tonight 16th April - Rockpools- BBC4 at 9:00pm<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know if I mentioned, we had some very, very special visitors here last year to the Homestead!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The BBC 4 team came to film Colonsay for a programme about Rockpools - and there are plenty here I assure you. You can see the </span><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfour/programmes/schedules" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">programme</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> at 9.00pm tonight. If you missed the programme, you can access it on <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/search?q=The%20Secret%20Life%20of%20Rock%20Pools" target="_blank">BBC iplayer</a></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsfmAD2nNrGgsXJw6p4-D05t6mGIHMRg9c2dqqMBOPCLOH3GuBb_aiksNvjEk6bS_NHER5BSztyl3jDhXzJ03dh5kxgzuFMfFP1imQ9vlFIvn-OvFbYo4rFptHpP_Lz2uFDdKz8UIlVw/s1600/Oct+Nov+12+pictures+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsfmAD2nNrGgsXJw6p4-D05t6mGIHMRg9c2dqqMBOPCLOH3GuBb_aiksNvjEk6bS_NHER5BSztyl3jDhXzJ03dh5kxgzuFMfFP1imQ9vlFIvn-OvFbYo4rFptHpP_Lz2uFDdKz8UIlVw/s320/Oct+Nov+12+pictures+013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The musicians AKA Camera man & Producer - Simon</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8tvhurNwOabON5g7RTGTmGhbLu3IXXdhS6420c1PXoEbZ3b_Qt-mausT9Zx_vwESdajmg8U5MFUIqJj3B7IwChIUJ0_VRALKLsESbROtPsVSHUmo_DNyR4-Y1QZO-UNyQq-Y1O1WZgg/s1600/Oct+Nov+12+pictures+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8tvhurNwOabON5g7RTGTmGhbLu3IXXdhS6420c1PXoEbZ3b_Qt-mausT9Zx_vwESdajmg8U5MFUIqJj3B7IwChIUJ0_VRALKLsESbROtPsVSHUmo_DNyR4-Y1QZO-UNyQq-Y1O1WZgg/s320/Oct+Nov+12+pictures+023.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A very, very famous hat!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8nvPiFYG7fTHpcIlvpEkRp_k-Db0c5uKtpf2UvqCqCoA5w5PPbaydEylWvViPkjfTlrAKI5RSezIAzITih8bfOaR1Jbf-Kky_65zci1KATqPWfhO5hcoeFD43K1dhR7Ff4eG8uVY-NM/s1600/Oct+Nov+12+pictures+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8nvPiFYG7fTHpcIlvpEkRp_k-Db0c5uKtpf2UvqCqCoA5w5PPbaydEylWvViPkjfTlrAKI5RSezIAzITih8bfOaR1Jbf-Kky_65zci1KATqPWfhO5hcoeFD43K1dhR7Ff4eG8uVY-NM/s320/Oct+Nov+12+pictures+017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The very famous Richard Fortey</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were thrilled that the team came to stay at the Homestead to film footage on Colonsay for the programme about Rockpools.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An added bonus, they were wonderful musicians, Kapitein and I were serenaded with outstanding music whilst the guys were here. Also Richard brought me some wonderful <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blewit" target="_blank">Blewit mushrooms</a> that he found here on our wonderful wee island - they made the most wonderful flan we have ever tasted - Thank you so much.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We hope to see you again sometime in the future guys - it was our pleasure... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Island at the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862088783039966262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953569293619917844.post-34118740392910560372013-04-09T08:44:00.000+01:002013-04-09T08:44:14.349+01:00Ganseys. Kapitein, Danger Mouse and Gavalus Gavalar...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Goodness me!! Where to begin!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Poor Kapitein has been a wee bit neglected of late. I have been so busy here at the Homestead, I think I saw him the other day, well, I think it was him busying away in the inner sanctum. His beard and other things are nearly down to his knees it's been so long... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided to check out the sheep shearing equipment, ahead of this years annual clip, so I dragged him out and set about the task of shearing Kapitein, with very good results apart from the nose hair which is very very difficult given the size of the comb on the shearer. Kapitein isn't like a Hebridean sheep (which fights to it's last breath) he is more compliant, though not entirely. Despite the look of terror in his eyes, a couple of elastoplasts later and the nose hair had been successfully trimmed to an acceptable length, this allows him to appear in public again without frightening any of the tourists that have now descended on the island.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kapitein has also resumed scraping 'barnacles' off his bottom - it is amazing what he is inspired to do when the sun shines! He needed industrial machinery this time as tentative scratching at his bottom had little effect. He did change his appearance somewhat whilst he worked, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">sporting a nice shade of royal blue on his bonce!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- this was just in case anyone recognised him, as it isn't every day you see folk scraping their bottom with a sander now is it!! Then to my amazement, he started polishing his sides, buffing so furiously his arms ached, I've never seen someone buff with such vigour. I tempted him in for some sustenance - after his complexion became a deep red, then had the onerous task of encouraging him to r</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">emove his hair dye, i</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">t took more than a little gentle persuasion</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, I can tell you as I think he quite liked it. But with the offer of tripping the light fantastic at the Ceilidh later in the evening, thank goodness, he gave in. Kapitein did do some dancing at the Ceilidh.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Ceilidh raised in excess of £400.00 for the Marie Curie Cancer Care fund. Well done to Hollie for organising things. