Little Miss No No and the Mechanic come to visit...

It’s official, Kapitein produces prize winning products!! He won first prize at our Root & Produce show for his woven scarf... Well done Kapitein... And he has had several commissions too as a result.

If you would like to commission one of his scarves, please get in touch, he would be delighted and will keep him out of mischief during the winter months.

The first Geansaidh ‘Gansey’ jumper is underway. We have researched the traditional patterns and drawn from the Scottish Fleet pattern to design our very own Colonsay Geansaidh.  We have been producing a vast array of designer items using our pattern, from Wrist Warmers and Welly Socks to Hats, and all made from Pure Colonsay Hebridean Wool, from our very own sheep of course. This is a unique opportunity to have something very, very special indeed. We are expecting our very first consignment of white wool later this week, so watch this space for the opportunity to purchase, pure Colonsay Blackface wool.

News update:

We have joined LORN – Local Origins Rural Network so we’ll be selling our wares at Kintaline Farm and I shall be flying off with Hebridean Air Services to attend the Market in November and again in December. Please pop along and see all of the exciting products on sale, including wonderful Venison burgers – which I highly recommend. It is a wonderful group, fronted by Jill and Tim, two of the most pro-active people I have ever met. Their ethos is to support local businesses, especially those who are promoting their own genuinely home produced goods. Fantastic!!

It’s been all go at the Homestead. Little Miss No No and The Mechanic arrived with Tartlet their Jukle hound on LOTI. Wolfie and Sampster were delighted to have a ‘girlie’ to play with at the Homestead. Ironically, Wolfie has paid Tartlet lots of attention, despite having ‘bits’ missing!! Sampster, a potent young chap, has proven he has ‘the idea’ but has been most dignified with her, realising she wasn’t for him... Thank goodness, as any offspring would be intriguing namely, what would you call it?? A Spangador!!

Eskie and I have been manning our exhibition in the Old Waiting Room down at the pier in Scalasaig. Eskie came up with the name: Knit Wits – making an exhibition... A perfect title for the two of us and it has been rather busy to say the least, so much so, it looks like we are going to extend our stay. So if you are out and about in Scalasaig, by all means pop in, if nothing else, to enjoy the banter.

Eskie's Range

Our Harris Tweed Range

Knitted products & placemats and coasters

We were in attendance in the Old Waiting Room when Ceol Cholasa (Colonsay Music Festival) was in full flight. The music was wonderful and thankfully the wind direction transmitted the music to us. Knitting to live music could be the way forward methinks... The Poozies and Lau were just fantastic, playing their tunes to a very receptive audience both in the hall and around the pier.

Eskie rapidly produced a myriad of the most delightful bespoke knit-ware, aided by the music of course. Her range is from knitted houses, gardens and farm animals to the most wonderful children’s wear, and she takes commissions too... I have been busy with Geansaidh products, ranging from wrist warmers and hats to a range of products with woven material created by Kapitein. We have had some fantastic feedback about the diverse range of merchandise on sale and we wish to thank all that have supported us thus far. So for that extra special gift for Christmas – yes, it’s not just us that are mentioning the C word in September, get in touch...

Eskie has also demonstrated she has a gift of talking with the animals (she should be known as Mrs. Doolittle from now on).

A cow was mooing outside the Waiting Room while Eskie was in conversation with a customer, who was querying whether it was safe to pass the cow. Eskie revealed that the cow had lost its calf! She promptly went outside and said.......

“ Have you lost your calf? It’s probably up at the Pantry, why don’t you go up there to find it?”

The cow looked at Eskie and promptly turned around and meandered up towards the Pantry!! We all stood agog!! Eskie made light of the matter, much to our amusement.

Little Miss No No and The Mechanic ‘rested’ for the duration of their stay, in fact they have slept for an inordinate amount of time! Do they lead such a busy life in Blighty? The highlights of their visit have been:

Little Miss No No’s Birthday was marked with Milk Shakes and Angus Burgers (with candle) at the Pantry especially for her as she celebrated whilst on the island. Thank you Gavalus Gavalar for making her day a little bit extra special.

Little Miss No No thoroughly enjoyed meeting Julie Angell and seeing the plane come in – and leave with the Pantry’s first official export of May’s Sugary Wonders!! Yes, Doughnuts have been exported to the mainland, a first in our island’s history. I do believe they went down a storm at Oban Airport, their final destination. I have it on good authority that Julie was eating her second doughnut whilst typing a lovely message of thanks and appreciation. Dixie reported that her diet had gone to pot, but well worth it...

