First I’d like to apologise for the absence of an August issue and explain that the reason for this is a rather last minute change in Editorship. We bid farewell...
On Sunday 19th July the Community Garden Group once more held their “Big Tea”. All were invited to the garden which was kept very busy all afternoon as visitors and...
Hannah and Donald MacAllister are pleased to announce that Colonsay's newest resident arrived safely on the 7th of June - Dougal John MacAllister - three weeks early weighing 5 pounds...
This month things have really kicked into gear out on the barge. Cages arrived and were installed with help from the Coastal Hunter and Emma C boats. The four local...
Friday evening on Machrins, tent up, pitch immaculate, open-air toilets with the best view in Scotland and new high tech electric shower (car battery, IBC and pallet enclosure)- in fact...
On the 15th July there was a fundraising book sale in the village hall, raising money for the RNLI. Between the sales of books, teas & coffees, RNLI merchandise and...
A successful car boot sale was held in July in the hall car park. At least 15 local sellers were in attendance with a table of donated items, with proceeds...
On the 1st August there was a great celebration of many decades spanned; Mo Middleton, Rupert Middleton and Lady Strathcona celebrated birthdays of 30, 60 and 90 respectively. Around 130...
Dear editor Corncrake readers will likely be aware that the Byrne family own the Best Western hotel in Crianlarich and offer a year-round discounted islander rates (see below). We are...
Sports Day buzz got off to a great start with a ‘4th of July’ fundraising ceilidh, celebrating all things American. Gavin and the Pantry team served classic Stateside fare which...
The Colonsay Open took place on Saturday 15 August in excellent sunny conditions. After assembling in the Pantry for pre golf coffee, bacon rolls, allocation of handicaps and explanation of...
In October there will be an exciting opportunity to learn more about Gaelic, the Colonsay dialect of the language, Gaelic culture and song on Colonsay. Run by Colonsay Community Development...
There has been a number of concerts this summer held in the village hall in the run-up to the music festival featuring some familiar faces and some new. From a...
Argyll and Bute Council - Comhairle Earra Ghàidheal agus Bhòid - Willowview Community Care Team - OBAN PA34 4SB A VACANCY HAS ARISEN ON COLONSAY FOR A PERMANENT POST FOR A HOME...
It is with sadness that we note the passing of Dr. John Currie, who lived on Colonsay and worked as GP for many years. CURRIE Dr. John S (Stranraer / Colonsay / Strachur) Suddenly...
Caledonian MacBrayne is first UK ferry operator to gain Living Wage accreditation First ferry operator in the UK to be Living Wage accredited First major transport operator in Scotland to...
Patricia (Paddy) Nicolson Leahy 12th September 1934 – 27th July 2015 Paddy was born in Danes Drive, Glasgow on the 12th September 1934, the third of four children to Herbert...
RSPB wildlife notes July The warmer days of July saw the emergence of several butterfly species across both Colonsay and Oronsay. Flashes of blue can now be seen in the...
There is a danger of disruption to our ferry services due to the necessity to offer the operation for competitive tendering; it is understood that SERCO is likely to bid...
On the morning of July 2nd, flowers were placed at the memorial at Leum a’ Bhriair on behalf of all Colonsay residents and in remembrance of over 800 souls whose...
The work of Oransay artist Innes MacDougall is to be featured in the international exhibition at Parallax Art Fair, Chelsea Town Hall, King’s Road on 25th and 26th July 2015. ...
The island's second Big Lunch was held on Sunday 7th June in the Village Hall and was a huge success with many people attending. Posters advertising the event were distributed...
The club visited the Machrie GC in Islay on 12 June 2015 A group of golfers (Dr Dave , Judge Derek , Prof Neil , Donald Roofless Ross , Steven...
At a recent meeting with CalMac, some islanders expressed concern about the reliability of the connection with Islay, which is scheduled for both Wednesdays and Saturdays. Not to beat about...
A weekend in the middle of May was a very memorable occasion for the Oban & Lorne Strathspey & Reel Society. Having visited the island on two previous occasions the...
It is very good to see a local business go from strength to strength and The Corncrake is delighted to convey the message straight from the heart of the operation:...
Our new fish-farm is taking shape – the command unit came on site a few weeks ago and by great good fortune your acting editor got a chance to visit...
Peter MacDougall married Mary Pirie on 28th March 1780 in Colonsay and their son, Archibald MacDougall was born 14 January 1787, in Colonsay; he died 28 April 1860 in Port...
The month of June has not felt particularly like summer, with strong Northerly winds and rain producing an almost autumnal feel to life. However, this has been interspersed with some...
