A whaler’s return…..

very late news…almost under the radar but BIG story just at the very 11th hour.

http://www.hebrides-news.com/pairc-buyout-210311.html

Will be very interesting to see where this goes…….Partytime in Pairc for some

Whilst it continues to snow and after the fierce Winter we have had so far, thoughts turn to Spring (in hope?) and look forward to a milder chapter (please) in our ever changing, somehow always adaptable, rugged Island climate.

Just need to clear up after all the gritting and get on with preparing for Spring…..waiting for first lambs on Western Isles (any yet where you are?) as down South they have very healthy early January lambs bouncing around.

So many deer perished this Winter…….wonder what the knock on effect will be on herd maintainance/sporting(tourist) revenues and localised eco-systems?

Half-term great fun with kids and all back in groove for lead up to further revision and exams later…eek!!!

Hope all is well where you are

Ferryman and crew

Hi from wind-battered Lewis.

Local paper alerts us that Lews Castle College (part of UHI) is in the running for award in pioneering work on Renewable Energy, particularly Hydrogen cell-based…..all very hi-tech and wonderous stuff.

 http://www.stornowaygazette.co.uk/news/Lewis-croft-shortlisted-for-renewable.5852046.jp

As teen boy in FM household is very busy getting through his O levels (3 sciences) ready for A levels next year and is considering Renewables/Science-based Degree, we thought we might share this with you.

Locally, there is to be a poll/questionnaire as to purchase of absentee landlord Estate and one wonders if alternatives to proposed Wind-Turbines all over this unspoilt,environmentally sensitive will be considered?

Thoughts go out to all affected by these horrendous recent floods…

Just got through reading latest on Heb News and just had to post.

http://www.hebridesnews.co.uk/sea_snake_wave_farm_for_lewis.html

Without sounding too thick……can anyone explain to us at FM marina…… surely the Wave Power scheme is way better (far less environmental impact?) than the triffids being discussed at present for Eishken/Pairc etc

Perhaps there is something being over-looked by this poster, but I cannot see how/what we are missing when reviewing the limited evidence/facts and implications/consequences for our beloved Island/Environment?

Any help gratefully accepted but do NOT flame as it’s jolly rude and quite cowardly!!

Is it me, or has it been really wet and are the midges bigger/stronger/more prolific this summer?

Pretty certain we will have an Indian Summer later, just as the kids all back to school.

Sailings on Sunday been resolved but now I am really confused by Heb News as to where we are going with Mr Oppenhiem and backers of Eishken/Pairc plan for Wind Turbines…I only whispered the words…..does anything ever happen up here in a straight-forward,transparent,predictable way……ho hum!!!

Several local people  moving away, off Island. Elderly neighbour with friends,family on Mainland has had enough hunkering down for now….and middle-aged neighbour whose husband has recently died is selling up and returning to Mainland……sad to see but unavoidable I guess.

Hope most peeps have enjoyed the summer-break and managed to chill enough/re-energise for glorious Autumn and usual grim/dull/windy Winter.

Today (Tuesday 14/7) is big day for Sunday Sailing debate on Lewis. CNES (our local rubbish Council) is in talks with Calmac (ferry operator) and we are VERY close to getting a Sailing this Sunday (19th) and maybe regular Sunday Service from there on. The Debate has been fierce,heated and often personal but overall winner will be common sense. Religious persuasions are not valid criteria on an issue of commercial viability and public service options but equally we all respect tradition and sincerely held beliefs for what they are.

You may agree/disagree with the whole situation but Life will go on….Gods can be worshipped by whomever and whever they please as this is a basic religous Freedom held dear within Europe/UK.

Choice and freedom to choose are so important…..when bringing up our kids, we try to help them develop the ability to make informed/good choices rather than prevent them from choosing.

Big thanks to local Cllr, Philip Maclean who has been quite brave and made statements which may cause a few ripples and even loss of vote or friend but he has acted with integrity and principal (rare these days!!).

From the “Ferryman” Family who NEED to travel to/from Mainland regularly.

Western Isles a wonderful photogenic place and totally camera friendly so thought I might share recent pic or two.

I thought you might like to see our giant stone onion, monument to landing of Bonnie Prince Charlie as he fleeing having first landed on Eriskay, S.Uist and on via Arnish,Lewis before his demise back in exile, France.

Also note pic showing Pyramid top with golden Benben coincidence indeed or just artistic licence?….Enjoy

Am now convinced Island Blogging (IB) has friends in high places…..check-out Holy Family carving??

Attached link may be of interest to anyone visiting Home Counties/Herts or even web-tourists who may have an interest in Esoterica/Knights Templar etc…..

Tongue firmly in cheek….posted by Mr Ferryman not Mrs.

www.roystoncave.co.uk/carvings.html

I have very recently seen on Sky channel 280 Horse and Country a programme featuring Aigas Field Centre  (prg is repeated Thursday 18th June at 9am) and just wondered if anyone had been or had personal/local experience/info as I was just blown away and really really want to go.

http://www.aigas.co.uk/index.asp

Hope you like as much as I do

Have watched for ages and just had to have own Blog.

Non-native but genes from Peterhead whalers it seems…..

Will post breaking news and maybe a pic or two as have seen some fabulous pics on here along with interesting info/topics from time to time……

may well be adjusting settings etc for a while and getting to grips with whole thing, hope not to delete wrong page/post..!!!