On this day in the First World War, this man from the Isle of Lewis lost his life in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Seaman MURDO MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 13 Aignish
Son of John MacKay, of 13, Aignish, Stornoway.
Regiment / service: HMS Vivid, Royal Naval Reserve
Service number: 3093/A
Date of death: 18 January 1917 at the age of 26
Died in Plymouth Hospital
Memorial / cemetery: Aignish / Eye cemetery, E. 3. 60
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Took part in the defence of Antwerp and was one of the few RNR men who escaped after the fall of that city, making his way on foot across Holland dressed in clothes given to him by a friendly Dutch farmer.
Sunday, 18 January 2009
Grief
I read a blog, written by American author Elizabeth M. Parsons. Today, she wrote about Letting Go. How do you handle grief, in other words. My response was:
Every person is the sum total of their personality and their experiences in life. Grief is a natural and necessary emotion to come to terms with loss. It cannot be banished altogether, as that would warp your personality. The people that have passed on were once an integral part of your life, so sadness at their loss is normal. However, neither can you allow grief to take over your life, as that would carry the same peril.
Read Liza's post, and leave a comment - both there and at this post.
Every person is the sum total of their personality and their experiences in life. Grief is a natural and necessary emotion to come to terms with loss. It cannot be banished altogether, as that would warp your personality. The people that have passed on were once an integral part of your life, so sadness at their loss is normal. However, neither can you allow grief to take over your life, as that would carry the same peril.
Read Liza's post, and leave a comment - both there and at this post.
Obama
Barack Obama will be inaugurated as 44th president of the United States of America on Tuesday, January 20th. Expectations are high, from a multitude of quarters. George 'Dubya' Bush is bowing out as one of the most impopular presidents in US history, and the reasons for that are well documented.
Obama, as a dark-skinned man, carries a burden of expectation from non-white Americans. Several decades on from the abolition of segregation in America, there are still vast differences between various sections of society related to race and ethnicity. The emphasis seems to have shifted a bit towards Latino Americans (from south of the Rio Grande), on account of a large influx of illegal immigrants. But the disaster created by hurricane Katrina in 2005 has underlined the problems still existing regarding African Americans.
American foreign policy does not serve to make it friends in every corner of the globe. The newly ended war in the Gaza Strip was a timely reminder of the festering sore called the Middle East. America's unwavering support for Israel and its iron-fisted approach towards the Palestinian problem at the very least raises eyebrows. The Palestinian problem is one of the Israelis own making, after kicking out hundreds of thousands of people from their homes in the 1940s, and then leaving them without hope or prospects in sprawling refugee camps on the periphery of the Jewish state. A fertile breeding ground for extremist nutcases, using religion as a pretext for any old atrocity, citing the treatment of Palestinians as justification for their deeds. I do not foresee a resolution for the Palestinian question under Obama's tenure of the White House (2009-2012).
Iraq does give food for hope, and I'm not saying that to fill this post with words. The Iraqis themselves have kicked out a large section of Al-Qa'eda militants of their own accords. It is a justified demand that foreign troops remaining in their country leave at the earliest opportunity. In spite of a steady trickle of car-bombs in Baghdad and other places, this could still be achievable in Obama's time as 44th president without Iraq descending into anarchy and succumbing to the lure of Al-Qa'eda or indeed Iran-inspired extremism.
Generally, I hope that Obama manages to avoid the mistake, made by every US president since 1776, that solving any foreign problem with an impact on the USA just requires despatching the US Cavalry and think of the consequences later. Will Obama manage to kick out Robert Mugabe?
Obama, as a dark-skinned man, carries a burden of expectation from non-white Americans. Several decades on from the abolition of segregation in America, there are still vast differences between various sections of society related to race and ethnicity. The emphasis seems to have shifted a bit towards Latino Americans (from south of the Rio Grande), on account of a large influx of illegal immigrants. But the disaster created by hurricane Katrina in 2005 has underlined the problems still existing regarding African Americans.
American foreign policy does not serve to make it friends in every corner of the globe. The newly ended war in the Gaza Strip was a timely reminder of the festering sore called the Middle East. America's unwavering support for Israel and its iron-fisted approach towards the Palestinian problem at the very least raises eyebrows. The Palestinian problem is one of the Israelis own making, after kicking out hundreds of thousands of people from their homes in the 1940s, and then leaving them without hope or prospects in sprawling refugee camps on the periphery of the Jewish state. A fertile breeding ground for extremist nutcases, using religion as a pretext for any old atrocity, citing the treatment of Palestinians as justification for their deeds. I do not foresee a resolution for the Palestinian question under Obama's tenure of the White House (2009-2012).
Iraq does give food for hope, and I'm not saying that to fill this post with words. The Iraqis themselves have kicked out a large section of Al-Qa'eda militants of their own accords. It is a justified demand that foreign troops remaining in their country leave at the earliest opportunity. In spite of a steady trickle of car-bombs in Baghdad and other places, this could still be achievable in Obama's time as 44th president without Iraq descending into anarchy and succumbing to the lure of Al-Qa'eda or indeed Iran-inspired extremism.
Generally, I hope that Obama manages to avoid the mistake, made by every US president since 1776, that solving any foreign problem with an impact on the USA just requires despatching the US Cavalry and think of the consequences later. Will Obama manage to kick out Robert Mugabe?
18 January
Well, we weathered the storm and have come out the other end without problems. Apart from a town-wide bindance and some stray litter, nothing much has been damaged as a result of the storm. There was a fire in the town overnight, but that was not related to the wind. It has claimed one life.
The winds continue to cause disruption on ferry sailings, as more gales (this time of force 8 only) are forecast, particularly further south.
Sunday dawned grey and cold, and when I went out for an exploratory walk at lunchtime, some pretty heavy snow was falling. Temperatures are too high for it to settle.
The winds continue to cause disruption on ferry sailings, as more gales (this time of force 8 only) are forecast, particularly further south.
Sunday dawned grey and cold, and when I went out for an exploratory walk at lunchtime, some pretty heavy snow was falling. Temperatures are too high for it to settle.
Saturday, 17 January 2009
Height of the storm
Winds of 103 mph, curtains of seaspray flying in. Metal penals blown off a gate, flown away to heaven knows where. Lethal projectiles in this weather. Bin fell over full of bottles, cannot go outside to investigate, too dangerous. Streetlights failing here and there, can't see the Coastguard Station lights (200 yards away) at times through spray.
Remembering Today - 17 January
On this day in the First World War, these two men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Sergeant WILLIAM HECTOR MATHESON
Last address in Lewis: Seaforth House, 23 Scotland Street, Stornoway
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Murdo Matheson, of 72, Church St., Ayr, Scotland. Native of Stornaway, Isle of Lewis.
Regiment or division: 20th Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment)
Service number: 57775
Date of death: 17 January 1917 at the age of 36
Killed in action
Interred: Maroc British Cemetery, Grenay
Memorial reference: I. M. 17
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Seaman DONALD MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 20 Crowlista,
Son of Donald and Margaret Macdonald, of 20, Crowlista, Miavaig, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Regiment or division: Merchant Marine, SS Windsor Hall
Service number: 3911/A
Date of death: 17 January 1918 at the age of 28
Ship sunk by torpedo
Memorial: Chatham Naval
Memorial reference: 30
Lewis Memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Sergeant WILLIAM HECTOR MATHESON
Last address in Lewis: Seaforth House, 23 Scotland Street, Stornoway
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Murdo Matheson, of 72, Church St., Ayr, Scotland. Native of Stornaway, Isle of Lewis.
Regiment or division: 20th Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment)
Service number: 57775
Date of death: 17 January 1917 at the age of 36
Killed in action
Interred: Maroc British Cemetery, Grenay
Memorial reference: I. M. 17
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Seaman DONALD MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 20 Crowlista,
Son of Donald and Margaret Macdonald, of 20, Crowlista, Miavaig, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Regiment or division: Merchant Marine, SS Windsor Hall
Service number: 3911/A
Date of death: 17 January 1918 at the age of 28
Ship sunk by torpedo
Memorial: Chatham Naval
Memorial reference: 30
Lewis Memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Stormy night
The wind has picked up since about 7.30pm, and at last reading (8.20pm) was blowing at 56 mph, with gusts to 78 mph. Bits and pieces flying about, some streetlights are out. One person was killed when her car was struck by a falling tree in Northern Ireland earlier on. The automated weatherstation at Eoropie, near the Butt of Lewis (25 miles north of here) ceased to transmit data about 10 minutes ago.
The public advice is for people to stay inside and not to travel. Bus services here in Lewis stopped running at 6pm. The height of the storm will coincide with high tide between 10 and 12 o'clock tonight, which may also cause problems.
The public advice is for people to stay inside and not to travel. Bus services here in Lewis stopped running at 6pm. The height of the storm will coincide with high tide between 10 and 12 o'clock tonight, which may also cause problems.
Here we go
From 7pm onwards, this severe weather warning applies to us:
Severe gale or storm force winds are expected over the Hebrides and the western fringes of the mainland later today and tonight. Gusts of 90 to 100mph are likely with some disruption to power supplies and transport, and danger to life.
Severe gale or storm force winds are expected over the Hebrides and the western fringes of the mainland later today and tonight. Gusts of 90 to 100mph are likely with some disruption to power supplies and transport, and danger to life.
17 January
My attention is focused on an Atlantic low-pressure system that is currently heading our way. Its central pressure will deepen from 980 mbar at midnight last night to 945 mbar tonight. That's a very fast rate of development, and the weather charts tell me to expect very high winds. Gusts to 90 mph are forecast for the night. We're battening down the hatches up here. At the moment, it is bright and sunny, with a stiff breeze from the south. It is cold, only +4C. I know, over in the States there are places down to -35C at the moment (that's -30F).
The search for the 21-year old Merchant Navy cadet, missing since Boxing Day, continues in South Uist. The official search has been called off, but individual islanders are still going round.
The credit crunch is a prominent piece of news at the moment, and it is already having quite a serious effect on the economy. Chains of highstreet stores are closing down every day, car producers are feeling the pinch. And in the last four months ago, the oil producing nations around the Arabian peninsula have lost 2.5 trillion dollars in revenue. I am desperately searching for my ounce of compassion.
The search for the 21-year old Merchant Navy cadet, missing since Boxing Day, continues in South Uist. The official search has been called off, but individual islanders are still going round.
The credit crunch is a prominent piece of news at the moment, and it is already having quite a serious effect on the economy. Chains of highstreet stores are closing down every day, car producers are feeling the pinch. And in the last four months ago, the oil producing nations around the Arabian peninsula have lost 2.5 trillion dollars in revenue. I am desperately searching for my ounce of compassion.
Friday, 16 January 2009
Strange alert
I was checking the National Weather Service website when amongst all the possible alerts related to extreme weather featured a Child Abduction Alert. Curiosity drew me there - you can find it here. It is an effective way of drawing the public's attention to such an emergency. But a bit strange on a weather site nonetheless.
Extreme weather: high winds
We have a severe weather warning out for our area. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar = Western Isles Council.
- Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Northern Constabulary are monitoring weather conditions in the Outer Hebrides as high winds are expected tomorrow night through to Sunday morning. Drivers are urged to exercise caution.
- Mainly Southerly winds of up to 80-
90mph are predicted during the overnight period and particularly around midnight. High tide will also occur around midnight.
- If the weather becomes severe, people are advised to stay indoors and not travel. Loose objects lying around in gardens etc. should be put away or secured.
- Neighbours and friends may wish to check that elderly people are okay.
- Bus services could be subject to alterations on Saturday night.
- The Comhairle and the Police will continue to monitor the situation and further information will be issued as appropriate through the media.
realdanger.co.uk | The real danger of counterfeit medicines
realdanger.co.uk | The real danger of counterfeit medicines
Posted using ShareThis
Beware when buying medicines off the Net. They may be counterfeit.