We managed to get some walking done with the three hounds. The Mechanic and Little Miss No No really enjoyed going to Ardskenish to see the view through windy pass and admire the house there; a wondrous spot.

We even made it out on the high seas (which was rather choppy). The Mechanic hid under his coat as the spray hit but still got a good soaking. Sadly the fish avoided our bait but the breathtaking view and laughter as I played my Kate Winslet bit at the bow was well worth it. I do like it when Kapitein instructs me on my positioning!

When we arrived back at the pier Kapitein decided to take the boat out of the water in preparation for sale.  With a strategy that would make Europe go weak at the knees, and instructions so precise, we successfully got the boat on the trailer at the slip, then up to Homestead where a good power-hosing was in order... That was the boat, not the occupants.

We said farewell to Little Miss No No and the Mechanic on Friday. Their stay was all too short, but so, so, enjoyable. They do like island life and will be planning their next visit very, very soon.

We had a super night at the Pantry on Saturday evening. Gavalus Gavalar had one of his Theme Nights, this time it was an Indian Night. We were seated with Eskie and Mr. Eskie, Gavalus did us proud and the girls were brilliant. What a fantastic feast, though it was sad to see fewer locals than usual. They missed an absolute treat. For those of us who were there it was a fantastic night. I haven’t laughed so much for ages.

I also met one of our blog followers, all the way from America! Teri and Himself are celebrating their 30^th Wedding Anniversary here on Colonsay (Congratulations guys). Teri feels as if she is ‘back home’ as she is a descendent of the MacPhee's. She is also a blogger, check out her link. They are here until Wednesday and then they heading to Galloway to find more of their Scottish roots and ancestry. I do know they are having a fantastic time on our Island at the Edge and we wish them a safe onward journey.

I don’t believe it but....I also learned that Donald Trump is hoping to set up his very own Golf Course here!! It is rumoured that he intends to blow the tops off several of our peaks here on the island, specifically at Balnahard in the mysterious North, primarily so they can be used as helipads to transport players between each tee. Special fencing will apparently encircle the helipads to deflect the wind (to save his quiff from being blown about). He is in talks with a land owner and hopes to be up and running by early next spring. He is even considering transmitting one of his US Apprentice shows from here too!! That should bring in some very welcome business to our island and give Lord Sugar a run for his money... That is, of course, if you are to believe what you hear around these parts. However, it is also being rumoured he has his eye on Jura with the intention of sawing off the tops of the Paps to create some rather unusual tees. However, in another development, the Swedes (not of the turmip variety) have been monitored surveying the seas to the west of Colonsay and to the west of Jura so we suspect that Mr. Trump won’t be coming here in the event of a surprise announcement in the near future of a wind turbine farm in our beautiful waters. Mr. Trump apparently doesn’t like renewables, unless they of course relate to his morning manicure.

I feel cupid’s arrow is heading our way!!! Sampster has now ‘come of age’ and is looking for a young bitch to satiate his needs, as he has strong desires to become a dad! Either a one night stand or something more lasting, so long as he gets the job done! And with a trip to our island into the bargain, what Cocker Spaniel Bitch couldn’t resist? (sorry, no unaccompanied girlies) He is the descendent of 37 field-trial champions and a more handsome chap you couldn’t find. Get in touch if you have a ‘girly’ up for the challenge.

Doggy match.com

Young 4 year old, good looking, fit and healthy Male Cocker Spaniel GSOH, solvent, own house, car and basket. Likes to eat in, enjoys long walks along the beach. Excellent worker. Seeks attractive Cocker Spaniel Bitch 3 – 4 yrs for friendship and one night stand, possible LTR. Must be willing to travel. No timewasters please. Send photo to: Hebrideanisles@aol.co.uk

Ideal candidates must have a good nose for snipe and preferably own a large highland estate and be wealthy. If you look like a dog but still have a large highland estate and are wealthy then still feel free to contact and I’ll put you at the top of my list. Thank you for reading this profile – Samster the Spaniel.

P.S. if you want try before you buy then just give the dog a bone!!

And on totally separate note.......

