Island Wanderer

I return to blogging after a spell out of the habit. My contribute access provider failed, And as at the same time, my e- mail system proved to be out of order, difficulty prevailed. However, in good time, the problem cleared without any further effort from me.

Christmas is almost upon us again; then the New Year will be issued in. At this time of the year many will cast their thoughts back in an attempt to guage the events of past days. It would be interisting to know what all those who look back think. As for myself I feel that we have experienced a few years not congenial to a spirit of wellbeing: terrorisim, wars, starvation. Yes, a world in turmoil.

Today, my thoughts have been directed to the matter of Climate Change, which seems not to be any less controversial as the immense dispute goes on here and world wide. When Climate Change got into the headlines I'm not sure, but a definate lack of understanding seems to prevail. One wonders if a "couldn't care less"attitude has crept in.

It is strange that Wind Farms hold a dominant part in the renewable energy set up. Wave Power, Solar Power etc, don't still seem to have been developed sufficently to make the same impact. Wind turbines are still being erected in substantial numbers in spite of the cries of "wolf".

Well, I started my blog on a rather pessimistic note and to be this way inclined as regards Global Warming and the state of our planet,any future hope of a plesant situation here does not any longer inspire me.

We often dream of riches but it is few who go beyond what is considered average persons salary.

If you asked me, "who is the present richest person in the world," I wouldn't be abe able to give an answer. I know, though, that quite a number exist. The excessively rich have left their mark on the world down through the ages.

I belive that it was in school that I came to get to know about the scotsman who made an enormous fortune over a hundred years ago or less, to the extent that his name is still synonymous with wealth. This remarkable son of a little manufacturing town called Dunfermiline was the extraordinary Andrew Carneige. A man of immense foresight.

Scotland was not the ideal place in 1848 for anyone who had any ambitions to succeed. The Carneige family left home for America an idustrial developing country with a future. The young lad progressed in this domain of financial promise.Of course, he laboured with a will and made his endevours exceedingly profitiable.

Carneigie posessed the very quality that placed him above his contempoaries. In a short period of time he amassed riches beyond the dreams of countless entrepreneurs. This gentleman had another side to this remarkable charachter, he had a belief that to amass riches, for purely this reason, was improper, compared to providing relief and requirements, as a deprived world population required them. To name some beneficries of numerous gifts and grants euducation was to the forefront, and public libaries all over the world were a special subject for contribution, revered even till this day.

Skibo castle is at the very north of Scotland, a stupendously entralling structure ideal for a multi millionaire to reside untroubled by the worlds affairs,while providing the special friendship this man had for all who admired him. Yes, Andrew Carneige will always be cosidered a friend to a large section of huminaty.

I'm sure that there is much happening in Tiree worthy of being blogged never mind Britain or the World at large. I'll go in another direction this time and direct your attention towards a different realm.

1945 saw an end to World War 11. I really missed out on this conflict and only gained knowledge as many stories were still being circulated well into the 50ths.

Anyway,in 1957, the year before I left school, as you will understand, I had a rather limited understanding of the universe except for the age old satellite, the moon. Its phases and powers are well known to all islanders.

However, to bring my reason for this blog into direct focus 1957 was a tremendously all time news shatteing year, all ideas of space being beyond exploration suddnly ended. In advance of all the other large nations of the earth, Russia dashed the idea that we were earth bound indefinately if not for always.

On the14th of October the Soviet Union proved quite capable of grasping a challange to leave earths pull and send and object into space to circle the earth. This was an awsome advance that has continued to be developed by others till now.

The "Sputnick" as the object I refer to was called, became a universal and a household name considered with amazeant and wonder.

Mankind has now made many journeys to the realms in space and the universe, and we now wait in wonder as new missions prepare for the outward bound journey.

Be that as it may, Is it not peculiar that a nation deemed as being rather one of oppresion had made the progressive and remarkable step of the age.

I feel that I am fortunate by far compared to someone in the more populous towns or cities our realm. When I gaze from my front window I look at one of the most admired natural and sought after scenes world wide.

We all know how attractive sandy beaches are sought after by hoards who love sunshine holidays in every corner of the world.

Well, so many meters from my living room window is situated a delightful sandy beach; although not a crowd puller of numerous tourists, purely due to its inconspicuous dimensions that arouses only a somewhat passing interest. For me though, an immense alluring sense of apprecation prevails.

