tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18851848494670865682024-03-18T10:40:00.883+00:00A Kilchoan DiaryKilchoan, Ardnamurchan, Argyll, Scotland. Photography of Wildlife, Scenery. History, archaeology, crofting, news, information, local services, comment, discussion.Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348491898920520197noreply@blogger.comBlogger4893125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885184849467086568.post-52959615342088016732017-08-29T23:59:00.000+01:002017-08-29T23:59:03.366+01:00Thank You!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It seems appropriate to start the last post of the Kilchoan Diary with the picture that appeared on the very first post, on 15th October 2009. It showed the <i>Loch Linnhe</i> approaching Mingary Pier at ten to eight in the morning, with an explosive sunrise behind it. The picture was responsible for the creation of the Kilchoan Dairy: having taken it on a new digital camera, it seemed churlish not to find some way of sharing it with others.<br />
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This blog has been enriched by the contributions of a number of people, including a large number of people outside Ardnamurchan. Many of them sent accounts and pictures from their holidays here. Others corrected me when I made mistakes - like a wrong identification of a bird. For others, the Diary gave the opportunity simply to connect to this lovely place and, sometimes, to their ancestors. My thanks to all of you.<br />
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I have many Ardnamurchan residents to thank for all they have done to help, including those who have contributed - Les Humphreys, Ritchie Dinnes, Richard O'Connor, Justin Cameron, Chris Gane, Geoffrey Campbell, Tony Thain, Out & About, Kilchoan Early Bird, the Raptor and many more. To them, and to others locally who have helped and supported in so many ways over the years - my deepest thanks.<br />
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None of this would have been possible without the help, encouragement and patience of Mrs Diary. It isn't only that we have walked miles together across the lands of Ardnamurchan in all weathers and conditions, she has also put up with the frequent stops to take pictures, the mad pursuits after an errant butterfly, and the irritation when the butterfly has moved just as the camera focussed on it. We'll both desperately miss these walks, and the silence, alone-ness, and stunning beauty of this place.<br />
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So, to the good people of West Ardnamurchan; to you, the Diary's readers; to the passing ships and the weather, to the auroras and the landscapes and the wildlife, to this beautiful place which has been such a happy home for us for over 21 years - thank you, and farewell.Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348491898920520197noreply@blogger.com86tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885184849467086568.post-54574378955488876052017-08-29T07:25:00.000+01:002017-08-29T07:25:00.176+01:00A Wealth of Wildlife<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There was a time when rabbits were much more common here. When we first had the Ferry Stores we used to watch them in the evenings playing on the grass by Shore Cottage but I understand that, years ago, they were much more abundant - Sanna has been described as over-run with them. It may be that their decline....<br />
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....is partly to be responsible for the collapse of the Scottish wildcat population, rabbits being one of their main prey. Again, when we first came, we used to see wildcats occasionally, usually on the road at night. It's a long time since we've seen one though they are reported to be still around.</div>
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The decline of the wildcat has coincided with the rise in pine marten numbers, and to something we have noticed more and more: pine marten scat miles from the nearest pine, or any other sort of tree. They're beautiful animals but we've always discouraged them: they're not much fun if they set up home in your roof space and, when the cats were alive, they didn't like them.</div>
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Mink are an introduced pest. Their numbers seem to fluctuate but even one is too many. They prey on seabirds and their eggs, small mammals, fish, the local poultry and, from the way they look at us, we're also on the menu. Considerable effort has been made locally to eliminate them but this is virtually impossible.</div>
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Thank Goodness that, despite competition form mink, otter numbers seem to be holding up. While it's more difficult to see them in summer - they seem to move away from areas where there is increased human activity and, of course, there are more daylight hours in which they can operate - in winter we often see them in the bay below our house. Anyone who has sat and watched them knows what a joy it is.</div>
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We have had so many exciting encounters with these magnificent beasts but my abiding memory is of the sound of rutting stags roaring on a dark early-winter night while the aurora played above.<br />
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Much less visible are the other species of deer that run wild on Ardnamurchan - fallow, roe and muntjac. The fallow used to be seen in the <i>Beinn nan Losgann </i>forestry but it's now being clear-felled.<br />
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For a short time a black adder took up residence in an old drystone wall at the back of our house and was to be found of an evening sunning himself. I missed him when he moved away.<br />
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From Ardnamurchan we've enjoyed a wealth of marine life. We've kayaked with basking shark, crept up on seals, and swum with lion's mane jellyfish; we've....<br />
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....watched dolphins below our house, seen minke whales sound in the Sound, fished for mackerel off our kayaks, collected periwinkles and cowries, and discovered bluefire and compass jellyfish washed up at Sanna.<br />
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We've been very privileged.Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348491898920520197noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885184849467086568.post-50147721284965516362017-08-28T18:59:00.000+01:002017-08-28T18:59:01.104+01:00Community<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We came to West Ardnamurchan in 1996 to run the shop. We didn't know much about retailing, and keeping the shelves well-stocked was always a challenge, but the support from the community as a whole, and the staff in particular, made the experience a pleasure. We never felt we 'owned' the shop, more that we borrowed it from the community for nine years, and like to feel that we left the shop in a better state than when we bought it.<br />
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One of the best things I ever did here was to join HM Coastguard. It was fun - particularly things like training to drive the truck off-road, under instruction from our leader, Mr Hughie MacLachlan - but it was also at times deadly serious, for example when we were called out at night and in dreadful weather to find a missing person. The sense of teamwork, the working in sometimes dangerous conditions, the mutual support, offered experiences which I will never forget.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCZopih7Itv4d4yo2qfjEVwWKqL2M_ZzAxHywjwT10Q-rMBPTN_5BtS7loWDZYitKIyXU57U6Svv6OqH9QM1VoSVCoyVQQ9CP7jptSkgRHHJvq5rflOOCiAMJA0mVXhlRKhMJ8W64YDq5/s1600/5+people.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCZopih7Itv4d4yo2qfjEVwWKqL2M_ZzAxHywjwT10Q-rMBPTN_5BtS7loWDZYitKIyXU57U6Svv6OqH9QM1VoSVCoyVQQ9CP7jptSkgRHHJvq5rflOOCiAMJA0mVXhlRKhMJ8W64YDq5/s640/5+people.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We have always felt very much part of the community and, as such, became involved in many of its activities. This is a fragile community, a long way from the seats of power and therefore easily forgotten and neglected, so there were times when it has had to fight to maintain services - like when the NHS chose to withdraw the district nursing cover without proper consultation. This is a battle which has yet to be fully won.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvMfy75yhuJM4SPyzKXCN3K1DivAi0PPgCRXMqF_6JBkje87NkWHuaCGo5aMNA0iwfIBi8F-oQpBnlULQ4GSqdXDDAo8IgVAAZHpYK7_nlMLJzV8i8ZX3wZgtWGuQwghAPGIfKkNN-UwL/s1600/3+people.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvMfy75yhuJM4SPyzKXCN3K1DivAi0PPgCRXMqF_6JBkje87NkWHuaCGo5aMNA0iwfIBi8F-oQpBnlULQ4GSqdXDDAo8IgVAAZHpYK7_nlMLJzV8i8ZX3wZgtWGuQwghAPGIfKkNN-UwL/s640/3+people.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
As time went on I became increasingly fascinated by the communities which existed here a long time before today's. The history of western Ardnamurchan is an ancient one, spanning the last 6,000 years, and the evidence was little recorded. The Ardnamurchan History & Heritage Association has begun to rectify this. It has identified over a hundred sites not previously recorded, maintained sites, such as the Campbell graveyard at <i>Camas nan Geall,</i> and....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFprensoh5AkJHijD_Yh0oz_q04oYYlRmuMC4wnc9-1MEZ-i2zDpBL6xWJ9z99PoYgXjRh_E_HduismNywM_NayfvSiyoP8eQmw2sr3ZzwRvgXt_EWJXuKmMxm12tjPBfhemy3FxSVcoc/s1600/4+people.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFprensoh5AkJHijD_Yh0oz_q04oYYlRmuMC4wnc9-1MEZ-i2zDpBL6xWJ9z99PoYgXjRh_E_HduismNywM_NayfvSiyoP8eQmw2sr3ZzwRvgXt_EWJXuKmMxm12tjPBfhemy3FxSVcoc/s640/4+people.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
