Sailing ship Oosterschelde alongside pier no 1
International flags along South Beach Street
Hebridean Celtic Festival signs by the ferry terminal
Saturday, 17 July 2010
Friday 16 July
Not a very good day weatherwise, feeling cold in the wind and there is occasional light rain. Went into town, which is quite busy. The Hebridean Celtic Festival is now in full swing, and the big blue tent is up. Last night, I could hear some of the music wafting across from the Castle Grounds, a mile away.
Sailing ship Oosterschelde alongside pier no 1
International flags along South Beach Street
Hebridean Celtic Festival signs by the ferry terminal
Sailing ship Oosterschelde alongside pier no 1
International flags along South Beach Street
Hebridean Celtic Festival signs by the ferry terminal
Thursday, 15 July 2010
Thursday 15 July
Pouring with rain today, and a cold northerly wind. The forecast is for the rain to persist for the rest of the afternoon and possibly the evening. The adverse weather is exacerbating the disruption on ferry routes to Lochboisdale and Castlebay (in the south of this island chain). The usual boat, MV Clansman, is out for repairs and its replacements rather smaller. Apparently, people ran out of space, sickbags and everything else, alleging that cattle were treated better than they.
From Holland, a story of trees blown down, steeples lifted off churches and trees blown over railway tracks. After a heatwave, with temperatures into the mid 90s, a thundery breakdown moved over the east of the country, wreaking havoc.
From Holland, a story of trees blown down, steeples lifted off churches and trees blown over railway tracks. After a heatwave, with temperatures into the mid 90s, a thundery breakdown moved over the east of the country, wreaking havoc.
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
Condescension
At the hearings of the Napier Commission in Stornoway, in June 1883, the following discussion developed between the witness, Donald Martin from the village of Back and the Commissioners. It illustrates graphically the attitude towards Gaelic speakers by English speakers - including their own clergymen.
16138. Sheriff Nicolson.
—Are there no Gaelic words for 'compensation' and ' improvements ' ?
—Well, I would endeavour to express it in Gaelic.
16139. Is there not a good Gaelic word for improvement ?
—Yes.
16140. Why did you not put it in Gaelic when you were writing the Gaelic paper? Why did you choose English ?
—Because I was not certain that the Gaelic phraseology would express the same thing.
16141. If you never heard the people speaking, or if you had never spoken yourself about compensation for improvements in Gaelic, what first put it into your head ? Was it English-speaking people ?
—I knew very well what the English phrase meant, but I was not sure that I could express it quite accurately in Gaelic—that my Gaelic expression would be a quite accurate rendering.
16142. I asked that question because Lowlanders and English people will be apt to think that Gaelic people have no idea of improvement, and that they have no word for it. You understand what I mean ?
—I knew myself the meaning of the phraseology quite well.
16143. Is it not a pity that strangers should think that Gaelic people have no idea of improvement and no word for expressing it ? Is it not likely to put it into their head that the ideas of the people were got from outside, and not out of their own heads ?
—Perhaps it is.
[---]
[Rev. Mr Cameron, Free Church, Back.
—I wish to explain that the delegate or witness is in the habit of reading the newspapers for himself, and it is there he saw the words 'compensation' and 'improvement.']
16138. Sheriff Nicolson.
—Are there no Gaelic words for 'compensation' and ' improvements ' ?
—Well, I would endeavour to express it in Gaelic.
16139. Is there not a good Gaelic word for improvement ?
—Yes.
16140. Why did you not put it in Gaelic when you were writing the Gaelic paper? Why did you choose English ?
—Because I was not certain that the Gaelic phraseology would express the same thing.
16141. If you never heard the people speaking, or if you had never spoken yourself about compensation for improvements in Gaelic, what first put it into your head ? Was it English-speaking people ?
—I knew very well what the English phrase meant, but I was not sure that I could express it quite accurately in Gaelic—that my Gaelic expression would be a quite accurate rendering.
16142. I asked that question because Lowlanders and English people will be apt to think that Gaelic people have no idea of improvement, and that they have no word for it. You understand what I mean ?
—I knew myself the meaning of the phraseology quite well.
16143. Is it not a pity that strangers should think that Gaelic people have no idea of improvement and no word for expressing it ? Is it not likely to put it into their head that the ideas of the people were got from outside, and not out of their own heads ?