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been off island to catch up with all things 'mainland' but, latterly</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> when I go off, the ferry seems to be cancelled when I am due to return- the occasional high winds of over 50 knots does hamper berthing here on Colonsay. (No! I'm not the jinx - honest!) However, my last trip, I had to make alternative arrangements to get back home - namely flying back on the Saturday morning Scholar flight. I did bring with me a very special person. She informed me she was a nervous flyer, and with winds of over 30 knots, I was a little apprehensive to say the least as to how she would cope with the wee bumps you can experience whilst flying. However, all of her fears - and mine, were allayed as <a href="http://www.hebrideanair.co.uk/flights/Air_Charter.html" target="_blank">Hebridean Air Services</a> pilot, Alan - the veteran boy racer of the flying world, brought us safely to Colonsay unfettered. A fantastic flying experience, especially as we flew over Balnahard and Kiloran Bay, before a flawless landing. It never ceases to amaze me how our wonderful pilots, Julie, Sebastian and Alan make one feel so safe. Its well worth coming to<a href="http://www.colonsay.org/" target="_blank"> Colonsay</a>, just to fly here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, I digress.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pretty Miranda came to knit the Colonsay Gansey. And knit she did... She also is just as enthralled with our wonderful wee island as we are, including meeting the sheep (who did the honours of allowing her up close and personal on several occasions) The Big Fella, was extremely taken with Pretty Miranda, I think we could have spent hours preening and stroking the sheep. But, we had knitting to do. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pretty Miranda was also introduced to 'May's Sugary Wonders and Gavalus Gavalar's fine coffee - with a wee spot of lunch too. <a href="http://www.thecolonsaypantry.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Pantry</a> is a wonderful place where everyone makes visitors to our island feel SO welcome.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a pleasure teaching Pretty Miranda - we mused over tales of 'Call the Midwife' amongst all things 5 needles and motifs. And we munched our way through a veritable profusion of goodies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her journey home, to Cumbria was better than expected, as she travelled through tunnels of snow to arrive home safe and well... We look forward to seeing completed, her traditionally knitted Colonsay Gansey in the near future (no pressure there then!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kapitein and I have been in regular contact with Danger Mouse the Lonely Shepherd, who is currently on a major mission in Kintyre, tending to sheep, cows and all things agricultural. With the recent snow storms, he reported that the drifts were in excess of 60ft! He was without power for 5 days and informed us he was heating his remaining tin of beans on the dying embers of his last log, washed down with the last dregs of his home brew.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the snow fell, the following morning, Danger Mouse opened his back door to find a huge drift! Not a good sign, and with 420 sheep out on the hill this was a worrying time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last we heard, only 71 sheep had been found alive and with lambing due to start, this will have a major impact for the foreseeable future. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like everyone else in <a href="http://forargyll.com/2013/03/kintyre-suffering-badly-from-impact-of-snow-and-high-winds/" target="_blank">Kintyre</a>, Arran and the surrounding area, the snow brought havoc to their daily lives. Local stores and even Tesco had run out of food! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So we do hope that Danger Mouse will be ok. We will keep you posted...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Pantry had a very, very special, high speed delivery this week.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gavalus Gavalar has been inspired, and started the 'Fresh Fish Wednesday'. With delightful hand cut chips. But oh dear, there was a misshap!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fresh fish was delivered to the courier, but someone, somewhere, forgot to put it on the boat! With 36 hungry mouths to feed, what was to do! Well, the courier decided to charter a rib from<a href="http://www.coastal-connection.co.uk/" target="_blank"> Coastal Connection</a> and the fresh fish was duly delivered to the Pantry and Gavalus Gavalar was able to deliver his much sought after fresh fish on time. Now that's what I call service. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gavalus Gavalar has also 'refined' his menu. Kapitein and I decided to have a take-away. I was offered battered local Langoustine rather than scampi. I couldn't stop salivating, before, during and after this wonderful meal - topped off with hand cut chips and wonderful home made coleslaw... Mmnn, delicious. Well done Gavalus, this is a 'must have' for all those discerning diners currently here on Colonsay.</span><br />
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Island at the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862088783039966262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953569293619917844.post-9759492055997057842013-04-05T15:43:00.001+01:002013-04-05T15:43:43.298+01:00R.I.P Ziggy<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have to report very sad news...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ziggy - the horse has passed away. He was a good age, I believe around 35 years old - a very good innings for a horse, after a short illness he passed away. Our thoughts are with Mandy, and Archie the Magnificent at this time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know frequent visitors to our wee island will know Ziggy and will be equally sad at the demise of Ziggy. He</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> was a delight to watch out of the kitchen window here at the Homestead, and although he was a bit shy - especially if you were a male, he loved the occasional carrot from the garden which he would eat quite happily.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He will be a big miss to all of us.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QJmsctyrsBtl79wCWPOH2usIJEm1HjyKYfnK3oGCTqOLS7BGZlzBnNU1ykK6La0srU8mBidBefTT4f5lxaZZ0CDnakv-6AGwNvr2MYa9dJRoktYszjrDp4vfKnVCmZNse9Ac4tK2A9U/s1600/Ziggy+&+the+rabbit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QJmsctyrsBtl79wCWPOH2usIJEm1HjyKYfnK3oGCTqOLS7BGZlzBnNU1ykK6La0srU8mBidBefTT4f5lxaZZ0CDnakv-6AGwNvr2MYa9dJRoktYszjrDp4vfKnVCmZNse9Ac4tK2A9U/s400/Ziggy+&+the+rabbit.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ziggy watching a rabbit - rabbit watching Ziggy!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Island at the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862088783039966262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953569293619917844.post-23006792625959643392013-02-26T17:23:00.003+00:002013-02-26T17:23:23.685+00:00Kapitein is a happy little bunny…<br />