....it has obtained a number of grants. One was to repair the beautiful church of St Comghan's in Kilchoan township, where the three arches and the doorway were in imminent danger of collapse. The other, from the Heritage Lottery Fund, was, among other things, to publish a number of booklets for sale, to introduce the Kilchoan Primary School children to some of the sites, to create a website - <a href="http://heritageardnamurchan.co.uk/" target="_blank">Heritage Ardnamurchan</a> - and to erect interpretative signs at five of the sites.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLUm2-EQMbz6q3iOMKRhG49WPjFbEFP901SX8L6D8yEWET29ptucNdWnXYpif29HGcSCcrmDaB_VF_KXFeI-QShBayks60cQkA0oqmznFYyWIgGMKbv566kfabjlALGdqnRmDmSIjufos/s1600/6+people.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLUm2-EQMbz6q3iOMKRhG49WPjFbEFP901SX8L6D8yEWET29ptucNdWnXYpif29HGcSCcrmDaB_VF_KXFeI-QShBayks60cQkA0oqmznFYyWIgGMKbv566kfabjlALGdqnRmDmSIjufos/s640/6+people.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
In 21 years we have come to know people very well, and to respect them and their way of life. It isn't easy living out here, conditions can be harsh, prices for basic commodities are high, travelling long distances is normal, holding down several jobs to make ends meet is normal. Such constraints make for a community which looks after its members, is supportive and inclusive. It also produces people who are warm and caring and have a wonderful sense of humour. It has been a privilege to have known and worked with them.Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348491898920520197noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885184849467086568.post-71605063382626180062017-08-27T17:01:00.000+01:002017-08-27T17:01:01.125+01:00Something Special<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijq5kwMtukEh6I2Bu6LFSfXwpeuc_gcCaDBOi1q4xjp3fMYacXkxXbyl83nqrOnJQbnTkKJhZ_MVYfqw1uB7S8s8ixsS-TTMFh4y4MZ3qi2TCW7WEzPBKAoP9FkatJXhlg5v5Mgo49xGWr/s1600/5+special.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijq5kwMtukEh6I2Bu6LFSfXwpeuc_gcCaDBOi1q4xjp3fMYacXkxXbyl83nqrOnJQbnTkKJhZ_MVYfqw1uB7S8s8ixsS-TTMFh4y4MZ3qi2TCW7WEzPBKAoP9FkatJXhlg5v5Mgo49xGWr/s640/5+special.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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One of the things I have learnt in the last few years is that photographs often don't come out the way one expects them to. With such limited knowledge of digital photography, I simply point the camera, press the button, and then hope that the settings were right - and occasionally, very occasionally the picture comes out far better than one could have hoped.</div>
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This is particularly true of wildlife photography where the opportunity for a good shot can be momentary. Picture shows two greylag geese.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTt1nGKqg4v1w-LynPwR0P80kMJVALduqqynZMnExDe0_pPbbE47DqEpuqEDyGdmI4A3q_ZSFnYQPi4Km9iGnyRn_MzoJZqNpGen325SNrMTojLogD-jmZI7UuBr9EbuvtNu6FU5g2Yag/s1600/4+special.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTt1nGKqg4v1w-LynPwR0P80kMJVALduqqynZMnExDe0_pPbbE47DqEpuqEDyGdmI4A3q_ZSFnYQPi4Km9iGnyRn_MzoJZqNpGen325SNrMTojLogD-jmZI7UuBr9EbuvtNu6FU5g2Yag/s640/4+special.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The same can be equally true of landscapes. This picture was taken early on a grey, nondescript March morning and looks across the entrance to Loch Sunart to the hills of Morvern. It was only when it was on the computer that I realised that it captured something like eight layers of landscape.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrCxo1uU1k5rPP8HFkndE2ESAIcaMtO-qVtINOJqE7Td7ktZIdbz6Sa74z93o7B-F0CXT-KYtL4J28Gj2cEl6IwGkVV1HAV115ZvwVdfBoOs9BmaEukRFF3u5KNPQjqiyEWpCs7UUQ4zn/s1600/6+special.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1139" data-original-width="1600" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrCxo1uU1k5rPP8HFkndE2ESAIcaMtO-qVtINOJqE7Td7ktZIdbz6Sa74z93o7B-F0CXT-KYtL4J28Gj2cEl6IwGkVV1HAV115ZvwVdfBoOs9BmaEukRFF3u5KNPQjqiyEWpCs7UUQ4zn/s640/6+special.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is another picture which came out far better than hoped - but for a different reason. We needed a cover for the new edition of the <i>Annals of the Parish</i>, and wanted one similar to the original, which was taken from the lower slopes of <i>Glas Bheinn</i>. To have set out on a bitter March day, with heavy hail showers battering in on a strong wind across the Sound, and come back with such an atmospheric shot, was truly remarkable.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvdTVRkTD6EpxmvY7cj4MboYtjMfhIhOvVM6ApCIlDzNgj_VGzmFMgU_1alBG_9aEAITsj0UED9vDp5GgxPqs7BIljg86qz0TAPni4HDJF0YlvRaIYy2s951q5IxmQmiMA83ftmLDkWXs/s1600/3+special.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvdTVRkTD6EpxmvY7cj4MboYtjMfhIhOvVM6ApCIlDzNgj_VGzmFMgU_1alBG_9aEAITsj0UED9vDp5GgxPqs7BIljg86qz0TAPni4HDJF0YlvRaIYy2s951q5IxmQmiMA83ftmLDkWXs/s640/3+special.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This picture is of one of the crags high above Bourblaige with, far below, the B8007 winding its way across the Basin. The light was all wrong, with the distant slopes of the Basin in the sun and the crag in the shade, but the picture works - partly because of the small things, like the tree clinging to the vertical rock face, and the droplets of water frozen in the waterfall.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPs49Ak4kz7-fqXpFxCIQ0v6pYlDh0bjMqez-sebhxwEyRJ_5c5sqN7XqZo8_H0Ne_SWDx6r1CKPfIAV6iZ3Y2_U7bpFh6_pbjMDmj9nN6fe2SZZdfd2K4GMS6RnfuEsoWKQEAowxQbMi/s1600/7+special.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPs49Ak4kz7-fqXpFxCIQ0v6pYlDh0bjMqez-sebhxwEyRJ_5c5sqN7XqZo8_H0Ne_SWDx6r1CKPfIAV6iZ3Y2_U7bpFh6_pbjMDmj9nN6fe2SZZdfd2K4GMS6RnfuEsoWKQEAowxQbMi/s640/7+special.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This is the most unexpectedly special landscape photograph. We were walking along the beach to the east of Mingary Castle, below the abandoned clachan of <i>Choiremhuilinn</i>, when what had been thick mist suddenly lifted and allowed just a hint of sunlight to catch the beach. At the time I wasn't particularly interested so only bothered to take one shot.Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348491898920520197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885184849467086568.post-35551386270235311402017-08-26T20:14:00.000+01:002017-08-26T20:14:02.290+01:00Raptors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SAnjwRWHyXUs1rGXhYTZLehM-hvP9qXhxZCHdCzHxgrm9rV70WX0dzVnUHuejgZo7F5YMdczWMPd97DP40baXwpOR82PEm9QuyElPwVjFD0FbflsQQFV7xG8Hl81wzi7TIqeDwNnYFCD/s1600/1+raptor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SAnjwRWHyXUs1rGXhYTZLehM-hvP9qXhxZCHdCzHxgrm9rV70WX0dzVnUHuejgZo7F5YMdczWMPd97DP40baXwpOR82PEm9QuyElPwVjFD0FbflsQQFV7xG8Hl81wzi7TIqeDwNnYFCD/s640/1+raptor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The buzzard may be the most common of the local raptors but it doesn't make this bird any less impressive. It's only when one sees one up close - usually perched on a post and approached in a car - that one realises how large they are.<br />
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They have a hard life. There isn't a bird, large or small, that doesn't find pleasure in harassing them, even though they don't hunt birds, and they are persecuted unmercifully by the local crows.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzE2V1W1J03U2UIm5J6QTTWk4VWPSsgbixxF3oWEjf65n3vIqtR8eEyUlsyAb8dbYFZLcquKB8gT47JUsuprIWbqQbV3drVx9pJOU-2Sho_jPIa2qwy9_FwI86pfppEhMKeF0y-PZoJi3/s1600/2+raptor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzE2V1W1J03U2UIm5J6QTTWk4VWPSsgbixxF3oWEjf65n3vIqtR8eEyUlsyAb8dbYFZLcquKB8gT47JUsuprIWbqQbV3drVx9pJOU-2Sho_jPIa2qwy9_FwI86pfppEhMKeF0y-PZoJi3/s640/2+raptor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Occasionally we see much rarer raptors. This merlin was captured by the Raptor at Sanna, while we also have visits from hobbies and hen harriers. At one time we used to see peregrines over Ormsaigbeg.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbDEddJH1i3AgwmrhkTdtLodeg57n_dBBCdm1crD1EISMcHOw6TnSbPPi59zFTFthu2H-bpWT6nY_CgJcpxR3wgUHOwQQNKYuqzc7ulYe4mumFRYh2OMbxZLLLRdQ4HAxheYWhWLj9zR9/s1600/3+raptor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="947" data-original-width="1421" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbDEddJH1i3AgwmrhkTdtLodeg57n_dBBCdm1crD1EISMcHOw6TnSbPPi59zFTFthu2H-bpWT6nY_CgJcpxR3wgUHOwQQNKYuqzc7ulYe4mumFRYh2OMbxZLLLRdQ4HAxheYWhWLj9zR9/s640/3+raptor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Kestrels seem to come and go. Sometimes we have one around almost every day. Sometimes we don't see one in weeks. This one spent time hunting in the grass in front of our house, giving us plenty to watch while we ate our lunch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ngIlSPiPqjHV-8R14I_-XYg3Gs-Kutl6HZs_ZHIdQGeiA1q_OaE7FwX9Xld3QbZnv9qZi5oL08dqFVz-lK0gxu7hcCypun19eVTTkk6Pgy5v_a1zq9w8rwtQKH8PThJXpbQTyIk5H2z2/s1600/4+raptor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ngIlSPiPqjHV-8R14I_-XYg3Gs-Kutl6HZs_ZHIdQGeiA1q_OaE7FwX9Xld3QbZnv9qZi5oL08dqFVz-lK0gxu7hcCypun19eVTTkk6Pgy5v_a1zq9w8rwtQKH8PThJXpbQTyIk5H2z2/s640/4+raptor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Sparrowhawks do a good job of clearing out the mass of house sparrows and chaffinches that clutter our bird feeders at this time of year. Watching one hunting is a pleasure: they fly low and fast, perhaps along a hedge or wall before suddenly angling over it to catch their prey unawares.