—Perhaps it is.
[---]
[Rev. Mr Cameron, Free Church, Back.
—I wish to explain that the delegate or witness is in the habit of reading the newspapers for himself, and it is there he saw the words 'compensation' and 'improvement.']
Wednesday 14 July
The French are celebrating their national holiday, Bastille Day today. In French, it is "Quatorze Juillet", which is the day in 1789 that the infamous Bastille prison was stormed in Paris, which sparked off the French Revolution.
Here in Stornoway, a warm wind is blowing today as the ferry comes in on the first of its three calls today. It will bring another load of festival goers. This week will see the Hebridean Celtic Festival, with an (eye-watering) 20,000 revellers expected to pack the streets of Stornoway - which is a town of barely 8,000. On the water, this week sees Sail Hebrides, with an action packed programme on water and ashore. I'm attending a concert by folkrock band Runrig, which has been going since the late 1970s. They last played in Stornoway in 2005, a concert that I went to as well.
Here in Stornoway, a warm wind is blowing today as the ferry comes in on the first of its three calls today. It will bring another load of festival goers. This week will see the Hebridean Celtic Festival, with an (eye-watering) 20,000 revellers expected to pack the streets of Stornoway - which is a town of barely 8,000. On the water, this week sees Sail Hebrides, with an action packed programme on water and ashore. I'm attending a concert by folkrock band Runrig, which has been going since the late 1970s. They last played in Stornoway in 2005, a concert that I went to as well.
Tuesday, 13 July 2010
Tuesday 13 July
A fairly bright day with a lot of high cloud, but also pleasant sunshine. The amount of flies around signifies that high summer is here. The mercury is at 17C / 63F, which is quite pleasant and average for this part of the world. Tomorrow will probably be broadly the same, as a frontal zone passes far to our east.
Spent the morning resolving the query that I reported in my previous query. By the way, anyone for some parsnip cake?
Spent the morning resolving the query that I reported in my previous query. By the way, anyone for some parsnip cake?
Genealogy
Genealogy is a subject that I have brushed against during my researches into the military history of the Isle of Lewis. I recently received a genealogy query that I could resolve with sources that I have at my disposal.
Someone was looking for a Canadian soldier, surname Murray, who had died in the First World War, leaving behind a widow, Christina, and three young children. Christina died not long after the end of the war, and the children were adopted.
The question was: is there a Canadian soldier from WW1, who died in the conflict and was married to a Christina.
I looked up the listings for anyone called Murray on the website for Veteran Affairs Canada, which displayed all that were killed in WW1. I then cross-referenced those against attestation papers, which are displayed on the website for Library & Archives Canada, using the service numbers. And after more than 100 searches, I finally found the man I was looking for:
On the website of Veteran Affairs Canada, James Watson Murray is quoted as being the husband of a Christina Murray. His attestation paper does not mention the name of his wife, but he is marked down as married. James Watson lies buried at Contay; further details on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website.
I summarise the information:
James Watson Murray
Son of Robert Murray, of Aberdeen, Scotland, born on 18th April 1882.
Trade or calling: Decorator
Last address: 15 Markham Place, Toronto (attestation)
Last address: 2903 Lafontaine St., Maisonneuve, Montreal.(CWGC)
Name of spouse: Christina
Signed up to the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force on 5 April 1915 in Toronto.
He was assigned to 3rd Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment) with registration number 172080.
Upon medical examination, on 30 March 1915, James Watson was found to have the following characteristics:
Height 5 ft 4 in (1.62 m)
Chest girth when fully expanded 34 in (85 cm)
Range of expansion 1¼ (3 cm)
Complexion: dark
Eyes: blue
Hair: dark brown
Religious denomination: presbyterian
Has 10 tattoo marks on forearm
A scar on left hip
James Watson lost his life on 9th October 1916 at the age of 34.
This newspaper article reports his death.
He lies buried at Contay British Cemetery, grave IV. A. 9.
This picture shows his gravestone.
Someone was looking for a Canadian soldier, surname Murray, who had died in the First World War, leaving behind a widow, Christina, and three young children. Christina died not long after the end of the war, and the children were adopted.