Posted using ShareThis
Beware when buying medicines off the Net. They may be counterfeit.
Friday 16 January
Good morning from a bright but windy Stornoway. Windy? Wait until midnight tomorrow night and you'll see us with winds of 50 mph and more. At the moment, it's doing 30 mph, so Aeolus is nicely sticking to the speedlimit.
Zimbabwe continues to be the number 1 disaster country in the world. The central bank has issued a banknote for 100,000,000,000,000 Z$, worth about 30 US$ at this moment. Inflation is running at 231,000,000%. Apart from the economy, health care is also in a state of collapse. Robert Mugabe was once a hero for his country. He has managed to wreck it.
Zimbabwe continues to be the number 1 disaster country in the world. The central bank has issued a banknote for 100,000,000,000,000 Z$, worth about 30 US$ at this moment. Inflation is running at 231,000,000%. Apart from the economy, health care is also in a state of collapse. Robert Mugabe was once a hero for his country. He has managed to wreck it.
Thursday, 15 January 2009
Evening notes
I am very relieved that the aircrash in New York City, where an airbus came down in the Hudson River, claimed no lives. The A320 struck a flock of birds, disabling its engines, and forcing the pilot to bring the plane to an emergency landing in the Hudson River. Passengers then evacuated the aircraft and stood on its wings and fuselage awaiting rescue. Ferry boats quickly came to their aid, and all 148 passengers and crew are safe.
The British government announced today that Heathrow Airport, west of London, will have a third runway. This means that hundreds of houses nearby will have to be demolished. It is claimed that tens of thousands of jobs will be created, and the congestion in the air alleviated. More details here.
John McDonnell, who is the MP for Hayes and Harlington, the constituency in which Heathrow lies, walked onto the floor of the House and seized the ceremonial Commons Mace in protest. He was named by the Deputy Speaker, which means the Honourable Member is censured - in the case of Mr McDonnell, he is banned from the House for a week.
If you are in the eastern or central USA, please take care in the current extreme conditions. I have access to a website showing weather conditions across the States, and I don't envy anyone who has to put up with daytime temperatures of -30C. Strange to see temperatures in California up to +25C at the same time.
The British government announced today that Heathrow Airport, west of London, will have a third runway. This means that hundreds of houses nearby will have to be demolished. It is claimed that tens of thousands of jobs will be created, and the congestion in the air alleviated. More details here.
John McDonnell, who is the MP for Hayes and Harlington, the constituency in which Heathrow lies, walked onto the floor of the House and seized the ceremonial Commons Mace in protest. He was named by the Deputy Speaker, which means the Honourable Member is censured - in the case of Mr McDonnell, he is banned from the House for a week.
If you are in the eastern or central USA, please take care in the current extreme conditions. I have access to a website showing weather conditions across the States, and I don't envy anyone who has to put up with daytime temperatures of -30C. Strange to see temperatures in California up to +25C at the same time.
Remembering Today - 15 January
On this day in the First World War, this man from the Isle of Lewis lost his life in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Able Seaman DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 23 Lower Garrabost,
Son of Donald and Christina Macleod, of 23, Garrabost, Stornoway, Lewis.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, HMS Attentive II
Service number: Mersey Z/769
Date of death: 15 January 1917 at the age of 22
Died of wounds, in hospital
Interred: Ramscappelle Road Military Cemetery, Belgium
Memorial reference: IV. D. 4.
Lewis Memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Able Seaman DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 23 Lower Garrabost,
Son of Donald and Christina Macleod, of 23, Garrabost, Stornoway, Lewis.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, HMS Attentive II
Service number: Mersey Z/769
Date of death: 15 January 1917 at the age of 22
Died of wounds, in hospital
Interred: Ramscappelle Road Military Cemetery, Belgium
Memorial reference: IV. D. 4.
Lewis Memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Windy nook
We're in for a couple of rough days out here. The lampposts swing in the wind, you can barely walk up or down the street and bits and pieces go thump in the night. The Calmac disruptions table (that's the ferries, shown above) has more red/orange than green, meaning that nothing moves. And it's only a force 7 (gusting to 45 mph). On Saturday, we can look forward to our third storm of the winter. One positive note: after my iced-up feet of yesterday (outside temps of 4C), it is now a lot milder at 10C, as I indicated in previous posting.
15 January
Breezy day, with the wind up to force 7 at the moment. Temperature has risen through the night, from 4C at sunset to 10C at the moment. Saturday looks like a very stormy day, possibly the third force 11 storm this winter.
The islanders of Rum voted 15 to 2 in favour of taking control of their own island. No indigenous islanders are left, they are all employees of SNH. However, they are determined to make it a place for themselves, and I wish them every success. Kinloch Castle is not included in the buy-out; that remains in the stewardship of SNH.
The islanders of Rum voted 15 to 2 in favour of taking control of their own island. No indigenous islanders are left, they are all employees of SNH. However, they are determined to make it a place for themselves, and I wish them every success. Kinloch Castle is not included in the buy-out; that remains in the stewardship of SNH.
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
The Internet
Do you remember sitting in a chatroom, watching people chat, or even chatting yourself? Do you remember receiving so many forwards that your mailbox was ready to explode? How about receiving an email from someone just searching for a friend. Did you wonder who these people might be that are behind the keyboard?
Online we meet new people from all around the world. Some we chat with just once and then we go on. Others we chat with time and time again, and a friendship is made. Others become our email buddies, and we look forward to their emails each day, but have you ever really wondered who was really behind the keyboard?
So often we meet a friend in chat we stay up all night chatting, sometimes we laugh so hard we cannot type, other times we cry and our keyboards are stained from tears. We chat about our lives and help solve each others' problems, we lend a shoulder if we can. Did you ever think to yourself,
who is really behind that keyboard?
Did you ever chat with someone that promised you the world and that your friendship will be forever, and then they are gone? Do you forget about them and move on, or do you wonder "who was that person really, that was behind the keyboard?
Have you ever hid behind your keyboard, pretending to be something you are not, just to boost your ego? As you sat there and typed have you ever lied, thinking "who cares, the person behind the keyboard, it is only a fake person?" Did you ever hurt someone thinking "it's only a game"?
Well, behind each and every keyboard are very real people, some might be heartless cold people, not caring who they hurt, but then there are people that are caring, loyal, honest and all kinds of people hoping for some companionship online.
Behind the keyboard can be someone who is seriously depressed and their only hope is to make a friend, maybe an aging person who once had a family, but now they live too far apart to see one another, perhaps there is someone that cannot walk anymore or a
person so ill they are in the house forever.
As we enter the world of the internet we should remember, it is a very real world and behind each and every keyboard is a person who has a heart. No one has a life that is pain free, so as we go online whether in chat or just emailing, we must remember to treat each person the way we want to be treated, to respect each others' feelings, and to offer friendship, because the truth is we really do not know who is behind the keyboard or what kind of hurt someone may be feeling. To be the best to others that you can be should be the "key" to a good, honest life.
Forwarded to me in 2005
Online we meet new people from all around the world. Some we chat with just once and then we go on. Others we chat with time and time again, and a friendship is made. Others become our email buddies, and we look forward to their emails each day, but have you ever really wondered who was really behind the keyboard?
So often we meet a friend in chat we stay up all night chatting, sometimes we laugh so hard we cannot type, other times we cry and our keyboards are stained from tears. We chat about our lives and help solve each others' problems, we lend a shoulder if we can. Did you ever think to yourself,
who is really behind that keyboard?
Did you ever chat with someone that promised you the world and that your friendship will be forever, and then they are gone? Do you forget about them and move on, or do you wonder "who was that person really, that was behind the keyboard?
Have you ever hid behind your keyboard, pretending to be something you are not, just to boost your ego? As you sat there and typed have you ever lied, thinking "who cares, the person behind the keyboard, it is only a fake person?" Did you ever hurt someone thinking "it's only a game"?
Well, behind each and every keyboard are very real people, some might be heartless cold people, not caring who they hurt, but then there are people that are caring, loyal, honest and all kinds of people hoping for some companionship online.
Behind the keyboard can be someone who is seriously depressed and their only hope is to make a friend, maybe an aging person who once had a family, but now they live too far apart to see one another, perhaps there is someone that cannot walk anymore or a
person so ill they are in the house forever.
As we enter the world of the internet we should remember, it is a very real world and behind each and every keyboard is a person who has a heart. No one has a life that is pain free, so as we go online whether in chat or just emailing, we must remember to treat each person the way we want to be treated, to respect each others' feelings, and to offer friendship, because the truth is we really do not know who is behind the keyboard or what kind of hurt someone may be feeling. To be the best to others that you can be should be the "key" to a good, honest life.
Forwarded to me in 2005
Remembering Today - 14 January
On this day in the First World War, this man from the Isle of Lewis lost his life in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Seaman MURDO GUNN
Last address in Lewis: North Tolsta
Regiment or division: Royal Navy, HMS Pembroke I
Service number: 1565/C
Date of death: January, 14th, 1920 at the age of 44
Died of illness
Interred: North Tolsta Cemetery, Lewis
Seaman MURDO GUNN
Last address in Lewis: North Tolsta
Regiment or division: Royal Navy, HMS Pembroke I
Service number: 1565/C
Date of death: January, 14th, 1920 at the age of 44
Died of illness
Interred: North Tolsta Cemetery, Lewis
Isle of Rum
In my previous post, I mentioned the island of Rum. Just a few facts.
Rum was cleared of its indigenous population in the 1820s, who were packed off to Canada. None now remain. Private owners have kept the island as their playground, taking them shooting and fishing. At the end of the 19th century, the Bullough family, textile tycoons from Accrington in Lancashire (England) decided to build a castle there. Kinloch Castle remains as it was at the start of the 20th century, with mind-boggling opulence in an area of Scotland more noted for its grinding poverty at the time. A Steinway grand-piano (which I played twice), 8 ft high Japanese vases, a billiard room. At one time, conservatories lined the exterior of the castle, fully heated. Humming birds flitted around these, until the central heating broke. Their remains are now pinned up in a glass case. Kinloch Castle was occupied by its owner for 6 weeks out of every 52 in the year. Its demise began with the First World War, when the staff were called up. By 1957, the last owner, Lady Monica, had been taken across the island to be laid to rest in the family mausoleum at Harris (different from the Harris south of Lewis). The Nature Conservancy Council were gifted the island for a nominal amount, and they established a study area for red deer.
Rum is a stunning place, but also very sad. Author John Love wrote a book about its history, called A Landscape without Figures. Permanent population 0. Current population is all workers for SNH (successor to NCC).
This set on Flickr.com shows 128 images of the island, including many from within Kinloch Castle. I told its history in a post on Northern Trip from October 2007, when I last visited. A photo compilation can be viewed here. The orchestrion plays here.
Rum was cleared of its indigenous population in the 1820s, who were packed off to Canada. None now remain. Private owners have kept the island as their playground, taking them shooting and fishing. At the end of the 19th century, the Bullough family, textile tycoons from Accrington in Lancashire (England) decided to build a castle there. Kinloch Castle remains as it was at the start of the 20th century, with mind-boggling opulence in an area of Scotland more noted for its grinding poverty at the time. A Steinway grand-piano (which I played twice), 8 ft high Japanese vases, a billiard room. At one time, conservatories lined the exterior of the castle, fully heated. Humming birds flitted around these, until the central heating broke. Their remains are now pinned up in a glass case. Kinloch Castle was occupied by its owner for 6 weeks out of every 52 in the year. Its demise began with the First World War, when the staff were called up. By 1957, the last owner, Lady Monica, had been taken across the island to be laid to rest in the family mausoleum at Harris (different from the Harris south of Lewis). The Nature Conservancy Council were gifted the island for a nominal amount, and they established a study area for red deer.