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGj0XdCe4SNv8HT1f-NhjbJbEql2wmaWUGHQokSkDhznjqpQWD6N7sj1pClZn665TFMfea_bOKIQ8rl-TafcX56nsA5XXMqovWqEEt1X8m-x5BI6Kl2QS-qloBI32Ii4w0-w2Ch_RAGvxb/s1600/8+eraptor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGj0XdCe4SNv8HT1f-NhjbJbEql2wmaWUGHQokSkDhznjqpQWD6N7sj1pClZn665TFMfea_bOKIQ8rl-TafcX56nsA5XXMqovWqEEt1X8m-x5BI6Kl2QS-qloBI32Ii4w0-w2Ch_RAGvxb/s640/8+eraptor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The golden eagle may be losing its battle to dominate the skies over Ardnamurchan. This pair was flying high above Ormsaigbeg but it's much more usual now to see....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8uTgZKCyiSJbCJwIu-U7pV-k7Y8p9B6rkkhlwl0E5YUqYfEO7Nk7cogXxQvUtbSnFx81GXts4CmrgBS9WfyMwsDs7wM16pcc1K9eLrVnJqNjKiFL8B_6nit7vNXdtdM8BQG7E1rhW5EM/s1600/5+raptor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8uTgZKCyiSJbCJwIu-U7pV-k7Y8p9B6rkkhlwl0E5YUqYfEO7Nk7cogXxQvUtbSnFx81GXts4CmrgBS9WfyMwsDs7wM16pcc1K9eLrVnJqNjKiFL8B_6nit7vNXdtdM8BQG7E1rhW5EM/s640/5+raptor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
....these birds, the monarchs of the raptors, the sea eagles. We've been seeing more each year, and there are reports that one pair has, for the first time, nested this summer on western Ardnamurchan.<br />
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They can be very inquisitive birds. This is a juvenile which flew low, in long circles above us, until we began to think that we might end up as its lunch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZSWIn1q9IlrpgjaqROwGHrLDio1SeAa4GciSWSTO2Ybn3tEKjtFnlCp3B5ByfRWEAtX-GrjYRWrbETyL31CImKbCx_FNngR0hhp18ZgDNw6ycvWRx59G8_swGHU9ZAHw89o_eC5lu-Ka/s1600/6+raptor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1353" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZSWIn1q9IlrpgjaqROwGHrLDio1SeAa4GciSWSTO2Ybn3tEKjtFnlCp3B5ByfRWEAtX-GrjYRWrbETyL31CImKbCx_FNngR0hhp18ZgDNw6ycvWRx59G8_swGHU9ZAHw89o_eC5lu-Ka/s640/6+raptor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This magnificent adult pair hung above the Ardnamurchan Campsite for some minutes, giving those campers who had their eyes open a rare treat.<br />
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A very special 'thank you' to this juvenile sea eagle which took some trouble to position itself so I could take a picture of it soaring against a waning moon.<br />
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<i>Many thanks to the Raptor for the use of his picture.</i></div>
Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348491898920520197noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885184849467086568.post-51083065732798831072017-08-26T17:02:00.000+01:002017-08-26T17:02:26.993+01:00Bourblaige<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkq1VbQosClDYGGqLjsDvG17yXMFiIm7DHkE34pBSgNq6gIZsDk_C55QKYOQq7KmPNd1ApWbc9ZKnMyJ1DywocyDPvtyjyaXz_Ct3rpOW21G-xssBPjVQkmki2uQfh_QKVKsqKbS2d8O9/s1600/1+walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkq1VbQosClDYGGqLjsDvG17yXMFiIm7DHkE34pBSgNq6gIZsDk_C55QKYOQq7KmPNd1ApWbc9ZKnMyJ1DywocyDPvtyjyaXz_Ct3rpOW21G-xssBPjVQkmki2uQfh_QKVKsqKbS2d8O9/s640/1+walk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Sunrise, just before half past six this morning, promised well for the day so we set off for a walk early....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6MLhwboig6ib0D3_WTY7D1ZMfw0hFdlDoRS00DBD_HibnSmGna5XiGthl-Q_gM7ZWTPait96gMf1HF7hRBUKg2mQkZB9Xp22wxFdtZWin2aifj5UCzGIBYOJ4_5kyJxNgSPgUrr7jJaQ/s1600/2+walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6MLhwboig6ib0D3_WTY7D1ZMfw0hFdlDoRS00DBD_HibnSmGna5XiGthl-Q_gM7ZWTPait96gMf1HF7hRBUKg2mQkZB9Xp22wxFdtZWin2aifj5UCzGIBYOJ4_5kyJxNgSPgUrr7jJaQ/s640/2+walk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
....noting, as we passed along the edge of Kilchoan Bay, that some of the Kilchoan sheep had managed to get themselves marooned by the rising tide, something which happens not infrequently.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_fWg3zLDCib2CTs1s2cQi9vl9DVjV8ddInSL__hTh0WQQBEx4gRLqvL2tvXpM1STEfx9LhCxYNxKQigIFuQjBLHZGKsmW_9-WpgTmpLdvz4N27u4sN89iy63iQLJGta4UCHsgqrfU6h4u/s1600/9b+walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_fWg3zLDCib2CTs1s2cQi9vl9DVjV8ddInSL__hTh0WQQBEx4gRLqvL2tvXpM1STEfx9LhCxYNxKQigIFuQjBLHZGKsmW_9-WpgTmpLdvz4N27u4sN89iy63iQLJGta4UCHsgqrfU6h4u/s640/9b+walk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We left the car at the side of the road at the bottom of the Basin and walked down towards the abandoned clachan of <a href="http://heritageardnamurchan.co.uk/bourblaige/" target="_blank">Bourblaige</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVw2nxcr1lkATmgROSsNCzb2oG4Hx28bKAJJe-aJpW_hb9MKrLLq5kYSfNjGHF-SoDtZlqjMr0gjLKRs_YChqAFlwcjMjlwMDlRf6x97hoKjZeCwKwLM85fomTLSFHfScctb2gRj0DKEwe/s1600/9+walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVw2nxcr1lkATmgROSsNCzb2oG4Hx28bKAJJe-aJpW_hb9MKrLLq5kYSfNjGHF-SoDtZlqjMr0gjLKRs_YChqAFlwcjMjlwMDlRf6x97hoKjZeCwKwLM85fomTLSFHfScctb2gRj0DKEwe/s640/9+walk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
On the way we saw no fewer than five herds of deer, one numbering around 80, the others smaller. Four of the herds, like this one, were mixtures of stags and hinds, one was exclusively stags.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQl1UZmPIHpjyOXQw47k8kiERyNK041Sxj2aFUwGq__wLT9XjNa0jGf8cQcOHDny4TKR-cY0qZeyLYZm6SPs_PrCWzCkft-QQZCcDNIyC5R7-az9WrPC_tuuvo0TQ2LgDJdDctaR3XRfvJ/s1600/9a+walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQl1UZmPIHpjyOXQw47k8kiERyNK041Sxj2aFUwGq__wLT9XjNa0jGf8cQcOHDny4TKR-cY0qZeyLYZm6SPs_PrCWzCkft-QQZCcDNIyC5R7-az9WrPC_tuuvo0TQ2LgDJdDctaR3XRfvJ/s640/9a+walk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Bourblaige was cleared of its inhabitants in 1828. Before that, at any one time it was typically inhabited by six to eight families, each living in a farmstead including one or more dwellings, byres, store rooms and kale yards but....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhr-YkO34a-UdCiprE-Zs52F7n91xTpefKDuxGTITnhEkipEGNhVwbJmhWH25Tm9XmmGWuz81J74wwMyneB6XCY03DVImiJG1eCZbEkcw9wz0MQJfO1pdXAdNq729rvbN1eAOJMBuVuB4/s1600/5+walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhr-YkO34a-UdCiprE-Zs52F7n91xTpefKDuxGTITnhEkipEGNhVwbJmhWH25Tm9XmmGWuz81J74wwMyneB6XCY03DVImiJG1eCZbEkcw9wz0MQJfO1pdXAdNq729rvbN1eAOJMBuVuB4/s640/5+walk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
....some of the buildings seem more isolated. The small dwelling near the bottom of the settlement, which has a yard round it but no other buildings, has been identified as a cottar's cottage.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVr_-U0m6B2updZYG2gU9s1NbB9IL94rCcV-qLZlCjCUGQp4pV9J0pF0haAJYXpggCkJqsE3DdVaRhpDCq1FoGdgQ7KKF0bOxAoK-zmww5cfXmGoxd1PHBLnSTK-hFXO_u1hDThpNv0YVP/s1600/3+walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVr_-U0m6B2updZYG2gU9s1NbB9IL94rCcV-qLZlCjCUGQp4pV9J0pF0haAJYXpggCkJqsE3DdVaRhpDCq1FoGdgQ7KKF0bOxAoK-zmww5cfXmGoxd1PHBLnSTK-hFXO_u1hDThpNv0YVP/s640/3+walk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
It's still summer. The last of the foxgloves are in flower but there's more than a hint of coming autumn....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhbZvpySQilXEmOGw6eru_25g0npP82XXylpU8Pp45T7S8GydcSn7v0hQ-s2zivotZgXhlpBXorbXheJGpWhmIADm3bsKWJsN_CJQlnS0n2u_J1nDhB2xWaBx-ktFhRo6m6dj2TTwSkVN/s1600/4+walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhbZvpySQilXEmOGw6eru_25g0npP82XXylpU8Pp45T7S8GydcSn7v0hQ-s2zivotZgXhlpBXorbXheJGpWhmIADm3bsKWJsN_CJQlnS0n2u_J1nDhB2xWaBx-ktFhRo6m6dj2TTwSkVN/s640/4+walk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
....in the fungi. The small, four-petalled flower is the lovely tormentil, and the fungus is one of the waxcaps.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54oJVo8gncAfrQ9ZnoS6qALNrzs9tr-S7ddoRace67pfsNsCNX5n8m_u6vE-1N8nTwVYSFqrQEEH7mLBckEfqOf-DNssLzMDOKnPObawrbueo6jzFcgUtG4EbcC-VxegfD2jf_qkAA6W2/s1600/6+walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54oJVo8gncAfrQ9ZnoS6qALNrzs9tr-S7ddoRace67pfsNsCNX5n8m_u6vE-1N8nTwVYSFqrQEEH7mLBckEfqOf-DNssLzMDOKnPObawrbueo6jzFcgUtG4EbcC-VxegfD2jf_qkAA6W2/s640/6+walk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We walked on through the settlement and down to the beach. This is one of the best places....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3aHQn0VDBNYnduIiU_2-97laoqmDY7yh2cIj70DMM578hT4yHFgJufWksYo4Bhb8hiQS4FKIkIl3wAjX__4q1qtvugw-PlcRaEf2nM9b_-YJZWKiGcZYAUYrZDgKxB13VjVABq2gifos/s1600/8+walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3aHQn0VDBNYnduIiU_2-97laoqmDY7yh2cIj70DMM578hT4yHFgJufWksYo4Bhb8hiQS4FKIkIl3wAjX__4q1qtvugw-PlcRaEf2nM9b_-YJZWKiGcZYAUYrZDgKxB13VjVABq2gifos/s640/8+walk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