The question was: is there a Canadian soldier from WW1, who died in the conflict and was married to a Christina.
I looked up the listings for anyone called Murray on the website for Veteran Affairs Canada, which displayed all that were killed in WW1. I then cross-referenced those against attestation papers, which are displayed on the website for Library & Archives Canada, using the service numbers. And after more than 100 searches, I finally found the man I was looking for:
On the website of Veteran Affairs Canada, James Watson Murray is quoted as being the husband of a Christina Murray. His attestation paper does not mention the name of his wife, but he is marked down as married. James Watson lies buried at Contay; further details on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website.
I summarise the information:
James Watson Murray
Son of Robert Murray, of Aberdeen, Scotland, born on 18th April 1882.
Trade or calling: Decorator
Last address: 15 Markham Place, Toronto (attestation)
Last address: 2903 Lafontaine St., Maisonneuve, Montreal.(CWGC)
Name of spouse: Christina
Signed up to the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force on 5 April 1915 in Toronto.
He was assigned to 3rd Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment) with registration number 172080.
Upon medical examination, on 30 March 1915, James Watson was found to have the following characteristics:
Height 5 ft 4 in (1.62 m)
Chest girth when fully expanded 34 in (85 cm)
Range of expansion 1¼ (3 cm)
Complexion: dark
Eyes: blue
Hair: dark brown
Religious denomination: presbyterian
Has 10 tattoo marks on forearm
A scar on left hip
James Watson lost his life on 9th October 1916 at the age of 34.
This newspaper article reports his death.
He lies buried at Contay British Cemetery, grave IV. A. 9.
This picture shows his gravestone.
Monday, 12 July 2010
Cordoba House
That is the name of a mosque, which could be built in the proximity of Ground Zero, the site where the World Trade Center stood in New York until 11 September 2001. It appears to have divided New Yorkers down the middle and has even led to a Facebook page with more than 44,000 followers. An article on the Voice of America news-site gives a balanced view of the issues at play. Cordoba, a city in Spain, was once a centre of Islamic learning. A lot of that culture is still on display in the Spain of the 21st century. I will restate my oft repeated opinion on the issue of Al Qa'eda, Islam and 9/11. Al Qa'eda abuses Islam to justifies its political and terrorist campaign. It uses brainwashing techniques, playing on frustrations and anger amidst disaffected Muslims, to recruit new operatives. It has nothing to do with Islam.
I totally understand the pain, anguish and anger that was brought about by the horrendous events of 9/11, and condemn in the strongest possible terms anyone who seeks to justify mass murder by whichever means. And on whichever pretext. I deplore the confusion of issues, as outlined in the VOA piece, and hope that folk in NYC will see the Cordoba Initiative as a start of reconciliation, to show that Muslim culture is not about violence. And in fact condemns it.
Monday 12 July
A changeable day weatherwise; the intermittent light rain that dogged the morning and afternoon has now given way to a flat calm and bright skies. The sun is setting in about 10 minutes' time, with the cloudscapes and the reflections on the sea making it quite a spectacle. The current temperature of 12C is not warm, but quite acceptable in the calm conditions at the moment. We never made it above 15C today.
Roadworks will be affecting traffic in Stornoway in the coming weeks. The traffic lights on Matheson Road will be out of action, meaning that traffic coming out of Church Street and Goathill Road will have to give way to traffic on Matheson Road itself.
Similarly, the pedestrian crossing on Cromwell Street is to be restored following the upheaval on the adjacent Perceval Square. Trying to cross Cromwell Street without the lights is like taking your life into your own hands. This image dates back to July 2005 and shows a bit of street theatre in progress.
I'll make a separate posting of today's pictures tomorrow.
Roadworks will be affecting traffic in Stornoway in the coming weeks. The traffic lights on Matheson Road will be out of action, meaning that traffic coming out of Church Street and Goathill Road will have to give way to traffic on Matheson Road itself.
Similarly, the pedestrian crossing on Cromwell Street is to be restored following the upheaval on the adjacent Perceval Square. Trying to cross Cromwell Street without the lights is like taking your life into your own hands. This image dates back to July 2005 and shows a bit of street theatre in progress.
I'll make a separate posting of today's pictures tomorrow.