Rum is a stunning place, but also very sad. Author John Love wrote a book about its history, called A Landscape without Figures. Permanent population 0. Current population is all workers for SNH (successor to NCC).
This set on Flickr.com shows 128 images of the island, including many from within Kinloch Castle. I told its history in a post on Northern Trip from October 2007, when I last visited. A photo compilation can be viewed here. The orchestrion plays here.
14 January 2009
Bright and sunny day out here, with no wind. Temperatures not very high, 4C / 39F, and high-level cloud is moving in from the south.
In the Isle of Rum, 100 miles south of here, residents are voting to take over management of certain amenities. Rum is an island, measuring 8 by 8 miles, showing a diamond shape on the map. It has some stunning scenery, with mountains rearing up to 2,800 feet about sealevel. It has been owned by government agency Scottish Natural Heritage (and its predecessors) since 1957, and was a study area for red deer for many years. The 17 adults who are eligible to vote are expected to agree to the takeover. Their plans include the establishment of 5 new crofts and the building of new housing, which would take the number of residents from 30 to 80. I'll devote a separate post to the island. Knowing one of the prime movers behind this buy-out move personally, I have no doubt that this will be a success.
In the Isle of Rum, 100 miles south of here, residents are voting to take over management of certain amenities. Rum is an island, measuring 8 by 8 miles, showing a diamond shape on the map. It has some stunning scenery, with mountains rearing up to 2,800 feet about sealevel. It has been owned by government agency Scottish Natural Heritage (and its predecessors) since 1957, and was a study area for red deer for many years. The 17 adults who are eligible to vote are expected to agree to the takeover. Their plans include the establishment of 5 new crofts and the building of new housing, which would take the number of residents from 30 to 80. I'll devote a separate post to the island. Knowing one of the prime movers behind this buy-out move personally, I have no doubt that this will be a success.
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Remembering Today - 13 January
On this day in the First World War, these four men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Seaman JOHN STEWART
Last address in Lewis: 50 Vatisker
Son of Kenneth Stewart, of 50, Vatisker, Back, Stornoway.
Regiment / service: HMS Pembroke, Royal Navy
Service number: 3131/A
Date of death: 13 January 1917 at the age of 27
Died of illness
Memorial / cemetery: Gress Cemetery
Local memorial: Back
Seaman DUNCAN MACKINNON
Last address in Lewis: 18 Brue
Son of Malcolm and Kirsty McKinnon, of Brue Barvas; husband of Annie McKinnon, of 18, Brue Barvas, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Regiment / service: HMS Viknor, Royal Naval Reserve
Service number: 3053/B
Date of death: 13 January 1915 at the age of 40
Drowned in mining of HMS Viknor
Memorial: Chatham Naval, panel 14
Seaman ALEX MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 26 Leurbost
Son of Donald and Margaret Maciver, of 26, Luerbost, Locks, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Regiment / service: HMS Viknor, Royal Naval Reserve
Service number: 2523A
Date of death: 13 January 1915 at the age of 24
Ship sunk by mine
Memorial / cemetery: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 14
Private KENNETH MACINNES
Last address in Lewis: 3 Coulregrein
Regiment / service: 1st, Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 10637
Date of death: 13 January 1916
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Memorial / cemetery: Basra Memorial, Iraq, Panel 37 and 64
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Seaman JOHN STEWART
Last address in Lewis: 50 Vatisker
Son of Kenneth Stewart, of 50, Vatisker, Back, Stornoway.
Regiment / service: HMS Pembroke, Royal Navy
Service number: 3131/A
Date of death: 13 January 1917 at the age of 27
Died of illness
Memorial / cemetery: Gress Cemetery
Local memorial: Back
Seaman DUNCAN MACKINNON
Last address in Lewis: 18 Brue
Son of Malcolm and Kirsty McKinnon, of Brue Barvas; husband of Annie McKinnon, of 18, Brue Barvas, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Regiment / service: HMS Viknor, Royal Naval Reserve
Service number: 3053/B
Date of death: 13 January 1915 at the age of 40
Drowned in mining of HMS Viknor
Memorial: Chatham Naval, panel 14
Seaman ALEX MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 26 Leurbost
Son of Donald and Margaret Maciver, of 26, Luerbost, Locks, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Regiment / service: HMS Viknor, Royal Naval Reserve
Service number: 2523A
Date of death: 13 January 1915 at the age of 24
Ship sunk by mine
Memorial / cemetery: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 14
Private KENNETH MACINNES
Last address in Lewis: 3 Coulregrein
Regiment / service: 1st, Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 10637
Date of death: 13 January 1916
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Memorial / cemetery: Basra Memorial, Iraq, Panel 37 and 64
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Close of era
Ken points out that when the Bush family leave the White House in a week from now, they will do so minus one family member: their cat. The 18-year old feline died on Sunday.
I never had a lot of time for George W.'s politics (Iraq, Katrina, US healthcare to name but a few disasters), but as a cat-lover myself feel very sad that he and his family lost Sierra. Her death will certainly mark the end of an era, in more ways than one.
From a personal point of view, I wish them well.
I never had a lot of time for George W.'s politics (Iraq, Katrina, US healthcare to name but a few disasters), but as a cat-lover myself feel very sad that he and his family lost Sierra. Her death will certainly mark the end of an era, in more ways than one.
From a personal point of view, I wish them well.
13 January
Bright and sunny this afternoon, not cloudless though. Am watching the lunchtime ferry coming into port, a wee bit on the late side. Further south, the search is continuing for the seaman, who went missing in the early hours of Boxing Day. A helicopter undertook several sweeps of the area in the north of the island of South Uist, some 75 miles south of Stornoway. No trace was found, in spite of hopes that gales over the weekend would have uncovered something.
An on-line petition has been set up to be handed to Prime Minister Gordon Brown by April 20th, for him to investigate the excessive delivery charges for people in remote areas of Scotland, such as the Western Isles and Highlands. Anything delivered by Royal Mail, provided it weighs less than 25 kg, will be subject to one rate irrespective of destination. The same should apply to private delivery companies. Please note: only UK residents can sign the petition.
An on-line petition has been set up to be handed to Prime Minister Gordon Brown by April 20th, for him to investigate the excessive delivery charges for people in remote areas of Scotland, such as the Western Isles and Highlands. Anything delivered by Royal Mail, provided it weighs less than 25 kg, will be subject to one rate irrespective of destination. The same should apply to private delivery companies. Please note: only UK residents can sign the petition.
Monday, 12 January 2009
Remembering Today - 12 January
On this day in the First World War, this man from the Isle of Lewis lost his life in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Seaman KENNETH JOHN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 27 Upper Bayble
Regiment / service: Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 12 January 1918 at the age of 24
Drowned off Italian coast
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Served with Gordons, discharged with strained heart, resulting from lifting heavy sandbags in trenches. Joined Navy.
Seaman KENNETH JOHN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 27 Upper Bayble
Regiment / service: Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 12 January 1918 at the age of 24
Drowned off Italian coast
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Served with Gordons, discharged with strained heart, resulting from lifting heavy sandbags in trenches. Joined Navy.
Kidney cancer support network
Jane, who suffers from kidney cancer, has written about an internet-based support network for sufferers, carers and others interested in that form of cancer. I would like to take this opportunity to relay the link - also check out Jane's post.
12 January
Good morning from the Western Isles, where the weather has finally come out of its weekend funk. The sun is out (through some grey clouds) and the rain has stopped - just. The gales that have buffeted us for two days have ceased.
Today 4 years ago, the islanders of South Uist were faced with the fact that five of their number had perished in the hurricane of the preceding night. Two children, their parents and a grandfather drowned when the cars they were travelling in were swamped and carried away by waves on the South Ford causeway, linking South Uist to Benbecula to the north. Their death is remembered today. The abiding image of that tragedy is reproduced below, courtesy BBC News.
Today 4 years ago, the islanders of South Uist were faced with the fact that five of their number had perished in the hurricane of the preceding night. Two children, their parents and a grandfather drowned when the cars they were travelling in were swamped and carried away by waves on the South Ford causeway, linking South Uist to Benbecula to the north. Their death is remembered today. The abiding image of that tragedy is reproduced below, courtesy BBC News.
Sunday, 11 January 2009
Meme
Picked up this one from Linda's blog (Linda in WA).
Just boldface the items that you HAVE done, and leave the rest normal…
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33 Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris (what's with all of the Paris questions?!)
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets, or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (ew!)
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
Just boldface the items that you HAVE done, and leave the rest normal…
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33 Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris (what's with all of the Paris questions?!)
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets, or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (ew!)
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
Time
The Stornoway arts centre An Lanntair [The Lantern] was built in 2004/5. At the time, a time-lapse camera on the ferry terminal (just a little distance away) was recording progress. The above video shows the result. The poem Time, read in English and Gaelic, is by local poet Murdo MacFarlane who died 25 years ago. More info on this blog.
A year to go
On January 16th, solo sailor Reid Stowe will only have 365 days (i.e. 1 year) to go of his 1000 days at sea challenge. He left the United States 629 days ago on board the schooner Anne to remain at sea for 1000 days, without touching land or without resupplies. Although his fellow sailor, Soanya, had to leave the ship in 2008 (due to pregnancy), Reid has carried on. At the moment, he is headed southeast down the southern Pacific, making towards Cape Horn. Read more here.
11 January
Today is very unpleasant with strong winds and heavy rain at times. Winds are at galeforce with occasional showers. Not much improvement in sight over the next few days. The frost of recent weeks will be swept out of southern areas of the UK today. Spare a thought for the people of Queensland, who will find their night disturbed by tropical cyclone Charlotte. This is coming ashore in the far south of the Gulf of Carpentaria with winds of 40 mph. About as bad as we're having here, except the rainfall totals will be a lot higher.
Four years ago today, hurricane force winds swept the Western Isles, claiming 5 lives in the process. Damage was severe, with flooding and wind damage. My diary entry for the day can be found here.
Four years ago today, hurricane force winds swept the Western Isles, claiming 5 lives in the process. Damage was severe, with flooding and wind damage. My diary entry for the day can be found here.
Saturday, 10 January 2009
Journals reading
I’ve been terribly remiss this week in not reading journals. At all. Apologies. Will make an effort tomorrow, as it is just a little bit selfish to write but not read.
Remembering Today - 10 January
On this day in the First World War, these two men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Gunner MALCOLM MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 5 Knock, Point,
Regiment / service: SS Mereddio, Mercantile Marine
Service number: 4440A
Date of death: 10 January 1918 at the age of 20
Missing following sinking of ship
Memorial / cemetery: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 30
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Chief Officer NORMAN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 10 Bells Road, Stornoway
Regiment / service: SS Yankalilla, Mercantile Marine
Date of death: 10 January 1919
Died of influenza on board ship
Gunner MALCOLM MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 5 Knock, Point,
Regiment / service: SS Mereddio, Mercantile Marine
Service number: 4440A
Date of death: 10 January 1918 at the age of 20
Missing following sinking of ship
Memorial / cemetery: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 30
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Chief Officer NORMAN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 10 Bells Road, Stornoway
Regiment / service: SS Yankalilla, Mercantile Marine
Date of death: 10 January 1919
Died of influenza on board ship
Evening notes
I am posting this via Windows Live Writer, which I just downloaded. You can write posts off-line, add anything you want to add, and post it once you are on-line. I don’t know how I’m going to like this, but it might be an idea for those of you with unreliable internet connections. Google “Windows Live Writer” to download the latest version.
The gale has ceased, but it remains windy. The ferry went out on time at 2.30pm, and is expected back at 9pm. This is the current Saturday schedule, but I can’t imagine it would be a very enjoyable crossing today.
Am going to make supper in a minute, an Indonesian dish called Nasi Goreng, using dried herbs which I brought in from Holland on Monday. Should be interesting.