....for spotting golden eagles, and one duly obliged, soaring over of the crags high above us, ignored by the sheep. Soon after, two sea eagles came from the direction of <i>Camas nan Geall</i>, flying fast and low, passing us too quickly for a photograph.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bg71KkLYvSFXvEq2nnvd4ZhS2t7iW28n4qCYnmQb1q3d__yWhoeyAUHkwBL0HSMmzS8zLfxCHSF2ajhW8kvpgYOwDazHorZ__J4HjWmlqFjNNy5crEO6YGlNdN82JXK5fT0mSuuu0-hs/s1600/7+walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bg71KkLYvSFXvEq2nnvd4ZhS2t7iW28n4qCYnmQb1q3d__yWhoeyAUHkwBL0HSMmzS8zLfxCHSF2ajhW8kvpgYOwDazHorZ__J4HjWmlqFjNNy5crEO6YGlNdN82JXK5fT0mSuuu0-hs/s640/7+walk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We wanted to spend some time, on this still, peaceful morning and on what will probably be our last long walk on Ardnamurchan, on the lonely beach below Bourblaige. We've lost count of the number of times we've sat next to one of the two abandoned dwellings right on the shingle. We now know that these are post-clearance, perhaps built by two families which, unlike all the others, were allowed to stay on Bourblaige land as long as they were well away from the old clachan site. They didn't stay there long - see the entry describing post-clearance farmsteads on AHHA's website <a href="http://heritageardnamurchan.co.uk/post-clearance-farmsteads/" target="_blank">here</a>.Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348491898920520197noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885184849467086568.post-45356414503108721252017-08-26T06:33:00.000+01:002017-08-26T06:33:00.162+01:00Notices<b>Comar's 'Face' tour</b> is at Kilchoan Community Centre on Saturday 16th September - more details <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ComarArts/posts/10155113298529858" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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We're still trying to clear our house. The following are available, prices negotiable:<br />
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Apple iMac, several years old but in very good condition, running Snow Leopard. Free to a good home.<br />
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Office Chairs, choice of two, good quality, swivel - £20<br />
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B&W laser printer - £5<br />
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Silver & Bone Fish Knife & Fork Set, vintage - £5<br />
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RISK Board Game - £5<br />
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Hand-held Circular Saw - £10<br />
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Wrought Iron Companion Set for Woodburner - £5<br />
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Soapstone Chess Set with Board - £15<br />
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Shepherd's crooks, hand made locally - £5 each</div>
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Breadmaker, Russel Hobbs - £5</div>
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Microwave oven, Samsung - £5<br />
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Sheepskin Coats, men's large, ladies medium, good condition - £5 each.<br />
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<b>Contact us on 510 293.</b></div>
Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348491898920520197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885184849467086568.post-34645655683312878062017-08-25T15:46:00.000+01:002017-08-25T15:46:01.546+01:00Extreme Weather<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduXxMK9z56NjA4XTYGLYPgJD2i2nLPL0Elu2s0xfKJV7OqYUJywbpZOaIwpRMBtRef4xZTtmYTkAYw0XPvH7XCQbKLaQLruOKZhjvoM_xo5fWU4j9pXNb1uVU39tuVVG4-fklE4dq_Wqp/s1600/1+storm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduXxMK9z56NjA4XTYGLYPgJD2i2nLPL0Elu2s0xfKJV7OqYUJywbpZOaIwpRMBtRef4xZTtmYTkAYw0XPvH7XCQbKLaQLruOKZhjvoM_xo5fWU4j9pXNb1uVU39tuVVG4-fklE4dq_Wqp/s640/1+storm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Raptor's superb picture graphically describes the winds that batter Ardnamurchan Point and scour the peninsula. One day, during a particularly vicious storm, we stood outside our house at the Ferry Stores and watched a near-hurricane strip slates off the roof and send them bowling down the road. The next morning, this end of the peninsula was cut off in no fewer than six places along the road back to 'civilisation'.</div>
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More recently, we've looked across the Sound to Mull and seen the water of the waterfalls that tumble down the cliffs opposite being picked up and hurled back inland and....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKN9VjROviR4tK9vUKjOzHwS1cKz866ZTn3oXDXbyB-Doo9_sbIry_jFnKtNZ_WG4jed2JwJ6xg38FhuMsjsdYmvrR9I34-VwQl819y_w1bzmUta3pOYH6CiBc3LAKnCtoJ4fU2mE9mkS/s1600/3+storm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKN9VjROviR4tK9vUKjOzHwS1cKz866ZTn3oXDXbyB-Doo9_sbIry_jFnKtNZ_WG4jed2JwJ6xg38FhuMsjsdYmvrR9I34-VwQl819y_w1bzmUta3pOYH6CiBc3LAKnCtoJ4fU2mE9mkS/s640/3+storm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
....we've sat snug in our home and watched the ships fight their way into a full force eight gale.<br />
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We've lost count of the number of times lightning has blacked out the community, sometimes sending surges along the lines which have blown up computers and game boxes and telephones and, of course, knocked out our fragile broadband connections. What is noticeable is that these thunderstorms are mainly features of winter, not summer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelkdUKVZDA0DPdIGspJWahToMF6JJ2-2VdZyNyPplbTIDzlLRya_RBdB1YpnMa5VHbTQQYhksobh7LH_8WWBfeEocoPhgw__1xgier6kE2abeNgygH61II4ehv636Z7kS1CchWMRUHhRu/s1600/1+weather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelkdUKVZDA0DPdIGspJWahToMF6JJ2-2VdZyNyPplbTIDzlLRya_RBdB1YpnMa5VHbTQQYhksobh7LH_8WWBfeEocoPhgw__1xgier6kE2abeNgygH61II4ehv636Z7kS1CchWMRUHhRu/s640/1+weather.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This is hardly a case of extreme weather but it is one of the strangest weather phenomena we have witnessed here, the whole of the summit of Ben Hiant appearing to be on fire. It wasn't: the sun had heated damp vegetation to the point where it 'steamed'. On a calm day the column of steam rose until it met an inversion, which caused it to spread out.<br />
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It hasn't happened for some years but there was a time when the burns froze in winter creating what our young daughter referred to as 'icefalls'. This one was on the Millburn, just upstream from the telephone exchange.<br />
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<i>Many thanks to the Raptor for the use of his picture.</i></div>
Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348491898920520197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885184849467086568.post-12740188100227543102017-08-25T12:10:00.001+01:002017-08-25T14:23:26.530+01:00A Community Event - Ardnamurchan Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikC4DVLpc0LBweBi5Yqj0k0e1l7gX2UOc294afLGaq_BQXhxplZCHb9sqbpaL1z2MGO-g1gDc57cM5v7f3mC7uYYMLtfdAdkaz2vixOyqyKZnEgAAztj-o00ZyE8SINMSrvaRK21FIH-e-/s1600/1+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1600" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikC4DVLpc0LBweBi5Yqj0k0e1l7gX2UOc294afLGaq_BQXhxplZCHb9sqbpaL1z2MGO-g1gDc57cM5v7f3mC7uYYMLtfdAdkaz2vixOyqyKZnEgAAztj-o00ZyE8SINMSrvaRK21FIH-e-/s640/1+picture.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Thank you, thank you so very, very much, to everyone for yesterday afternoon's party in the Community Centre which gave us an opportunity to say our goodbyes. Particular thanks to those who organised it, who cooked for and cleared up after it, who spoke so very kindly of us, who chauffeured us around, who came to the church to meet us and make sure we walked the last few hundred yards - in the rain and to a favourite Bob Dylan track - to the children of Kilchoan Primary School and their teacher who sang us two moving Gaelic songs, to those who organised the projection of some of the Diary's photographs, to those who organised the collection for, and to everyone who donated to such generous leaving gifts, to those who gave us cards and gifts, and to all who came along - both to the Community Centre and, afterwards, to the pub.<br />
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Those who were there will have seen at first hand how desperately sad we are to be leaving, and how very much we will miss the wonderful people of West Ardnamurchan.<br />
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<i>Many thanks to Ritchie Dinnes for the picture.</i></div>
Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348491898920520197noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885184849467086568.post-6892741759963901622017-08-24T14:03:00.001+01:002017-08-24T14:03:19.744+01:00Small Bird News<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHt3o8eE0kUnUY0dhrPJ15Teqt6_nPvNI9228s8e9Xd4OamYBLzDRo1OQFj1IZ2YtuCQVY5arNhYaleQbfb3XmmCECuVkFN3Jq_z_UvCMsA7wLT6dw75VIFv6hJgJFj9Z7EbfjmlsrbSwK/s1600/1+birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHt3o8eE0kUnUY0dhrPJ15Teqt6_nPvNI9228s8e9Xd4OamYBLzDRo1OQFj1IZ2YtuCQVY5arNhYaleQbfb3XmmCECuVkFN3Jq_z_UvCMsA7wLT6dw75VIFv6hJgJFj9Z7EbfjmlsrbSwK/s640/1+birds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This post isn't 'news' at all but a small 'thank you' to the small birds who have been our constant companions through the years we've lived on Ardnamurchan. They're not much different from small birds elsewhere which we've encouraged with ridiculous amounts of food but....<br />