The schoolchildren gave Kevin a magnificent thank-you card when he retired as schoolbus contractor, and he also wishes to thank the parents and staff for the sumptuous leaving dinner at...
Although I have “retired” from most things, I am actually overwhelmed trying to address all the things that were put onto the long-finger since October 1969. If I could once...
It is with great regret that we record Angela’s passing, 1st June 2015, after some nineteen years as a much-loved and appreciated resident in Colonsay. Angela was a constant source...
The magnificently restored Stevenson Lighthouse is a triumph for the Colonsay & Oransay Heritage Trust, and is attracting attention from on high. On Saturday 6th June, it is to be...
The AGM of the Colonsay & Oronsay Heritage trust will be held at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 16th June in the Village Hall. This will be followed by an illustrated...
John de Ver Loder’s Colonsay and Oronsay in the Isles of Argyll was published in 1935 and remains an essential reference work for any future study. On the 80th anniversary...
Once again the organisers of Colonsay’s 8th Folk Festival have been lucky to attract some of the top names in Scottish Traditional music to the festival. Jointly topping the bill...
Following an architect’s inspection, two Georgian windows at the church were condemned, creating a serious financial challenge for the tiny congregation. It was decided to launch an appeal for funds,...
Owing to an error by the hosting company, the archive of the first 100 editions of The Corncrake was wiped from the record. Owing to the kindness of a number...
It would be good to be fit and healthy for as long as possible, and any pointers in the right direction might be of value. Many Colonsay folk will remember...
What an extraordinary month! There are 64 SNP members of the Scottish Parliament, out of 128 in all; then along came the General Election and 56 SNP members were elected...
May was largely dominated by Northerly winds which slowed down spring migration, it felt more like autumn at times! We heard our first corncrake of the year on the 22nd...
The MacPhee Bagging project on May 4th was a great success – lots of people were there for the start and even the youngest children conquered the first three peaks....
The Festival was a huge success, thanks to the support of the sponsors including Hebridean Air Services, Colonsay Estate and CalMac, and the services of all our experts, artists and...
Hazel is one of 3 finalist for "Graduates In The Spotlight" competition! This is through Nude Jewellery which is a gallery in Mayfair London. If she wins she gets the...
There is good progress – the shorebase application for Planning Permission has gone through, the 60ft service vessel has been built (in Holland?) and is to be named Beinn Eibhin,...
We had a nice start to the year, with the highest temperature to date being recorded on 9th April at 16.0 C. but unfortunately we then encountered a bitterly cold...
This issue is sadly very late and very restricted in its coverage, since the temporary editor was away for most of April having a super time with the younger generations...
Queen Elizabeth I kindly remarked “We have quite forgot the fart” to put at ease the courtier returning from some years in the wilderness. Let us hope that the electorate...
As readers will be aware, there was considerable surprise and disappointment when the Good Friday ferry turned back, hugging the Mull shore in a northwesterly blow and encountering Force 9...
Residents were shocked to discover that our air-service is about to be suspended sine diem. It will be remembered that Argyll & Bute overcame enormous odds to establish CAA approved...
On Monday 4th, there was a great turnout for a tour of all of Colonsay’s 300ft peaks (the MacPhees), a 20 mile sponsored circuit in aid of Educational Travel for...
Readers may have seen a notice, still online together with a picture : MISSING: This important and valuable bronze direction plate disappeared from Beinn a’ Gudairean between September 8th and...
What a triumph! It is still in full flow and perhaps we could ask for a report afterwards? Events to date have been heavily subscribed, comments and feedback are wonderful. ...
Your correspondent attended this year’s festival – no longer being precluded by actually being employed elsewhere – and enjoyed it immensely, has already booked for next year! Details of 2016...
Hazel is one of 3 finalist for "Graduates In The Spotlight" competition! This is through Nude Jewellery which is a gallery in Mayfair London. If she wins she gets the...
We gather that there are a number of Colonsay applicants for the twelve positions on offer, and that at least one person has been for induction training – which was...
Colonsay Community Council is very concerned about the extraordinary discrepancy concerning freight fares to Colonsay compared with other destinations. It puts all Colonsay enterprise at an insuperable disadvantage and, innocently...
On behalf of the Scottish Government, on 25th March Cabinet Secretary Keith Brown proudly announced that 4G Mobile Phone has been installed in Coll, the favourite island (which also...
Our readers will be fully aware of the saga of The Dress, (if not, see it in Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_dress_%28viral_phenomenon%29 ) whereby the recent wedding of Keir and Grace attracted worldwide...