10 January
Filthy weather today, with a force 9 gale blowing in from the Atlantic. The satellite picture shows the back of the rain approaching rapidly from the west. No ferries this morning, but the services will be reviewed by lunchtime. Quite a few people visit the Western Isles in winter, to see weather like this. I am always interested in extreme weather, although I won't readily venture outside. Was asked what it was like to drive in conditions like this - I cannot advise (don't drive), but would think you'd have to be extra careful.
Friday, 9 January 2009
Remembering Today - 9 January
On this day in the First World War, this man from the Isle of Lewis lost his life in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Corporal LOUIS MACLEAY
Last address in Lewis: 14 Ballantrushal,
Son of Roderick and Margaret Macleay, of 14, Ballantrushal, Barvas, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: "B" Coy. 7th Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 204506
Date of death: 9 January 1918 at the age of 19
Died of wounds
Interred: Tincourt New British Cemetery
Memorial reference: IV. E. 10.
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
His brother, Roderick MacLeay, perished on 18 May 1915 on the Western Front.
Corporal LOUIS MACLEAY
Last address in Lewis: 14 Ballantrushal,
Son of Roderick and Margaret Macleay, of 14, Ballantrushal, Barvas, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: "B" Coy. 7th Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 204506
Date of death: 9 January 1918 at the age of 19
Died of wounds
Interred: Tincourt New British Cemetery
Memorial reference: IV. E. 10.
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
His brother, Roderick MacLeay, perished on 18 May 1915 on the Western Front.
9 January
An overcast day in the Western Isles, with the wind set to increase from its current strength of 30 mph (force 6 to 7) to severe gale force later tonight. The first gale of the year. At the moment, we're the warmest place in the UK, with a tropical +8C on the thermometer. Over the weekend, that will rise further to possibly 12C / 54F. The Atlantic is flexing its muscles, pushing the cold out of England in the next few days.
I'm going to have fun and games today, as my trial version of Norton Security expires. This means I won't be getting updates anymore. Problem with Norton is that you have to get updates manually, which is a pain. So, I'm going to chuck Norton and replace it with AVG for virus protection and ZoneAlarm for firewall and spyware.
I'm going to have fun and games today, as my trial version of Norton Security expires. This means I won't be getting updates anymore. Problem with Norton is that you have to get updates manually, which is a pain. So, I'm going to chuck Norton and replace it with AVG for virus protection and ZoneAlarm for firewall and spyware.
Thursday, 8 January 2009
Four years ago
Was browsing through my archives (remember Northern Trip?), and came across a diary entry for 8 January 2005. At the time, I was in the village of Kershader, 22 miles south of Stornoway, and the bus journey there was a seriously wintry affair, with a thick layer of ice on the road just south of Leurbost. Three days later, hurricane force winds slammed the islands, with gusts up to 134 mph. Five people lost their lives in the South Ford between Benbecula and South Uist, when the two cars they were travelling in were swept into the sea by a huge wave. Since Boxing Day, people have been scouring the island of South Uist for a 21-year old seaman who disappeared under mysterious circumstances. On land, at sea and under water - not a trace.
The first 100 days
I noticed that my Blogoversary button announced that the (first) anniversary of Atlantic Lines will be in 266 days' time. Meaning, that we've been on the go for 100 days tomorrow. It was on September 30th that AOL kindly informed us that we'd lose AOL J-land on October 31st. Consequently, a lot of us shut up shop with AOL and moved to Blogger. Much has happened since the shut-down. My own participation has dwindled substantially for various reasons, to a few posts each day, down from about a dozen every day until May 2008.
I hope that things will continue to come together, and that we can pull a long nose at AOHell come October 2009.
I hope that things will continue to come together, and that we can pull a long nose at AOHell come October 2009.
Remembering Today - 8 January
On this day in the First World War, these three men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Private DONALD MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 3 Back,
Regiment or division: 2nd Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/5956
Date of death: 8 January 1915
Killed in action
Interred: Rue-Petillon Military Cemetery, Fleurbaix
Memorial reference: I. C. 41.
Lewis Memorial: Back
Leading Seaman ALLAN MACKINNON
Last address in Lewis: 18 Brue,
Son of Malcolm and Christina MacKinnon (nee Matheson), of Brue, Barvas, Lewis; husband of Effie MacKinnon, of 61, South Bragar, Barvas, Stornoway, Lewis.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, SS Torcello
Service number: 3322C
Date of death: 8 January 1917 at the age of 37
Died of dysentry in Alexandria
Interred: Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery
Memorial reference: A 25
Private MURDO MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 48 Carloway,
Son of Malcolm and Marion Macleod MacKay, of 48, Carloway, Isle of Lewis.
Regiment or division: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 6896
Date of death: 8 January 1915 at the age of 34
Killed in action at La Bassee
Had served with the Camerons in the South African war and rejoined from Canada in 1914
Served in Egypt with 3rd Bn. Seaforth Highlanders.
Memorial: Le Touret, Panel 41 and 42
Lewis Memorial: Carloway
Private DONALD MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 3 Back,
Regiment or division: 2nd Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/5956
Date of death: 8 January 1915
Killed in action
Interred: Rue-Petillon Military Cemetery, Fleurbaix
Memorial reference: I. C. 41.
Lewis Memorial: Back
Leading Seaman ALLAN MACKINNON
Last address in Lewis: 18 Brue,
Son of Malcolm and Christina MacKinnon (nee Matheson), of Brue, Barvas, Lewis; husband of Effie MacKinnon, of 61, South Bragar, Barvas, Stornoway, Lewis.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, SS Torcello
Service number: 3322C
Date of death: 8 January 1917 at the age of 37
Died of dysentry in Alexandria
Interred: Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery
Memorial reference: A 25
Private MURDO MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 48 Carloway,
Son of Malcolm and Marion Macleod MacKay, of 48, Carloway, Isle of Lewis.
Regiment or division: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 6896
Date of death: 8 January 1915 at the age of 34
Killed in action at La Bassee
Had served with the Camerons in the South African war and rejoined from Canada in 1914
Served in Egypt with 3rd Bn. Seaforth Highlanders.
Memorial: Le Touret, Panel 41 and 42
Lewis Memorial: Carloway
8 January
This year is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, writer of the book on evolutionary theory - survival of the fittest. His theories still provide much food for debate today. He published his magnum opus, backed up by observations, in 1859.
I have so far not commented much on events in Gaza, and will not say much about them now. Except to say that the Israeli and Palestinian people are condemned to each other, gnawing on the old bones of strife, resentment and pain from the past. Others in the region use their unfortunate circumstance as an excuse to fan the flames of hatred. The Israelis are to blame for the current conflagration as much as the Palestinians. I don't see a way forward in that crisis at all.
Not much happening here today - the sun has disappeared behind clouds and the wind is picking up. Not showing my face out of doors, trying to get rid of the last of my Christmas cold.
I have so far not commented much on events in Gaza, and will not say much about them now. Except to say that the Israeli and Palestinian people are condemned to each other, gnawing on the old bones of strife, resentment and pain from the past. Others in the region use their unfortunate circumstance as an excuse to fan the flames of hatred. The Israelis are to blame for the current conflagration as much as the Palestinians. I don't see a way forward in that crisis at all.
Not much happening here today - the sun has disappeared behind clouds and the wind is picking up. Not showing my face out of doors, trying to get rid of the last of my Christmas cold.
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
Remembering Today
7 January
On this day in the First World War, these 14 men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives in the service of King & Country. RIP. The vast majority died in present-day Iraq.
Seaman DONALD MACLEAN
Last address in Lewis: 21 Callanish,
Son of Finlay and Annie Maclean.
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7031
Date of death: 7 January 1916 at the age of 22
Killed in action at Persian Gulf
Memorial: Basra
Memorial reference: Panel 37 and 64
Lewis Memorial: East Loch Roag, Callanish
Private NORMAN MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 43 Coll,
Son of John and Isabella MacIver, of 43, Coll, Back, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7178
Date of death: 7 January 1916 at the age of 20
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Memorial: Basra, Iraq
Memorial reference: Panel 37 and 64
Lewis Memorial: Back
Private ANGUS MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 20 Cross,
Son of Donald and Rachel MacKay, of 20, Cross, Ness, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7470
Date of death: 7 January 1916 at the age of 19
Killed in action in Persian Gulf
Memorial: Basra
Memorial reference: Panel 37 and 64
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Private DONALD MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 18 Habost, Ness
Regiment or division: Seaforth Highlanders
Date of death: 7 January 1916 at the age of 21
Killed in action at the Persian Gulf
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Private JOHN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 16 Lionel,
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Date of death: 7 January 1916 at the age of 20
Killed in action at the Persian Gulf
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Private ALEX MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 21 Lionel,
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 7047
Date of death: 7 January 1916 at the age of 21
Killed in action in Persian Gulf
Memorial: Basra
Memorial reference: Panel 37 and 64
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Private ALLAN GRAHAM
Last address in Lewis: 6 Lower Garrabost,
Son of Allan and Mary MacKay Graham, of 6, Garrabost, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Servcie number: 3/7431
Date of death: 7 January 1916 at the age of 18
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Memorial: Basra
Memorial reference: Panel 37 and 64
Note: CWGC quotes date of death 18 January 1916
Lewis Memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Private PETER GRAHAM
Last address in Lewis: 9 Maciver's Buildings, Stornoway
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Date of death: 7 January 1915 at the age of 23
Killed on Persian Gulf
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Private DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 2 Portvoller,
Regiment or division: Canadians
Date of death: 7 January 1917 at the age of 18
Killed in action in France
Lewis Memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Private DONALD NICOLSON
Last address in Lewis: 21 Ranish,
Son of Roderick and Annie Mackinnon Nicolson, of 21, Ranish Lochs, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: "C" Coy. 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7157
Date of death: 7 January 1916 at the age of 20
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Memorial: Basra, Iraq
Memorial reference: Panel 37 and 64
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost
Seaman RODERICK GILLIES
Last address in Lewis: 20B South Dell,
Son of Murdo and Annie Gillies, of 20, South Dell, Ness, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT St Leonard
Service number: 20647DA
Date of death: 7 January 1920 at the age of 20
Ship sank in a gale
Memorial: Chatham Naval
Memorial reference: 32
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Seaman JOHN MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 21 Swainbost,
Son of Donald and Flora Murray, of 21, Swanibost, Ness, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMD St Leonard
Service number: 22055/DA
Date of death: 7 January 1920 at the age of 19
Ship sunk in a gale
Memorial: Chatham Naval
Memorial reference: 32
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Lieutenant JOHN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 19 Swordale,
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Date of death: 7 January 1916 at the age of 42
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Memorial: Basra
Memorial reference: Panel 37 and 64
Lewis Memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Private DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 51 Upper Bayble,
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7372
Date of death: 7 January 1916 at the age of 20
Killed in action
Memorial: Basra Memorial
Memorial reference: Panel 37 and 64
Lewis Memorial: Point (Garrabost)
On this day in the First World War, these 14 men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives in the service of King & Country. RIP. The vast majority died in present-day Iraq.
Seaman DONALD MACLEAN
Last address in Lewis: 21 Callanish,
Son of Finlay and Annie Maclean.
