Island at the Edge-Colonsay- Facing the Abyss?

The news here is that as part of the medium term plan documented in the Ferry Review we are to have a dedicated boat for Colonsay from 2014, the Loch Nevis. 
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 LOTI (Lord of the Isles)!
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!
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. 
On every boat that comes to our Island at the Edge, Maclennans 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.  
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?
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.
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. 
Loch Nevis may be economically viable during the winter months although pre-booking would be paramount for those wishing to bring their vehicle.

As reported in the Oban Times  Colonsay Community Council chairman, Mike McNichol said.
"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"

Will this decision put our wee island further into the Abyss and further 'out of reach' for those wishing to visit us.
We would love to hear all your comments on this! I will keep you posted.

Christmas on Colonsay...

Christmas on Colonsay was wonderful this year, sadly no snow, but we did glimpse a wee covering on the Paps of Jura.
The ferry came in on Christmas Eve.

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.

Christmas morning up with the larks and out to feed the boys and girls. 

Tups - Ewan-san, Big Fella, Wee Man and their mates

All the Girlies

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!!

We all had a very relaxing time here at the Homestead, pure bliss if the truth be known. 

All packages sent off for our customers were received, so we can heave a sigh of relief.

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...

For those of you out there who can't make it to Colonsay, you can see the sale items on our website: www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk 
Preparations are in full flow for Hogmanay here on Colonsay. So it goes without saying...
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.

A winters morn at Colonsay International Airport...

What a truly glorious morning here on the wee Isle of Colonsay!
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.

Julie, our wonderful Pilot (as can be seen on BBC Landward 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!

Hebridean Air Services 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 Isle of Islay too, the home of Whisky for Girls and I highly recommend taking a wee peek at their website.
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 Hebridean Isles Trading Company website.

What a busy bee I be...

It has been all go here at the Homestead, a busy bee indeed I be.
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.
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.
But that's not all I have been busy with.
Several of my latest designs are hot off the needles. I thoroughly enjoy thinking up new designs and the feedback has been truly lovely. 
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 knitwear page.

Kiloran Sweater

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 Textiles page of our website.

Harris Tweed & a 'little piece of Lola'

Then, yes, I told you I had been very, very busy.
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 Textiles page. 

Braveheart Tweed & Hebridean 

And there's more...
Last but by no means least here is the Plain Gansey, knitted with wonderful Colonsay Hebridean wool. 

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, contact us.Or if you prefer the 'ready to wear' Gansey, here are the details of our Knitwear page.






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 Textiles page of our website.

Anne's wonderful quilted cot blankets.

So what next! A well earned break? No, the next designs are in the making!

Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) arrives in Colonsay...

OOh, aahh, nom nom!! 
What an absolute treat Kapitein, Samster, Wolfie and I had last night! St Nicholas arrived with a wonderful package of fabulous goodies.
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). 

They delivered the most delightful package of traditional goodies for us all to eat. Kapitein and I didn't know where to start!
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. 

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.
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. 
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!
So it's official, Kapitein, Samster, Wolfie and I must have been very, very good this year. 

Have your finished your Christmas shopping yet?
If not, we have some wonderful gift ideas on: www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk Happy shopping.

New freight handling system for Colonsay International Airport

The Big Green Bogey has made it's début at Colonsay International Airport.
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. 

Picture courtesy of Alan Reid MP 

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!

Passenger luggage loaded onto the plane

So, Colonsay International Airport now has it's own freight handling system!! Onward transportation is courtesy of Hebridean Air Services. Perfect...

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.
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.
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! 

Wild Goats - South side of Balnahard Bay

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!
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.
The Otter stayed a wee while, then off back into the sea to replenish the larder, as the Eagle headed towards the Eerie. 
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.
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!  

The beast has been captured, in more ways than one...