Luckily enough, Colonsay is not relying on public agencies and can be proud of the almost incredible programme of events provided through the energy and enterprise of local people. At...
Details of the GigaPlus Argyll scheme to provide guaranteed Broadband speeds of a minimum 15Mbps were circulated recently; hopefully this system will be in operation for Colonsay within two years. ...
Writing the History of Colonsay John de Vere Loder’s book Colonsay and Oronsay in the Isles of Argyll was published in 1935, eighty years ago. It remains an indispensable source...
This year we mark the 75th anniversary of the sinking of MV Arandora Star and the loss of over 800 persons. There will be a commemorative service at the memorial...
In connection with the Loder event, it would be good to give credit also to Murdoch McNeill. If you know anything about him, where he lived, how his career went,...
Subscriptions are now due for the coming season , a bargain at £25 please make cheques payable to Colonsay Golf Club and send to Trevor Patrick Treasurer. At the same...
There is plenty happening on that front, but your support is needed. The appeal for funds is struggling and not much over halfway mark as yet – over £4000 is...
An exhibition of handicrafts will be mounted in the Parish Church to run from mid-March until the end of SpringFest 2016; all items will have been donated by their creators...
Unfortunately, progress has been delayed. Most of the topographical information is complete but information concerning businesses, beauty spots and the calendar of events is still to be collated and uploaded. ...
Kilchattan Primary School has arrangements in hand for the next expedition and will be holding a ceilidh to raise funds; please make a note of Monday May 4th for a...
Keir and Grace were married in a humanist ceremony at Colonsay Hotel on Saturday 21st February, in a very moving rite conducted by Annie Loughlin, celebrant. The bride was given...
An incredible story arose after the wedding. Seemingly Grace’s mother had been wondering about a dress that she thought of wearing, so she sent a picture to Grace for an...
http://www.colonsaybookfestival.org.uk/ Grateful thanks to our generous sponsors, especially Marine Harvest, CalMac Ferries, Hebridean Airways, Colonsay Brewery, Colonsay Bookshop, Lord & Lady Strathcona and Colonsay Estate.
Colonsay Community Development Company had called an E.G.M. because the majority of Board members had resigned, leaving a bare quorum and an administrative problem which could not be resolved. The...
The 75th anniversary of the tragic loss of the Arandora Star arises on 2nd July 2015, an event in which over 800 individuals perished. The people of Colonsay were profoundly...
http://www.colonsay.org.uk/Events/Festival-of-Spring The festival is organised by the Colonsay Tourism Marketing Group, and kindly supported by CalMac Ferries, Hebridean Air, and our amazing experts, contributors, and walk and workshop leaders who...
Representatives of the company visited Colonsay and gave an update on the situation – the farm should be installed in July 2015 and there should be “fish in the water”...
Readers will remember that the Parish Church has two dangerous windows and has launched an appeal at http://www.colonsay.info/text/Church%20Appeal.htm The progress of the appeal is being regularly updated at that site,...
CHUG met recently with CalMac and looks forward to meeting with Marine Harvest as newcomers to the harbour later this year. Details were circulated to members who missed the meeting,...
Notice of a special App was given in our last issue. Since then over 60 “places of Interest” have been visited, described, photographed and mapped and committee members of the...
Please make a note to participate or sponsor someone... the idea is to climb all of the MacPhees (hills in excess of 300 ft), starting and finishing at a point...
With the help of GRAB, Colonsay Community Council has funded a small leaflet designed by Colonsay beach-litter artist Jane Rose http://www.janerose.co.uk/ The leaflet is to discourage the use of bottled...
A great deal of interesting material is coming to light, and it transpires that at least two old photographs from the album of Susan Carruthers McNeill appear in an album...
Would it be a good thing to restore this building? It would be a brilliant place for birdwatchers and photographers, especially during storms or for night sky photography and observation. ...
The honeymooners are thought to be heading for the south of France, via a week in Jamaica; the Homefield satellite broadband equipment is here and will soon be installed; the...
Festival of Spring April 27th to May 17th 2015 For the fifth successive year the island will open its shores to welcome in the lighter & brighter days of the...
Organisers of the Colonsay Book Festival today announced the line-up of authors for the fourth annual Hebridean literary celebration, for 25 and 26 April 2015. This year’s programme stars celebrated...
Hannah, our LDO, has secured funding for an all-singing, all-dancing Colonsay App which is being designed by BlueMungus. Some of us are a bit unfamiliar with such things but apparently...