Just before Kapitein decided to take the boat out of the water we had a really bad spell of weather and whilst doing his thing with the ropes realised that a massive shoal of mackerel had entered the harbour chasing some fry (WHICH OF COURSE I SPOTTED FIRST). So it was out with the rods, together with some of the Irish lads working on the pier...and a very, very good supper was had by all.

Very windswept and very interesting...

The storm is now passing, having made it here all the way from the USA just in time for the very high tides. It’s played havoc with the ferries (three sailings cancelled) so some holidaymakers have experienced an extended stay and a taste of what Colonsay has to offer in the winter (though it’s not winter just yet, is it??) Kapitein has been up and down like a yoyo... Well... on the boat that is! He is such a conscientious mariner; his ‘ropes’ are just perfect. Mind, I think he’s caught a bit of a chill sorting out his rise and fall. He’s got that sexy ‘phone chat’ voice at present. Goose grease, brown paper and a chest rub might be in the offing tonight!!

The waves have been spectacular and I await the results of the highest ‘gusts’ recorded here on our wee island.

I too have been very, very windswept and very busy making ‘interesting’ items for the inaugural exhibition (in the Old Waiting Room down at the pier) where Eskie and I will be making an exhibition of ourselves!

But seriously, we are a Crafty pair indeed, with fleeces, knitwear and much more from the backs of our very own Hebridean and Blackface sheepsies. If you are holidaying on the island or coming over for the music festival you can see our goodies (and buy them of course) if you pop into the Old Waiting Room down at the pier from tomorrow (Wednesday) and will be there until Monday.

But here is a taster... And we take commissions!!

Pure Hebridean woolen wrist warmers

Remember Colonsay - Touchstones

Hand woven scarf

Also, our blog has been added, under independent blogs, to the Island Blogging site. There are some great blogs on this site for those of you wishing you were somewhere more remote!!

Check out the link... http://islandblogging.co.uk/newsupdates/ which will take you to a host of blogs from far flung islands... Perfect for rainy days...

And finally, I know this is a quick blog but my knitting needles are calling, and for those that may be interested we have 4 smashing lads for sale (Hebridean Tups) and we are looking for 2 to replace them. Any takers / sellers out there?? Our lads are definitely ‘proven’ insomuch as we had super lambs this year and the best lambing average ever... We may be up for swapping, so get in touch.

PPS, we still have a wee bit of our succulent Hebridean lamb left and we can fly it off to you, wherever you are (almost), so you could be sitting at home and enjoying the REAL taste of Hebrides if you place an order before all is gone (PPPS mutton will be on the menu in the next 4 weeks and you have to try it to believe it) – so place your orders now.

Hope to see you at the Waiting Room. 

Those were the weeks that were...

The weeks have passed really quickly and things have been happening at a phenomenal pace at the Homestead and beyond...

We had our daily commute to the point prior to the Colonsay International Golf Tournament on the links course a couple of weeks ago. An additional challenge was the wee gusts of wind that could hamper the odd shot or two! But for our islanders, that didn’t pose a problem since they are used to playing in force 9 and low mist!! We had hoped for this year’s winner to be a local, not that we were tempting fate... The Bullet and Eddie had prepared the course with precision (as he always does) and along with the wind, the odd sheep, a cow or two and numerous rabbit warrens it all added nicely into the mix. The combination of outdoor ‘refreshments’ during and at the end of the tournament, followed by a warmer or two at Faulty Towers and then a Ceilidh at the village hall had all tested the player’s resilience however it can be reported that as the evening progressed most managed a good performance of the ‘dashing white sergeant’, though one notable exception was The Bullet, AKA Twinkle Toes, who didn’t quite twinkle that evening due to simultaneous and dedicated celebration of this birthday...

The results for the Golf Competition were...

The Champion Cup: 1^st Prize – Chris Mahan

                                  2^nd Prize – John (from Mike’s Megastore)

                                  3^rd Prize – Big Trev & Magnus

Scratch Trophy:         1^st Prize – Magnus

                                    2^nd Prize – The Bullet

                                    3^rd Prize – Chris Mahan

Local Trophy:              1^st Prize – The Bullet

                                    2^nd Prize – Bazil the Brush

                                    3^rd Prize – Seumus our illustrious compare and farmer

Ladies Trophy:            1^st Prize – Holly Nesbet

Junior Cup:                 1^st Prize – Frazer

                                    2^nd Prize – Ryan Clark

                                    3^rd Prize – Lewis Nesbet

Highest Score: - Gavalus Gavalar (his prize was an appropriate miniature bottle of port)

Nearest the Pin: - Mack-the-Finger

Longest Drive: - Magnus

Best Caddy: - Ryan Gillespie

Oldest Competitor: - Big Trev

Youngest Competitor (Adult Section): - Liam MacNeill

Many, many thanks went out to for all their hard work in getting the course prepared, in particular The Bullet & Eddie.