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7031
Date of death: 7 January 1916 at the age of 22
Killed in action at Persian Gulf
Memorial: Basra
Memorial reference: Panel 37 and 64
Lewis Memorial: East Loch Roag, Callanish
Private NORMAN MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 43 Coll,
Son of John and Isabella MacIver, of 43, Coll, Back, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7178
Date of death: 7 January 1916 at the age of 20
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Memorial: Basra, Iraq
Memorial reference: Panel 37 and 64
Lewis Memorial: Back
Private ANGUS MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 20 Cross,
Son of Donald and Rachel MacKay, of 20, Cross, Ness, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7470
Date of death: 7 January 1916 at the age of 19
Killed in action in Persian Gulf
Memorial: Basra
Memorial reference: Panel 37 and 64
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Private DONALD MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 18 Habost, Ness
Regiment or division: Seaforth Highlanders
Date of death: 7 January 1916 at the age of 21
Killed in action at the Persian Gulf
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Private JOHN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 16 Lionel,
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Date of death: 7 January 1916 at the age of 20
Killed in action at the Persian Gulf
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Private ALEX MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 21 Lionel,
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 7047
Date of death: 7 January 1916 at the age of 21
Killed in action in Persian Gulf
Memorial: Basra
Memorial reference: Panel 37 and 64
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Private ALLAN GRAHAM
Last address in Lewis: 6 Lower Garrabost,
Son of Allan and Mary MacKay Graham, of 6, Garrabost, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Servcie number: 3/7431
Date of death: 7 January 1916 at the age of 18
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Memorial: Basra
Memorial reference: Panel 37 and 64
Note: CWGC quotes date of death 18 January 1916
Lewis Memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Private PETER GRAHAM
Last address in Lewis: 9 Maciver's Buildings, Stornoway
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Date of death: 7 January 1915 at the age of 23
Killed on Persian Gulf
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Private DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 2 Portvoller,
Regiment or division: Canadians
Date of death: 7 January 1917 at the age of 18
Killed in action in France
Lewis Memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Private DONALD NICOLSON
Last address in Lewis: 21 Ranish,
Son of Roderick and Annie Mackinnon Nicolson, of 21, Ranish Lochs, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: "C" Coy. 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7157
Date of death: 7 January 1916 at the age of 20
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Memorial: Basra, Iraq
Memorial reference: Panel 37 and 64
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost
Seaman RODERICK GILLIES
Last address in Lewis: 20B South Dell,
Son of Murdo and Annie Gillies, of 20, South Dell, Ness, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT St Leonard
Service number: 20647DA
Date of death: 7 January 1920 at the age of 20
Ship sank in a gale
Memorial: Chatham Naval
Memorial reference: 32
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Seaman JOHN MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 21 Swainbost,
Son of Donald and Flora Murray, of 21, Swanibost, Ness, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMD St Leonard
Service number: 22055/DA
Date of death: 7 January 1920 at the age of 19
Ship sunk in a gale
Memorial: Chatham Naval
Memorial reference: 32
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Lieutenant JOHN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 19 Swordale,
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Date of death: 7 January 1916 at the age of 42
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Memorial: Basra
Memorial reference: Panel 37 and 64
Lewis Memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Private DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 51 Upper Bayble,
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7372
Date of death: 7 January 1916 at the age of 20
Killed in action
Memorial: Basra Memorial
Memorial reference: Panel 37 and 64
Lewis Memorial: Point (Garrabost)
7 January
Quite a reasonable day out here, leaving to one side some drizzle in the afternoon. Temperatures of 7C are not exactly fantastic, but better than the overnight lows of -20C in Holland. Went out to North Tolsta on the bus just before 2pm, to visit that village's graveyard. Photographed 15 gravestones, which is rather more than the 4 I expected to find. Returned up the steep access road in time for the bus back to Stornoway, which was the schoolbus. It went right round North Tolsta, dropping off all the wee ones outside their doors. It was a run round all the other villages, taking 50 minutes to cover the 13 miles to town.
Watched a documentary, originally broadcast on New Year's Day, about the Iolaire Disaster, now 90 years ago. Very moving - you cannot begin to put yourself in the shoes of the people that survived the tragedy.
Watched a documentary, originally broadcast on New Year's Day, about the Iolaire Disaster, now 90 years ago. Very moving - you cannot begin to put yourself in the shoes of the people that survived the tragedy.
Tuesday, 6 January 2009
Blogging
I promised a decision on my on-line activities for today. You'll be pleased to hear I'll be staying as a blogger, but far less prominent than before. Those who followed me on the Shell Gallery will have got a taster, in other words, a sort of diary, interspersed with the Remembering Today entries. There is not one today, as there are no casualties that fell on January 6th during any of the years of World War I who came from the Isle of Lewis. I'll also try to keep up with you all, but am not promising to make a daily attendance.
My digital camera, in case you did not gather from the Shell Gallery, has failed and is due to go away for repairs by the end of this week. So, no pictures for the time being. I do have a film back-up, but this costs me £10 per roll of film, so am reserving those for my images of wargraves across the Isle of Lewis. Weather permitting, I'll be visiting a couple of cemeteries this week.
My digital camera, in case you did not gather from the Shell Gallery, has failed and is due to go away for repairs by the end of this week. So, no pictures for the time being. I do have a film back-up, but this costs me £10 per roll of film, so am reserving those for my images of wargraves across the Isle of Lewis. Weather permitting, I'll be visiting a couple of cemeteries this week.
6 January
Have returned to Stornoway, arrived back last night at 8.15pm. Long journey, took me about 15 hours door to door. Everything went well and according to schedule. Am still a bit tired, so will write a detailed account tomorrow.
The weather today has been quite mild, 8C, in comparison to the conditions in Holland, which were snowy and extremely cold yesterday. Tonight, they are expecting overnight lows there of -17C / 0F. Rather them than me, and I'm happy to be under the influence of the Atlantic rather than Siberia.
The weather today has been quite mild, 8C, in comparison to the conditions in Holland, which were snowy and extremely cold yesterday. Tonight, they are expecting overnight lows there of -17C / 0F. Rather them than me, and I'm happy to be under the influence of the Atlantic rather than Siberia.
Monday, 5 January 2009
Remembering Today
5 January
On this day in the First World War, this man from the Isle of Lewis lost his life in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Chief Petty Officer KENNETH CAMPBELL
Last address in Lewis: 21 Lower Bayble,
Son of Donald and Isabella Campbell; husband of Mary Campbell, of 21, Lower Bayble, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: Royal Navy, HMS Pembroke
Service number: 155385
Date of death: 5 January 1917 at the age of 40
Died in hospital in Chatham
Served in the Royal Navy for 27 years
Interred: Eye / Aignish Cemetery
Memorial reference: C. 2. 55.
Lewis Memorial: Point (Garrabost)
On this day in the First World War, this man from the Isle of Lewis lost his life in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Chief Petty Officer KENNETH CAMPBELL
Last address in Lewis: 21 Lower Bayble,
Son of Donald and Isabella Campbell; husband of Mary Campbell, of 21, Lower Bayble, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: Royal Navy, HMS Pembroke
Service number: 155385
Date of death: 5 January 1917 at the age of 40
Died in hospital in Chatham
Served in the Royal Navy for 27 years
Interred: Eye / Aignish Cemetery
Memorial reference: C. 2. 55.
Lewis Memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Saturday, 3 January 2009
Remembering Today
3 January
On this day in the First World War, this man from the Isle of Lewis lost his life in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Seaman DONALD Senior MACRAE
Last address in Lewis: 21 Sheshader,
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Victory
Service number: 2559A
Date of death: 3 January 1919 at the age of 26
Died of illness
Interred: Aignish / Eye Cemetery
Memorial reference: C. 8
Lewis Memorial: Point (Garrabost)
scheduled post
Currently blogging on the Shell Gallery
On this day in the First World War, this man from the Isle of Lewis lost his life in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Seaman DONALD Senior MACRAE
Last address in Lewis: 21 Sheshader,
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Victory
Service number: 2559A
Date of death: 3 January 1919 at the age of 26
Died of illness
Interred: Aignish / Eye Cemetery
Memorial reference: C. 8
Lewis Memorial: Point (Garrabost)
scheduled post
Currently blogging on the Shell Gallery
Thursday, 1 January 2009
Remembering Today - The Iolaire Disaster
1 January
On this day in 1919, about two hundred men from the Isle of Lewis, elsewhere in the Hebrides and the United Kingdom lost their lives in the service of King & Country in the sinking of HMY Iolaire outside Stornoway Harbour. The ship ran aground at time of posting (1.55 am), and foundered 90 minutes later. Of the ship's company of about 280, only 75 survived.
Further details on this webpage.
The 90th anniversary of this tragedy will be commemorated at Holm Point, Stornoway, today at midday. The below picture shows the location of the sinking.
On this day in 1919, about two hundred men from the Isle of Lewis, elsewhere in the Hebrides and the United Kingdom lost their lives in the service of King & Country in the sinking of HMY Iolaire outside Stornoway Harbour. The ship ran aground at time of posting (1.55 am), and foundered 90 minutes later. Of the ship's company of about 280, only 75 survived.
Further details on this webpage.
The 90th anniversary of this tragedy will be commemorated at Holm Point, Stornoway, today at midday. The below picture shows the location of the sinking.
Wednesday, 31 December 2008
Remembering Today
31 December
On this day in the First World War (or its immediate aftermath), these two men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Deckhand MALCOLM MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 3 Tolsta Chaolais
Regiment or division: Royal Navy, HMS Eaglet
Service number: 14469/DA
Date of death: December, 31st, 1919 at the age of 20
Died of illness
Interred: Dalmore Cemetery, Lewis
Local memorial: Tolsta Chaolais
Leading Seaman DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 42 Upper Bayble,
Son of Donald and Isabella McLeod, of 42, Upper Bayble, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS President III
Service number: 6994/A
Date of death: 31 December 1918 at the age of 21
Died of pneumonia in hospital in Ireland
Interred: Eye / Aignish Cemetery
Memorial reference: B. 2. 94
scheduled post
Currently blogging on the Shell Gallery
On this day in the First World War (or its immediate aftermath), these two men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Deckhand MALCOLM MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 3 Tolsta Chaolais
Regiment or division: Royal Navy, HMS Eaglet
Service number: 14469/DA
Date of death: December, 31st, 1919 at the age of 20
Died of illness
Interred: Dalmore Cemetery, Lewis
Local memorial: Tolsta Chaolais
Leading Seaman DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 42 Upper Bayble,
Son of Donald and Isabella McLeod, of 42, Upper Bayble, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS President III
Service number: 6994/A
Date of death: 31 December 1918 at the age of 21
Died of pneumonia in hospital in Ireland
Interred: Eye / Aignish Cemetery
Memorial reference: B. 2. 94
scheduled post
Currently blogging on the Shell Gallery
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
End of year
It's 12.30 am in Holland, and it's the start of the end of the year. In 12 hours time, 2009 will start its inexorable march into our lives on the far side of the globe. In the past few years, I would join my pal Petar Vodogaz from Sydney as he heralded the New Year, whilst the clock in Stornoway was only on 1pm. Eleven hours later, he would come on to wish me happy New Year.
This year, things are different. Tomorrow afternoon, I'm on a family visit, after which it'll be a quiet evening in. I'll be toasting 2009 with my father, remembering those who are no longer with us, who left us during the year. I'll be thinking of others who suffered losses, like the friend who lost both parents at the end of the summer - losing me as a friend in the process. Those in the J-land community who lost loved ones this year and before.
I have changed the picture on the heading of Atlantic Lines. It is a bright image of a beach at Port of Ness in Lewis, taken in March of this year. I hope it will be indicative of the new year to come, for all who read this.
Happy New Year.
See you on the Shell Gallery tomorrow.
This year, things are different. Tomorrow afternoon, I'm on a family visit, after which it'll be a quiet evening in. I'll be toasting 2009 with my father, remembering those who are no longer with us, who left us during the year. I'll be thinking of others who suffered losses, like the friend who lost both parents at the end of the summer - losing me as a friend in the process. Those in the J-land community who lost loved ones this year and before.
I have changed the picture on the heading of Atlantic Lines. It is a bright image of a beach at Port of Ness in Lewis, taken in March of this year. I hope it will be indicative of the new year to come, for all who read this.
Happy New Year.
