Though the not-quite-a-drought time eventually ended, summer did not part, as it might have done, at the beginning of July. Though the weather was more mixed there was enough warmth and...
The warm dry spell that spread across the whole country in late spring and extended into early summer came as much welcome relief for the island after one of the...
Spring came late this year, but by May calving and lambing were well underway on the Kiloran and Balnahard farms. An incredibly busy time sees long days and short nights...
The Colonsay Hotel is open, Easter celebrated, and chocolate eggs searched for, found and eaten. For the island the new season has begun. April is typically the month when, with...
Easter came early this year, or so it seemed, with the island barely ready to shrug off its winter coat. Welcomes were warm though, with a sudden surge of visitors...
The early days of the year see Colonsay quiet, with essential work on the farms, the comings and goings of the ferry, and the occasional hardy beach comber the only...
On the Front Page this month: Colonsay prepares for Christmas, a briefing of island news, and the end of the beginning for the Keeping Colonsay Clean project. As with many...
On the Front Page this month: Colonsay takes a breath as the season ends, a briefing of island news, and New Local Development Officers are appointed. After the Autumn Festival,...
On the Front Page this month: The Autumn Food & Drink Festival a briefing of island news, and a farewell to another island stalwart Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness October...
On the Front Page this month: The 10th Ceol Cholasa a briefing of island news, and another entry filled Colonsay Show Late Summer Sunshine The celidh season has passed and...
On the Front Page this month: height of the summer season, a briefing of island news, and sporting events come to the fore Height of the Summer Season August...
On the Front Page this month: ceilidh season begins, a briefing of island news, and the return of the Colonsay Rugby Festival Ceilidh season begins July sees...
On the Front Page this month: busy season continues, a briefing of island news, and our postman retires, again? Busy season continues The island usually takes a breath...
The aim of the project was to bring the Colonsay & Oransay community, particularly those most vulnerable to isolation, together over the quiet winter months to celebrate the islands’ heritage....
Colonsay’s Spring Festival, which centres on the creative arts and nature, was held in the first three weeks of May. The first half of the festival featured a wide variety...
The Front Page – 31st May On the Front Page this month: a busy start to the season, a briefing of island news, and our postman retires. ...
Colonsay’s Spring Festival, which centres on the creative arts and nature, began as the Book Festival closed its doors on the last weekend in April, with the Old Waiting Room...
As the doors closed on the 6th Annual Colonsay Book Festival on the last Sunday in April, it marked the end of another successful chapter in life of what has...
Eastertide and the island throws off its Winter weeds, welcomes regular and new visitors, and sees the year’s first flush of social sporting events, set of course in the context...
Easter is not really for the children … So runs the second verse of a poem by Steve Turner, comparing the two great Christian festivals of Christmas and Easter. And...
The only wasted vote is the one not cast. Happy voting! ELECTION STATEMENTS MAY 2016.
Published On: Apr 1, 20163.5 min readCategories: Community Development, Community News, Events, PoliticsCOMMUNITY TO GAIN NEW LAND POWERS. More than 40 island residents gathered in the Village Hall on Tuesday, 23rd March, to hear all about new powers granted to them by...
On the 10th and 12th March two fundraisers were held, organised by Rosalind Jewell, to raise money for Positive Action in Housing & Syria Relief. The former was a cake...
“A father and his two sons are lost at sea. Keep busy, eh? Hope we’ll get a body, mebbe. The widden spoon. A knock on the door wi a wooden...
On Wednesday 16th March the community was warmly welcomed to a preview of the Arts & Crafts Exhibition at the Parish Church, Scalasaig with refreshments provided by Gavin & James...
The dates for this year's festival are Mon 25th April to Sun 15th May 2016 This will be the sixth year that the Spring Fest has been staged ...which means...
WILD ISLAND. A year in the Hebrides" by Jane Smith. Have you ever listened to Corncrakes calling on a star-lit night? Have you crossed the Strand to Oronsay, wading through...