Sunday, 11 July 2010
Sunday evening
Well, that's the Football World Cup gone to Spain, who beat Holland 1-0 in the last twenty minutes. Disappointing game, in which about 8 yellow cards were doled out and one player sent off after a second yellow. The game was pretty physical, as demonstrated by the number of bookings. I did not really enjoy it, and am naturally a bit sad that Holland did not get it - again. However, in all fairness, the Spaniards played better and got that all deciding goal after 116 minutes of play.
In the early hours of Saturday, the discharge from a sawn-off shotgun ended the troubled life of Northumberland man Raoul Moat. This 37-year old had previously shot his former girlfriend, killed her new partner and shot a police constable in his patrol car. Moat then went into hiding near the village of Rothbury, 30 miles north of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He issued threats against the police, the media and the general public. Moat had serious psychological problems, and the police appeared to have been aware of that, judging by the way they addressed him through the media, and through letters. On Friday evening, he was spotted on the bank of a river at Rothbury, and quickly surrounded. After a six-hour stand-off, with police within 20 feet of him, Moat received two shots from a Taser-gun. He then shot himself in the head.
Leaving the over-exposure in the media to one side (which did not help the situation), the family are claiming that the police declined offers of help from them. It's always easy to see the (perceived) right path with the benefit of hindsight. But questions are being asked from more impartial quarters as well with regards to the handling by police.
In the early hours of Saturday, the discharge from a sawn-off shotgun ended the troubled life of Northumberland man Raoul Moat. This 37-year old had previously shot his former girlfriend, killed her new partner and shot a police constable in his patrol car. Moat then went into hiding near the village of Rothbury, 30 miles north of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He issued threats against the police, the media and the general public. Moat had serious psychological problems, and the police appeared to have been aware of that, judging by the way they addressed him through the media, and through letters. On Friday evening, he was spotted on the bank of a river at Rothbury, and quickly surrounded. After a six-hour stand-off, with police within 20 feet of him, Moat received two shots from a Taser-gun. He then shot himself in the head.
Leaving the over-exposure in the media to one side (which did not help the situation), the family are claiming that the police declined offers of help from them. It's always easy to see the (perceived) right path with the benefit of hindsight. But questions are being asked from more impartial quarters as well with regards to the handling by police.
Sunday 11 July
A cold and wet start to the day, but the weather appears to be brightening up at the moment. What a luxury, to complain about cold weather, when elsewhere the birds drop down dead from the roofs due to excessive heat.
Four days ago, it was 15 years ago since Srebrenica was overrun by Bosnian Serb forces, in spite of the fact that it was a UN protected enclave in Bosnian Serb territory. The Dutch UN battalion was unable to halt the Bosnian Serb advance. Once they had established supremacy, the Serbs gathered up the male population of Srebrenica and took them into nearby woodlands. Some 8,000 were murdered; 6,000 have to date been buried at a cemetery in nearby Potocari. An interesting article on Dutch news site NOS.nl states that reconciliation appears to be in progress, with both sides recognising that continuing anger over events in the 1990s serves no constructive purpose. The military commandant of the Bosnian Serbs, Ratko Mladic remains at large; their former president, Radovan Karadzic, is facing the War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague on multiple counts of genocide.
Four days ago, it was 15 years ago since Srebrenica was overrun by Bosnian Serb forces, in spite of the fact that it was a UN protected enclave in Bosnian Serb territory. The Dutch UN battalion was unable to halt the Bosnian Serb advance. Once they had established supremacy, the Serbs gathered up the male population of Srebrenica and took them into nearby woodlands. Some 8,000 were murdered; 6,000 have to date been buried at a cemetery in nearby Potocari. An interesting article on Dutch news site NOS.nl states that reconciliation appears to be in progress, with both sides recognising that continuing anger over events in the 1990s serves no constructive purpose. The military commandant of the Bosnian Serbs, Ratko Mladic remains at large; their former president, Radovan Karadzic, is facing the War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague on multiple counts of genocide.
Saturday, 10 July 2010
Saturday 10 July
Today started sunny but ended cloudy. The rainfall radar shows an area of rain moving north across the country, with heavy falls over mainland Scotland. We'll get some rain during the night, I expect. Winds are forecast to increase during Sunday.