It's official!! The beast has been caught!
Wavey Davey noticed there was a 'black sheep' amidst his flock the other day and without further ado beckoned the beast over to him - he was duly recognised by the beast as he was there when it slipped out from beneath Reginald Sigmund Peacock Brodie. As it sidled up beside him, he reached out, grabbed it and duly marched back it to its normal domicile. Well done Wavey Davey, there is a medal out there with your name on it... Our prize begonias are safe, well at least from the munching of a beast at least, I am not sure about the winds though.
However, it has come to my attention that the beast has been captured by another medium - no not someone who reads a crystal ball, but our very own Lady Penelope. She has completed a wonderful picture of said beast, the likeness is astonishing, I'm sure you will agree.

Courtesy of Lady Penelope - original water colour 

So what else has been happening of late?
We have had some very, very special visitors to the Homestead, namely Agent Nuno and his very, very Secret Agent counterpart. 
Under the cover of nearly darkness, they arrived on LOTI having driven for several hundred miles from their current base, at Lancaster University - which acts as an appropriate front as they didn't want to pay the congestion charges to access their main office in Millbank London, plus very, very Secret Agent is renowned for diverting to the Tait Gallery amongst other 'haunts' down in the smoke. Their task, was to unearth the Heath Robinson Wind Machine. After several attempts to locate the device (which isn't small) it was found in a residents garden at Scalasaig, camouflaged by several meters of undergrowth, so under the cover of even nearer darkness, they hacked and chopped away to free the device.
But what to do with it? They tried to communicate with S (M has retired) only to find S had gone out for a curry. Kapitein and I were more than happy to help, so after a jaunt up to Balnahard - yes, in the dark so as the 'Agents' wouldn't be spotted, we hatched a plan.
The following morning the 'wind machine' was brought here to the Homestead and duly erected  in the garden. We wait with bated breath to see if it will survive our wonderful winter winds.
S decided to communicate with me - all top secret and very, very undercover, and I was informed that there are several of these machines dotted about the landscape from as far afield as South Devon, right up to the Arctic! In actual fact, they are for recording Air quality - these are for looking at air quality and airborne debris that can find it's way to the four corners of the world. Interesting stuff... If you wish to track this information, you can find out more information on the Stockholm Convention page. 

Agent Nuno and very, very Secret Agent, left our island, as secretly as they had arrived (with moments to spare) on LOTI. All I know is they were heading even further North to check out more wind! Good luck to both of them and we hope to see them again very soon. Mind you, I suspect they will use a different mode of transport the next time, we don't want them to blow their cover. Parachute folding was discussed, so if you see flares near the homestead, no it mightn't be a Meteor shower as was seen a couple of weeks ago, it may be S's team arriving again.

Ceol Cholasa was a massive, huge success this year, by all accounts, 'family MacNeill' were the highlight of the whole event. Fantastic and well done to everyone who planned and participated in this spectacular event. Here's to next year.

There have been more comings and goings from the Homestead, D, aka Noney Bean, arrived via Hebridean Air Services, by all accounts it had been a wee bit of a bumpy ride, but in the very, very capable hands of Pilot 'Julie' everyone arrived safe and well. D, thought it was brilliant.
Wolfie,was especially delighted to see D, he hasn't seen her for a wee while, Sampster was equally impressed, neither left her side for the duration of her stay. 
D thought our wee island was just wonderful (a compliment indeed, as she is a devout city girl these days). We saw some large  Atlantic bull seals at Ardskenish, Wolfie did behave himself as he has a 'nose' for sniffing out seals, goodness knows what he thinks they are, but he sure would like to get up close and personal with them.
D even got the opportunity to taste some of 'May Sugary Wonders' she was very impressed.
She left on LOTI, but it won't be long till she's back, I think there may be plans afoot! She will be back with Dr. Farnham early next year, we can't wait...
It has been full steam ahead here at the Homestead, we said our goodbye's to some of our sheep as they went to market. This brought back fond memories for me, I used to help my Dad with transporting livestock all around the country. And yes, I can drive a 55' articulated lorry! However, it was interesting watching our 'sheep' driven onto the boat at sunrise.

Kapitein and I have been completing 'works' we began at the start of the season. We now have a very spic and span 'boudoir' and have painted our way through to the lounge. A wee bit more work is needed then we shall be able to retire at the end of our working day, into a very, very nice private space.
Amidst the deluge of everything 'paint' I have been very busy with commissions. Gansey's are hot off the blocking board and with another on the needles. The new 'Kiloran' is also ready.  Inspired by the film, 'I Know where I'm Going' this sweater just oozes everything 'Colonsay'. We are going to get the photo's taken over the next week or two, so you can see for yourself. 