Not long now until the fifth Colonsay Book Festival which will take place on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th April. Opening with our first ever Fringe event, rapper and performance...
I think most peoples perception of the undoubted beauty of Colonsay is limited to daylight , but, as a semi-nocturnal person by way of profession, I have always enjoyed being...
A beautiful church service was held in Colonsay Parish Church on Thursday, 4th February, to give thanks for the life of a very special Colonsay lady, Mrs Peggy Clark. It...
With regards to the upcoming Scottish Parliament election the Corncrake will attempt to feature statements from different candidates. This month we have a short piece from current Argyll & Bute...
This month’s song suggestion came from Seumas McNeill (I know the word nepotism is coming to mind at this point but no one else submitted pictures or songs this month!...
Island residents will recall the catastrophic house-fire which occurred in December 2013 in the house occupied by Trevor and Yasmin Crowe. One of the issues raised after the calamity was...
Seumas McNeill, Port Supervisor for Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries, has announced the hours during which the Pier Office will be open: DAY OF THE WEEK OPENING HOURS Monday/Diluain 09.00-14.00 and 16.30-19.30...
This month’s photo comes from Morag Grant. Morag’s Instagram account - @momag93 - has been growing a bit of a fan base over the last couple of years as she...
Unicycle! - A full non-stop circuit of Colonsay by unicycle... has this been done before?! (OK, we own up, there was an ice cream stop at the shop). Uphill sections...
The Corncrake is published to keep all our friends in touch with life on the island and invites contributions. Brief genealogical and related queries are also welcome from Colbhasachs overseas, as are...
No, we can't beam one of our handsome reporters into your living room just yet. However, due to our dogged determination to keep up with technological advancement, we've come up...
Dear readers, Bliadhna Mhath Ùr, Happy New Year and best wishes to you all. In an unfortunate case of ‘too many balls in the air” you have been bereft of...
After a night spent preparing and wrapping rolls for 74 packed lunches it was a relief to finally finish work and get ready for the excitement to come. The ferry...
Another year, another beautiful October and another Connect with Colonsay; a multifarious, month-long extravaganza of arts, agriculture, history, food, felting…everything. With fantastic weather for the most part the festival’s array...
We were all very excited to hear that on the 7th November 2015 Keir and Grace Johnston welcomed their baby boy, Arlo William Keir into the world. He was born...
Remember, remember…on the 5th November we had a lovely fireworks display and bonfire to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night. Donald and the fire brigade deftly handled the explosives and through the...
In the months since the new Colonsay Community Development Company Board were elected, the main focus has been on ‘getting the house in order’. The Board has worked not only...
Sheena Nisbet has been back in the principal’s chair for the last few months as acting Head Teacher of Kilchattan Primary while Gill has been on leave. Gill has now...
Holly Nisbet recently jetted off for the ski slopes of Val d’Isère in France. Here’s a wee recap from Holly of her first few months. After leaving Colonsay a week...
A couple of Colonsay's residents recently took up the Sober October Challenge in which an individual is sponsored to stay off the booze for the whole of October to raise...
In October we had the annual Root & Grain Show in the Village Hall. A good turn out with plenty of entries. Here’s a recap of the winners - well...
Jamie Leppard was the lucky recipient of £30 prize money after correctly guessing the number of sweets on the cake in a fundraising competition for MacMillan Cancer Support. Don’t spend...
At an early December meeting on the island, community reps took the first steps on the road to building affordable social housing at Port Mor. If the project comes to...
Club Captain Donald MacAllister chaired the Club’s 16th January AGM in the island’s fire station and reflected on a season that had included a successful Open competition and ceilidh and...
Colonsay commuter Dannie Onn has been selected to play for the Scotland over 60s team at the 2016 Grand Masters Hockey World Cup in Australia. The world cup is being held in...
Sadly the last few months have seen a bit more going than coming - we were very sad to hear of Donald & Hannah MacAllister’s decision to leave the island...