Not much else to report on, due to a spot of headache during the day. Worst of it is gone, thanks.
Not much else to report on, due to a spot of headache during the day. Worst of it is gone, thanks.
Friday, 9 July 2010
From the Napier Commission, 1883
Bosta Beach, 2006
In June 1883, the Napier Commission into the condition of the crofters and cottars in the Highlands and Islands visited the village of Breasclete, a mile from the famous Callanish Stones. They were hearing from a villager from Great Bernera, just across the water from Breasclete. The people of Bernera found themselves prevented from properly entering their cemetery, just off the beach at Bosta. I relay that part of the discussion. Today, in 2010, there are TWO gates into Bosta Cemetery.
14849. Lord Napier, Commission Chairman: With regard to the dyke which prevents you getting into the burial ground, why was there not a gate left in it through which you could carry the bodies ?
—Murdo Macdonald, Tobson, Gt Bernera: When the dyke was being made I was working at it, and we made a gate for the purpose of access to the churchyard, and it was shut up and filled with stones, and notice was sent to us by the farmer of Linshader that we must fill it up.
14850. Did you make any remonstrance to the authorities at Stornoway ?
—I don't think so.
14851. Are you aware that it is not lawful by the law of Scotland to shut up a road to a burial ground?
—I did think so.
14852. Then why did you not apply to the authorities ?
—Because the local government was stronger than we.
14853. In consequence of the shutting up of the wall, are you, in point of fact, to this day, obliged to lift the bier over the wall when you come to it ?
—Yes, we are obliged at this time to lift the coffin up on to the wall, and men to stand there, with others on the other side.
14854. Do you know whether the proprietor or those in authority were aware of that fact ?
—I don't know.
Friday evening
The morning's and afternoon's rains have moved away, and we're now enjoying some pleasant evening sunshine. The ferry is just coming into port, half an hour late, on the second of its three Friday calls - only in July and August by the way.
I posted on Facebook and Twitter the news that the Food Standards Agency has now lifted restrictions on the last Scottish sheepfarm following the Chernobyl disaster of April 1986. After 24 years, it's unbelievable. No details on the location of the farm are given in the article.
And they want to build windfarms in the Minch, the stretch of water between Lewis and mainland Scotland. Yep, it's an eyesore. People are protesting - but some of those are in favour of a landbased windfarm of similar turbine size.
I was watching the Coastguard helicopter taking off this morning and head inland. They were tasked to search for a walker, who had gone missing near Loch Langabhat yesterday. The 46-year old man was located cold and wet, but otherwise unhurt, between Loch Morsgail and Loch Reasort, a few miles west of Loch Langabhat.
Loch Langabhat from near Scaliscro
Loch Morsgail
Loch Resort
I posted on Facebook and Twitter the news that the Food Standards Agency has now lifted restrictions on the last Scottish sheepfarm following the Chernobyl disaster of April 1986. After 24 years, it's unbelievable. No details on the location of the farm are given in the article.
And they want to build windfarms in the Minch, the stretch of water between Lewis and mainland Scotland. Yep, it's an eyesore. People are protesting - but some of those are in favour of a landbased windfarm of similar turbine size.
I was watching the Coastguard helicopter taking off this morning and head inland. They were tasked to search for a walker, who had gone missing near Loch Langabhat yesterday. The 46-year old man was located cold and wet, but otherwise unhurt, between Loch Morsgail and Loch Reasort, a few miles west of Loch Langabhat.
Loch Langabhat from near Scaliscro
Loch Morsgail
Loch Resort
Friday 9 July
Pouring with rain as I type this, and it's going to continue pouring down until evening. The rainfall radar looks decidedly ominous. More later.
Thursday, 8 July 2010
Thursday 8 July
The gale has died down, but we're left with a stiff breeze of nearly 25 mph. Heavy showers continue to punctuate the morning. The swell from yesterday's high winds has prevented the cruiseliner Marco Polo from putting its passengers ashore. That is usually done using tenders, which cannot manage in choppy conditions. Three years ago, two hundred cruisepassengers were left stranded ashore after being put ashore just as a gale was blowing up.
