When the Sea is Calling

| November 25, 2020
When the sea is calling I was brought up falling asleep to the sound of waves gently breaking on the shore. The guttural hum of bleating sheep. The sweet scent of grass and peat. Tired, cold feet hardened from days of running bare foot through the Machair and across the sands. City shoes long discarded. [...]

Mermaid Living

| August 18, 2020
Summer has arrived   with a huge dynamic burst of heady heat.   Cerulean blue skies reaching far and wide, and the island has been bathed in the most soothing golden sunshine. With temperatures soaring it has been a time for outdoor living.  Finding a quiet corner to just be, to sit and write, has proved a [...]

Hot Weather on Toast

| July 16, 2019
Last week when I woke to overcast skies the Happy Farmer informed me that the sun was just running a bit behind schedule. It appeared to have faced a bit of a delay and made room for a few heavy showers to keep the thirsty plants watered and more importantly the island’s whisky source flowing. [...]

Island Traditions…

| July 24, 2018
The Happy Farmer and I waved goodbye to the last of our visiting relatives on Saturday. On Sunday we headed to Machir Bay for a walk along the shore. It was a very warm, cloudy day, but even on cloudy days Islay does not disappoint. The colours in the waves and the gentle roar of [...]

Cockles and Fizz

| July 10, 2018
Yesterday the sea was calling. Island living is at its very best when we have seemingly endless days of sunshine and hot weather. I suggested to the Happy Farmer and his cousin that we head to the beach and try our hand at ‘cockling’. Ever since I was treated to steamed cockles on hot buttered [...]