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....we've never ceased to be amazed at how this lot manage to survive in a fairly harsh environment. Some do more than 'survive': the chaffinches and house sparrows have thrived to the point that we've almost become sick of them. Almost.<br />
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So, a special 'thank you' to the small birds like the dunnocks who don't make a nuisance of themselves, and....<br />
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....thank you to those, like the yellowhammers, who are here in surprising numbers when they really should be away in the flat wheatfields of places like East Anglia.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrl2Y4vhhCj-_5jf3GlxF-L80UTYe6XO1AXcFP5Es4IXmPYXUN1lhEOr4TD6oDQOhgSpPw34xc5NwS_akqjb13JMgvFayNwD8eSf3tAcpiz1h0BDqJ4dMZ74xVuP_IhomhZ92gog0RxQnB/s1600/5+birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrl2Y4vhhCj-_5jf3GlxF-L80UTYe6XO1AXcFP5Es4IXmPYXUN1lhEOr4TD6oDQOhgSpPw34xc5NwS_akqjb13JMgvFayNwD8eSf3tAcpiz1h0BDqJ4dMZ74xVuP_IhomhZ92gog0RxQnB/s640/5+birds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Thank you to the very small birds like the siskins, the wrens, the blue and great and coal tits, and to the several species of warblers which have thrilled us with their return each early summer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGyPVrNFCpQN5LQ9HXEPYOZ6fE1K2tR9m-4cekPIm8sMqm-umWpOji7dAjCX72RivfB1ytydm6WH9QGrs3p2l2JI-AD8RvsT3wvM8qZZwR1IcpfnLPmwLqQ1T44PEE4qayzZhdzSzxXTB/s1600/6+birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGyPVrNFCpQN5LQ9HXEPYOZ6fE1K2tR9m-4cekPIm8sMqm-umWpOji7dAjCX72RivfB1ytydm6WH9QGrs3p2l2JI-AD8RvsT3wvM8qZZwR1IcpfnLPmwLqQ1T44PEE4qayzZhdzSzxXTB/s640/6+birds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Some small birds which may be common elsewhere have paid us occasional visits, bringing a little excitement to our lives, like the bullfinches, the blackcaps, the reed buntings, the redpolls and....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3I7oSxd09YNtSAzdGB8nkEvTymibVnYQYUhXTI7aPqadIg3M-bacSSeGiycNSFpRIN7jlSe6iYPxJMr5bLuvwSEynDtbBUvtfhJeCmuKbKmP2Q6iDvGUutzGzTJr81L-s-uR4uiMdqzDd/s1600/7+birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3I7oSxd09YNtSAzdGB8nkEvTymibVnYQYUhXTI7aPqadIg3M-bacSSeGiycNSFpRIN7jlSe6iYPxJMr5bLuvwSEynDtbBUvtfhJeCmuKbKmP2Q6iDvGUutzGzTJr81L-s-uR4uiMdqzDd/s640/7+birds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
....the linnets.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1o1NhOi2_doUimHN3Ok4PTf6IQX2kvQZHStTZ9E0xkmFgQbEmfQIHce_xyMigW2Vc0-JQakDxZfFQkt8P5DEcuerb3IH-sGGxGyktwwc2nIY9Lz-iazcF-H3ZaS9Bm1F55WaafuHqMjn/s1600/8++birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1o1NhOi2_doUimHN3Ok4PTf6IQX2kvQZHStTZ9E0xkmFgQbEmfQIHce_xyMigW2Vc0-JQakDxZfFQkt8P5DEcuerb3IH-sGGxGyktwwc2nIY9Lz-iazcF-H3ZaS9Bm1F55WaafuHqMjn/s640/8++birds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Finally, thank you to the generations of friendly robins who have felt enough confidence in us to approach closer than any other birds - when the temptation is there.Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348491898920520197noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885184849467086568.post-23800829960846868172017-08-23T20:25:00.000+01:002017-08-23T20:25:57.212+01:00Insects<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wQ0lFLAqb5I67BByLgiuUbeRbr8PC7_ufopeNSikkVEyTDDoszk35uVblBs5J3wO9MBOWyBqdPrpc2IbfzPnrIt5nwsHmYbb6PGmJv4sdaUoDYckvO46fyD8pl3MwE0Vfqj4qwzcPoJR/s1600/1+inswect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="949" data-original-width="1519" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wQ0lFLAqb5I67BByLgiuUbeRbr8PC7_ufopeNSikkVEyTDDoszk35uVblBs5J3wO9MBOWyBqdPrpc2IbfzPnrIt5nwsHmYbb6PGmJv4sdaUoDYckvO46fyD8pl3MwE0Vfqj4qwzcPoJR/s640/1+inswect.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We have been on very intimate terms with some of the local insects. Having always assumed that ticks are only carried by animals such as deer and sheep, we discovered that birds must also carry them, which explained why we collected so many while picking raspberries in our vegetable patch.<br />
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Ticks aside, photographing insect life has been both challenging and rewarding - simply because, to obtain a good picture, one has to get close, very close, without disturbing the subject.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Wd-s7V6EqKp0oeOpka-AgbTbnaWgKv0NLL_m_1uQ-Dty5Vz2Hvjok3bsXcBe4tG9peA39SNpPshq00M2buTFM43I9fF5lmaYfpGK_hUVnTtXX2zmR4FUGtecO4Cbm99__GlsfoNyd4Qo/s1600/3+insect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Wd-s7V6EqKp0oeOpka-AgbTbnaWgKv0NLL_m_1uQ-Dty5Vz2Hvjok3bsXcBe4tG9peA39SNpPshq00M2buTFM43I9fF5lmaYfpGK_hUVnTtXX2zmR4FUGtecO4Cbm99__GlsfoNyd4Qo/s640/3+insect.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Some encounters with the insect world were particularly exciting, including watching a golden-ringed dragonfly which had just emerged from its nymph.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJq4CdvMJkXNxahWRTfWC3dSnnbS7ym5xjtKbViTQY4-jgq5AboTXQ9Lns7MOX-G9j0ccIOjiMd27cRd95U8r2t6B-Ysfb4Ij-xXmLFDYSJHZvDqrf98_wEb4YnLRkQBnVOKMJUwK-7cQf/s1600/4+insect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJq4CdvMJkXNxahWRTfWC3dSnnbS7ym5xjtKbViTQY4-jgq5AboTXQ9Lns7MOX-G9j0ccIOjiMd27cRd95U8r2t6B-Ysfb4Ij-xXmLFDYSJHZvDqrf98_wEb4YnLRkQBnVOKMJUwK-7cQf/s640/4+insect.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
As time passed, we found more and more species of damselfly, usually along the banks of the many burns and lochans. This is a male beautiful demoiselle.<br />
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I hadn't appreciated, until I first found a six-spot burnet, that some moths are day-flying. Although this species is the most common here it is far from common, and I never managed to find the other local species, the transparent burnets that are supposed to frequent Sanna.<br />
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Of all the insects, the butterflies have been the most rewarding. The western end of Ardnamurchan is fortunate to have a wide variety of species, including the common blue, but their numbers of all species appear to me to have declined, possibly because of the recent run of damp summers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qFxJce2YZ_gUhT1h6uwGkZv48yAX1bybg4HdJsKsoueA2VRjOYX68J1VjBKid6Q1kbC66RAZuV-AKG_BF0uB4wN0dZHHXvyC1RmquejspwweF6iMt1EV3t4K94hRYMCUkGdKvq9Abu5R/s1600/7+insect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qFxJce2YZ_gUhT1h6uwGkZv48yAX1bybg4HdJsKsoueA2VRjOYX68J1VjBKid6Q1kbC66RAZuV-AKG_BF0uB4wN0dZHHXvyC1RmquejspwweF6iMt1EV3t4K94hRYMCUkGdKvq9Abu5R/s640/7+insect.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
My favourite butterfly became the painted lady, which is not common here but which has the most gorgeous colouring on the undersides of its wings.Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348491898920520197noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885184849467086568.post-46800095573723256702017-08-23T15:23:00.001+01:002017-08-23T15:23:33.891+01:00Drone Video of Plocaig, Bourblaige & Camas nan Geall<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/230674491" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div>
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/230674491">Plocaig, Bourblaige & Camas Nan Geall, Ardnamurchan</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/fourkaerial">FourK Media</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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<i>Many thanks indeed to Ross Gilfillan for another super video.</i></div>
Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348491898920520197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885184849467086568.post-6328137132865281422017-08-22T17:45:00.001+01:002017-08-22T17:45:56.757+01:00More for Sale....<b>The following items are available, prices negotiable:</b><br />
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Dehumidifier, hardly used - £30<br />
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Office Chair, good quality, swivel - £25<br />
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B&W Laser Printer - £5<br />
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Magimix Food Processor - £10<br />
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Silver & Bone Fish Knife & Fork Set, Vintage - £5<br />
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RISK Board Game - £5<br />
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Angle Grinder, small, little used, with spare disks - £5<br />
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Hand-held Circular Saw - £10<br />
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Wrought Iron Companion Set for Woodburner - £5<br />
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Soapstone Chess Set with Board<br />
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Le Creuset Whistling Kettle (red, unused) - £5<br />
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Metronome - £5</div>
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King-size Duvet - free<br />
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<b>Contact us on 293.</b></div>
Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348491898920520197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885184849467086568.post-62661031162623893462017-08-22T16:22:00.000+01:002017-08-22T16:22:13.935+01:00Sunrise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For the past twelve years we have lived in a house which faces southeast and which has a view which extends some twenty miles down the Sound of Mull. One of the joys of this view is that we have seen so many winter sunrises, this one from our bedroom window on a still February morning.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCfsca3F07FvrcJs-nffd_YGnU8O4qEq9HUypTwt4ZsBFgcyDeMJluIuR1IlJ5PgvttIpMRQbFGC_OFz8OtViLLrDAwvzN1cVQPWgQPGY23RNXoO1xsZJtP9ni_uao_7DZn7N5HoZnWgi/s1600/2+sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCfsca3F07FvrcJs-nffd_YGnU8O4qEq9HUypTwt4ZsBFgcyDeMJluIuR1IlJ5PgvttIpMRQbFGC_OFz8OtViLLrDAwvzN1cVQPWgQPGY23RNXoO1xsZJtP9ni_uao_7DZn7N5HoZnWgi/s640/2+sunrise.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
In those years, until recently, Mrs Diary worked in the shop on two mornings of the week, so there were plenty of opportunities around nine in the morning for those less employed to catch a sunrise. This picture was taken in mid-December, looking down the jetty, while....<br />
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....this one looks from the jetty towards the houses in Pier Road - still in darkness - and Ben Hiant.<br />
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This is an almost-midwinter sunrise, the sun peeking through where the dark land of Morvern, to its left, joins the dark hills of Mull.<br />
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These winter sunrises happen at a time when the world is just waking, so their background is the call of a bird or the sound of a car coming along the road or a human voice - each sound individual, discrete against the silence.<br />
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Sometimes the reflection of a perfect sunrise is interrupted, by a flight of birds or a passing ship. A trawler moving west at this time has probably just unloaded its catch at Mingary Pier and is heading back out to the fishing grounds, or has spent the night at anchor in Kilchoan Bay.<br />
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Of all the sunrise pictures this is my favourite: <i>Lochan nan Al</i> inundated by a high tide. What makes it so very special isn't the peace of the picture, the silence I remember, the dark land, or the muted colours. It's the two ducks, at bottom right, swimming out onto the still waters of the lochan.Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348491898920520197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885184849467086568.post-59550486714217401642017-08-21T18:02:00.000+01:002017-08-21T18:02:06.514+01:00Ships in the Sound<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj096ENSnOPeEvaZ8y87bb07NcZagXa4BANjwPqJ5WaeDNtnouX_La9TiJ1e388iqyrjKG8bFtHyFP93bJeV1j_033LFGSH8T58Gh8PCailFCWm9edP_BGGrNAT0KxFjSIkFqiSYY2bvM5L/s1600/1+ships.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj096ENSnOPeEvaZ8y87bb07NcZagXa4BANjwPqJ5WaeDNtnouX_La9TiJ1e388iqyrjKG8bFtHyFP93bJeV1j_033LFGSH8T58Gh8PCailFCWm9edP_BGGrNAT0KxFjSIkFqiSYY2bvM5L/s640/1+ships.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
There's almost always a ship or a boat out in the Sound at any time of day or night, and we have spent hours over the years watching them from our house. The <i>Lord of the Glens</i>, a small cruise ship which is more at home in the Caledonian Canal and rarely ventures out beyond the protection of the Sound, came by on Saturday and was determined to get to Eigg whatever the weather.<br />
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We've seen innumerable fishing boats but the two which have always impressed us, for how hard their crew work and also for how beautifully they are maintained, are the two Maclean creel boats which work out of Tobermory. This is the <i>Jacobite</i> with some of the houses of Ormsaigmore and Kilchoan behind her.<br />
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Every sort of cargo ship has passed us but, perhaps because they are so large and we see them often on their way to and from the Glensanda quarry, their representative in this post is on of the Yeoman ships, the <i>Yeoman Bridge</i>.<br />
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Warships also pass us, particularly during the twice-yearly Joint Warrior exercises, and they come from all the NATO countries. While this is one of the Royal Navy's new Daring class destroyers, <i>HMS Dragon</i>, we've also....<br />
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....seen some interesting foreign ships, like P965, <i>Grist</i>, a Skjold class patrol boat of the Norwegian Navy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBD17xIRrIivHD_IpUEc2fp8UIwkm9D3XLUVJY6epniVk9fcW3VHXtbKg9D3xasE9IuTJZYIykD96SQqfy4Tu-eUlyvg6D6LaJk6DP_s7unZ_L_Rr4yEZY5HlDF6HEHeAzx9CkUs57pL4K/s1600/6+ships.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBD17xIRrIivHD_IpUEc2fp8UIwkm9D3XLUVJY6epniVk9fcW3VHXtbKg9D3xasE9IuTJZYIykD96SQqfy4Tu-eUlyvg6D6LaJk6DP_s7unZ_L_Rr4yEZY5HlDF6HEHeAzx9CkUs57pL4K/s640/6+ships.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
During the calmer months a variety of cruise ships, large and small, pass through the Sound, some of them stopping in Tobermory so their passengers can enjoy the sights of Mull. This one didn't stop. She's the <i>World</i>, one of the largest cruise ships afloat.<br />
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I love these busy little work boats. They're like floating Swiss army knives. This is <i>Coastal Hunter</i>.<br />
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The most elegant ships afloat are those under sail, and it has been good to have seen so many over recent years. This is the Dutch ship <i>Oosterschelde.</i><br />
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It's been exciting watching the ships sail past but the most exciting of all was the one that meant to, but didn't sail past - the <i>Lysblink Seaways</i> which, in February 2015 missed her waypoint and came ashore by Mingary Pier. She's seen here late on the morning she struck, with the Tobermory lifeboat in attendance.Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348491898920520197noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885184849467086568.post-5185536648189629842017-08-20T12:34:00.000+01:002017-08-20T12:34:31.213+01:00Panoramas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEFUlTHiL7Jduq9nKXaaf9PEMM1_AnnoZZILooeCJiG6I3yUqFATwk4QFupFsfhi85Njk2cHReoDd7JbZ1GaYSAEkia1CoSwcu5ziRQN6oCkNFQ23KTE5e5muu1MDDloIMAhbO_VCsHrQ/s1600/1+panorama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEFUlTHiL7Jduq9nKXaaf9PEMM1_AnnoZZILooeCJiG6I3yUqFATwk4QFupFsfhi85Njk2cHReoDd7JbZ1GaYSAEkia1CoSwcu5ziRQN6oCkNFQ23KTE5e5muu1MDDloIMAhbO_VCsHrQ/s640/1+panorama.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The summits of most of Western Ardnamurchan's hills offer magnificent panoramas, not least because the place is a peninsula so there are always combinations of land, sea and sky. This view is from the western slopes of Ben Hiant looking along the south coast towards Kilchoan. The hill in the distance is <i>Beinn na Seilg</i>.<br />
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The view from the east side of Ben Hiant is equally spectacular. In this shot we are looking down to <i>Camas nan Geall</i> with Loch Sunart going away towards the top left and, in the centre, the smaller Loch Teacuis. The picture was taken on a fresh March day, with snow still lying on the shaded hollows and capping the hills of Morvern.<br />
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We may be busy packing but we're determined to fit in a few walks before we leave, so we left the house early and headed for the summit of <i>Creag an Airgid</i>. The bell heather has been in flower for some time but the ling is just coming towards its best. The ben in the background is <i>Beinn na Seilg</i>.<br />
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From the summit of <i>Creag an Airgid</i> this view looks towards <i>Meall Sanna</i>. The Kilchoan-Sanna road winds across a landscape which shows ample evidence of rig and furrow working - the so-called 'lazy beds' - which surround the ancient settlement of Achnaha, in the middle distance.<br />
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Portuairk, the centre of the universe, is laid out below <i>Bheinn Bhreac</i>, with Sanna in the distance and Eigg lying along the horizon. Families cleared from other settlements in the 1850s were sent to live in Portuairk, creating crofts on land which had been little-used before. Today, most of the houses are holiday homes.<br />
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No selection of pictures of the western end of Ardnamurchan would be complete without a picture of the white sand bays of Sanna. This shot was taken from the summit of <i>Beinn Dubh</i>, the black hill, with Muck along the horizon and, faintly visible beyond it, Rum.<br />
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This panorama, taken from the summit of <i>Glas Bheinn</i>, looks down on Kilchoan Bay around which are clustered the houses of the three crofting townships of Kilchoan, Ormsaigmore and Ormsaigbeg. It's special because, at the centre of the picture, is the house we've lived in the last few years and which, very shortly, we'll be leaving.Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348491898920520197noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885184849467086568.post-32570056513803350122017-08-19T16:28:00.000+01:002017-08-19T16:28:01.376+01:00Mingary Castle Restoration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Mingary Castle had been abandoned for over 150 years when, in 2013, the Mingary Castle Preservation & Restoration Trust was set up to save the castle from imminent collapse and give it a modern purpose.<br />