Yesterday, the Germans lost their semi-final match in the football world cup against Spain, 1-0. The Dutch, always ready to rib the Germans, immediately swamped Twitter and made Schade, Deutschland, alles ist vorbei (What a shame, Germany, it's all over) a trending topic. The Germans did not really like this exercise in "schadenfreude" and seethed at the Käseköpfe. The Germans refer to the Dutch as cheeseheads. Anyway, whoever wins the World Cup on Sunday will do so for the first time.
Yesterday, the Germans lost their semi-final match in the football world cup against Spain, 1-0. The Dutch, always ready to rib the Germans, immediately swamped Twitter and made Schade, Deutschland, alles ist vorbei (What a shame, Germany, it's all over) a trending topic. The Germans did not really like this exercise in "schadenfreude" and seethed at the Käseköpfe. The Germans refer to the Dutch as cheeseheads. Anyway, whoever wins the World Cup on Sunday will do so for the first time.
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
Wednesday 7 July
Awake to a very windy morning, with winds blowing at nearly 40 mph (galeforce), with gusts up to 65 mph near the Butt of Lewis. The ferry is sailing, but I imagine it will be a vomit comet as it does its customary three crossings. Today, the analogue signal for BBC2 TV has been switched off at the Eitsal transmitter near Achmore. Digital TV's need retuning today, and again on July 21st when the other analogue signals will be switched off.
Today is also the fifth anniversary of the attacks on the London Underground and Transport systems. Between 8 and 10 am on 7 July 2005, four suicide bombers struck underground stations in London and one bus at Tavistock Square, near Euston. Fifty-two innocent civilians died. An effort has been made to improve the integration of the Muslim community in Great Britain, but radicalisation appears to be rearing its ugly head again, the BBC reported this morning.
I'll go so far as to disapprove thoroughly of tarring all Muslims as terrorists on account of both 7/7 and 9/11. The perpetrators, in my mind, abused their religion to commit mass murder - if any justification were possible, political motives could be quoted. The Koran, which I have not studied, apparently disapproves of murder, and takes into account other religions, telling Muslims to treat both Jews and Christians with respect.
Today is also the fifth anniversary of the attacks on the London Underground and Transport systems. Between 8 and 10 am on 7 July 2005, four suicide bombers struck underground stations in London and one bus at Tavistock Square, near Euston. Fifty-two innocent civilians died. An effort has been made to improve the integration of the Muslim community in Great Britain, but radicalisation appears to be rearing its ugly head again, the BBC reported this morning.
I'll go so far as to disapprove thoroughly of tarring all Muslims as terrorists on account of both 7/7 and 9/11. The perpetrators, in my mind, abused their religion to commit mass murder - if any justification were possible, political motives could be quoted. The Koran, which I have not studied, apparently disapproves of murder, and takes into account other religions, telling Muslims to treat both Jews and Christians with respect.
Tuesday 6 July
Uninspiring grey and wet day, so much so that I resorted to taking pictures of fruit and flowers. If only to have something colourful. As the day wears on, the weather brightens up, but the wind starts to pick up through the evening. The Football World Cup is now into the semi-finals, with Holland beating Uruguay 3-2. For the first time since 1978, the Dutch are in the finals. Their opponents, Germany or Spain, will meet them on Sunday. The other semi-final takes place on Wednesday.
Monday, 5 July 2010
Hurricane update - 5 July
Not even a fully fledged tropical cyclone, but a tropical disturbance is moving ashore in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana this evening. Heavy rain and strong winds can be expected in that area. Windspeeds will be below galeforce, although there is a good chance (60%) that this system briefly becomes a tropical storm immediately before coming ashore. The NHC has updates.
Monday 5 July
Weather more autumnal than summerlike, with intermittent showers and still fairly windy. In the course of the evening tomorrow, we can expect another gale. Yippee. Let's hope that's the end of them for a while, although I do recall a severe gale around this time in July five years ago - see pic below..
This picture was taken near Holm Point, 2½ miles south of Stornoway
Had a restful day after quite a varied weekend. Here in Stornoway, a flat burned out on Church Street in the early hours of Sunday. Two dogs were killed in the blaze, but no people were hurt. Adjacent properties suffered smoke damage; the flat itself was destroyed.