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The rain has stopped, the wind has dropped and the sun has started
shining. You would think that spring had arrived, and so Kapitein’s thoughts
naturally turned to all things……… boaty! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, what else would you expect from an old salty dog?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time to service his gear outside in the brilliant sunshine
but straight away there was a problem. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the long winter and despite keeping things well under
cover, Kapitein informed me that he’d managed to get it up but couldn’t get it
down again. I was intrigued to say the least and slightly disappointed (don’t
tell him) when he took me outside to have a look see. It was in fact all about his
prized Honda BF75 engine. He’s got an auxiliary of course and that’s in fine
working order but, oh dear, the big boy refused to play. He tried this and
that, but it refused to do as it was told (I’m not surprised of course – that
tends to be the way with anything associated with ‘Le Kapitein’ – that is apart
from his working cocker spaniel Samster who is the epitome of good behaviour (most
of the time)).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It turned out that it was his tilt and trim that was causing
the problem. I knew of course that his trim was a bit wonky but I never
suspected there was an issue with his tilt. But in this case it all concerned
the engine and not Kapitein himself. So it was out with the tools, disconnect
the main ram, top up with transmission fluid and push the dampers up and down
several times, reconnect and bingo!! It worked. Engine lowered, up it went again,
and down, so now it was time to give it a run and a full service. The run went
perfectly - with what looked like earmuffs and a water hose attached to them,
and then – oh boy, it wouldn’t go up again. Disheartened, Kapitein asked for my
help in pressing his up and down buttons as he pushed and pulled with all of
his might. And so the process started again….</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today Kapitein managed to get it all sorted and he’s a happy
little bunny once more. I have to admit though, I did enjoy helping, and
pushing his up and down buttons – it all looked like a very easy thing to
operate to me. It did however cross my mind ………….!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, let’s not go there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kapitein’s next task, he has advised, is to scrape the
barnacles off his bottom and give it a coat of antifouling to stop anything
growing on it this year. He’s asked if I would like to help with that tricky
task as well, but somehow it doesn’t seem quite as appealing !</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back to knitting methinks :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b>Latest news...</b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Fish Farm results are in 67 for and 43 against, see the lively debate on<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-of-Colonsay/155213141193434?fref=ts" target="_blank"> Friends of Colonsay</a> Facebook page.</span><br />
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<br />Island at the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862088783039966262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953569293619917844.post-85084689786848663432013-02-07T12:07:00.000+00:002013-02-09T12:30:11.962+00:00'Hold on to your hats boys'! <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kapitein and I were down at Colonsay 'International' Airport this morning to collect our freight, (we have guests arriving at our <a href="http://island-at-the-edge.co.uk/" target="_blank">B & B</a>). When much to our surprise, a rather unusual sight greeted us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of late we have had some amazing winds here, westerly and north westerly, directly from the Atlantic, storm force of course, but we didn't expect to see this latest piece of flotsam and jetsam that must have been blown in - its usually fishing floats from the Canadian and American east coast fleets! Because our airstrip is on the west side of our wee island, <a href="http://www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk/" target="_blank">Colonsay</a>, overlooking the Atlantic and the next stop to the west is Canada, then we thought that </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'Mikey' and Buffalo Joe - </span><a href="http://www.buffaloairways.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Buffalo Airways</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, may be missing someone? Had they sent one of their 'Rampy's' to see how </span><a href="http://www.hebrideanair.co.uk/flights/Air_Charter.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Hebridean Air Services</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> operate here in the Hebrides?</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJJ7MLoYHLx9Gt9EaDm9R2chyphenhyphenl6TKhUFbxbfhp-RVJRO7X9ArxZb5ExBSx04ZHpbLS01eSMTzY1CpSMhY_1zigebUePIPzWXXDD27HWhQVRfhShM8yN1FBWQNurA5tL22IVmjM8sfihk/s1600/Jan+13+&+Buffalo+Rampy+pics+059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJJ7MLoYHLx9Gt9EaDm9R2chyphenhyphenl6TKhUFbxbfhp-RVJRO7X9ArxZb5ExBSx04ZHpbLS01eSMTzY1CpSMhY_1zigebUePIPzWXXDD27HWhQVRfhShM8yN1FBWQNurA5tL22IVmjM8sfihk/s320/Jan+13+&+Buffalo+Rampy+pics+059.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Rampy arrives in Colonsay</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As avid viewers of 'Ice Pilots' we recognised the 'Buffalo' reflective jacket (safety is paramount when out on the Apron), but this 6 foot tall, blonde Rampy was even wearing a Buffalo Airways hat! But, more importantly, can she fly the Islander plane! I'm not so sure...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How on earth did this Rampy end up on Colonsay? Was it the wind, or was it <i>Petit paquet par avion?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We will have to see how this newest recruit works out, else we may have to send them back to Yellowknife! Buffalo Joe and Mikey - you had better 'Hold on to your hats boys' if this Rampy is returned to you, they could be a bit of a handful by all accounts!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other news...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have received our latest delivery of wool (via the plane of course) and we are delighted with the quality.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Blackface wool is a wonderful shade of 'Oatmeal' and is available in DK or Aran weight.