Where have we been???

It’s been quite a while since I have written my blog, primarily due to the fact that on the morning of Monday 9^th December (2013) Our wonderful Homestead, burned to the ground.

Col Na Sithe

At the height of the fire

The aftermath

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!

 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.

Its amazing what you can do with a wooden spoon and a poker!!

I think Anne looks lovely... Don't you...

 Sampster thoroughly enjoyed being 'de-haired' by Anne!!

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...

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!

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 Oban Airport, Hebridean Air and those business outlets that helped us – thank you.

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, McQueens from Oban 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.

Saturday morning came and Kapitein had a brainwave, he asked me to contact Hebridean Air Services 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.

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.

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!!

Sebastian taking everyone home for Christmas.

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.

So, what next!

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.

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.

Anne came to see us off and off we went on a fabulous journey on the Coastal Connection RIB.Even Sampster and Wolfie enjoyed the ride, they are following in Kapiteins footsteps and becoming salty sea dogs indeed.

Leaving Colonsay

Arriving in Loch Feochan

My 3 salty sea dogs

Coastal Connection - Cameron and Struan

We arrived at 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 Coastal Connection a very professional service indeed.

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...

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.

Back to the knitting needles to finish the next...

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.
We would like to thank Pauline, owner of Colonsay Cosmetics who supplied us with the most delightful toiletries for our guests. 
Then we needed to think about quality food for our guests, that's when we sourced as much 'local' produce as was possible.
We must thank:
Forteiths -Oban
J.M. Breckenridge - Oban
Booker - Oban
Jackson's Butchers - Oban
D. Watts Fishmongers - Oban
For the best locally sourced produce in Argyll...

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.

But how to get products to Colonsay?
Helmut & Michelle of Etive Taxis 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!!

Oban Airport.
The staff at Oban Airport 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.

Hebridean Air Services.
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...
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...  

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.

So what now...
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 exciting times ahead, I will keep you all posted - watch this space...

Ganseys. Kapitein, Danger Mouse and Gavalus Gavalar...

Goodness me!! Where to begin!!
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... 
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.

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, sporting a nice shade of royal blue on his bonce! - 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 remove his hair dye, it took more than a little gentle persuasion, 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.
The Ceilidh raised in excess of £400.00 for the Marie Curie Cancer Care fund. Well done to Hollie for organising things.    

I have been off island to catch up with all things 'mainland'  but, latterly  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 Hebridean Air Services 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 Colonsay, just to fly here.

Anyway, I digress.
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. 
Pretty Miranda was also introduced to 'May's Sugary Wonders and Gavalus Gavalar's fine coffee - with a wee spot of lunch too. The Pantry is a wonderful place where everyone makes visitors to our island feel SO welcome.
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.
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!) 

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.
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.
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. 
Like everyone else in Kintyre, Arran and the surrounding area, the snow brought havoc to their daily lives. Local stores and even Tesco had run out of food! 
So we do hope that Danger Mouse will be ok. We will keep you posted...


The Pantry had a very, very special, high speed delivery this week.
Gavalus Gavalar has been inspired, and started the 'Fresh Fish Wednesday'. With delightful hand cut chips. But oh dear, there was a misshap!
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 Coastal Connection 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. 
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.

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!

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...

Beautiful Beltane - without a hitch...

I was up at 3 am this morning and headed out to lay past ghosts to rest, which of course was to participate in this year’s Gaelic festival of fire, Beltane (Bealltainn), all part of our wee islands Festival of Spring activities.

I met with Eskie senior (junior was there to meet me too, but didn’t join us for the torch lighting) so off we went yomping towards Dun Eibhinn Fort.       

We took with us coffee, biscuits, (a must for any discerning walkers) torches, fire beater (you just never know when you may need a beater on this island) water and sand. The latter equipment was more of a just in case, so we could light our torch in the sure knowledge that ALL health and safety needs were met (to satiate the needs of the sceptics amongst us) and as responsible adults (which we are) any ‘just in case’ scenario’s.