This picture was taken near Holm Point, 2½ miles south of Stornoway
Had a restful day after quite a varied weekend. Here in Stornoway, a flat burned out on Church Street in the early hours of Sunday. Two dogs were killed in the blaze, but no people were hurt. Adjacent properties suffered smoke damage; the flat itself was destroyed.
Sunday, 4 July 2010
Sunday 4 July
Happy 4th July to all in the United States. It is now 234 years since the Declaration of Independence, so a big bash will be on the cards for 2026. Please be careful with barbeques and fireworks.
Here in the Western Isles, this morning's rain has moved away to be replaced by high winds. At the moment, it is blowing force 6 to 7, with gales approaching from the southwest. Many ferry services are disrupted up and down the west coast of Scotland - our ferry appears to be on schedule to depart at 2.30pm.
This picture shows the rescue that took place in Stornoway in the morning of 2 July, when a fishing trawler lost power and was nearly blown into the ferry linkspan. The RNLI lifeboat came to its aid.
Here in the Western Isles, this morning's rain has moved away to be replaced by high winds. At the moment, it is blowing force 6 to 7, with gales approaching from the southwest. Many ferry services are disrupted up and down the west coast of Scotland - our ferry appears to be on schedule to depart at 2.30pm.
This picture shows the rescue that took place in Stornoway in the morning of 2 July, when a fishing trawler lost power and was nearly blown into the ferry linkspan. The RNLI lifeboat came to its aid.
Saturday, 3 July 2010
Saturday 3 July
Not a very good day in terms of weather - intermittent showers although the wind is slowly decreasing. The sun was out. Last night, our freight ferry Muirneag did not sail due to the unfavourable weather conditions. The result is, as always, empty shelves in the shop. Yesterday's ferry schedule was in tatters as well, when the late sailing by the Isle of Lewis was more than 2 hours late - it docked at 3 am! The next sailing was due out only 4 hours later. Just as well they have crew rotation on those ferries. Worse disruption exists on the Oban to Lochboisdale and Castlebay routes, 100 miles to the south, after the Clansman sprained its crankshaft, necessitating a lengthy spell in dry-dock. There aren't really any relief vessels, and what is available only has very limited capacity.
Muirneag
Isle of Lewis
Clansman
Muirneag
Isle of Lewis
Clansman
Friday 2 July
A very breezy day, with the wind blowing at force 5 to 6. A fishingboat had to be towed to safety by the lifeboat after losing power near Goat Island. Without assistance, the boat would have drifted onto the ferry pier, according to the Press & Journal. In the afternoon, I went to Sandwick Cemetery to photograph one particular grave momument - one that stands 8 feet tall. I previously only pictured the section that referred to a war casualty. The graveyard had recently been mowed, which made it look nice and tidy. Many of the gravestones are losing the legibility of their inscriptions. Back here in town, a gardening company has filled some of the tubs with nice flowers.
By the way, I prefer Stornoway's 19C to the 35C that my father is "enjoying" down in Holland.
Flowery boat, Newton
Memorial at Sandwick Cemetery
Sandwick Bay
By the way, I prefer Stornoway's 19C to the 35C that my father is "enjoying" down in Holland.
Flowery boat, Newton
Memorial at Sandwick Cemetery
Sandwick Bay
Thursday, 1 July 2010
Trapper trapped
My perusal of attestation papers for the Canadian Expeditionary Forces in the First World War revealed some unusual details, some actually quite tragic.
A 31-year old trapper from the Canadian Northwest Territories, George Mckenzie, was apprehended on 14 October 1918 after not reporting for military duty. Since 1917, the military draft had been in force in Canada. The numbers of volunteers had seemingly dropped off dramatically as the heroic battles on the Western Front showed themselves to be pointless bloodbaths in which thousands of Canadian lads had perished. George Mckenzie had been called up 11 months previously, but not reported for duty. His place of residence is quoted as Fort Smith, a settlement on the Salt River on the border between Alberta and Northwest Territories. He was born in 1887 in Fort Resolution, 60 miles to the north on the shores of the Great Slave Lake. If he was a trapper, it stands to reason he would not receive his summons for nearly a year. What caused his hospital admission is not known (at this stage).
George Mckenzie died in hospital in Edmonton, 500 miles south of Fort Smith, without his details being recorded by the military authorities.