Eskie has taken off - to the mainland for a few days, and has left Mary and I to man the Old Waiting Room Gallery & Information point. As this is the beginning of our 'Connect with Colonsay' fortnight, I have been selling tickets for the 'activities' on offer. There is a huge amount going on, so if you hadn't planned to visit Colonsay, I think a day or two over here would be just the job especially as 'Lovejoy' has succumbed and is making all things rise again during his bread-baking course, a not to be missed opportunity. 
So have a look see and we hope to see you very soon.

You can get here by car or train and boat or plane for travelling to Colonsay see Calmac, Scotrail & Hebridean Air Services.


CONNECT with COLONSAY this AUTUMN
A fortnight of fabulous things with Colonsay’s finest……..
Mon 1st October
Bread baking
10.30 – 1pm £10
Meet Colonsay house garden entrance
Knitting Workshop
1.30 -4.30pm £20
Meet at the Pantry
Tues 2nd October
Island Bus Tour with Kevin 11.30 -1pm £7.50
Meet at the Hotel
Cake Baking
2.30 -4.30pm £10
Meet Colonsay house garden entrance
Cinema Club Film Showing in the Hall
8pm £4
Wed 3rd October
Brewery Tour
12.00 -1pm
Colonsay House Gardens & Café – open for teas & cakes 2- 5pm
BINGO night in the Hotel 8pm
Thurs 4th October
RSPB guided Walk to Oronsay
1 -5pm
£8
Creative Writing Workshop 1.30 -4.30pm £20
Meet at the Pantry
Quiz night in the Hotel
Fri 5th October
Farm Walk
10.30 -12.00
Meet at the Crossing
(no charge)
Colonsay House Gardens Tour
3 - 4pm £5
Pantry Theme night supper
See Pantry for details
Sat 6th October
Balnahard Walk with Kevin Byrne 10.30 - 4.30. £8
Meet at the Crossing.
Knitting Workshop
1.30 -4.30pm £20
Meet at the Pantry
Music in the pub 8pm onwards
Sun 7th October
Bow & Arrow Golf
10.30 -1pm £5
Meet at the Golf Course
Creative Writing Workshop
1.30 -4.30pm £20
Meet at the Pantry
Open Evening in the Old Waiting Room Gallery 6pm onwards
Mon 8th October
Bread baking
10.30 – 1pm £10
Meet Colonsay house garden entrance
Knitting Workshop
1.30 -4.30pm £20
Meet at the Pantry
Pantry Theme night supper
Tues 9th October
Island Bus Tour with Kevin 11.30 -1pm £7.50
Meet at the Hotel
Cake Baking
2.30 -4.30pm £10
Meet Colonsay house garden entrance
Cinema Club Film Showing in the Hall
8pm £4
Wed 10th October
Brewery Tour 12.00
Knitting Workshop
1.30 -4.30pm £20
Meet at the Pantry
Colonsay House Gardens & Café – open for teas & cakes 2- 5pm
BINGO night in the Hotel 8pm
Thur 11th October
Walk to see the baby seals
11 am -1pm £5
Creative Writing Workshop
1.30 - 4.30pm £20
Meet at the Pantry
Quiz night in the Hotel
Fri 12th October
Farm Walk
10.30 -12.00
Meet at the Crossing
(no charge)
Colonsay House Gardens Tour
3 - 4pm £5
Pantry Theme night supper
See Pantry for details
Sat 13th October
Beach clean/comb with local beach litter artist. 2 - 5pm
Meet at the Crossing.
(no charge)
Music in the pub 8pm onwards
Sun 14th October
Bow & Arrow Golf
10.30 -1pm £5
Meet at the Golf Course
Open Evening in the Old Waiting Room Gallery 6pm onwards
A Scavenger Hunt (suitable for both adults & children) will run during both weeks. Entry forms & details available from the Shop & the Old Waiting Room
Further information on all the activities will be available for the old Waiting Room. Bookings & payments can be made there, or alternatively just turn up and pay the course leader. Please note: Knitting, Bread & Cake baking, Creative writing & the Bus tour will be number restricted.