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also have a new line in wool, it is Blackface X Blue Face Leicester, in a fabulous ecru, also available in DK and Aran weight.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And finally, we have some extra special Hebridean wool, available also in DK and Aran weight,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">which is very, very soft indeed so is suitable for babies or those who like a 'softer feeling' wool next to their skin! Woolly knickers may be the next design project!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope to list the new wool on our <a href="http://www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk/" target="_blank">website</a> later today, but in the meantime, if you can't wait, contact us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was talking to a knitter the other day, who reminded me of the value of woollen clothing in the winter. When wool gets wet, it still keeps you warm, in contrast, man made fabrics and yarn which, when soaked, makes you feel cold. So it is logical to knit with wool!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Snow hunt...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Little Miss No No (now Little Mrs No No) and Gem came to visit. They arrived on the ferry after a snowy journey on the mainland.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00g7TM3KZUyhGYDjh1wask74-Fv-MpztJqzV_J0nLSKVAeSihKu9KTIjjNXOsR_LSDLtABcRY7T-E9Zp99g6TO-GhO2V_AXS0iKLZdX7c-JLurlGhnor4FruioV_udNTXYOItz24spyc/s1600/Jan+13+&+Buffalo+Rampy+pics+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00g7TM3KZUyhGYDjh1wask74-Fv-MpztJqzV_J0nLSKVAeSihKu9KTIjjNXOsR_LSDLtABcRY7T-E9Zp99g6TO-GhO2V_AXS0iKLZdX7c-JLurlGhnor4FruioV_udNTXYOItz24spyc/s320/Jan+13+&+Buffalo+Rampy+pics+012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isle of Mull arriving at Colonsay</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was delightful to see Mrs and Gem. We had a super few days together, Kapitein was equally thrilled to see them. With the promise of long hikes to places they had not yet visited here, that was quickly moved to the back burner as Kapitein had happened a catastrophe with his vehicle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The keys were jammed in the ignition the week before our visitors were due. However, that Friday ferry was cancelled - so the AA & Landrover recovery man couldn't make it. But, he duly arrived the Friday following the arrival of Mrs & Gem. What a lovely guy, (not Kapitein - just in case there's any misapprehension - 'cos Kapitein is by far the loveliest of old salty dogs) </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpaS72i0dCoC26d19NAbioCWrz3Qgn06OxTuqPGId0UEeFLtdYDKyQxD4cR0Cka85bD1ZXOr5hBtaAysOM7TB6_2sMwdc4qBZ-hN1i6xAcr9QDcMcsDHF2-6yAUG6F1Zh_1j5oPxbSoQ/s1600/salty_dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpaS72i0dCoC26d19NAbioCWrz3Qgn06OxTuqPGId0UEeFLtdYDKyQxD4cR0Cka85bD1ZXOr5hBtaAysOM7TB6_2sMwdc4qBZ-hN1i6xAcr9QDcMcsDHF2-6yAUG6F1Zh_1j5oPxbSoQ/s320/salty_dog.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The likeness to Kapitein is uncanny!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The AA man changed the ignition barrel and hey presto, Kapitein was mobile again.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Mrs & Gem arrived, I did spot snow on Jura, so that was it, no snow (as forecast) on Colonsay, I had to go off to find some!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We flew off on the Saturday flight with <a href="http://www.hebrideanair.co.uk/flights/Air_Charter.html" target="_blank">Hebridean Air</a> to seek out the snow. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMAO5MbY2jq9FmtzBtxK47NmQSOYk5zMWN3SGcCpI2SWrgS-CkwkRMo2G-OF8ICpd_Td4qdoZd0u1jrN78niyRzgo2Vh3ZxfFxBCPqnmFRPU_t0Ei0Oc9Wql1QZm9Al4IWWL5EFrC4RQ/s1600/Jan+13+&+Buffalo+Rampy+pics+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMAO5MbY2jq9FmtzBtxK47NmQSOYk5zMWN3SGcCpI2SWrgS-CkwkRMo2G-OF8ICpd_Td4qdoZd0u1jrN78niyRzgo2Vh3ZxfFxBCPqnmFRPU_t0Ei0Oc9Wql1QZm9Al4IWWL5EFrC4RQ/s320/Jan+13+&+Buffalo+Rampy+pics+017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Little Mrs No No & Gem aboard the Islander plane</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a wonderful flight, cruising at around 5,000 feet, even flying over the Saturday morning ferry.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our train journey was fantastic, and yes, I saw some snow!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpEhzg6EDZYvpZxsuHxgsRf5iCZyh8dpQO4JtksVCOb5XnPVp6cFPX04JGtUIXdgGzNZJCA4dILej4ehSbP_ePlege3AxN7kD2txuLnWPkAvnEOKrwg1jc09NWUVGUV0eVWJt6ra1XI4/s1600/Jan+13+&+Buffalo+Rampy+pics+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpEhzg6EDZYvpZxsuHxgsRf5iCZyh8dpQO4JtksVCOb5XnPVp6cFPX04JGtUIXdgGzNZJCA4dILej4ehSbP_ePlege3AxN7kD2txuLnWPkAvnEOKrwg1jc09NWUVGUV0eVWJt6ra1XI4/s320/Jan+13+&+Buffalo+Rampy+pics+027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, Little Mrs No No & Gem had other plans. A 'shop till you drop' visit to Glasgow!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think we visited every shopping centre in the vicinity of our <a href="http://www.hiexpressglasgow.co.uk/" target="_blank">hotel </a>(which by the way was fantastic) I think Little Mrs No No should be a 'personal shopper'! Gem and I were exhausted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We said our goodbye's but, getting home for me was a problem to say the least. Storm force winds (which may have blown in the Rampy from Yellowknife) were engulfing Colonsay. Cancelled and turned back ferries were causing havoc with travel plans (not just here on Colonsay but all over the Western Isles). I thankfully arrived home on the following Friday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had extra special visitors last year to the Homestead, who sought me out to do a knitting course. Cate and Benj were visiting Colonsay as part of a 'round the UK' sailing trip. A delightful couple (I hope Cate has finished her project).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is a link to their <a href="http://blog.mailasail.com/vega/43" target="_blank">blog</a>, happy reading...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So far this year, we already have bookings for residential <a href="http://www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk/Knitting-courses.html" target="_blank">knitting courses here on Colonsay</a> from as far afield as Canada, New Zealand, America and Australia. We are very excited to meet our International visitors. Will keep you posted...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our company <a href="http://island-at-the-edge.