Published On: Feb 18, 20161.7 min readCategories: Community Development, Events, Gaelic, History, MusicWith the grant awarded to Colonsay Community Development Company (CCDC) by Bòrd na Gaidhlig a weekend event was held celebrating Gaelic culture, music and language, specifically that of Colonsay &...
It was with heartfelt regret that we said goodbye to Jean MacAllister last year. Jean was born in Hamilton on the 5th of December 1930 where she attended St John’s...
We were all deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Peggy Clark. She passed away peacefully on the 28th of January. A full piece on Peggy’s life will be...
Now the weather is perking up and although the sheep may still be drenched and a bit sad-looking we at Corncrake HQ know there are still beautiful photographic moments to...
Each month we will feature a song suggested by our readers. Please send your recommendations (or links to SoundCloud, Bandcamp, Youtube etc) to caitlinmusic@hotmail.co.uk or comment below This months selection...
This year’s Summer ferry timetable will operate as follows: Travellers should note that an amended timetable will run on Thursday 14th and Monday 18th July - information will be published...
COLONSAY AND ORANSAY HERITAGE TRUST are organising another weekend of IT training: Saturday March 12th and Sunday, in Kilchattan School. The format will be the same as last time, with...
Colonsay Village Hall The Hall committee held its A.G.M on 9th January. The committee is unchanged apart from the resignation of Esme Marshal. Esme has been a great supporter of...
The Colonsay bar is open at the weekends this month. Saturday: 12-7pm Sunday: 2-7pm You might see this man; he might even buy you a drink! (disclaimer: Mr Williams buying you a drink...
THE GREAT COLONSAY LAND DEBATE Officials from the Mainland will soon travel to Colonsay, to make a presentation to a Public Meeting in the Hall, the topic being the issue...
Click here for the RSPB update.
The Corncrake is published to keep all our friends in touch with life on the island and invites contributions. Brief genealogical and related queries are also welcome from Colbhasachs overseas, as are...
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...
Wishing happiness and blessings to all our readers at Christmas greeting includes all men on earth of goodwill regardless of religious proclivity and is non gender-specific The schoolchildren are hosting...
Our illustration is from a later edition of David Wilson’s Colonsay Map of 1804; this particular edition includes the new Mill, so is probably dated about 1870, but the edition...
There was a great party for Hallowe’en, held at the Backpackers Lodge and attended by all the children. Commemoration of Guy Fawkes’ bid for parliamentary reform took the form of...
Other local activities include the Scottish Country Dancing practice sessions held on Wednesday evenings,led by Seamus and Christine and supported by about a dozen folk. There is also a Badminton...
Holidays for 2015: If you already have your reservations made, please remember to send any outstanding deposits. If you have not yet booked, please refer to www.colonsay.org.uk to see the...
Because it is looking so smart in our warm winter sunshine it deserves to be seen. Persons with acute vision can see that even the chimney pots have been painted...
COHT has secured the services of Hazel Smith to assist in the professional preparation and submission of bids for funding. Your correspondent looks forward to further news, but is aware that...
This year Colonsay and Oransay Heritage Trust were awarded a grant by the Association of Industrial Archaeology to restore the original Scalasaig minor light. The light, which was oil lit,...
An exciting arrival on the strand this month was a little egret. Only the third record for Colonsay & Oronsay, the egret has been seen feeding regularly in the shallow...
As Andrew Abrahams pointed out, lots of experts may have seen it, but he got the picture: He/she (?) is a snow bunting. Arrived with a bunch of fieldfares and...
Owing to some antediluvian anomaly (going back at least to the time of David MacBrayne) Colonsay suffers from mind-boggling freight charges – a lorry travelling from Oban to Colonsay return...
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...
OK – this time Bill and Annie really have gone to Oz; Argyll & Bute Planners came to give their views on possible wind-turbine locations and possible low-cost housing; the...
Most readers will remember the familiar side-loading car-ferry MV “Columba”; in fact she is still a regular visitor to the island in another guise. Anybody who ever travelled on her...