See you on the Shell Gallery tomorrow.
Journals Chat
I've decided to revive the Journals Chat, that used to go with our AOL Journals. You can find the room here. It is there for everyone, at any time.
Remembering Today
30 December
On this day in the First World War, these two men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Seaman RODERICK GRAHAM
Last address in Lewis: 3 Lower Barvas,
Son of Angus and Peggie Mackay Graham, of Barvas, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Pembroke
Service number: 1815/C
Date of death: 30 December 1918 at the age of 50
Died of influenza in Chatham
Interred: Barvas (St Mary) Old Churchyard
Seaman RODERICK GRAHAM
Last address in Lewis: 3 Lower Shader
Son of Angus and Peggie Mackay Graham, of Barvas, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: Royal Navy, HMS Pembroke
Service number: 1815/C
Date of death: December, 30th, 1918 at the age of 50
Died of illness
Interred: Barvas Old Churchyard
On this day in the First World War, these two men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Seaman RODERICK GRAHAM
Last address in Lewis: 3 Lower Barvas,
Son of Angus and Peggie Mackay Graham, of Barvas, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Pembroke
Service number: 1815/C
Date of death: 30 December 1918 at the age of 50
Died of influenza in Chatham
Interred: Barvas (St Mary) Old Churchyard
Seaman RODERICK GRAHAM
Last address in Lewis: 3 Lower Shader
Son of Angus and Peggie Mackay Graham, of Barvas, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: Royal Navy, HMS Pembroke
Service number: 1815/C
Date of death: December, 30th, 1918 at the age of 50
Died of illness
Interred: Barvas Old Churchyard
30 December
Yes, it's 1 am and I'm still awake. I've just gone through a lot of journals, leaving New Year's wishes. I'm not actively monitoring blogs at present, but didn't want to leave 2008 without going to the bother of calling round. I'm double-posting this on both Atlantic Lines and the Shell Gallery; Atlantic Lines is my main blog after all. The Shell Gallery takes over when I'm in Holland, like at present.
I'm very sad to note that Jeannette has suspended her journal Outside Looking In after what she has described as a particularly miserable Christmas. Other factors contributed to her decision as well. It is a decision I'm facing for the New Year myself. The year 2008 is one I'd prefer to forget, but can't. You all know why.
This journal will now only carry two more posts this year, the "Remembering Today" entries, which are scheduled for later today and tomorrow (31 December). If there is news of the missing sailor in Uist, I'll put it up as well.
Please be careful if you let off fireworks for New Year, wrap up well if it's cold out and have a good 2009 if we don't cross paths again before hand.
Guido
I'm very sad to note that Jeannette has suspended her journal Outside Looking In after what she has described as a particularly miserable Christmas. Other factors contributed to her decision as well. It is a decision I'm facing for the New Year myself. The year 2008 is one I'd prefer to forget, but can't. You all know why.
This journal will now only carry two more posts this year, the "Remembering Today" entries, which are scheduled for later today and tomorrow (31 December). If there is news of the missing sailor in Uist, I'll put it up as well.
Please be careful if you let off fireworks for New Year, wrap up well if it's cold out and have a good 2009 if we don't cross paths again before hand.
Guido
Monday, 29 December 2008
Update
No further sign or sound has been heard of 21-year old Simon Macmillan from Ardmore in South Uist, who went missing in the early hours of Christmas morning. He alighted from a minibus in a village 3 miles from home at 3.30 am, and has not been seen since. People in South Uist are organising a prayer ring for his safe return. Coastguards from the Western Isles and Skye spent all day yesterday scouring the island's shores, lochs and adjacent sea areas for him without result. At first light, at 8 am this morning, the search was due to resume.
Memories have resurfaced of the five family members who perished in the South Ford, between Benbecula and South Uist, on 11 January 2005, when their car was swept off the causeway in hurricane force winds. Will post further updates on here, if and when I get them.
Memories have resurfaced of the five family members who perished in the South Ford, between Benbecula and South Uist, on 11 January 2005, when their car was swept off the causeway in hurricane force winds. Will post further updates on here, if and when I get them.
Saturday, 27 December 2008
Keeping an eye
Although currently blogging from Holland, I could not help glance through the Western Isles news website just now. A young man of 21 from South Uist went missing in the early hours of Christmas morning, after alighting from a minibus at Iochdar. This village was the scene of a tragedy 4 years ago, when 5 members of the same family were washed away during the hurricane of January 2005. Conditions in South Uist were described as cold but calm at the time. Hundreds of islanders have scoured the shores of the island, as well as its northern neighbour Benbecula, offshore sandbanks and nearby lochs for the Merchant Navy seaman. His disappearance is a total mistery.
Woolworths in Stornoway closed its doors this afternoon, one of the first of the chain's shops in the UK to close down. Its employees have been made redundant. Although Woolies was described as the shop where you could get everything somewhere else, this did not apply to Stornoway. It's only a small town, population about 7,500, and not all that many shops. What other shops there be are usually a good deal dearer, and I'll be very sad to see it shut upon my return in the New Year.
The Arnish Fabrication Yard is once more changing hands. Its operator, Altissimo, has done the exact reverse that its name implies, and gone down rather than up. Now yet another crowd, Bi Fab, will take over operations there. I'm getting very, very tired of this sorry saga of empty promises and money being poured down bottomless pits.
Woolworths in Stornoway closed its doors this afternoon, one of the first of the chain's shops in the UK to close down. Its employees have been made redundant. Although Woolies was described as the shop where you could get everything somewhere else, this did not apply to Stornoway. It's only a small town, population about 7,500, and not all that many shops. What other shops there be are usually a good deal dearer, and I'll be very sad to see it shut upon my return in the New Year.
The Arnish Fabrication Yard is once more changing hands. Its operator, Altissimo, has done the exact reverse that its name implies, and gone down rather than up. Now yet another crowd, Bi Fab, will take over operations there. I'm getting very, very tired of this sorry saga of empty promises and money being poured down bottomless pits.
Remembering Today
27 December
On this day in the First World War, these three men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Private JOHN STEWART
Last address in Lewis: 46 Benside,
Son of John and Barbara Stewart, of 46, New Market, Laxdale, Stornoway, Lewis.
Regiment or division: 1st Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/5990
Date of death: 27 December 1915 at the age of 19
Killed in action in France
Interred: La Clytte Military Cemetery
Memorial reference: I. C. 20
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Sergeant JOHN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 41 Callanish,
Regiment or division: Army
Date of death: 27 December 1916 at the age of 29
Lewis Memorial: East Loch Roag, Callanish
Next posting in this series will be on December 30th
This is a scheduled post
Am currently blogging on the Shell Gallery
On this day in the First World War, these three men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Private JOHN STEWART
Last address in Lewis: 46 Benside,
Son of John and Barbara Stewart, of 46, New Market, Laxdale, Stornoway, Lewis.
Regiment or division: 1st Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/5990
Date of death: 27 December 1915 at the age of 19
Killed in action in France
Interred: La Clytte Military Cemetery
Memorial reference: I. C. 20
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Sergeant JOHN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 41 Callanish,
Regiment or division: Army
Date of death: 27 December 1916 at the age of 29
Lewis Memorial: East Loch Roag, Callanish
Next posting in this series will be on December 30th
This is a scheduled post
Am currently blogging on the Shell Gallery
Friday, 26 December 2008
Remembering Today
26 December
On this day in the First World War, this man from the Isle of Lewis lost his life in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Seaman JOHN SMITH
Last address in Lewis: 32 Lower Shader,
Son of Donald and Mary Smith, of 32, Lower Shader, Barvas, Isle of Lewis.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Kent
Service number: 2380D
Date of death: December, 26th, 1915 at the age of 46
Died in Bellavista, Peru
Interred: Bellavista Old British cemetery
Memorial reference: II. L. 20
scheduled post
Currently blogging on the Shell Gallery
On this day in the First World War, this man from the Isle of Lewis lost his life in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Seaman JOHN SMITH
Last address in Lewis: 32 Lower Shader,
Son of Donald and Mary Smith, of 32, Lower Shader, Barvas, Isle of Lewis.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Kent
Service number: 2380D
Date of death: December, 26th, 1915 at the age of 46
Died in Bellavista, Peru
Interred: Bellavista Old British cemetery
Memorial reference: II. L. 20
scheduled post
Currently blogging on the Shell Gallery
Thursday, 25 December 2008
Remembering Today
25 December
On this day in the First World War, these three men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Private NORMAN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 13 Benside,
Regiment or division: Seaforth Highlanders
Date of death: 25 December 1914 at the age of 19
Killed in action in France
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Seaman JOHN MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 34 Breasclete,
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT Resono
Date of death: 25 December 1915 at the age of 47
Drowned in sinking of minesweeper in the North Sea
Left 5 orphans
Lewis Memorial: East Loch Roag, Callanish
Seaman JOHN MACAULAY
Last address in Lewis: 3 Sheshader,
Son of Murdo and Chirsty MacAulay, of 3, Sheshader, Stornoway; husband of Catherine MacAulay.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Edinburgh Castle
Service number: 1652/C
Date of death: 25 December 1914 at the age of 61
Washed overboard from HMS Edinburgh Castle in a storm and drowned
Memorial: Chatham Naval
Memorial reference: 8
Lewis Memorial: Point (Garrabost)
scheduled post
Currently blogging on the Shell Gallery
On this day in the First World War, these three men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Private NORMAN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 13 Benside,
Regiment or division: Seaforth Highlanders
Date of death: 25 December 1914 at the age of 19
Killed in action in France
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Seaman JOHN MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 34 Breasclete,
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT Resono
Date of death: 25 December 1915 at the age of 47
Drowned in sinking of minesweeper in the North Sea
Left 5 orphans
Lewis Memorial: East Loch Roag, Callanish
Seaman JOHN MACAULAY
Last address in Lewis: 3 Sheshader,
Son of Murdo and Chirsty MacAulay, of 3, Sheshader, Stornoway; husband of Catherine MacAulay.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Edinburgh Castle
Service number: 1652/C
Date of death: 25 December 1914 at the age of 61
Washed overboard from HMS Edinburgh Castle in a storm and drowned
Memorial: Chatham Naval
Memorial reference: 8
Lewis Memorial: Point (Garrabost)
scheduled post
Currently blogging on the Shell Gallery
Wednesday, 24 December 2008
Remembering Today
24 December
On this day in the First World War, these two men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Piper JOHN MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 4 Arivruaich,
Son of John and Rebecca Morrison
Regiment or division: Highland Light Infantry
Date of death: 24 December 1914
Lewis War Memorial: Lochs, panel 1
Served in India for 10 years, after joining the army in 1902
Local memorial: Kinloch, Laxay
Second Lieutenant PETER MACKAY MACRAE
Last address in Lewis: 13 South Beach Street, Stornoway
Also quoted at Seaforth Head, Balallan.
Son of Farquhar and Annabel MacRae, of 13, South Beach, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 7th Northampton Regiment, attached 129th Field Coy, Royal Engineers
Date of death: 24 December 1917 at the age of 30
Killed in action in France
Was wounded while a Sergeant in the Borders Regiment
Interred: Roisel Communal Cemetery extension
Memorial reference: III. C. 2
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
scheduled post
Currently blogging on the Shell Gallery
On this day in the First World War, these two men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Piper JOHN MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 4 Arivruaich,
Son of John and Rebecca Morrison
Regiment or division: Highland Light Infantry
Date of death: 24 December 1914
Lewis War Memorial: Lochs, panel 1
Served in India for 10 years, after joining the army in 1902
Local memorial: Kinloch, Laxay
Second Lieutenant PETER MACKAY MACRAE
Last address in Lewis: 13 South Beach Street, Stornoway
Also quoted at Seaforth Head, Balallan.
