New Booklets Published

Over the last winter, The Diary had the pleasure and privilege of interviewing Joey MacKenzie, West Ardnamurchan's oldest resident, about her recollections of this area. Joey has lived here, on and off, all her life, but it was decided to write up her memories in the form of a snapshot of life in her village - Kilmory, on our beautiful north coast - in one particular year, 1930, when Joey was sixteen.

The results are published as Kilmory - A Crofting Township in 1930, and, at Joey's request, all proceeds will go to Kilchoan Community Centre.

At the same time, we have published another new booklet based on the Log Books which are held by Kilchoan School. In the 'old days', the Head Teacher would write an entry each Friday, giving the attendance figures and a brief comment on the week. Our booklet contains extracts from the first Log Book, dated between 1916 and 1933.

The selection of entries for the booklet is arbitrary, except that we have tried to give a flavour of life in the school during those years, and to follow themes that have recurred throughout the period - like the battle the schoolmaster had with the Hotel over the water supply. The result is a fascinating snapshot of life in the village. Proceeds from this booklet will go to Kilchoan School Fund.

The new booklets, along with the four others already in print, are available from outlets on the peninsula, including The Ferry Stores, Kilchoan Community Centre, Nadurra (Ardnamurchan Natural History Centre) and Ardnamurchan Lighthouse.