The Expedition

| September 23, 2020
Going on an expedition for me is always a case of taking along the ‘kitchen sink’ and anything else I can fit in too!  So with the sunshine bursting through the windows of the farmhouse on Sunday morning, when eldest suggested we take a hike out to the north of Islay and make the most [...]

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 [...]

The Fire Starter

| June 17, 2020
Two beady eyes were watching us the whole time, jaw constantly chewing away, attitude coming from every angle. This sheep was a real character...maybe the one we evicted from Persabus the other week. The one who arrived with lambs at foot, as an unwelcome guest, and proceeded to head butt the glass door of the [...]

Islay Beach Time

| December 9, 2019
One of Islay’s treasures is its spectacular coastline. The rugged cliffs, where dramatic waterfalls froth and bubble to the seas below. The colourful pebbles worn smooth by the tidal currents. The natural arches and caves in rock faces and then the vast expanses of sand and dunes where seals lull happily on banks and rocks. [...]

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. [...]

A Dip in the Ocean

| July 30, 2018
The Happy Farmer is being kept on his toes. He has ‘lady’ issues. One of his Highland girls is procrastinating about her ‘calving duties’. On hot days she can be found dipping her hooves in the very boggy ditch to cool off. With her extra heavy gait, there is every chance she may struggle to [...]

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 [...]