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It was my considerable privilege to be given open access to the castle throughout the three-year project that followed, with the task of writing a blog, from....<br />
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....the early stages when, for example, a specialist team came in to pin back the granophyre slabs on which the castle was built. These, like gigantic dominoes, were beginning to fall outwards taking the structure with them.<br />
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As time went by, a procession of specialist teams came in. Watching them, talking with them, gaining some small appreciation of their skills, made each visit a pleasure. For some months, the archaeologists had free reign, but before they finished....<br />
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....a small team came in and built what must have been the biggest scaffold structure at that time in Scotland.<br />
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The specialists came and went but the core team from main contractor Ashley Thompson stayed on, month after month with few, very short breaks, working sometimes in appalling conditions and living on site in caravans. They worked hard, they persisted, they won my admiration, and they completed the job....<br />
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....so that today the castle is a successful hotel catering for a steady stream of very satisfied visitors - see the Booking.com website <a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/mingary-castle.en-gb.html?aid=311076;label=mingary-castle-ioWMkIUh4n5b7_HPEdglpQS162173211590%3Apl%3Ata%3Ap1%3Ap2%3Aac%3Aap1t1%3Aneg%3Afi%3Atiaud-146342138230%3Akwd-428672059272%3Alp1007345%3Ali%3Adec%3Adm;sid=24086c1b7436d087bcf6102411204e23;dest_id=-2599935;dest_type=city;dist=0;hpos=1;room1=A%2CA;sb_price_type=total;srfid=262aaad8377c338b6aa23b288b2d13b35a88fa5aX1;srpvid=55e874fdc179012d;type=total;ucfs=1&#hotelTmpl" target="_blank">here</a>, where the hotel has a 9.5/10 rating.<br />
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<i>The Mingary Castle blog is <a href="http://www.mingarycastletrust.co.uk/mingarycastletrust/blog/" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></div>
Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348491898920520197noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885184849467086568.post-66671045256083901292017-08-19T08:47:00.000+01:002017-08-22T12:01:55.628+01:00West Ardnamurchan Community Action Plan Report<b><span style="font-size: large;">From Dale Meegan:</span></b><br />
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The West Ardnamurchan Community Development Company and Community Council have received the final report following the Lottery funded community consultation which was held earlier this summer, and with it sixty recommendations. To view a copy of the report (2.4MB) click <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/z1ci3jtow0jnfgu/1%20WACAP%20Report%20FINAL.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">here</a>, and/or for its summary document (1MB) click <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/2i4kw4to0x8jkk7/WACAP%20Summary%20Rec%20%26%20Obs.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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James Hilder of An Roth Associates Ltd who led the Lottery funded community consultation said they had been “....struck by the strength of feeling towards West Ardnamurchan, and that it somehow works differently to other local areas. For a population of approximately 281 there is strong ‘social capital’ generated by some 9 Committees, 5 Grazings Committees, 3 service teams & 20 or so clubs or societies or informal activity groups. In addition, the area boasts over 80 businesses or employing organisations…. (The report) is offered to all West Ardnamurchan groups to prompt further thought and discussion and hopefully, stimulate action."<br />
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A Community Meeting will be held on <b>Wednesday 20th September at 7pm in Kilchoan Community Centre</b> to present the findings of the consultation exercise and also to hear from various community organisations about their current plans or developments. There will also be an opportunity to discuss how we take things forward collectively.Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348491898920520197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885184849467086568.post-20919117585460809282017-08-18T15:29:00.000+01:002017-08-18T15:29:05.625+01:00Dark Skies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ardnamurchan's small and scattered population has meant that there are relatively few artificial lights at night. This gives it a night sky, when it's clear and the moon is new, which is genuinely dark. As a result, we've seen the moons of Jupiter and....<br />
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....spectacular meteorite showers - the one at top left is the best I have managed - as well as....<br />
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....moon dogs and....<br />
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....moonbows.<br />
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We've seen dark skies in the day too, when we watched a total eclipse in March 2015.<br />
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We've enjoyed all those things but nothing, nothing is as exciting as an aurora. The best - sadly before I had a digital camera - was so spectacular it was awe-inspiring, but we've witnessed numerous events with flowing colours that take one's breath away.<br />
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My camera skills are limited, so a better idea of this great natural phenomenon comes from the pictures of Ben McKeown (above, of the iconic phone box at Kilmory) and....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWePHaEa0ygFbgmyY1F1HGspGOuHN1q-vvU_3q3217pfUyu-5lNpVMqPkzZ54rGea_2BGNbCDDxdisDmbB6Egp0khmqoftvqKKFt4RWFU0N4hDqc40WdcC2yIgKogieUUI85Y1cY7Gt_M8/s1600/8+sky.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWePHaEa0ygFbgmyY1F1HGspGOuHN1q-vvU_3q3217pfUyu-5lNpVMqPkzZ54rGea_2BGNbCDDxdisDmbB6Egp0khmqoftvqKKFt4RWFU0N4hDqc40WdcC2yIgKogieUUI85Y1cY7Gt_M8/s640/8+sky.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
....Ewan Miles. Ewan's picture was taken from Mull and looks across to the Ardnamurchan peninsula. The lights of Kilchoan are to the right and the flash of Ardnamurchan Point lighthouse can be seen to the left.<br />
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<i>Many thanks to Ben and Ewan for allowing me to use their pictures.</i></div>
Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348491898920520197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885184849467086568.post-66839697071063675552017-08-18T15:20:00.002+01:002017-08-18T15:20:38.682+01:00Thank You!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thank you for all the very generous comments and good wishes which have appeared on recent posts. I wish I had time to respond individually but our days are filled with the wearying task of packing up our possessions and making sure we leave the house in reasonable order.<br />
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It has been a great pleasure writing this blog, the more so when I have known that there are people 'out there' who have enjoyed it. It is truly sad to close it, but it will continue, all being well, until the 29th.Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348491898920520197noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885184849467086568.post-72421898998735253562017-08-17T16:46:00.000+01:002017-08-17T16:46:58.928+01:00Seabirds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLDW3VKlXG-NN36-m4gizEMLT1X5IhMaP9Pfi7tHkDjy1ndLUou8S4oIsZSYDZywqooRjSqV6I_Z8rUn-I7NHcA2aggUGizSlW98WqlXUvDU6YSFklF0Ob6uh1Yg6HNRP0nWv8kLCBlhyphenhyphen/s1600/1+seabird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLDW3VKlXG-NN36-m4gizEMLT1X5IhMaP9Pfi7tHkDjy1ndLUou8S4oIsZSYDZywqooRjSqV6I_Z8rUn-I7NHcA2aggUGizSlW98WqlXUvDU6YSFklF0Ob6uh1Yg6HNRP0nWv8kLCBlhyphenhyphen/s640/1+seabird.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Watching the gannets sweep over the Sound of Mull and then suddenly tip their wings and plunge into the sea will be one of the memories of summer. At times we have seen as many as twenty manoeuvring in the air to attack a shoal of bait fish in the bay just below the house.<br />