Son of Farquhar and Annabel MacRae, of 13, South Beach, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 7th Northampton Regiment, attached 129th Field Coy, Royal Engineers
Date of death: 24 December 1917 at the age of 30
Killed in action in France
Was wounded while a Sergeant in the Borders Regiment
Interred: Roisel Communal Cemetery extension
Memorial reference: III. C. 2
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
scheduled post
Currently blogging on the Shell Gallery
Tuesday, 23 December 2008
Remembering Today
23 December
On this day in the First World War, this man from the Isle of Lewis lost his life in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Seaman NEIL MACQUEEN
Last address in Lewis: Stag Road, Stornoway
Regiment or division: Royal Navy, HMS Surprise
Service number: 196893
Date of death: 23 December 1917
Drowned off Holland
Memorial: Chatham Naval
Memorial reference: 21
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
On this day in the First World War, this man from the Isle of Lewis lost his life in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Seaman NEIL MACQUEEN
Last address in Lewis: Stag Road, Stornoway
Regiment or division: Royal Navy, HMS Surprise
Service number: 196893
Date of death: 23 December 1917
Drowned off Holland
Memorial: Chatham Naval
Memorial reference: 21
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Monday, 22 December 2008
Remembering Today
22 December
On this day during the First World War, these eleven men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives in the service of King and Country.
Private MURDO MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 2 Achmore,
Son of Norman and Catherine Mackay
Regiment or division: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service no: 3/5432
Date of death: 22 December 1914
Memorial: Le Touret
Memorial reference: Panel 41 and 42
Local memorial: Crossbost
Private DUNCAN MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 5 Achmore,
Regiment or division: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/5330
Date of death: 22 December 1914
Memorial: Le Touret
Memorial reference: Plaque 41 / 42
Local memorial: Crossbost
Private MURDO MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 7 Ballantrushal,
Son of John MacDonald, of 7, Ballantrushal, Barvas, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/5366
Date of death: 22 December 1914 at the age of 18
Killed in action
Memorial: Le Touret Memorial
Memorial reference: Panel 41 and 42
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Sergeant DONALD ALLAN FINLAYSON
Last address in Lewis: 6 Brue,
Son of Kenneth Finlayson, of 6, Brue Barvas, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/5265
Date of death: 22 December 1914 at the age of 19
Killed in action in France
Joined army before age 16
Interred at Le Touret Memorial
Memorial reference: Panel 41 and 42
Private JOHN ANGUS CHISHOLM
Last address in Lewis: 8 Lemreway,
Son of Angus Chisholm, of 8, Lemveway, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/5442
Date of death: 22 December 1914 at the age of 20
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Le Touret
Memorial reference: Panel 41 and 42
Local memorial: Pairc, Kershader
Private JOHN MACASKILL
Last address in Lewis: 23 Lower Shader,
Son of Malcolm and Ann Macaskill, of 23, Lower Shader, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/5066
Date of death: 22 December 1914 at the age of 23
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Le Touret
Memorial reference: Panel 41 and 42
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Private NORMAN SMITH
Last address in Lewis: 29 Lower Shader,
Regiment or division: 1st Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/5271
Date of death: 22 December 1914
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Le Touret
Memorial reference: Panel 41 and 42
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Sergeant JOHN MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 13 New Shawbost,
Son of Murdo and Peggy Macdonald, of 12, New Shawbost, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 4765
Date of death: 22 December 1914 at the age of 40
Killed in action in La Bassee
Memorial: Le Touret
Memorial reference: Panel 41 and 42
Local memorial: West Side, Bragar
Private MALCOLM MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 13 New Shawbost,
Son of Murdo and Mary Macleod, of 13, New Shawbost, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7152
Date of death: 22 December 1914 at the age of 18
Killed in action in La Bassee
Memorial: Ploegsteert
Memorial reference: Panel 9
Local memorial: West Side, Bragar
Private FINLAY NICOLSON
Last address in Lewis: 13 Ranish,
Regiment or division: Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7120
Medal: Mons Star
Date of death: 22 December 1914 at the age of 19
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Le Touret
Memorial reference: Panel 38 and 39
Mentioned on family gravestone at Crossbost
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost
Private ANGUS MACLEAY
Last address in Lewis: 23 Upper Shader,
Son of Colin and Chirsty Macleay, of 23, Upper Shades, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/5550
Date of death: 22 December 1914 at the age of 17
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Le Touret
Memorial reference: Panel 41 and 42
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
scheduled posting
On this day during the First World War, these eleven men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives in the service of King and Country.
Private MURDO MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 2 Achmore,
Son of Norman and Catherine Mackay
Regiment or division: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service no: 3/5432
Date of death: 22 December 1914
Memorial: Le Touret
Memorial reference: Panel 41 and 42
Local memorial: Crossbost
Private DUNCAN MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 5 Achmore,
Regiment or division: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/5330
Date of death: 22 December 1914
Memorial: Le Touret
Memorial reference: Plaque 41 / 42
Local memorial: Crossbost
Private MURDO MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 7 Ballantrushal,
Son of John MacDonald, of 7, Ballantrushal, Barvas, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/5366
Date of death: 22 December 1914 at the age of 18
Killed in action
Memorial: Le Touret Memorial
Memorial reference: Panel 41 and 42
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Sergeant DONALD ALLAN FINLAYSON
Last address in Lewis: 6 Brue,
Son of Kenneth Finlayson, of 6, Brue Barvas, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/5265
Date of death: 22 December 1914 at the age of 19
Killed in action in France
Joined army before age 16
Interred at Le Touret Memorial
Memorial reference: Panel 41 and 42
Private JOHN ANGUS CHISHOLM
Last address in Lewis: 8 Lemreway,
Son of Angus Chisholm, of 8, Lemveway, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/5442
Date of death: 22 December 1914 at the age of 20
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Le Touret
Memorial reference: Panel 41 and 42
Local memorial: Pairc, Kershader
Private JOHN MACASKILL
Last address in Lewis: 23 Lower Shader,
Son of Malcolm and Ann Macaskill, of 23, Lower Shader, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/5066
Date of death: 22 December 1914 at the age of 23
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Le Touret
Memorial reference: Panel 41 and 42
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Private NORMAN SMITH
Last address in Lewis: 29 Lower Shader,
Regiment or division: 1st Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/5271
Date of death: 22 December 1914
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Le Touret
Memorial reference: Panel 41 and 42
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Sergeant JOHN MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 13 New Shawbost,
Son of Murdo and Peggy Macdonald, of 12, New Shawbost, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 4765
Date of death: 22 December 1914 at the age of 40
Killed in action in La Bassee
Memorial: Le Touret
Memorial reference: Panel 41 and 42
Local memorial: West Side, Bragar
Private MALCOLM MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 13 New Shawbost,
Son of Murdo and Mary Macleod, of 13, New Shawbost, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7152
Date of death: 22 December 1914 at the age of 18
Killed in action in La Bassee
Memorial: Ploegsteert
Memorial reference: Panel 9
Local memorial: West Side, Bragar
Private FINLAY NICOLSON
Last address in Lewis: 13 Ranish,
Regiment or division: Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7120
Medal: Mons Star
Date of death: 22 December 1914 at the age of 19
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Le Touret
Memorial reference: Panel 38 and 39
Mentioned on family gravestone at Crossbost
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost
Private ANGUS MACLEAY
Last address in Lewis: 23 Upper Shader,
Son of Colin and Chirsty Macleay, of 23, Upper Shades, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/5550
Date of death: 22 December 1914 at the age of 17
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Le Touret
Memorial reference: Panel 41 and 42
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
scheduled posting
Sunday, 21 December 2008
Solstice Notes
I'm wondering how many people turned up at Stonehenge this morning, to witness the Winter Solstice. I believe it was cloudy down south. Up here, turning up at the Callanish Stones on this midwinter day is a waste of time. Callanish is a lunar monument, not a solar one.
The port is brimming with three ferries tied up at the moment. The MV Lord of the Isles arrived this afternoon to take over from our usual boat, the MV Isle of Lewis which is due to go for its annual refit. The MV Pentalina B (referred to by everybody as the Iona) continues to cover for the freight ferry Muirneag, still away on its refit to the Tyne. The Muirneag was involved in a grounding earlier this year, when she lost steering and ran onto rocks at the Castle Grounds here in Stornoway, nearly knocking out an early morning jogger in the process.
This will be my final post on here for this year, with the exception of the Remembering Today postings, which will be put up automatically, courtesy Blogger, until January 5th. As I indicated yesterday, I shall be thinking about my future on-line during the holiday period. Early tomorrow morning, I am leaving for Holland, from where I will blog on The Shell Gallery. I intend to continue working on Atlantic Light, my photoblog, over the next 2 weeks.
I shall leave you on here with a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - back on January 6th.
The port is brimming with three ferries tied up at the moment. The MV Lord of the Isles arrived this afternoon to take over from our usual boat, the MV Isle of Lewis which is due to go for its annual refit. The MV Pentalina B (referred to by everybody as the Iona) continues to cover for the freight ferry Muirneag, still away on its refit to the Tyne. The Muirneag was involved in a grounding earlier this year, when she lost steering and ran onto rocks at the Castle Grounds here in Stornoway, nearly knocking out an early morning jogger in the process.
This will be my final post on here for this year, with the exception of the Remembering Today postings, which will be put up automatically, courtesy Blogger, until January 5th. As I indicated yesterday, I shall be thinking about my future on-line during the holiday period. Early tomorrow morning, I am leaving for Holland, from where I will blog on The Shell Gallery. I intend to continue working on Atlantic Light, my photoblog, over the next 2 weeks.
I shall leave you on here with a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - back on January 6th.
Hurricane update - 21 December
Tropical cyclone Billy is currently over the far north of Western Australia, and will reemerge over the warm waters of the Indian Ocean during Monday. The system will strengthen to a fully fledge cyclone, with winds up to 65 knots (hurricane force) by the middle of the week. The coast of WA is under warning / watch for this storm, all the way from Kalumburu in the north to Wallal further south.
I shall continue to update my Tropical Cyclones blog over the Christmas and New Year period, with the exception of tomorrow.
I shall continue to update my Tropical Cyclones blog over the Christmas and New Year period, with the exception of tomorrow.
Sunday 21 December
Last Sunday before Christmas, and after a benign start, the weather has once more turned nasty. It is blowing hard and it's raining. We can expect gales later today - hope they subside by tomorrow, as I'm due to cross to the mainland first thing Monday morning.
Today is the 20th anniversary of the bombing of PanAm flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, in which more than 200 were killed. A bomb exploded on board the Boeing 747, bringing it down on the town of Lockerbie and killing several people on the ground. Two men were brought to trial in later years, one of whom is currently in jail, serving a sentence for the attack.
Today is also the shortest day of the year. The sun rose at 9.15 am, and will set at 3.35 pm. Stornoway lies just north of the 58th parallel; the sun will not rise today in any place located north of the 66th parallel.
Today is the 20th anniversary of the bombing of PanAm flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, in which more than 200 were killed. A bomb exploded on board the Boeing 747, bringing it down on the town of Lockerbie and killing several people on the ground. Two men were brought to trial in later years, one of whom is currently in jail, serving a sentence for the attack.
Today is also the shortest day of the year. The sun rose at 9.15 am, and will set at 3.35 pm. Stornoway lies just north of the 58th parallel; the sun will not rise today in any place located north of the 66th parallel.
