• Published On: May 2, 20173.7 min readCategories: Community News, Events

    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...

  • Published On: Apr 1, 20163.5 min readCategories: Community Development, Community News, Events, Politics

    COMMUNITY 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...

  • Published On: Apr 1, 20161.5 min readCategories: Community News, Events

    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...

  • Published On: Feb 18, 20160.2 min readCategories: Births, Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Feb 18, 20160.2 min readCategories: Community News, Odds and Ends

    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...

  • Published On: Feb 18, 20161.2 min readCategories: Community News, Sport

    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...

  • Published On: Feb 18, 20160.5 min readCategories: Community News

    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 17, 20160.6 min readCategories: Community Development, Community News, School

    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...

  • Published On: Feb 17, 20161.7 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Feb 17, 20160.2 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Sep 1, 20150.2 min readCategories: Community News

     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...

  • Published On: Sep 1, 20150.3 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Sep 1, 20150.8 min readCategories: Community News, Jobs

    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...

  • Published On: Jul 6, 20151 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Jul 6, 20151 min readCategories: Community News, Events, History

    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...

  • Published On: Jul 6, 20150.5 min readCategories: Community News, Events

    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. ...

  • Published On: Jul 6, 20150.8 min readCategories: Community News, Events

    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...

  • Published On: Jul 6, 20152 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Jul 6, 20152.1 min readCategories: Community News

    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:...

  • Published On: Jul 6, 20150.7 min readCategories: Community Development, Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Jul 6, 20150.6 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Jun 1, 20150.5 min readCategories: Community News, History

    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...

  • Published On: Jun 1, 20150.7 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Jun 1, 20151.7 min readCategories: Community News, Politics

    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...

  • Published On: Jun 1, 20151.1 min readCategories: Community News, Events

    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....

  • Published On: Jun 1, 20150.9 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Jun 1, 20150.5 min readCategories: Community Development, Community News

    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,...

  • Published On: May 1, 20151.9 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: May 1, 20151.8 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: May 1, 20151.2 min readCategories: Community News, Events

    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...

  • Published On: May 1, 20150.7 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: May 1, 20150.9 min readCategories: Community News, Events

    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...

  • Published On: May 1, 20150.5 min readCategories: Community Development, Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Apr 1, 20152.7 min readCategories: Community Development, Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Apr 1, 20153.2 min readCategories: Community News

      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...

  • Published On: Apr 1, 20151.7 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Apr 1, 20152.3 min readCategories: Community News, Events

    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...

  • Published On: Mar 1, 20151.6 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Mar 1, 20150.9 min readCategories: Community News, Just for Fun

    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...

  • Published On: Mar 1, 20151.8 min readCategories: Church, Community News

    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,...

  • Published On: Mar 1, 20150.9 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Feb 4, 20151.7 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Feb 4, 20151.2 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Feb 4, 20153.1 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Feb 4, 20151.3 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Feb 4, 20150.9 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Feb 4, 20154 min readCategories: Community Development, Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Jan 3, 20150.2 min readCategories: Community News, Just for Fun

    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...

  • Published On: Jan 3, 20150.4 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Jan 3, 20150.9 min readCategories: Community News

     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...

  • Published On: Jan 3, 20150.7 min readCategories: Community News, Events

    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...

  • Published On: Jan 3, 20151.6 min readCategories: Community Development, Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Jan 3, 20150.7 min readCategories: Community News

    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. ...

  • Published On: Jan 3, 20152.3 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Jan 3, 20150.7 min readCategories: Community News, Events

    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...

  • Published On: Jan 3, 20150.4 min readCategories: Community Development, Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Dec 1, 20141.4 min readCategories: Community News, Events

    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...

  • Published On: Dec 1, 20140.5 min readCategories: Community News, Events

    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...

  • Published On: Dec 1, 20141.6 min readCategories: Community Development, Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Dec 1, 20141.3 min readCategories: Community News, Events

    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...

  • Published On: Dec 1, 20141.3 min readCategories: Community News, History

    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...

  • Published On: Dec 1, 20140.9 min readCategories: Community News, Odds and Ends

    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...

  • Published On: Dec 1, 20140.5 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Nov 3, 20142.8 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Nov 3, 20141.2 min readCategories: Community News

    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,...

  • Published On: Nov 3, 20140.9 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Nov 3, 20141 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Nov 3, 20141.7 min readCategories: Community Development, Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Nov 3, 20142.3 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Nov 3, 20140.7 min readCategories: Community News, Nature

    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...

  • Published On: Nov 3, 20140.4 min readCategories: Community Development, Community News

    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,...

  • Published On: Oct 31, 20140.1 min readCategories: Community News

    The November edition of the Corncrake has been delayed and will now appear before or on 8th November.

  • Published On: Sep 30, 20140.2 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Jul 31, 20148.6 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Jul 31, 20142.3 min readCategories: Community Development, Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Jul 31, 20142.1 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Jul 31, 20140.6 min readCategories: Community Development, Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Jul 31, 20141 min readCategories: Community News, Horticultural

    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...

  • Published On: Jul 31, 20140.3 min readCategories: Community News, Sport

    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...

  • Published On: Jul 31, 20140.6 min readCategories: Community Development, Community News, Sport

    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...

  • Published On: Jul 31, 20142 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Jul 31, 20141.3 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Jul 31, 20140.2 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Jul 4, 20140.8 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Jul 4, 20141.3 min readCategories: Community News, Events

    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...

  • Published On: Jul 4, 20140.8 min readCategories: Ancestry, Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Jul 4, 20144 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Jul 4, 20140.3 min readCategories: Community News, Obituaries

    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...

  • Published On: Jul 4, 20140.6 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Jul 4, 20141.3 min readCategories: Community News, Nature

    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....

  • Published On: Jul 4, 20141.1 min readCategories: Community Development, Community News, Events

    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...

  • Published On: Jul 4, 20140.7 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Jun 27, 20140.7 min readCategories: Community News

    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...

  • Published On: Jun 24, 20140.9 min readCategories: Community News, Uncategorized

    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”...

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...

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