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The ringed plover will always be, for us, the bird of the beaches at Sanna, allowing us to approach to within a reasonable distance before taking flight. Occasionally they didn't fly, feigning injury, the reason usually being....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiWEbZS6D8pHDeUyLgMUcTm3H9GRymyM4lz3Bv7mMNms8iED58-zXwDWEDqqVazvR_KYFbHLrGAUN4UkMJxmvUg9S_0Ry6DQbfTUZU2X0QhiuyUx3-sSEtjAM1YJLP6ElLBv7n_BP0ksP/s1600/6+seabird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiWEbZS6D8pHDeUyLgMUcTm3H9GRymyM4lz3Bv7mMNms8iED58-zXwDWEDqqVazvR_KYFbHLrGAUN4UkMJxmvUg9S_0Ry6DQbfTUZU2X0QhiuyUx3-sSEtjAM1YJLP6ElLBv7n_BP0ksP/s640/6+seabird.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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....something small and furry and running fast.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBiDlNKfE81S5-PrN8lIhZ2LjUj0RYmrsDPNe7WXCs1dX9whTQEQVZG0LnkZQqojrpEHrj7HYpV2pYg0rhAGTaBmgRkdtTAQtAcKSwEzxaAFUeoxELMLFNGauMblBcIWBuigFRQN4GSwe/s1600/3+seabird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBiDlNKfE81S5-PrN8lIhZ2LjUj0RYmrsDPNe7WXCs1dX9whTQEQVZG0LnkZQqojrpEHrj7HYpV2pYg0rhAGTaBmgRkdtTAQtAcKSwEzxaAFUeoxELMLFNGauMblBcIWBuigFRQN4GSwe/s640/3+seabird.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Red breasted mergansers aren't difficult to spot in Kilchoan Bay but this pair will remain in my memory for having landed no distance from where I was sitting and seeming quite unpurturbed by my presence.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAHH2K_e7MjEC-9w_4sqY_FBa0TIk-39yWPvemVuXrli7DCt-VJYIxMkxasFcrAohrqtkkpvUC9LcFXZZhM3EX-oYtmzJHWDykGNRfKF3bZVFZggEEM7vxHwTcUUReLoHzAgUbdgV0MaA/s1600/4+seabird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAHH2K_e7MjEC-9w_4sqY_FBa0TIk-39yWPvemVuXrli7DCt-VJYIxMkxasFcrAohrqtkkpvUC9LcFXZZhM3EX-oYtmzJHWDykGNRfKF3bZVFZggEEM7vxHwTcUUReLoHzAgUbdgV0MaA/s640/4+seabird.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The curlews gather in flocks in the autumn and then spend their winters probing the soft ground in the croft fields before splitting into pairs in the spring. They're wary birds and difficult to approach, so obtaining a half-good picture has always been a challenge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oNZULFGr0ITM053jexHw5_3jdxDfHCFanWIawYQv3npqAe14O1q0Fv0Wruz_m9th2MJda2D0ywSQO77LLzrFolGKx0esf89ixdxNQuCCLcev2wEobX5d5CT6YKm_EaLZXHBRKOXM5tM7/s1600/5+seabird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oNZULFGr0ITM053jexHw5_3jdxDfHCFanWIawYQv3npqAe14O1q0Fv0Wruz_m9th2MJda2D0ywSQO77LLzrFolGKx0esf89ixdxNQuCCLcev2wEobX5d5CT6YKm_EaLZXHBRKOXM5tM7/s640/5+seabird.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
However, the birds I will remember from the Ormsaigbeg shore below our house, the birds which seem to represent this place, are the ever-cheerful, ever-sociable, always-smartly-turned-out oystercatchers.Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348491898920520197noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885184849467086568.post-49956354063242084572017-08-16T14:52:00.000+01:002017-08-16T14:52:00.037+01:00Snow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBWCKlh-hP72v91-oOiuRt7g9tM7MHG4bA0AcSqRjCcgE99J2O_4lJUQ5gyFrh2z1RVrGTCUNjGV61ozrJ6dVy0fr77ZzZlucIIT5JYLLkAvU0eHfFVgPuHHNYnOqyg-lRZVs_YnG34mC/s1600/4+winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBWCKlh-hP72v91-oOiuRt7g9tM7MHG4bA0AcSqRjCcgE99J2O_4lJUQ5gyFrh2z1RVrGTCUNjGV61ozrJ6dVy0fr77ZzZlucIIT5JYLLkAvU0eHfFVgPuHHNYnOqyg-lRZVs_YnG34mC/s640/4+winter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It doesn't snow here much but, on the rare occasions on which we have enough for the snow to lie....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPw7K1QxzzezTY_XIm3LwBzpP0KvH8I7Z0Tjs-6SEr1JldJWouoAcGFOAfdhxchA9ZZZbVkNApBjMJIGk63Uv7Sp2nZUt19Qqt-CyGj9POQutsWchVt1_Ov8sb5c84N-E5YBBFv7k9env3/s1600/1+winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPw7K1QxzzezTY_XIm3LwBzpP0KvH8I7Z0Tjs-6SEr1JldJWouoAcGFOAfdhxchA9ZZZbVkNApBjMJIGk63Uv7Sp2nZUt19Qqt-CyGj9POQutsWchVt1_Ov8sb5c84N-E5YBBFv7k9env3/s640/1+winter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
....the landscape is transformed.<br />
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My impression is that it has snowed much less in recent winters. In the days when we had the shop, I can remember the community being cut off, the main problem being located, as always, at 'the back of the ben'. This picture was taken in 2009.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyo7RzW5ldJy9W5tWCBV91pG3kpNeKUzFwqmSjJUSyPrHx_tI2R_RdcX1ROkBDWiGDxHS4bgtu1PMcoiazIITlhbVCHRDMUOfct9rdup910vpW6KutOvJugjOnFKvXKda7r3nWBc4rAcu/s1600/2+winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyo7RzW5ldJy9W5tWCBV91pG3kpNeKUzFwqmSjJUSyPrHx_tI2R_RdcX1ROkBDWiGDxHS4bgtu1PMcoiazIITlhbVCHRDMUOfct9rdup910vpW6KutOvJugjOnFKvXKda7r3nWBc4rAcu/s640/2+winter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
As always, it's the play of light - such a feature of this place - that makes a snowy landscape so special. This photo looks across Kilchoan township to the land around the cleared township of Skinnid and, on the left, the forestry on <i>Beinn nan Losgann</i>.<br />
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Snow on distant hills is more common but, again, it's the light that makes a picture. This view is across the mouth of Loch Sunart to Auliston Point on Morvern, beyond which is the Sound of Mull and the pyramid shape of <i>Beinn Tallaidh</i> on Mull.Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348491898920520197noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885184849467086568.post-21620523303260255152017-08-15T20:21:00.001+01:002017-08-15T20:21:57.034+01:00A Celebration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iNVkJ0CpFwhPAHKFG7N5lGcJ6mJBZ0Pi-s1yEYv5AdPExcwXt05k56QkAn4X3h9gCV7umBeGB3-XYLAryecLnn0JputBDAInF1otl1ZzZWk7iFB_VYyMx91mL2IiLkL5e_ITKS1bPgvN/s1600/1+bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iNVkJ0CpFwhPAHKFG7N5lGcJ6mJBZ0Pi-s1yEYv5AdPExcwXt05k56QkAn4X3h9gCV7umBeGB3-XYLAryecLnn0JputBDAInF1otl1ZzZWk7iFB_VYyMx91mL2IiLkL5e_ITKS1bPgvN/s640/1+bay.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I bought a digital camera in July 2006. For a long time pictures steadily accumulated in the photo library until there were getting on for 8,000, a number which I tried not to exceed, without success. I now have something like 12,000 pictures of Western Ardnamurchan, so the closing posts of the Diary will be a celebration of this beautiful area using some of those pictures.<br />
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This photo, taken in January, shows the view across the Sound of Mull from the gate opposite the entrance to 'Ben Hiant'.Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348491898920520197noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885184849467086568.post-55867560446386001362017-08-15T17:06:00.001+01:002017-08-15T17:06:30.989+01:00Moving On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our house is sold and we expect to be moving on at the end of the month.<br />
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After 21 years in Kilchoan, and now downsizing to a small flat, we have a huge amount to get rid of. Some we're selling - prices negotiable - like....<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">APC Battery Back-Ups for power cuts and surges, two, bought August '16 and Feb '15 - £20 each<br /><br />Single bed, with headboard and drawers under - £35<br /><br />Inflatable double mattress with electric pump - £8<br /><br />Bisley 15-drawer metal filing cabinet - £50<br /><br />Dehumidifier, hardly used - £40<br /><br />Drain rods and chimney brush - £10<br /><br />Office chair, good quality, swivel - £25<br /><br />B&W laser printer - £5</span><br />
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....but we also have plenty of things just looking for a good home, like A4 ring binders, picture frames, glass kitchen storage jars (various sizes), glasses, crockery....<br />
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We can be contacted on 293.</div>
Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348491898920520197noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885184849467086568.post-30252130857394607712017-08-14T16:09:00.000+01:002017-08-14T16:09:32.469+01:00Homecoming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCa8LbXnbOYlcChk8o2LoaCpAhj9KmRocqeOvHu_Xp37vfeRlKiuYzIbtXCpiCwYggufmnnsCAhZxgJxbv5wwSZINTe6JZGusLbz6iwIjZF-rDBTPm-tkITf6cZSxRE9y7-p7DIfwj0fM/s1600/1+eagle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCa8LbXnbOYlcChk8o2LoaCpAhj9KmRocqeOvHu_Xp37vfeRlKiuYzIbtXCpiCwYggufmnnsCAhZxgJxbv5wwSZINTe6JZGusLbz6iwIjZF-rDBTPm-tkITf6cZSxRE9y7-p7DIfwj0fM/s640/1+eagle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We've been away for a very pleasant long weekend in Inverness where we were particularly impressed with the food in the two restaurants we patronised, but it was good to be welcomed as we returned along the road above <i>Camas nan Geall</i> by this magnificent sea eagle wheeling high above.<br />
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We're always told that we haven't missed much during any absence but, as usual, it takes a couple of days before one starts to discover the news.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lVB7_yNFgjOQm7eA87au1QtALlcYY6t0EBFrV55Qh4SbWUoh-PMukgUs1BSR7GCXf-EGB_LBXspJu2-aE4DgJiFpavqzRJ7QEpLeseTq_yGy7iU1NinQWAmMvM-oNFN6IPHdkIaLlVrE/s1600/2+nordnes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lVB7_yNFgjOQm7eA87au1QtALlcYY6t0EBFrV55Qh4SbWUoh-PMukgUs1BSR7GCXf-EGB_LBXspJu2-aE4DgJiFpavqzRJ7QEpLeseTq_yGy7iU1NinQWAmMvM-oNFN6IPHdkIaLlVrE/s640/2+nordnes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The weather's a bit grey but not too thick to hide the parade of ships that pass us. This is the <i>Nordnes</i> outward bound from the super-quarry at Glensanda. The AIS/MT site gives her destination as Edradour, a place I had never heard of but which sounds suitably foreign - only for Google to tell me that it's a distillery near Pitlochry. I can't imagine what they want with some 20,000 tonnes of aggregate, nor how the <i>Nordnes</i> is going to navigate the Tay.Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348491898920520197noreply@blogger.com2