 

Island at the Edge Knitting Courses featured in the October edition of Coast Magazine

We have a 4 page feature in the October edition of Coast Magazine on the Island at the Edge knitting courses - out on the shelves today. Check out www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk for new dates.
Also in this issue an article on a Colonsay multi-tasker...
Happy reading...

Update on the Beast...

Yes, the Beast of Colonsay is still at large! We spotted it just beside the Mill House as Kapitein and I were travelling on the Colonsay ring road the other night. It took one look at us – yes we made eye contact, and then it proceeded to leap over the cattle grid like Red Rum scaling Beeches Brook and off into the undergrowth! So, beware folks, it’s still lurking!!

Protect your flora and fauna by any means you can, it will nibble your prize collections without a doubt.

Gavalus Gavalar has a new ve-hic-ule. A very smart Lexus and with private plates! But we know who you are Gavalus!!

Eskie thinks it’s absolutely smashing, she even suggested that he changes the front number plate and add the word ‘Tart’, for no other reason than so we can spot him doing ‘laps’ around our wee island – no he is not cruising, he’s doing that in November around the Med!

Gavalus informed us that he wanted a more salubrious mode of transportation, with him being a very successful businessman; I think he has made the right choice. However, his trusty pick-up is poorly (it’s a bit of a non-starter at the moment) and in need of some TLC, so off to the mainland it goes to get a new starter motor if Mr. M can’t fix it...

So if you see plumes of smoke in the more remote corners of our wee island, (somewhere where there is some space – no not Colonsay International Airport) it may just be Gavalus practicing Doughnuts! Or is he testing May’s Sugary Wonders!!

So if you wish to continue to support Gavalus’s entrepreneurship, you can visit him at the Pantry and if he’s not out doing laps, you can sample amongst other things, some of May’s Sugary Wonders... Including Doughnuts - Delicious...

Confirmation that Gavalus is a ‘boy’ racer will come if he receives packages that contain rather large speakers, the type that just fit snugly (and fill up) the boot of his new car. And if we can hear Tiesto or Father and Sons playing from the far corners of the island, then we will know for sure. Although, he may play ‘tunes’ as a precursor to CEÒL CHOLASA?? Which by the way starts on Wednesday 12^th September and due to popular demand the ‘fleadh’ is now on for 5 days... Fantastic work by Keith, Pedie popped in and the team – we can’t wait.

I have been very, very busy; knitting furiously, to get commissions completed and sent off to my customers. I have just had some wonderful feedback on the latest delivery:

“I was impressed by the thoughtful packaging and the jumper is brilliant and fits very well.  The length is just right, not showing below a jacket. Many thanks for a superb job.  Roll on inclement weather!” 

Thank you very much indeed to this particular customer.

New designs are in the making and I am getting ready for the Autumn collection, due out very soon.

My very, very dear friend D’Nanty Sue is coming to visit us soon, I love it when she and I get together; she’s a wonderful person and a friend for over 33 years. We met in Holywood - no, not the LA version, and have been friends ever since. In our youth and subsequently, if there was any mischief to be had, we were there.

The last time she was here, she accompanied Mother, the pair were the plague of the Pantry – especially as Mother has more than a penchant for May’s Paradise Slice, supply and demand was an issue as Mother munched her way through slice after slice of Paradise.

I will keep you posted...

Colonsay in the grip of fear…..

It has recently emerged that Colonsay is in the grip of fear. An escapee is on the run and has evaded capture for several weeks now. All visitors and islanders are warned:

DO NOT APPROACH IF SIGHTED AND DO NOT TRY TO APPREHEND THE VILLAIN.

A call came in this morning. It was Miss Biggles all of a fluster. She had encountered a horned apparition, the beast as she called it, at close quarters and had only been saved by the heroic deeds of Diogenes – yes him with the rather unusual habit.