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hebridean Isles Trading Company</a> is going from strength to strength!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a four page write up in <a href="http://www.kelseyshop.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&keyword=digital%20copy%20&category_id=301&product_id=2587" target="_blank">Coast Magazine</a> last year in the October edition, all about our knitting courses.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then issue 56 of <a href="http://www.yarnwise.co.uk/#" target="_blank">Yarnwise Magazine</a> a great read for all you fellow knitters out there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then we got a mention in the Touchdown Newsletter issue 3.</span><a href="http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/touchdown_-_oban_airport_issue_3.pdf" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Touchdown issue 3</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For all of you interested in all things aeronautical (and more) from Oban Airport, here is the latest edition of </span><a href="http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/touchdown-4-oban-airport.pdf" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Touchdown issue 4</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Island at the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862088783039966262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953569293619917844.post-87818247184556720902013-01-22T11:09:00.001+00:002013-01-22T11:09:36.724+00:00Missing dogs!!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A regular visitor to Colonsay has been in touch with me regarding some missing dogs! this seems to be a worrying trend just now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So if anyone has seen any of these wonderful animals, who went missing in Hampshire please get in touch with your local Police or: Sue Harefield on: susan192@btinternet.com </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fingers crossed they are returned safely...</span>Island at the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862088783039966262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953569293619917844.post-18189655364213451142012-12-31T15:19:00.002+00:002012-12-31T15:23:55.545+00:00Island at the Edge-Colonsay- Facing the Abyss?<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The news here is that as part of the medium term plan documented in the <a href="http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/analysis/publications-and-consultations/Scottish-Ferry-Services-Ferries-Plan" target="_blank">Ferry Review</a> we are to have a dedicated boat for Colonsay from 2014, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Lochnevis" target="_blank">Loch Nevis</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wow, one would think, 7 sailings per week with our very own dedicated boat! The Loch Nevis is a super boat, but, and this is a big BUT, her capacity is only a quarter of our wonderful <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Lord_of_the_Isles" target="_blank">LOTI</a> (Lord of the Isles)!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Which means, if you wish to come to Colonsay and bring your car, you might not be able to because, during our short season, a very, very busy period we can see up to 43 cars disembark from the ferry, and the Loch Nevis can only hold 14 cars! Whereas our wonderful current dedicated boat, LOTI, holds 56!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, then, it doesn't take much to do a wee calculation. If the Loch Nevis only holds 14 cars (or 2 articulated lorries) the actual capacity for vehicles on this boat becomes even less. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On every boat that comes to our Island at the Edge, <a href="http://www.maclennanmotors.com/" target="_blank">Maclennans</a> van brings our much needed shop supplies, including the post. The bin wagon arrives too, that drops the capacity to possibly 11 cars. Then on a Wednesday, we get an additional courier, Derek Wilson, (although in the summer months, we may still have the Finlaggan) but at the beginning and end of our season and over the winter months, this would drop the capacity to 10 cars. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another fact is that the Loch Nevis is slower than LOTI, this would therefore make the crossing to/from Oban longer. By my calculations up to 30 minutes longer. So how does this equate to the idea we can have shopping trips to Oban?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, Loch Nevis can carry 190 foot passengers, this can only mean increased business for 'Archie the Magnificent's' Bike Hire, and a raft of very fit visitors - having to walk everywhere.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most non self-catering accommodation does offer transfers to and from their businesses and we also offer car hire. The positives are there is always a way around things. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Loch Nevis may be economically viable during the winter months although pre-booking would be paramount for those wishing to bring their vehicle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As reported in the <a href="http://www.obantimes.co.uk/" target="_blank">Oban Times</a> Colonsay Community Council chairman, Mike McNichol said.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"We are delighted with the additional sailings and having a dedicated vessel, which will be very good for Colonsay during the winter months. However, we are concerned that the vehicle capacity of the Loch Nevis, which we believe is just 14 cars, will have a severe impact on island life and tourism during the peak periods of Easter and Summer. Currently we regularly have 30 cars plus trailers with boats, etc in June and July. The Community Council will hold a public meeting early in January to see what our community thinks about this plan and how we should react"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will this decision put our wee island further into the Abyss and further 'out of reach' for those wishing to visit us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We would love to hear all your comments on this! I will keep you posted.</span><br />