Our Local Development Officer is working to arrange satellite Broadband for Colonsay within the next 18 months or so, which is very encouraging. As it happens, one local business is...
Readers might remember the Christmas competition, which aimed to identify a tiny holding on the 1808 Estate Map; purely by chance, it has now been noticed that the area in...
The Parish Church was recently the subject of a professional inspection and it was noted that BOTH the western windows are in a very poor state; one of them is...
Most people in Colonsay will normally drive at between 25mph and 40mph and all will be wearing a seatbelt; and most people do slow down considerably when passing pedestrians (who...
Fotunately, there is nothing much to say. Despite the appalling conditions elsewhere, Colonsay was fairly fortunate – there was very little damage. The wind did not often gust much over...
This meeting had been heralded by both a two-page letter from the remaining four Directors and a subsequent newsletter, with a view to encouraging members of the community to adopt...
COLONSAY Ploughing Match: Competitions for ploughing supremacy were commenced on this island twenty-four years ago, and, with the exception of a few years’ break, have been continued to this day. ...
Gavin was away again! This time he was in the Canaries but he seemed to be making the best of it; Anne and Jim were on the High Seas once...
Despite the persistent extreme weather over the last two months we’ve had some really spectacular wildlife sightings and encounters. We have had brilliant views of a pair of golden eagles...
AND HAPPY 15th BIRTHDAY TO THE CORNCRAKE, WHICH FIRST APPEARED IN JANUARY 2000 (what larks! Do you remember the Millenium Bug Y2K? The River of Fire? The Dome? The Wobbly...
Kilchattan Primary School hosted a magnificent Christmas Dinner on Thursday 18th, which earned a huge vote of thanks from all concerned for the good offices of Sarah Moss, school-cook and...
A triumph! Without exception, the children were absolutely brilliant; Mary (Eve) brought forth the baby as readily as a rabbit from a hat, whilst Joseph (Seamus) was nothing if not...
There was a party for young and old in the Village Hall on Tuesday 23rd, with plenty of games and sumptuous refreshments. The youngsters at Kilchattan were augmented by their...
The Directors of CCDC recently circulated island households, advising them of the next scheduled Board Meeting, 8th January, which is as usual open to all shareholders (and apparently to members...
Islanders and friends from far and wide were saddened to learn of the death of Jessie McNeill on Friday 12th December at Lorn and the Islands Hospital, peacefully after some...
It was with great sadness that all who knew Betty Paton heard of her passing, 17th December. Betty and Ian made their home at Maggie Thomson’s Cottage in the 1990s...
Capt. MacKinnon John MacArthur of Uragaig was related to Dougie MacKinnon, working as a gamekeeper in Dumfries, and encouraged him to move to Colonsay in the late 1940s or so;...
The very unusual 1930s roof of the Baptist Manse (architect Balfour “Baffy” Paul) began to give serious problems so has been stripped and recovered in a heavy-duty sort of Onduline. ...
This campaign is now entering its third year and has been incredibly successful. The initial task was almost overwhelming, but it was much easier in the second year and it...
Our illustration is from David Wilson’s Colonsay Map of 1808. Good copies were available at the Post Office and Pantry and readers were challenged to locate and describe any trace...
The island website lists all available accommodation and includes up-to-date vacancy charts either on that site or via a link to individual websites – go to www.colonsay.org.uk CalMac are keen...
The Gathering is a chance for folk who love Colonsay to get together for a dinner and ceilidh on the mainland every second year, and is normally an opportunity to...
The restoration of the Scalasaig minor light is making good progress and we expect the completed light chamber to be returned to the island in March 2015. The Trust plan...
This very popular feature was delayed due to ongoing broadband difficulties, but it is hoped that it can appear later. If so, it will be in the “bells and whistles”...
The phenomenal success of AirBnB is apparently distorting property values in many places; seemingly people purchase residential property and then rent it out for short lets without seeking change of...
The editor’s chair is vacant still – the position is unpaid, but it is rewarding in other ways. The main purpose of the magazine is to maintain links with the...
The most exciting news appeared on FaceBook – Colonsay is expecting a baby, hopefully about mid-summer, and we wish every happiness to the prospective parents and grandparents; Roz and Chris...
Recent Posts
- Published On: Apr 27, 2017
2017
Eastertide and the island throws off its Winter weeds, welcomes regular and new visitors, and...
- Published On: Apr 27, 2017
2017
Easter is not really for the children … So runs the second verse of a...
- Published On: May 5, 2016
2016
The only wasted vote is the one not cast. Happy voting! ELECTION STATEMENTS MAY 2016.