This rather small entity, really better described as being a cove, when I consider it in perspective and it's special uplifting qualities, I gain satisfaction hardly possible from larger scapes.

The great attraction provided in any seashore situatation is, we shall say at present, is the sea. Did any admirer realize what a calming effect it has on the spirit with its gentle murmerings on a sun drenched day in the summer. The rocks in their shades and colours and the shapes that are so difficult for an artist to catch and reproduce gives also a definate sense of unending cohesion. All in all this could be one of the last remaining entities for us all to joy in.

As winter approaches our thoughts are once again directed to keeping our homes warm which cannot be done, these days, without considerable expense.

My thoughts in view of such consciderations tend to return to the former practises of the populance of the highlands and islands of scotland who dwelt mainly in the old thatched cottages. Such erections are considered by many now-a-days to have been a very basic and exceedingly simple structure only for a some what poverty- stricken tenantry. But on the other hand the very few remaining of these houses are a definate source of interest to visitors and tourists who appear enjoy the the legacy from of bye-gone days .

As already stated keeping warm in the cold weather, in the winter, calls on a large part of our resources.

Now, the solid thatch house, considered to be a somewhat inidequate provider of comforts, I must say, had an obvious advantage over the more up to date urban and suburban buildings. The crofters' abode, which indeed the thatched cottage often was; squat in appearance, and sturdily erected with stone obtained in various ways. The walls were of a double build often with soil in between to provide insullation. The thatch was in itself the most substantial roof covering possible with its a turf base covered with reeds or marram grass. The inmates neither heard the most violent gales or felt the coldest bite of the dark season, while the old fashioned range added to the comfort.

Well, I'm not suggesting that we should return to this way of life, but when someone says that Johnny Highland Man lived at a subsitence level, I am inclined not to agree.

During the last few days we've had a cold and wet bite in the weather. I do hope this is not a prelude, at this early stage, of what to expect in the winter. However, I'm sure that I'm not out of order on saying that it is unseasonal in September which was previously a time for gathering the harvest.

We older generation have a rather unfortunate legacy in being able to recall from the middle of the last centuary. Our stories of halcyon days during sun laden summers and also traditional harvests when at one point the hayfork and the hayrake were the most prominent impliments, doesn't seem to make an impression on the modern day generation.

Somehow I seem to get the idea that the prospect that we are not going to make it with Renewable Energy and that it is going to be a close run race with Nuclear Power, still in the forefront in the demands of governments. Mind you, I have a feeling they don't want to admit that Wind Farms etc. are giving a good run for our money.

Having said this I am aware that it is possible that Nuclear Power could be a part of any development, that being all I will say, with some concern in view of certain problems. But not-with-standing, shall we reduce emissions that cause weather change. Or could I be shinning up the wrong tree???

As I start to write this blog, I am finding it difficult to grasp what would make it a worthwhile effort?

I often get to thinking of the years gone by, and now I am in the situation that gives me the right to be somewhat of an authority on matters concerning the past. And of course, when I consider former years, I find that it is good policy to make comparison with the present.

When I came into this world, sadly there was a war of immense proportions going on in Europe, and as a result, the whole world was affected. In Tiree we were free from the more frightening aspects of the conflict; but we were expected to do our part as was requird.

The crofting way of life continued though, as it had done for many years before. Each season's work was done with the same regularity; only now the military was an added intrusion on the daily toil: trucks, planes and personell had now to be contended with. The elderly were quite amazed with how their daily life had changed compared with the unflustered past for many years.

Well, it seems to be true that nothing will stay th same always. The island has seriously depouplated; crofting, to a very large extent, is becoming a former provider.

Let's hope that the land doesn't become completely desolate and that the pitcher isn't shattered at the well. Is this not what a wise man came up with long, long ago.

Well, we're only at the beginning of September yet, but it is surprising how the days will slip by, and after October, we'll be ino the first month of winter.

Depending on the weather we would have then, the latter days of the year might not be quite congenial as to the spirit of the person: dark days, with lowering skies , rain, wind snow and frost. As a growing boy, these conditions didn't cause me undue concern as the warmth of a sturdy croft house provided my early years with a felling of comfartable well being, not felt in the same way , I'm sure, by my elders as they attended to the various reqirements peculiar to good husbandry; cold wet and demanding in the different climatic conditions.