<br />Island at the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862088783039966262noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953569293619917844.post-39631941431091189662012-12-29T11:40:00.000+00:002012-12-29T11:40:52.222+00:00Christmas on Colonsay...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christmas on Colonsay was wonderful this year, sadly no snow, but we did glimpse a wee covering on the Paps of Jura.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ferry came in on Christmas Eve.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think most folk who were expected on our wee island had already arrived and those from our island had already headed off to the mainland to celebrate with their family and friends as there were few vehicles on this boat, but still wonderful to see.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christmas morning up with the larks and out to feed the boys and girls. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tups - Ewan-san, Big Fella, Wee Man and their mates</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the Girlies<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The weather has since closed in and yesterday's ferry (Friday) didn't even leave Oban! But we are used to the wind and rain here. It's quite comforting to sit all warm and cosy, looking out over the Atlantic and watching the weather fronts come in. We can even guess now how far away the front is!!</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We all had a very relaxing time here at the Homestead, pure bliss if the truth be known. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All packages sent off for our customers were received, so we can heave a sigh of relief.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have a wee sale of some of our items, 20% off until the 5th January, so knitting has commenced once again. But, if you are here, or coming here to our wonderful wee island during Hogmanay, you can come and see for yourself. I will be around at the Homestead and all our island wares are on display in my Studio. You are more than welcome...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those of you out there who can't make it to Colonsay, you can see the sale items on our website: <a href="http://www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk/">www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk</a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preparations are in full flow for Hogmanay here on Colonsay. So it goes without saying...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have a wonderful and Happy New Year everyone, we wish you all health, wealth and happiness for 2013. Its going to be a fantastic year.</span></div>
Island at the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862088783039966262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953569293619917844.post-62942828697929979632012-12-18T10:55:00.000+00:002012-12-18T10:55:50.838+00:00A winters morn at Colonsay International Airport...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a truly glorious morning here on the wee Isle of Colonsay!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been to Colonsay International Airport to send shipments, in time for Christmas to our customers. A cold and frosty morning, but the views are just spectacular.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Julie, our wonderful Pilot (as can be seen on <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01pf3m7/Landward_2012_2013_Episode_25/" target="_blank">BBC Landward</a> which was aired last weekend (Only 3 days left to view it, but well worth a look) was today's pilot. She makes flying a plane look so easy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.hebrideanair.co.uk/flights/Air_Charter.html" target="_blank">Hebridean Air Services</a> have informed us that they are flying to Colonsay on Christmas Eve, so if you are coming over to visit family, friends or to enjoy a wee break, what a lovely way to arrive. But don't forget, they fly via the<a href="http://www.islayinfo.com/" target="_blank"> Isle of Islay</a> too, the home of <a href="http://www.whiskyforgirls.com/" target="_blank">Whisky for Girls</a> and I highly recommend taking a wee peek at their website.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are 3 days left for shipping goods in time for Christmas, so if you haven't quite finished your festive shopping (or like me and have only just started), we have lots of goodies on <a href="http://www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hebridean Isles Trading Company website</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Island at the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862088783039966262noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953569293619917844.post-68147956147999118932012-12-10T17:01:00.000+00:002012-12-10T17:03:22.423+00:00What a busy bee I be...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been all go here at the Homestead, a busy bee indeed I be.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday I was with several others, selling our wares, at our Christmas Sale in the Pub! We had a lovely time, lots of goodies to eat and Mulled wine courtesy of Mrs. Beaton and Gavalus Gavalar.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Captain Flack was landlord for the day - a natural behind the bar I should say. Thank you to everyone that took part and Eskie for organising things.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But that's not all I have been busy with.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Several of my latest designs are hot off the needles. I thoroughly enjoy thinking up new designs and the feedback has been truly lovely. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first completed is the Kiloran Sweater. Inspired by the wonderful film, I Know Where I am Going, this is my interpretation of the fabulous sweater worn by Roger Livesey. For further details see our <a href="http://www.blogger.com/:%20http://www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk/Knitwear.html" target="_blank">knitwear</a> page.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kiloran Sweater</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next is 'a little peice of Lola' a Harris Tweed and Hebridean wool Waistcoat. Lola, one of our sheep, is actually a wedder, but he doesn't mind being called Lola, I did ask him! He has a wonderful fleece. It's grey rather than the rich chocolate brown of his pals. This inspired me to produce the Harris Tweed and Hebridean wool waistcoat. I also managed to source some fabulous Antler buttons which I think work very well. To see what you think, have a peek at the <a href="http://www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk/Textiles.html" target="_blank">Textiles</a> page of our website.