04.15 hrs, lighting up time, with the aid of swan vesta matches we eventually lit our custom made torch. Fantastic...

We looked all around us and across towards Dun Ghallain, Beinn nan Gudairean and Balerominmore to see some of the other torches. It was delightful to see and hailed in the summer with traditional Gaelic style.

We watched the sun rise over Beinn nan Gudairean on this perfect morning and looked down at Scalasaig, where LOTI was berthed ready for her early departure to Oban.  Truly magnificent.

Looking down at Scalasaig - LOTI all in lights

Sunrise over Beinn nan Gudairean

Eskie and I enjoyed our coffee, and as the sun rose up over the hills, we checked our torch, which had burned out (and cooled down) before packing it away then headed back down towards Scalasaig. At this point, bacon sandwiches would have been wonderful (it never ceases to amaze me why bacon sandwiches pervade all thoughts when one is up with the larks) only, Gavalus Gavalar had declined the offer to open this time. Such a shame Gavalus, you would have had quite a bit of custom from us hungry revellers.

A memorable morning, for all of the right reasons! I look forward with great anticipation, to next year’s event.

So, what else has been happening...

Our lambing has been hugely successful this year. We started on 16^th April and our last expected lamb arrived yesterday. We have been blessed with lovely sunny weather so the wee ones can grow strong. They have the most wonderful fleeces, just like Ewan (the Tup) I can hardly wait until shearing next year as I think we may have pure black fleeces. But if their current antics are anything to go by, these ‘spring loaded’ lambs gambolling across the in-by fields may take a bit of catching!! As it happens, we don’t use a dog with our flock; therefore they are very tolerant, even allowing us up close and personal with their offspring. What more could a budding shepherdess wish for.

Food!!

We like food, any type of food, so when a fishing boat came into Scalasaig a few days ago, I decided to be presumptuous and ask if I could buy some fish. An undisclosed amount of money changed hands and I came away with several large Languistine, 4 whiting and 2 large cod. This puts healthy eating back on the agenda, and we thoroughly enjoyed our booty, so thanks lads, and we hope to see you again very soon.

Mmmnnn...

Our first international shipment of a Gansey was dispatched to Australia last week. The recipient is absolutely delighted with their package. They commented:

 ‘The patterning is beautiful, but probably what impressed me most straight away was the wool itself – the springiness and the colour. With the autumn sun (he is in Australia) slanting across it seems to light up with all sorts of green and blue flecks’.

I must agree with him as, in my opinion, the wool is the softest 5-ply I have ever worked with and the rich chocolate brown (with hues of purple, green and blue) is just superb.

He also went on to say:

‘It is very dark, with more of that scrunchy springiness than you find in mainstream wool’

Our wool is available on our website, try it for yourself and be prepared to be amazed.

And finally...

We have new retail outlets for our products!

Oban Airport and The Pantry in Oban are selling our products. Pop in to either venue, they will be more than glad to help.

There is a lot more to report, but I will save that for a rainy day!

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......

What a difference a day makes...

What a difference a day makes...

Yesterday was one of those fun packed days... Let’s see just how much we can do in 24 hours. 

Kapitein was up early as usual and busy in the inner sanctum. The weather was good so he said that if I was a good girl he would take me on the high seas to do a spot of fishing and give me a chance to test the new boat rod he got for my birthday - just what every girl wants...

Sandwiches prepared and off down to the harbour, via Mike's Megastore  to get some provisions for the weekend and get petrol too, which on this wee island is just under £1.70 a litre.

A few nautical adjustments here and there and we set off. The conditions were good, bright sunshine and a wee bit of a wind. Kapitein was at the helm and with me as his first mate, perched in the bow and awestruck as usual with the view of the Paps on Jura in the distance, we set a course for a good fishing mark just off Oransay and cruised south at a steady 20 knots.