The winter night time was the great provider of suitable, and much appreciated relief from the toils of the seniors while the juniors wallowed in the warmth of the kitchen stove while playing all sorts of delightful games at the table or on the fireside rug. The older residents often enjoyed draughts and dominoes. Infact the winters night with the windows well curtained to obstruct the dakness an atmosphere of considerable satisfaction prevailed.

There are now almost six decades since I had the woderful feelings of contentment in the gloomy days of the year. This year, much later, I hope to direct my attention to the art of music, also indulged in in the past days, I speak of, usually performed on the Highland Bagpipes or the practise chanter. I never had the good fortune of aquiring any such a skill, but this winter I am determined to make a start on the intricate process to some proficency on this my native instrument, though usually a more tender age is recommended. Anyway, it is going to be my fireside passtime as the wind howls beyond the gable end. Really, does it matter if the nostalgic appreciation rears up again wheather one is 9 or 90 yrs of age.

Last tuesday I boarded Cal/ Mac's second in line boat the " Clansman " at Tiree, and headed for Oban with a certain purpose to see an event I hadn't seen since I as a boy. The Argyllshire Gathering or the Oban Games, take place every year in August, and I believe it is the second last of he west highland games.

Oban is the nearest mainland connection to a large part of the hebrides and the gem of the west for all sail there for the world at large, or who just want to stay put.

Games day is thursday, but high enteries in some of the piping events required competitions to be held on wedensday. Although I am not a piper I have a peculiar interest in the music of the bagpipes. And this day I was assailed with very special efforts at the intiracte note combinations of the "Piobrachd" and then the toe tapping March, Strathspeys and Reels. At a time like this ones personal conclusions compared to that of the judges is an interisting comparison.

Thursday, although a bit dull in the morning, turned out bright and sunny before the crowds took to road to the game's park. A great feeling of expectation prevailed on arriving at the grounds where the contestants would show their prowess in the various events.

Round the borders of the field there were attractions of another kind: tents that took advantage of numerous people present to sell all sorts and various requirements entizeingly displayed. On this day too the police meet the public without stress or need to be vigilent. The mounted police were a special attraction with heir beautiful well groomed horses. The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders had a space of their own along with their heart touching mascot "Cruachan" a small black shetland pony, a real pied piper as far as the childern were concerned.

The games field, though, was supreme; first with dancers and the different runners who faced the day with extraordinery determination to vocal encouagement from an apprciative crowd.

There was of course more piping. Pipes sending their attractive skirll and hum to all corners and beyond the fenced area while the tannoy with its intimations blared loudly.

I would say that the heavy events are the highlight of any games event. Men whom I would say are beyond the odinary man in the street as far as power is concerned, shot putting; trowing hammers; tosing the caber and finally, the tug o war. These are the events that get voluabe cheers and gasps of amazement as the kilted giants vie with each other with feats of streangth to break former records.

Every summer the Highland Games attract us in a very special way and strangely enough, we all, just like the weather, play a part in making each event a success.

My trip to Oban proved to be stunningly enjoyable; a host of winter nights will give me plenty time on reflect on a good way that the best traits in our charachter can be diplayed for whoever to enjoy.

As I am led to understand August is the start of the Autumn; not everybody agrees, I know, as there are different ideas as to when each season commences. July was not quite as Summery compared to June etc, but Summer events went on as usual and as always over the years:- The cattle Show; the Tiree Association Sports and The Regatta.

I'd say that the Cattle Show is the highlight of each event every year. Good seasonal weather prevailed this year boosting the desire to be entertained by all that was provided to make the day a happy memory for a long time to come.

It will not be readily be forgotten that the the display of two Clydesdale horses was the main attraction. To see again these delightful representitives of Scotlands former Agricultural Glory brought memories of my young days when the big horses were a common sight. The early fifties witnessed their demise from the scene; there has been much nostalgia ever since, and especially on the advent of a spiritless machine called The Tractor.

The Regatta as well as being a display in the skill of water sports is also an effort to keep the art of Lug Sailing alive. This year The wind was quite brisk, But some keen exponents didn't hesitate to attempt the course. I am sure, to the delight of all, and especially the elderly observers of the contest.

With the Sports, recreations of the Summer season ended. A sense of loss strikes me as the former doyans of the various events are just memories. Nothing remains now but to speculate on the years before us, and may a new era continue in th spirit of excllence worthy to be mentioned with th past glories.