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxAGc-2minShyN78WTF_RryW-khXUT6sMU10zflAAe4cL-r6ZCbrmQCY5ndah7jaBt3ETKftJxLYyBsDLdzNo9AKjjD67RlwfofwgE03_mK8RzCi1olSU2PC9iWmC7y_gCBnY3zQ_qrc/s1600/Lola+Waistcoat+front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxAGc-2minShyN78WTF_RryW-khXUT6sMU10zflAAe4cL-r6ZCbrmQCY5ndah7jaBt3ETKftJxLYyBsDLdzNo9AKjjD67RlwfofwgE03_mK8RzCi1olSU2PC9iWmC7y_gCBnY3zQ_qrc/s320/Lola+Waistcoat+front.JPG" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Harris Tweed & a 'little piece of Lola'</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then, yes, I told you I had been very, very busy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is the Braveheart and Hebridean Waistcoat. I thought the rich chocolate brown of the Hebridean wool, worked so well with the Braveheart Tweed, I produced this! For more details see our <a href="http://www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk/Textiles.html" target="_blank">Textiles</a> page. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYB6bZ1OV6a_nGv1Lw5j_3zx-aHNlPwL8Ej0mUvp-K-eT_vKybeW5aEYkuKve7Y72sOlo2ljH7d54VTfGQtNQjboL1_PwS2Mo3i1iJS7z_bkG4xCNyOiZWBKIMjEky-fqjzGWzIFEaMk/s1600/BH+waistoat+back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYB6bZ1OV6a_nGv1Lw5j_3zx-aHNlPwL8Ej0mUvp-K-eT_vKybeW5aEYkuKve7Y72sOlo2ljH7d54VTfGQtNQjboL1_PwS2Mo3i1iJS7z_bkG4xCNyOiZWBKIMjEky-fqjzGWzIFEaMk/s320/BH+waistoat+back.JPG" width="215" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fBc7-Dj1pumgKBje65gN8A5VSOi0PSD7-sFpbLmJne1J2dn_94acxZmFnBiIlPMrGuw5UIcZ7R2-zAXIE6z-c2OhyphenhyphenUhMnQPzem4vFBFZRZ5zBVROtj0Iej0U54Mk4XQpD37A0Nv2Fbg/s1600/BH+waistcoat+front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fBc7-Dj1pumgKBje65gN8A5VSOi0PSD7-sFpbLmJne1J2dn_94acxZmFnBiIlPMrGuw5UIcZ7R2-zAXIE6z-c2OhyphenhyphenUhMnQPzem4vFBFZRZ5zBVROtj0Iej0U54Mk4XQpD37A0Nv2Fbg/s320/BH+waistcoat+front.JPG" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Braveheart Tweed & Hebridean </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And there's more...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last but by no means least here is the Plain Gansey, knitted with wonderful <a href="http://www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk/Wool.html" target="_blank">Colonsay Hebridean wool. </a></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNYP5q1swc_dT4PiZqi9-Fss9MpnTrljnP22g6OhHPpOJhKAYkOkNseuWAbDhRpNoPvcU5b-9qz0Dt9pKsDj-YmKpqMUwPcGUKHFictyMNGZxg4iB9vTbMjmJ4zp7rkp3jSCk7N3TU0g/s1600/Plain+Gansey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNYP5q1swc_dT4PiZqi9-Fss9MpnTrljnP22g6OhHPpOJhKAYkOkNseuWAbDhRpNoPvcU5b-9qz0Dt9pKsDj-YmKpqMUwPcGUKHFictyMNGZxg4iB9vTbMjmJ4zp7rkp3jSCk7N3TU0g/s320/Plain+Gansey.JPG" width="106" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWq2f1sHEhCNt45YzOUMzwGu92CTtw8Q3PRSyVeTUgXI2V1Nv9D1TWxBEYhc8TSMiXuyog-5p8btJ67vUSntKHnGSfwrbwlh63_JcZ6P56M5iXSQy-VbYTo-i1HHMmuVMEoqnMw1tVFBs/s1600/Plain+Gansey+front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWq2f1sHEhCNt45YzOUMzwGu92CTtw8Q3PRSyVeTUgXI2V1Nv9D1TWxBEYhc8TSMiXuyog-5p8btJ67vUSntKHnGSfwrbwlh63_JcZ6P56M5iXSQy-VbYTo-i1HHMmuVMEoqnMw1tVFBs/s320/Plain+Gansey+front.JPG" width="237" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Plain Gansey is available either knitted for you or as a knitting kit for you to knit at home. Everything is supplied, wool, needles, pattern and even the bag to put your knitting in! For details of the knitting kit, <a href="http://www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk/Contact-Us.html" target="_blank">contact us</a>.Or if you prefer the 'ready to wear' Gansey, here are the details of our <a href="http://www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk/Knitwear.html" target="_blank">Knitwear</a> page.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And finally, although not made by me, but by Anne, here on Colonsay, are these wonderful babies cot quilts. She is such a talented lady, I think they are truly wonderful. These too are available on the <a href="http://www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk/Textiles.html" target="_blank">Textiles</a> page of our website.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyYjOEu1eKZrB2Lsxw9qNdakixnHTJlv9J1Uf1Pz9k90AjqJ1u2ZmEYAPtCp8vq7D4WxOGsE9qAOrDnCI9ptiClZP0FkT1t1FFSDM9P6K5T6MRMh6ZmQFvjte8_BM0BUt__578B8HFWw/s1600/Annes+quilts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyYjOEu1eKZrB2Lsxw9qNdakixnHTJlv9J1Uf1Pz9k90AjqJ1u2ZmEYAPtCp8vq7D4WxOGsE9qAOrDnCI9ptiClZP0FkT1t1FFSDM9P6K5T6MRMh6ZmQFvjte8_BM0BUt__578B8HFWw/s320/Annes+quilts.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anne's wonderful quilted cot blankets.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what next! A well earned break? No, the next designs are in the making!</span>Island at the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862088783039966262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953569293619917844.post-90936910047612771972012-12-06T14:03:00.001+00:002012-12-06T14:03:27.179+00:00Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) arrives in Colonsay...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OOh, aahh, n</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">om nom!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What an absolute treat Kapitein, Samster, Wolfie and I had last night! St Nicholas arrived with a wonderful package of fabulous goodies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sinterklaas (St Nicholas) travelled to Colonsay all the way from the Netherlands. I am not sure if he was wearing his red bishop's robes but he travels with his servant
called Zwarte Piet (Black Peter). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They delivered the most delightful package of traditional goodies for us all to eat. Kapitein and I didn't know where to start!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We chomped on Gevuld Speculaas - a spiced cake filled with almond paste, Speculaas Staaf - a type of spiced biscuit log and the most delicious Bakkers Speculass - spiced biscuits. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzoqq9VX2Enf6pc1tx0BBFWlPkr3oG5v10tcg_tOF4aJm8s-egWqO4f_iMl_Awhc2c0E9oUk9QgHjNLUTHDYJI1MGIAKE7jt-UBDoZ_R_VVUAoekVYv9E7mTLT-Rd6NdX_k7HNb9SO1A/s1600/images%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzoqq9VX2Enf6pc1tx0BBFWlPkr3oG5v10tcg_tOF4aJm8s-egWqO4f_iMl_Awhc2c0E9oUk9QgHjNLUTHDYJI1MGIAKE7jt-UBDoZ_R_VVUAoekVYv9E7mTLT-Rd6NdX_k7HNb9SO1A/s1600/images%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNJfJFxQAokUDyeJeXi7V86I4d1IgoqYO7OkT4SRkN9EDM5rXBtA02JyRIPC22fPI1TAfEIkEWCiRR9u7NSYv-2ZaEGMUmhkcrS50m3Gpwr3zHrdDtC7emaBdNnIWQcGovk6qREX38BA/s1600/images%5B4%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNJfJFxQAokUDyeJeXi7V86I4d1IgoqYO7OkT4SRkN9EDM5rXBtA02JyRIPC22fPI1TAfEIkEWCiRR9u7NSYv-2ZaEGMUmhkcrS50m3Gpwr3zHrdDtC7emaBdNnIWQcGovk6qREX38BA/s1600/images%5B4%5D.jpg" /></a><br />