Two minutes after arriving at Kapitein’s secret mark Kapitein landed a Saithe, then another, then another and yet another... I dropped my line into the water, nipping my knees around the pole, just in case it slipped my grasp and hey ho, I caught a 2lb Saithe too. The Mackerel eluded us on this trip but the joys of being at sea are fantastic. The seaways were very busy today, including the boat from Clearance House with a convoy of smaller boats in tow - a veritable flotilla. The thought did pass my mind that they may have GG on board and be setting a course for Nova Scotia or thereabouts but a quick check of the boat’s load line revealed no excess ballast on board. So that was a relief.
Time was pressing on and I had an appointment to keep with Eskie at the Village Hall. A high speed return to the Capital and Kapitein dropped me at the slip. I made it just in time.

Eskie was sitting with GG and the ‘Lovely Ladies’ enjoying a cuppa and some homemade cakes. Stalls with produce, second hand books and novelty gifts were set out.

We were rather distracted by an ingenious product, a definite purchase for us. See below modelled by Eskie. GG was also pictured wearing one but unfortunately the picture won't upload - you lucky readers!Technology knows no bounds here on Colonsay, surely a must for everyone. Not quite user friendly but can be used to make any mobile device hands-free, even a Laptop I suspect...

Kapitein joined us a wee while later as others came and sat with us. The conversation led to a discussion about our new island air freight service. There is great interest in this facility; medical provisions can be flown in and out. And what a bonus, inbound Chinese and Indian food for all of us with a hankering for all things normal, the same as our friends on the mainland.

Back to the homestead, with aching sides from all the frivolities. We took Sampster and Wolfie out for a walk and then it was back to the knitting up the new design of Wrist Warmers. (I must watch out for Freudian slips with this). This is the first of many products in readiness for selling. If I must say, they are rather perfect, yet they don’t quite resemble Willy Warmers just yet, something I must work on to satiate the needs of Kapitein.

As the evening progressed Kapitein decided we should attend the Ceilidh in aid of the CCDC – the community development company.

And what a night that was... Lots of dancing and even Kapitein was up strutting his stuff in the Orkadian Strip the Willow. GG is a true mover and shaker in the St. Bernard’s Waltz and Danger Mouse, the lonely shepherd, was really shaking his booty in the Dashing White Sergeant with Kapitein and I.  The music was absolutely wonderful as usual, with songs from Caitlin, Seamus and many others, including a great tune and song by a man from Sweden holidaying here.

Strange but true, Diogenes kept going in and out of the hall, apparently needing lots of fresh air!! I wonder what exactly he was doing whilst alone in the dark. I do hope he wasn’t true to the name...

Duck Man didn’t waver under pressure for a dance, but he will keep till another night when I WILL have a dance with him...

Kapitein was attracting attention tonight. His rugged good looks were under scrutiny from a rather well rounded woman but to her dismay he didn’t take the bait... After all, he already has a First Mate and there's only room for one to stoke his boiler...

Today, Sunday, was a day for getting up late (after going to bed very, very late). It was a peaceful day, including a lovely walk along The Strand with Sampster and Wolfie. Then back for a late lunch, a few domestics and packing in preparation for my journey to the mainland and into the unknown.

As already reported, I will be saying goodbye to a very dear friend ttomorrow and the day after that the Doctors have recalled me for an anomaly in my precious boobs, of which, I have to say, the Kapitein is rather fond. They say I have to make myself available for a full week, just in case. That week in the unknown is standing before me as I now make my way down to the ferry to depart these beautiful shores.

Kapitein has undertaken a thorough investigation and has been unable to ascertain any anomalies, however, if the worst does come to the worst, he said he would leave the island - the first time in over a year - and visit me and the doctors because he reckons he has some very good re-design ideas. He's such a wonderful Kapitein.

Shall keep you posted...