Remembering Today
21 December
On this day in the First World War, these two men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Private KENNETH JOHN MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 43 South Shawbost,
Son of John and Mary MacLennan Murray, of 43, South Shawbost, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/8201
Date of death: 21 December 1915 at the age of 40
Interred: Bragar Cemetery
Local memorial: West Side, Bragar
Private MALCOLM MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 10 Tong,
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 12
Date of death: 21 December 1914
Killed in action
Memorial: Le Touret
Memorial reference: Panel 38 and 39
Lewis Memorial: Back
On this day in the First World War, these two men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Private KENNETH JOHN MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 43 South Shawbost,
Son of John and Mary MacLennan Murray, of 43, South Shawbost, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/8201
Date of death: 21 December 1915 at the age of 40
Interred: Bragar Cemetery
Local memorial: West Side, Bragar
Private MALCOLM MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 10 Tong,
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 12
Date of death: 21 December 1914
Killed in action
Memorial: Le Touret
Memorial reference: Panel 38 and 39
Lewis Memorial: Back
Saturday, 20 December 2008
Looking ahead
Early on Monday, I shall depart for Holland to spend Christmas and New Year with my father. As I've indicated before, it will be the first time he will spend either holiday alone following the death of my mother 8 months ago. I shall return to Stornoway on Monday 5 January 2009.
In the period I'm away from Lewis, this blog will feature a daily entry entitled "Remembering Today", which I shall set up tomorrow. You can schedule entries on Blogger to be published on a date in the future, so don't be surprised to see posts from me on Atlantic Lines from December 22nd until January 1st, a black date in Lewis history.
I am currently thinking about my activities, and that includes the Internet. At the moment, I spend too much time on the computer, much as though I enjoy that. Since we switched to Blogger, I have taken up with Facebook, which is an activity I may end up abandoning after the New Year. I am also not certain that I shall continue blogging on this blog. I set up Atlantic Lines following AOL's closure of our journals, which, like many of you, I found a traumatic experience. This blog covers a period marked by relationship problems, both on-line and in real life, underpinned by the continuing grieving for my mother - quite an unhappy episode to be truthful. The front picture, Dalbeg beach under looming clouds, is strangely evocative in that respect.
From next Tuesday, I shall make updates on my Dutch blog The Shell Gallery, until I return to Stornoway. I will not be calling round journals in that period, except for those mentioned in Call for Support. On 6 January 2009, I will make a final post on here, announcing my further intentions. You may want to prepare yourselves for my withdrawal from blogging for a protracted period of time.
In the period I'm away from Lewis, this blog will feature a daily entry entitled "Remembering Today", which I shall set up tomorrow. You can schedule entries on Blogger to be published on a date in the future, so don't be surprised to see posts from me on Atlantic Lines from December 22nd until January 1st, a black date in Lewis history.
I am currently thinking about my activities, and that includes the Internet. At the moment, I spend too much time on the computer, much as though I enjoy that. Since we switched to Blogger, I have taken up with Facebook, which is an activity I may end up abandoning after the New Year. I am also not certain that I shall continue blogging on this blog. I set up Atlantic Lines following AOL's closure of our journals, which, like many of you, I found a traumatic experience. This blog covers a period marked by relationship problems, both on-line and in real life, underpinned by the continuing grieving for my mother - quite an unhappy episode to be truthful. The front picture, Dalbeg beach under looming clouds, is strangely evocative in that respect.
From next Tuesday, I shall make updates on my Dutch blog The Shell Gallery, until I return to Stornoway. I will not be calling round journals in that period, except for those mentioned in Call for Support. On 6 January 2009, I will make a final post on here, announcing my further intentions. You may want to prepare yourselves for my withdrawal from blogging for a protracted period of time.
Remembering Today
20 December
On this day in the First World War, these four men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Private WILLIAM MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 17 Fivepenny
Regiment / service: Seaforth Highlanders
Date of death: 20 December 1914 at the age of 19
Killed in action in France
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Private ALEX MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 26 South Dell
Regiment / service: 1st, Seaforth Highlanders
Date of death: 20 December 1914 at the age of 24
Killed in action in France
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Private JOHN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 9 Fivepenny
Son of Angus and Catherine Macleod, of 9, Fivepenny, Port of Ness, Stornoway.
Regiment / service: 1st, Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7206
Date of death: 20 December 1914 at the age of 19
Killed in action in France
Memorial / cemetery: Ploegsteert Memorial, Panel 9
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Private JOHN CAMPBELL
Last address in Lewis: 18A Gravir,
Son of John and Mary Campbell, of 18, Gravir, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7159
Date of death: 20 December 1914 at the age of 20
Killed in action
Memorial: Le Touret
Memorial reference: Panel 38 and 39
Local memorial: Pairc, Kershader
On this day in the First World War, these four men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Private WILLIAM MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 17 Fivepenny
Regiment / service: Seaforth Highlanders
Date of death: 20 December 1914 at the age of 19
Killed in action in France
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Private ALEX MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 26 South Dell
Regiment / service: 1st, Seaforth Highlanders
Date of death: 20 December 1914 at the age of 24
Killed in action in France
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Private JOHN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 9 Fivepenny
Son of Angus and Catherine Macleod, of 9, Fivepenny, Port of Ness, Stornoway.
Regiment / service: 1st, Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7206
Date of death: 20 December 1914 at the age of 19
Killed in action in France
Memorial / cemetery: Ploegsteert Memorial, Panel 9
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Private JOHN CAMPBELL
Last address in Lewis: 18A Gravir,
Son of John and Mary Campbell, of 18, Gravir, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7159
Date of death: 20 December 1914 at the age of 20
Killed in action
Memorial: Le Touret
Memorial reference: Panel 38 and 39
Local memorial: Pairc, Kershader
Misleading
AOL Video Uncut was shut down on Thursday, and their site now redirects to Motionbox.com, another video upload site. The email that AOL sent me about that suggests that they would transfer the videos that used to be on Uncut to Motionbox. There is nothing on the Motionbox.com website that suggests that this is actually possible, being done.
I copy the relevant paragraph:
Our records show that you had uploaded videos to the site. While the AOL Video Uploads site is no longer available, we have made your videos available to be transferred to Motionbox.com for a limited time. Learn more at Motionbox.
No, that's not the case at all. Motionbox offer former Uncut users a premium membership at a reduced rate for 30 days. No videos have been transferred at all. I copied mine to YouTube the moment the closure of Uncut was announced.
AOL?
I copy the relevant paragraph:
Our records show that you had uploaded videos to the site. While the AOL Video Uploads site is no longer available, we have made your videos available to be transferred to Motionbox.com for a limited time. Learn more at Motionbox.
No, that's not the case at all. Motionbox offer former Uncut users a premium membership at a reduced rate for 30 days. No videos have been transferred at all. I copied mine to YouTube the moment the closure of Uncut was announced.
AOL?
Christmas - 2007
Christmas last year was tainted with sadness in J-land, as was, with the loss of two of its writers on both days. On Christmas Day, Lahoma (who used the AOL screenname of mzgoochi) passed away after a struggle with cancer. On Boxing Day, Kim (demandnlilchit) followed in her footsteps, also succumbing to cancer. I hope Christmas this year will be a merrier affair, although the community doesn't seem to be the same after our expulsion from AOL.
Saturday 20 December
Phew, a bright, sunny day with very little wind. The storm died down late last night, moving east to batter Orkney and Shetland. It's not very warm, only 5C / 41F. Yesterday's heavy rain and wind has led to flooding problems across Scotland. I was sorry to hear that the winterstorm across the northeastern USA continues to wreak havoc, likewise in Washington State.
There are currently problems with internet traffic due to severed subsea cables south of Sicily. This is thought to have happened as a result of seismic activity - Sicily hosts an active volcano, Mt Etna.
There are currently problems with internet traffic due to severed subsea cables south of Sicily. This is thought to have happened as a result of seismic activity - Sicily hosts an active volcano, Mt Etna.
Friday, 19 December 2008
Remembering Today
19 December
On this day during the First World War, the following two men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives:
Lieutenant Colonel DAVID MACLEOD
Son of the late W. MacLeod, of Arnol, Isle of Lewis; husband of Helen MacLeod, of 15, Marina Court, Bexhill-on-Sea.
Last address in Lewis: 12 Arnol
Service, unit: 8th Battallion Gordon Highlanders
Date of death: 19 December 1917 at the age of 47
Died of pneumonia in France
Interred: Duisans British Cemetery, Etrun, V. D. 49.
Local memorial: West Side, Bragar
Medal: DSO for gallantry at the taking of the Hohenzollern Redoubt in September 1915. He was the Commanding Officer of the 8th Battallion.
Other medals: DCM Egypt 1878 and 1915 Star
Private NORMAN MATHESON
Son of Donald and Christina Matheson, of 36, Lower Barvas, Stornoway, Lewis.
Last address in Lewis: 36 Lower Barvas
Service, unit: Seaforth Highlanders, 2nd
Service number: 3/6708
Date of death: 19 December 1914 at the age of 32
Killed in action
Interred: Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, Guinchy, grave V. A. 4.
On this day during the First World War, the following two men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives:
Lieutenant Colonel DAVID MACLEOD
Son of the late W. MacLeod, of Arnol, Isle of Lewis; husband of Helen MacLeod, of 15, Marina Court, Bexhill-on-Sea.
Last address in Lewis: 12 Arnol
Service, unit: 8th Battallion Gordon Highlanders
Date of death: 19 December 1917 at the age of 47
Died of pneumonia in France
Interred: Duisans British Cemetery, Etrun, V. D. 49.
Local memorial: West Side, Bragar
Medal: DSO for gallantry at the taking of the Hohenzollern Redoubt in September 1915. He was the Commanding Officer of the 8th Battallion.
Other medals: DCM Egypt 1878 and 1915 Star
Private NORMAN MATHESON
Son of Donald and Christina Matheson, of 36, Lower Barvas, Stornoway, Lewis.
Last address in Lewis: 36 Lower Barvas
Service, unit: Seaforth Highlanders, 2nd
Service number: 3/6708
Date of death: 19 December 1914 at the age of 32
Killed in action
Interred: Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, Guinchy, grave V. A. 4.
Windy nook
Wind continues to blow a full gale, 45 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph. Went out to the Coastguard Station (5 minutes' walk away), but timed it perfectly to coincide with a lull in proceedings, whilst the wind veered from south to west. If anyone is interested, you can take a look at live weather readings from Eoropie (pronounce: Yoropee), near the Butt of Lewis, 25 miles north of Stornoway. Extremely exposed, it has already gone through a 96mph gust. Outpost North Rona, 45 miles northeast of the Butt, reported force 10 winds (52 knots), with gusts at hurricane force (71 knots).
Still on matters meteorological, Australia is having its first tropical cyclone. Billy is currently in the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, southwest of Darwin, at tropical storm force - with winds similar to what we're experiencing in the Hebrides today.
Yesterday, I ordered the first copy of my own private listing of all those from the Isle of Lewis who were lost in the First World War: Faces from the Lewis War Memorial. I produced it through an on-demand publisher for a grand total of just over £8. I am not intending to place it on the open market, as I'm absolutely not certain that it is faultless. There may also be issues surrounding copyright here and there. Nonetheless, I'm quietly proud of this achievement.
Still on matters meteorological, Australia is having its first tropical cyclone. Billy is currently in the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, southwest of Darwin, at tropical storm force - with winds similar to what we're experiencing in the Hebrides today.
Yesterday, I ordered the first copy of my own private listing of all those from the Isle of Lewis who were lost in the First World War: Faces from the Lewis War Memorial. I produced it through an on-demand publisher for a grand total of just over £8. I am not intending to place it on the open market, as I'm absolutely not certain that it is faultless. There may also be issues surrounding copyright here and there. Nonetheless, I'm quietly proud of this achievement.
Friday 19 December
Downright filthy day out here in the Hebrides, with winds already touching force 9 on the Beaufort scale, and forecast to go right up to force 11. Rain lashing down; it's binday, so the emptied bins were at one time blocking the road. No ferry today, it is tied up in Ullapool until 10.30 tomorrow morning when, weather permitting, it will return to Stornoway. Quite a few ferry services disrupted in western Scotland - have a look here.
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