We immediately ran out to the Landrover, gathering some bits and pieces together on the way and we were off, down the road towards Kiloran as fast as we could. Alas, there was no sight of The Beast, none at all, it had vanished into thin air, shrouded in a cloak of mist and mystery.

After talking further at length with Miss Biggles we managed to get a good description and it became clear to us that this dastardly demon was trying to pass itself off as one of our flock.

A quick head count of the sheep and all were present, so it had to be an imposter….but where from we wondered. After detailed analysis there was only possible explanation..... no not the foul air that shrouded the mysterious dead fox incident on our wee fox-less island, no, this time the finger pointed, without doubt, to that even wee-er place of mystery and intrigue, across the shifting sands, past hangman's rock. ORANSAY.

So, on the phone it was to Reginald Sigmund Peacock Brodie on Oransay, who admitted that one of his had slipped out from under him a couple of weeks ago (in the Kiloran yard while he was adjusting his Horner (shears to you and me)) and had proceeded to run at speed towards the farmhouse, jumped the wall and ended up in Lovejoy’s garden – his pride and joy. After lying low until darkness and gorging on his prize begonias and nibbling his tender sprouts, thus endangering Lovejoy's  normally outstanding performance at the Colonsay Root & Produce Show,The Beast  moved on, heading west to the Township, the bright lights of Kilchattan (aka Tinseltown now that the visitors are here and the lights burn bright into the night, so very different from the nights that burn bright when the locals have anything to do with it, details of which can be found elsewhere in this blog).

The Beast – the impostor (courtesy of Mr.R.S.P.Brodie)                 A real Kilchattan Hebridean.

Can EWE tell the difference?

A striking similarity indeed, which just goes to show the fiendishness and lengths to which The Beast will go. Let me reiterate. This is not one of the Kilchattan Hebrideans (right). It is an impostor from Oransay (left) and is very, very dangerous indeed.

We think ewe will recognise the impostor immediately. Yes folks, it’s a her and not a him. Whilst both have dastardly horns and can attack at any moment, unprovoked and without mercy, the him’s tend to have really, really, big horns as can be seen below, and if viewed from the derrière you will notice a protuberance hanging between the back legs, swaying from side to side. This is usually about 16 inches in diameter and may appear to be contained within a fleece sporran of some kind (we did have to censor the picture of course for those of you of delicate  disposition, but I can confirm, first hand, that such proportions are not uncommon in these parts of the Hebrides).

Ewan-san - a Him

Now that we have established that it’s a ewe then we have decided that if all else fails then we shall send in Ewan-san our prize samurai tup who we are sure will be able to sniff her out within our wee 16 square miles and lead us to The Beast. He's a fine lad but we’ll have to keep him on a leash because if he were to get too close, he’ll curl his top lip and goodness knows what would happen next.

But first, there is talk of a posse being assembled to hunt down The Beast. Lovejoy has already volunteered to ride shotgun – at least I think that ‘s who what he said. He assures us he has a trick or three up his sleeve from his days riding the range and kneading his dough around the Jermyn Street camp-fires, that he can deploy from the  back of his trusty steed, Honda. All of the other fit men of the island have been called to arms and are due to assemble at Clearance House tomorrow, where they will be offered sustenance in the form of a slice of Mrs Beeton’s No. 2 home-made chocolate cake, before they head out into the wilderness of the reserve. 

With Danger Mouse the Lonely Shepherd away on a mission overseas on Nopub Island, Diogenes has been appointed guide and will lead from the front as usual. It is not clear at this time who will be following up the rear.

Go forth brave men and capture this Beast before it ravages and nibbles its way through all fine gardens and allotments on this wee island and, heaven forbid, gains access to hallowed ground of GC-HQ (the HQ of Colonsay's very own Gated Community).

Remember: until The Beast is caught and Mr R.S.P. Brodie is reunited with it and has caged it once more in a secure compound, calmed with a rendition of Ode To A Corncrake, then NO ONE is safe, NO ONE.

BE CAREFULL OUT THERE.

Glorious weekend...