It is interesting to note that the recent publicity about the death rate at Vale of Leven is a curious echo of the outrage concerning the high death rate at...
The following article first appeared in The Corncrake about 15 years ago. Poem by "Colonsay Exiles" June 16th 1943 We wandered up to Clark's Hotel, to meet Mine Host so...
Recent heavy rain raised the level of Loch Fada and eventually the water was 15” deep over the road as it passes An Déabhaidh (“the shallow channel between parts of...
The party was held at the Backpackers’ Lodge and attended by all the children, including a very welcome visitor from Italy, Lily. There were outrageous costumes worn by children and...
The Heritage annual cheese and wine event was held on Saturday 25th October within the modest confines of The Old Generator Shed. Despite lashing rain it was, as ever,...
More commonly known as OctoberFest, this has become an established event and runs through the first few weeks of the month, covering the tatty-howkin’ school holidays. It is a slightly...
It seems that the ferry timetable for Summer 2015 will be very much the same as in 2014, commencing on 3 April 2015. The winter timetable is now in operation,...
Grace and Hannah, two unsung heroes who are achieving truly amazing things. Trying to make things easy for oneself, your temporary editor asked them for an update: 'Recycle for Colonsay'...
On a related mission, one should say that we are about to enter Year 3 of a campaign to render Colonsay and Oronsay completely free of litter and junk in...
Join us for a Bonfire, BBQ & Fireworks NOW WEDNESDAY 5TH OCTOBER 6.30pm Colonsay Community Garden
Rev. E. Gibson will lead the community in a service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance commencing at 10.30 sharp on Sunday 9th November. Please gather in good time within the CalMac...
The Colonsay Gathering is to be held at Crianlarich Hotel on the weekend of 7th February 2015 – this is a great chance for friends old and new to gather...
Rev. Liz Gibson will be here for two weeks from Wednesday 5th and will be delighted to meet parishioners (of any persuasion or none); please do not hesitate to get...
The students were industriously at work in the kitchen of Colonsay House this week, making special cakes for Hallowe’en. Rumour has it that they may be planning to surprise us...
The Community Garden has gone from strength to strength with the grass now resembling a respectable lawn and the flower beds establishing themselves. With the threat of westerly storms just...
Early October saw the return of the Greenland barnacle geese to Colonsay and Oronsay. The highest count on Oronsay mid-way through the month was an amazing 2396 geese, which in...
There has been an amazing flowering of literary talent in the recent past, and it would be too much to list everything. Some works are by people with strong local...
The most recent meeting was on October 7th and the main topic was the cost of freight. Various residents had kindly provided information on charges levied and it was noted...
As a member of the public one attended part of the most recent meeting of CCDC. As a novice one may have missed or misunderstood part of the proceedings, but...
Many of our readers will have noticed that the October edition appeared as usual and on time – and then it disappeared! The background to the situation is that when...
A whale beached at Port Lobh recently and it seemed possible that it was an accidental stranding. A very large number of people gave of their time to help keep...
It is quite extraordinary to know that more than one million people in Canada alone have an ancestral link with Colonsay. If you have a connection with the island, be...
At least one local business has been targeted – punter makes a booking from overseas, agrees the price and sends advance payment which covers the full rental plus an additional...
Rumour has it that there is the possibility of a newly-arriving family for Colonsay; Seamus is finding it hard to run both the farm and the port, so is standing...
If you have got this far, you deserve to know that any comments concerning the current edition should be addressed to byrne@colonsay.org.uk If you live locally and got this far,...
The November edition of the Corncrake has been delayed and will now appear before or on 8th November.
Unfortunately it is not currently possible to update the Corncrake in it's new format. This will be addressed as soon as possible. In the meantime the newlsetter is still available in...
The two main freight companies providing lifeline services to Colonsay are warning of massive price rises to cope with a Calmac crackdown on overloading. They say freight rates will have...
Scottish environment minister Paul Wheelhouse says he’s “sorry” island laird Alex Howard and the community development company have been unable to reach a deal yet to buy estate owned land...
