Comments for Islands Revival

Comment on Isle of Kerrera by William greig

William greig — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 16:39:00 +0000

I used to live on Kerrera in the early 60 s. It was very isolated in those days the accual ferry was a 12foot dinghy with an out board motor there were only 10 of us in school with 1teacher but we had a great happy and healthy childhood , we went to Oban high school at 11 years of age Still is a beautiful place and is lovingly being brought up to the 20th /21st century by credited Locals

Comment on Isle of Bute – a community with aspirations by Albert Reynolds

Albert Reynolds — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 17:34:17 +0000

I think it be really good for the bute community to do volunteer and do jobs around the island like painting the prom railings and turning gap sites into little gardens

Comment on Lessons from the Caribbean islands: leveraging the diaspora for growth by Jacob Alexander

Jacob Alexander — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 09:12:07 +0000

I visited Bahamas and Barbados a few months ago and I really had an amazing time. The islands were breathtakingly beautiful, the water is crystal clear, and the people are very nice. The are also a lot of fine dining restaurants around Barbados such as The Tides and The Cliff. The food there is really enticing. When I go back, I’ll visit the other islands to get a taste of their offerings.

Comment on A toast to the future on Colonsay by Allan McCalder

Allan McCalder — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 21:02:37 +0000

Hello Alastair and thanks for your update about Colonsay life. My wife and I had the pleasure of visiting this lovely isle in 2016 and 2017. And we long to return soon. Family and friends have asked us what makes Colonsay so special. In addition to what you mentioned above, it is the people we have met and who have warmly welcomed us to the isle that draws us back. For our next visit – planned for 2021, but will have to see how this nasty Covid virus will impact our travels – I have invited my two sisters to join us as our guests. Can’t wait to return and explore this jewel of an isle with family. Sending warmest wishes for good health and prosperity from Alberta, Canada.

Comment on Community enterprise and population turnaround in West Harris by B Brownsword

B Brownsword — Wed, 13 May 2020 11:42:39 +0000

We have been to harris started in 2012 and every year till 2019 did not book for 2020 due to other commitments . I was in the building trade and if i had visited in my younger years would have moved with family. Coming again next year have booked already.
We have seen a lot of changes since we first came, we have got to know a few people on harris and have become good friends

Comment on Isle of Kerrera by Linda

Linda — Fri, 08 May 2020 14:27:05 +0000

It’s the most awesome, beautiful island I’ve seen. So much history is imbedded there. Wouldn’t mind farming sheep there.

Comment on Cianalas by Louisa MacDonald

Louisa MacDonald — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 17:45:09 +0000

Hi Zoe , really interesting to read this. I don’t live on the islands yet have a sense of what you mean and know about cianlas , and the closely related Welsh word ‘hiraeth’ which is also about longing. Whenever I visit I can’t wait to return and feel a great affinity, embracing the spirit of the place.
I’ve visited the Hebrides for many years and am currently awaiting ( with baited breath!) the possible publication of a book in which I’ve written about these islands and their people.
Keep up the good work!!

Comment on No farm is an island unless its name is Comrie Croft by Andrew Donaldson

Andrew Donaldson — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 10:41:11 +0000

Thanks Conrad. As it happens, Knoydart is a continuing source of inspiration for us and have been very helpful with input to our affordable housing project.

Comment on No farm is an island unless its name is Comrie Croft by Conrad Kessler

Conrad Kessler — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 07:55:59 +0000

This sounds like an impressive initiative. It reminds me of the steps the community on Knoydart have made together. Well done!

Comment on Isle of Bute – a community with aspirations by Allison Harley

Allison Harley — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 19:33:55 +0000

I feel for the first time in about the last 10 years we are finally seeing some constructive change on the island.
I agree that the artist’s initiatives have helped shape this but also feel we often miss out the real stalwarts of island life, those shops who are open all year round, the businesses that provide the backbone of commerce and lifestyle. The butchers, the bakers, the pubs, the carpet and furniture shops, the florists and clothing shops, the tool shops and the bargain stores. Without these no amount of artist endeavours can revive the fortunes of the island.
We still lack prospects for young people on the island and my fear is also that we simply become the next ‘trendy’ place to buy a holiday home. Arran suffers from this and we should take great heed of their lesson
I also think we have missed a trick with the prom, it would make a brilliant and safe cycling path, there is room for walkers too and this is an ideal area for investment. My children learnt to ride a bike on the prom and we should treasure it, maintain it and perhaps expand it.