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Last but by no means least, we have the largest chocolate initials I have ever seen! Those will take some nibbling that's for sure.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the Netherlands, when Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet come ashore in the boat all the way from Madrid, all of the local church bells ring in celebration. Sinterklaas
then leads a procession through the town, riding a white horse. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are told that Zwarte Piet keeps a record of all the things we have
done in the past year, in a book, and if we have been good, we will get presents from
Sinterklaas, but if we have been bad we will get chased by Zwarte Piet with a stick!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So it's official, Kapitein, Samster, Wolfie and I must have been very, very good this year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have your finished your Christmas shopping yet?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If not, we have some wonderful gift ideas on: <a href="http://www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk/">www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk</a> Happy shopping.</span><br />
Island at the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862088783039966262noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953569293619917844.post-46282704772085060082012-12-05T13:03:00.000+00:002012-12-05T13:06:31.951+00:00New freight handling system for Colonsay International Airport<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Big Green Bogey has made it's début at Colonsay International Airport.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have utilised every type of transportation since starting the Air Freight just over a year ago here on Colonsay. We have had the Pilots, Fire Crew, Airport Managers, Passengers and even local dignitaries, help us to carry freight to and from the plane. Occasionally, we had to utilise a rather inappropriate mode of transport when time was of the essence. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6medP5-etJA7aPcn9TEnTwTq1SK3_S3aNbaNDG8uGEjZW7mQPO05Hj9MBdLz67Ux7kXw7EkFuQ5tlh3uLPG4lrXuuOnSQouWKKMvFAr4xaWJVHn3L-Q5aYibFDh7e8VgXuxYHfi6DXQ/s1600/DSC00916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6medP5-etJA7aPcn9TEnTwTq1SK3_S3aNbaNDG8uGEjZW7mQPO05Hj9MBdLz67Ux7kXw7EkFuQ5tlh3uLPG4lrXuuOnSQouWKKMvFAr4xaWJVHn3L-Q5aYibFDh7e8VgXuxYHfi6DXQ/s400/DSC00916.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Picture courtesy of Alan Reid MP </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But we have moved on, we found this wonderful 'Green' Bogey, just perfect for moving freight, passenger luggage and anything else for that matter (no, I wasn't allowed a ride in the bogey onto the Apron - but seriously wanted to). Julie was just delighted when it appeared this week!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJN9adXBlrkOksWrvwughfJLpDzv66jRnnC9kBU5k5xUeFeeRF2_5r84q412sYrvijHvIoXygK5Efu1vB7T_J6RIB_tIcPkQyLT5PMuB-TicQMdYNZY2Q4SaEZzSq1ouezSU7HNdtxfcg/s1600/Freight+trolley+with+Julie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJN9adXBlrkOksWrvwughfJLpDzv66jRnnC9kBU5k5xUeFeeRF2_5r84q412sYrvijHvIoXygK5Efu1vB7T_J6RIB_tIcPkQyLT5PMuB-TicQMdYNZY2Q4SaEZzSq1ouezSU7HNdtxfcg/s320/Freight+trolley+with+Julie.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Passenger luggage loaded onto the plane</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, Colonsay International Airport now has it's own freight handling system!! Onward transportation is courtesy of <a href="http://www.hebrideanair.co.uk/flights/Air_Charter.html" target="_blank">Hebridean Air Services</a>. Perfect...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The sun is shining here and not a breath of wind today as the Mainland is once again bearing the brunt of the weather. We could see the snow on the peaks as we looked towards the mainland from Balnahard beach.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But there is so much to see at Balnahard, the snow is less of a distraction - especially as we are wishing and hoping to see at least a good covering here, rather than the odd shower.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The wild goats are just spectacular, they are less shy than of late - obviously getting used to us going there on a regular basis. The Billy Goats have the most amazing horns and stand proud amongst their Harem. It is reputed that these goats arrived on Colonsay around the time of the Armada! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMe5YkrZKpUZ3stdiN337kWuIQQ0pIzaFClWEYei8R1I7xs7-i5JsY8Scjk1R6TKCviE-UWsLvq7Tg0MZc39MtgYYAIgXvJmktsAQESznfplhp8R70OMxWo8W6apDYosgtafwgs_DzRU/s1600/Wild+Goats+Balnahard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMe5YkrZKpUZ3stdiN337kWuIQQ0pIzaFClWEYei8R1I7xs7-i5JsY8Scjk1R6TKCviE-UWsLvq7Tg0MZc39MtgYYAIgXvJmktsAQESznfplhp8R70OMxWo8W6apDYosgtafwgs_DzRU/s400/Wild+Goats+Balnahard.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wild Goats - South side of Balnahard Bay</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then, to our utter amazement, the Golden Eagle circled overhead. We hid behind the dunes and watched as it headed towards a small outcrop in the bay. It was harrying an Otter! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Otter obviously had something rather delicious for lunch! The Eagle landed within a couple of feet of the Otter and then made off with a carrion lunch - this puts a completely different slant on 'Carry out'. We were around 4-5 metres away and could make out the fantastic detail of both the Otter and the Eagle, absolutely delightful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Otter stayed a wee while, then off back into the sea to replenish the larder, as the Eagle headed towards the Eerie. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we sat a while, we watched about half a dozen Choughs doing their aerobatics, they could give the Red Arrows a run for their money.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we decided to head back to the Homestead we crossed the dunes. We saw the Buzzard and then the Hen Harrier quartering over the high ground. Colonsay is paradise for budding and devoted wildlife watchers even in the depths of winter, there is so much to see and do. Well worth a visit! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Island at the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862088783039966262noreply@blogger.com0