What a wonderful weekend off!
Yes, Kapitein finally came out of the inner sanctum and we have had some well deserved time off.
Friday evening was lovely and still,  so we decided to head to Balnahard to have a BBQ supper. Kapitein set out the chairs and lit the BBQ when to our surprise we were joined by several million uninvited guests - Midgies! 
Avon Skin-so-Soft worked for a few moments, but to no avail. Kapitein found the best plan of action was to sit over the smoking BBQ as our sausages and meat cooked to keep the little darlings away! It worked! 
We watched as the Friday evening ferry - LOTI - sailed in and out of Scalasaig Harbour and mused about the 'holidays' beginning and ending with this wonderful journey for folk arriving to and departing from our wonderful island - thankful that we don't need to make these journeys. 

LOTI coming into Scalasaig

LOTI leaving Scalasaig

View towards something called the mainland!

We endured our uninvited 'guests' for a couple of hours but even Sampster and Wolfie were tired of the wee blighters trying to nest in their eyeballs!
Reports on Saturday morning were that the whole island was awash with Midgies, even the Old Waiting Room, at Scalasaig was engulfed with plumes of hungry Midgies.

Saturday was a 'domestics' day, catching up on jobs around the house.

Sunday morning, we were up early, packed some nice things to eat and off we headed to Oransay. What a glorious day. Light winds (and no midgies)  
We crossed the Strand and headed for the East side of Oransay through Poll Gorm towards Rubha Bàn. I think the pictures speak for themselves.

We continued towards Port Dhūn a' Gharaidh as a visiting Yacht arrived.

We were very aware of the tides so we headed off inland beside the Mesolithic Shell Mound to rejoin the track at Eilean Fhionnalaidh.
By this time Sampster and Wolfie were beginning to get a bit tired! A wee rest was in order to eat our snacks and enjoy the views, on second glance, Sampster had fallen asleep!!! Ah bless him...

We arrived back at the car, after a thoroughly enjoyable few hours.

On our way back to the Homestead on the Colonsay ring road, we passed Colonsay International Airport. There appeared to be some activity, unusual for a Sunday. We found out later that the Coast Guard were on exercise. The Coast Guard helicopter was picking up personnel, circling around the Homestead then winching them back down to the Airstrip. What a treat that would have been. I did later suggest if they ever needed a 'victim' (casualty) I would be happy to oblige! Not wanting to tempt fate though, I don't want a real injury!!

If you would like to sample our island delights, come and see us sometime! Especially as our Bed & Breakfast is open all the year round! During the winter months, the Calmac ferry timetable changes, but with the introduction of Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) it is reported that there will be a 35% reduction in fares from October. But, you mustn't forget, you can always make a flying visit with Hebridean Air Services, a must for any discerning traveller.
Hope to see you very soon...