Thanks also went to Big Trev for his secretarial work – he’s a dab hand with the typewriter and the accounting bit, especially with his copious amounts of paper...

And thanks went especially to Bazil the Brush for all of his hard work throughout the year and in particular on the day for ‘making it all happen’, including his wonderful presentation of the prizes, duly helped by his assistant our and his very own Dancing Queen and The Brewer. Fantastic job...

I had the privilege of flying off the island to Oban Airport (just for a few hours) with Julie Angell. I attended a meeting with Hebridean Air Services to seal the deal with our airfreight. I met with George ‘The Boss’ and Andy, The Ops Manager at Hebridean Air Services. It’s now a case of watch this space as we take this project from strength to strength. It is lovely to work closely with like minded organisations who wish to see our ‘Island at the Edge’ initiatives truly supported. I can’t thank everyone enough for their time and positive ‘can do’ attitude, including all at Oban Airport, Argyll & Bute Council and the ground crew at Colonsay International Airport. The bonus for me personally was a wonderful flight with Julie; I highly recommend this mode of transport. The scenery is spectacular with wonderful views of Colonsay, Jura, Islay and the mainland mountains. And flights are cheap so check them out and why not head over this way for a look-see!!

Wolfie had a sore lug, so after the meeting I was dropped off in Oban (many thanks Fi) to pick up some medication from Ferguson & Bonniwell. Then I had to scurry back to the Taxi Rank to head back to the airport before Julie took me home to the wee island at the edge. Scurrying is not recommended in high heels, but we just made it, thanks to Bob from Argyll Taxi’s.

I also met up with Tom the Cream Bun’ (the fire crew at Colonsay Airport know who this character is and numerous yarns abound – some of which may be revealed a later date). Suffice to say, a really jovial fellow and nice t’-boot. He’s going to make wonderful things happen for the Airport Terminal and for wee companies like us. We have agreed on a retail area within Oban Airport and we’ll be working that up in the very near future.

My other job at the moment is sourcing products from other islands to populate the retail space, so anyone out there who can supply top-quality ‘island’ products then I’m looking for suppliers from Coll, Tiree, Islay and Jura and of course Colonsay. Contact me if you have products you wish to sell, there are customers waiting... This all adds potential value to crofting diversification and sustainable island living, without the need, I hope, of more crofts turning into housing estates and thus bringing to an end a hard earned tradition and lifestyle.

Once back at the Homestead after my jaunt to the mainland, it was all hands to the pumps as the wool from this years first clip of our Hebridean sheep arrived by air (thanks again Julie). I’ve polished my needles and sit in anticipation of a ‘knit fest’ into the wee small hours of the autumn and winter nights as I knit and we weave more products to supply local and mainland customers.

We have had visitors to the Homestead, and what an action packed visit it was.

Our guests, Mackerel Bob and Lock-Stock-and-Two-Smoking-Barrels, arrived on LOTI on Thursday. A quick turnaround and introduction to Wolfie and Sampster then off to the Pantry for lunch. Our guests said it was the best soup ever (well done again Gavalus Gavalar).

We returned to the Homestead as other island visitors arrived for coffee and a chat and then we headed off with the visitors and the dogs for a look-see at Kiloran Bay. What a wonderful sight. Visitors are always in ore at the view and who can blame them, though for us the real views and feelings of open spaces are when we trek out to Ardskenish and Balnahard for a good few hours – whatever the weather.

Thursday evening we sat and caught up with all the happenings in Blighty, softening the myriad of information and very distant memories of that place with copious quantities of wine – just what Kapitein needed...

A late night on Thursday followed by an early morning on Friday with plans to go fishing...  Mackerel Bob caught a few as he reminisced about being a boy and fishing from the pier and Lock-Stock-and-Two-Smoking-Barrels caught a few too. We sped along the high seas showing them various points of interest around the island shores, including a run down to Oransay and close encounters with 20+ seals.