Fears that low water pressure is endangering island residents are being investigated by Scottish Water. The island community council asked for an urgent examination of the supply system following a...
Two new recruits joined the community council at it’s annual meeting recently. Island laird Alex Howard and resident William Joll were co-opted onto the council to join existing members Sheena...
Garden volunteers organised a fund raising “Big Tea” to ensure the future of the community venture- and netted over £800 in an afternoon. The garden, in front of the village...
Island resident Jim McLoughlin was honored in the Queen’s Baton relay as he carried the Commonwealth symbol through part of Argyll. Jim had been put forward because of his 30...
Colonsay’s set to celebrate the Commonwealth Games tomorrow (Saturday August 2) with an afternoon and evening of fun. Sports for children and adults alike are to commence at Machrins at...
Alex Howard’s offering to help ease the island gravel crisis sparked by the council ordering him to stop selling stones off the shore. Argyll and Bute Council ordered a halt...
Island friends of the late Davie Sutherland set out to make this year’s “poppy ceilidh” the best yet – and raised a record amount for the Earl Haig Fund. Highlight...
Nearly four months after the McLennans van was stolen from the pier Police Scotland admit they are no nearer identifying the culprit. A spokesman for Police Scotland said their inquires...
Each month Island LDO’s Grace MacPhee and Hannah MacAllister give us the news from the volunteer led Colonsay Community Development Company: There have been lots of exciting things happening...
At the beginning of the month we did a survey of common seals on the Strand and counted 40 adults and over 25 pups. On the strand it is also...
The third Colonsay Rugby festival has been hailed an outstanding success with a record number of teams enjoying a packed weekend of sport that saw Oban RFC crowned champions –...
Each month the Corncrake invites someone with Colonsay connections to give us an insight into who they are and why they’re here. This month it’s community nurse Michelle Cameron How...
The piershed at ferry time is the place to find out what’s going on – sometimes the stories are even true! *Wednesday’s ferry from Colonsay was full for cars –...
Please find below links to PDF copies of the Corncrake which you can print out and enjoy at your leisure: Corncrake May 2017 Corncrake April 2016 Corncrake February 2016 Part...
Development company convener Gavin Clark says he is confident they will be able to build affordable housing on the Hotel Brae – which would be the culmination of 10 years...
An appeal has gone out for volunteers to take on an island renewable generation project that could see the community benefit to the tune of £40,000 a year. The Local...
Scottish environment minister Paul Wheelhouse has told people on Colonsay that they are in a position to benefit from new proposals aimed at speeding up the SNP’s land reform agenda....
MSP Michael Russell writes for the Corncrake: “Land Reform is back in the news again. Paul Wheelhouse, the Environment Minister, told the Community Land Scotland Conference in early June...
Island emergency service volunteers are asking members of the public, especially visitors, to pull into passing places and allow overtaking on Colonsay’s single track roads. Twice in recent weeks 999...
Island residents gathered in force to say hello to the new look perished and goodbye to the old piermaster. After 16 years presiding over the comings and goings of ferries...
Island impresario Donald “Pedie” MacNeill has put together a series of concerts to get the feet tapping during those long hot summer nights. A recent visitor survey clearly showed music...
Colonsay and Oronsay Heritage Trust is launching a drive to recruit new supporters to help fund its vital work protecting the islands’ heritage. Trust convener Dave Binnie is asking people...
Two new starts next term mean Kilchattan Primary School will boast a total of nine pupils when the academic year starts in August. Headteacher Gill MacKenzie has kindly given the...
The family would like to thank everyone for the exceptional care, concern and kindness shown throughout Mike’s illness and over the last few weeks. Through the very generous donations made...
Rescue crews from HMS Gannet at Prestwick made three emergency trips to Colonsay in June – up two on their previous month’s total. The most serious was to airlift a...
A fascinating conference took place mid June organised by the Island’s Book Trust to celebrate the life of Donald Mackinnon – first professor of Celtic Studies at Edinburgh University. As...