New dates for Residential knitting courses on the Island at the Edge

For up to date course dates 2013, see www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk Residential knitting courses on Colonsay Summer timetable: Two day Residential Beginners Knitting Course. Friday 24th August till Sunday 26th August 2012 This two day knitting course includes: All materials, 12 hours tuition, dinner, bed and breakfast all included in the price of £199.00 per person (price based on 2 sharing a room - single room supplement will apply) Course itinerary will include: Collection from the ferry - meet and greet over supper. Saturday - meet the sheep - our wonderful flock of Hebridean sheep Learn - knitting jargon, three different methods of cast on, learn to knit, purl, increase/decrease, basic pattern stitches, design a basic pattern, cast off and sewing up. Lunch and evening meal are included. You will also have an opportunity to see our fabulous island. If you wish to learn something specific? get in touch and we will be happy to help Two day Residential Intermediates Knitting Course. Friday 31st August till Sunday 2nd September 2012 This two day knitting course includes: All materials, 12 hours tuition, dinner, bed and breakfast all included in the price of £199.00 per person (price based on 2 sharing a room - single room supplement will apply) Course itinerary will include: Collection from the ferry - meet and greet over supper Saturday - meet the sheep - our wonderful flock of Hebridean sheep Learn the intricacies of patterns including cable work (Aran) Intarsia, Fair Isle and the art of sewing up and effective blocking. Lunch and evening meal are included. You will also have an opportunity to see our fabulous island. If you wish to learn something specific? get in touch and we will be happy to help. Participants will need to travel to Colonsay on the Friday ferry and return on the Sunday ferry. contact: Calmac for ferry departure times. We can collect you from the ferry terminal. International participants can fly into Glasgow airport and link with Scotrail for the wonderful train journey from Glasgow Queen Street to Oban or fly with Flybe to Islay and Hebridean Air Services directly to Colonsay. Contact us on: +44(0)1951 200284 or email: Hebrideanisles@aol.co.uk or use thecontact form. Residential Knitting Courses Autumn & Winter 2012 dates: Suitable for beginners, intermediates and experts. Beginners: Learn the two main cast on methods, the two basic stitches used in all knitting patterns and how to cast off. Intermediates: Learn the art of patterns including Aran – cable knitting and effective sewing up. Experts: Learn how to work on multiple needles, circular knitting and how to design your own pattern. Price including full board and expert tuition at £459.00 per person  (based on 2 sharing)  October 2012 Monday 1st October until Friday 5th October (travelling by Ferry) 4 nights Tuesday 2nd October until Saturday 6th October (travelling by flight) 4 nights Have you ever wanted a short-break with a real difference and in a truly beautiful place? Then why not book onto one of our 4-day residential knitting courses on Colonsay. The price includes full board and lodgings on the Island at the Edge. You can get here by flying with Hebridean Air Services from Oban Airport, for your stay from Tuesday to Saturday, or, travel by Calmac ferry to enjoy your short break from Monday to Friday. We cater for knitters from beginners to the more experienced. You will get to work with pure Colonsay and Oransay wool, discover how the sheep are managed and where the wool comes from. These courses are generally held outside of the main tourist season and you will be staying either at the remote north end of the island at Balnahard, a place that will truly inspire you, or for smaller groups here in our Bed & Breakfast. There will also be sufficient time for getting out and about and exploring the beaches and hills so don't forget to bring your camera (especially on the flight). You'll be collected form Colonsay airfield or Scalasaig pier and driven by 4x4 through exceptional scenery to your accommodation,where you will receive a very warm welcome. You will meet local knitters and learn some great new skills and techniques. Lots of information, lots of practical knitting, lots of open space, lots of sheep and lots and lots of fun. Minimum group size is 2,(based on 2 sharing) maximum is 10 (based on 2 sharing) so why not get your friends and family on board for a fantastic short break. All you need to do is get to get here and we will take care of everything else. And, if you choose to bring your partner with you! There are lots of other activities including, wood turning classes, clay pigeon shooting, and the opportunity to try your golfing skills on our wonderful 200 year old links golf course. We hope to see you very soon. NB: We also offer shorter or longer breaks for travellers who wish to enjoy both flying and the ferry. Contact us for further details, we will be glad to help. If you have specific dates you are coming to our wonderful island and wish to learn how to knit or improve your skills, this will include knitting traditionally on 5 needles, sock knitting on 4 needles and how to produce your own designs, contact us, we will be glad to help. Coming to Colonsay on holiday? We have short one-day, 6-hour courses (2 x 3-hours) for holidaymakers on Colonsay. Why not book now and add this fun and informative course to your holiday itinerary. All ages catered for and everything you need is included. Venues may vary. One-to-one instruction also available for times to suit you during your stay. Cost £20.00 per person per 3 hour session (including materials) To make your reservation or for more information please call (tel.: +44(0)1951 200284) or use our contact form. Coming soon...  masterclass courses - How to knit and teach others this wonderful and increasingly popular skill so you can deliver your own courses. Hebridean Air Service - your link to Colonsay from Oban Flying from Oban to Colonsay is a magical experience. Make sure you have your camera ready! Kiloran Bay You'll pass Kiloran on the way to Balnahard and you'll be able enjoy a magnificent stroll along the bay during your visit. The Road to Balnahard Remote and beautiful Colonsay and the venue for your very special residential knitting course. Fine home-made cooking Dining at Balnahard - everyone is encouraged to join in. Balnahard Beaches, golden eagles, peace and quiet and a great course are all included.