After an exciting day on the high seas we had a restful evening in preparation for Saturday. It was a nice fine day and we headed to Machrins for a shoot which had been organised for Kenny the Stag from Coll and his merry band of Coll Cowboys and their very assorted selection of sporrans. The Coll Cowboys had arrived under cover of darkness the previous evening and camped out on the point. As they emerged from their camp and charged over the hill it was like a scene from Braveheart – so many kilts just flapping around in the wind, exposing hairy legs, boots and stirrups!!! OOOh...the Coll Cowboys had arrived!! 

Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels

Lock-Stock-and-Two-Smoking-Barrels stepped up to the peg and shot off several rounds to get things warmed up and, after letting both barrels go (trade mark of course) at one clay, she quickly recovered and took the right of a double rise.


Kenny - The Stag

Some of the boys...

A Ye-Ha from the Coll Cowboys and a cheer from the Colonsay Boys went up. Mackerel Bob looked good at the peg but methinks a boat rod rather than a 12-bore are more suited for him.

Bazil The Brush, The Matador and Kapitein did well too, but, hat’s off to the lads from Coll, they are indeed fine shots.

Kenny the Stag and the Coll Cowboys were due to leave Colonsay later that day and head for Iona. We headed for the harbour at around 4pm to see their boat arriving and take them on further adventures to the north-west before returning them on Sunday to the wee island from whence they came. Good luck to Kenny the Stag and the future Mrs Kenny and hope to see ya’all back on the Island at the Edge soon. I can also report the reassuring news that the headcount departing the island matched the headcount on arrival.

Mind you, there was a wee bit of mischief as the boys embarked for Iona!! A local boat berthed in the harbour had a flag exchanged for one of the party’s T shirts. But the culprit is happy to return the flag... and can be found on Coll....

Back to the Homestead for a well earned rest, fresh mackerel for lunch, and an evening at the Pantry to look forward to. A theme night had been organised by Gavalus Gavalar, as is usual for the last Saturday of each month, and this time it was a delicious Chinese evening. The food was excellent and the other guests at the table thoroughly enjoyed the evening as well. Our table won the prize for being the most disruptive, disruptive indeed!! Not us... but sugar lollies were handed out – methinks to keep us quiet!!

With a tasty Chinese meal behind us we head off to the last Ceilidh of the season. Lock-Stock-and-Two-Smoking-Barrels was up dancing too – she thoroughly enjoyed it and in between all of the dances we also listened to a rendition of a KnockKnee Ballard all the way from the capital of England. It was rather different to the norm to say the least!!

The evening was brilliant, a perfect end to a perfect day...

Rumour has it there was a party somewhere on the island for the young ones after the Ceilidh and, apparently, there was a happening with Danger Mouse, the Lonely Shepherd!! It seems he decided to visit the toilet and fell into the bath, naked, and was unable to extract himself from the situation due to a very unusual condition for him that had affected his powers of coordination. Whilst in the compromised position it is understood that some of the revellers had discovered a new way of parking one of Archie the Magnificent’s (ATM’s) hire bikes. After the idea had been worked up and refined it is understood, though not confirmed as yet, that it was presented to ATM and further rumour has it that ATM is now considering hiring Danger Mouse for the 2012 season as an added-value service down at The Strand for those crossing to Oransay. Visitor’s beware. However, in the meantime fleeting glimpses of Danger Mouse have been recorded of him riding the range and rounding up sheep so no permanent harm appears to have been inflicted!!!

Kapitein is selling MV Baywatch L and is looking for a larger coded boat Jfor a variety of activities around the islands and beyond. I’ve caught him salivating over pictures on the Internet of bow thrusters, wheel houses, cargo holds and landing craft front flaps (or ramps as he calls them)!! Oh the joys of living with a Mariner!!

Stop Press...

We dispatched four and a half lambs off our island on Thursday morning via Hebridean Air. Three and a half were bound for England and were collected by TNT and delivered to our customers by 9am the very next morning. Another fantastic job well done. The other lamb was delivered in person by Julie Angell (pilot, courier driver, boat-woman and generally a thoroughly nice person) to a rather plush hotel near Oban for guests there to enjoy The Real Taste of Colonsay.

Saturday has since arrived and off now to the Root & Produce Show to see if we have won any prizes. Reports to follow......