Despite being fantastic animals with an essential function in the right environment, hedgehogs are not a native species to Colonsay and Oronsay. By Scottish law they should remain that way....
On June 1st Colonsay held its first ‘Big Lunch’ - it is a very simple idea from the Eden Project aimed at getting as many people as possible across the...
So far summer on Colonsay and Oronsay has been full of sightings both expected and unexpected. We have two new breeding species for the reserve- a pair of sparrowhawks and...
In the month of June, an eighteen-strong raiding party left the shores of Cholbhasa, bound for Eileann Ila, writes our Golf Correspondent Scott Weatherstone. Their challenge was to play The...
Sue Taylor has a wonderful way of making the island fauna, domesticated and wild, perform for her camera. How about this great portrait of a seal:
There has been a makeover at the Pantry with Gavin gearing up for the season. First to arrive was the island’s first barrista style coffee machine, , and then a...
This beautiful looking fish was caught on the west side of the island by Colm McNicholl. We think it’s a male Corkwing Wrasse which is native to the eastern Atlantic...
The piershed at ferry time is the place to find out what’s going on – sometimes the stories are even true! *A commercial diver found a very rich scallop bed...
Community Land Scotland, the representative body of Scotland’s community land owners has published economic indicators data of community ownership. The report demonstrates remarkable results showing that community ownership can out-perform...
The long awaited final report of the Scottish Government Land Reform Review Group is recommending ways of helping the country’s communities, rural and urban, achieve the First Ministers Target of...
The annual Colonsay Spring Festival, which finished Mid May – saw large numbers of locals and visitors alike getting up close and personal with the Island flora and fauna, and...
An exhibition featuring the stories of the men who left Colonsay to fight in the First World War never to return is underway on the island. Entitled ‘Colonsay Remembers’ the...
Barry McMichael from Largs captured this stunning view of Loch Fada earlier this month
Bob and Alison liked this so much they thought they would share it with Corncrake readers. If you have a recipe you thinks deserves to be shared please email colonsayldohannah@gmail.com...
The piershed at ferry time is the place to find out what’s going on – sometimes the stories are even true! The piershed is the tale – its refurbishment is...
Politics is show business for ugly people opined Texas Political consultant Bill Miller in 1991. He was , I am sure, merely echoing the distaste for organised politics that exists across...
Each month the Corncrake is going to invite someone with Colonsay connections to give us an insight into who they are and why they’re here. First up, after a bit...
Following on the Community Land Scotland report the Corncrake asked the convener of the Gigha Heritage Trust, community owners of the island just to the North of the Kintyre peninsula...
Rangers-mad man about town Angus MacPhee is to make the ultimate sacrifice to raise money for the favourite cause of his recently departed friend Davy Sutherland. Wee Davy organised the...
There is, just to the West side of the 18th green of the Isle of Colonsay Golf Course, a large stone lying between many a golfer and a satisfactory finish...
For the fifth year running the RSPB Seabird Tracking and Research (STAR) team has returned to Colonsay for the summer months. This year the team consists of Tessa Cole, who...
Three new faces will be at Monday evening training sessions at the fire station as Fire Scotland increases it’s team on the island. Phil “on the hill” Jones, Matthew “Cammy”...
There is a moment in everyone's life when they have the ultimate realization... an epiphany if you will. They realize that beyond everything that this world has to offer, beyond...
The CCDC held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday evening....
The Isle of Colonsay’s online community newsletter Issue 266, February 2014. Table of Contents Articles Community’s purchase of hotel falls through Burns’ Night 2014 A tribute to Mrs Flora MacNeill...
Recent Posts
- Published On: Jul 20, 2018
The Front Page – July 2018
Though the not-quite-a-drought time eventually ended, summer did not part, as it might have done,...
- Published On: Jun 6, 2018
The Front Page – June 2018
The warm dry spell that spread across the whole country in late spring and extended...
- Published On: May 3, 2018
The Front Page – May 2018
Spring came late this year, but by May calving and lambing were well underway on...