A 31-year old trapper from the Canadian Northwest Territories, George Mckenzie, was apprehended on 14 October 1918 after not reporting for military duty. Since 1917, the military draft had been in force in Canada. The numbers of volunteers had seemingly dropped off dramatically as the heroic battles on the Western Front showed themselves to be pointless bloodbaths in which thousands of Canadian lads had perished. George Mckenzie had been called up 11 months previously, but not reported for duty. His place of residence is quoted as Fort Smith, a settlement on the Salt River on the border between Alberta and Northwest Territories. He was born in 1887 in Fort Resolution, 60 miles to the north on the shores of the Great Slave Lake. If he was a trapper, it stands to reason he would not receive his summons for nearly a year. What caused his hospital admission is not known (at this stage).
George Mckenzie died in hospital in Edmonton, 500 miles south of Fort Smith, without his details being recorded by the military authorities.
Are these the same?
On 28 February 1916, a man named Norman Maciver walked into an army recruitment centre at Saltcoats in Saskatchewan, Canada. Norman was a man of small stature, half an inch short of 5 feet, with a chest circumference of only 30½ inches. He was apparently eager to join the Canadian Expedionary Force fighting in France. His mother, erroneously named Mary Macaulay on his enrolment paper, lived a dozen miles away in Wroxton. Norman was born in the Isle of Lewis in 1899 and not married in 1916. On 12 December 1916, he was signed off medically unfit.
On 20 January 1917, a man named Norman Maciver walked into an army recruitment centre at Melville in Saskatchewan, Canada. Norman was a man of small stature, half an inch short of 5 feet, with a chest circumference of only 31½ inches. but apparently eager to join the Canadian Expedionary Force fighting in France. His mother, Mary lived a dozen miles away in Yorkton, where he himself also lived. Norman was born in the Isle of Lewis in 1898 and not married in 1917. On 14 June 1917, he was signed off medically unfit.
Are these the same? It would appear so, tantalisingly so. I have been unable to find a birth certificate for a Norman Maciver being born in either 1898 or 1899, with a mother named Mary. But the similarities are striking. However, having gone through several hundred attestation papers, a chest circumference of 31 inches is very small (average being nearer 38), as is Norman's height of 4' 11.5" (1.50 metres). Maybe that prompted his dismissal as medically unfit? We shall probably never know.
On 20 January 1917, a man named Norman Maciver walked into an army recruitment centre at Melville in Saskatchewan, Canada. Norman was a man of small stature, half an inch short of 5 feet, with a chest circumference of only 31½ inches. but apparently eager to join the Canadian Expedionary Force fighting in France. His mother, Mary lived a dozen miles away in Yorkton, where he himself also lived. Norman was born in the Isle of Lewis in 1898 and not married in 1917. On 14 June 1917, he was signed off medically unfit.
Are these the same? It would appear so, tantalisingly so. I have been unable to find a birth certificate for a Norman Maciver being born in either 1898 or 1899, with a mother named Mary. But the similarities are striking. However, having gone through several hundred attestation papers, a chest circumference of 31 inches is very small (average being nearer 38), as is Norman's height of 4' 11.5" (1.50 metres). Maybe that prompted his dismissal as medically unfit? We shall probably never know.
Thursday 1 July
The day started wet and windy here, but after lunchtime, the cloud broke and the sun is currently shining brightly. The mercury is at 15C, which is a lot more bearable than the 31C that my father is reporting from Holland. West is best, it would seem. Not much doing today, apart from giving some computer help and monitoring hurricane Alex, that I mentioned in my previous post. And watching the second movie (on DVD) of Lord of the Rings.
Hurricane update - 1 July
Hurricane Alex has made landfall about 110 miles south of Brownsville, TX, with winds of 100 mph, gusting to 130 mph. The storm is now well inland and weakening. The main problems will be rainfall, with 8 to 12 inches already falling over northern Mexico, and 4 to 8 inches over southern Texas. If you're in that area, please be extremely wary of flash-floods, which can be life-threatening. Please monitor the output of NWS Brownsville and Corpus Christi for further details.
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
Wednesday 30 June
Closing the first half of the year on a positive note, with bright and sunny weather and fairly warm for this part of the world. We once more managed 19C, which is warm enough for me. Went out for a drive to Bayble, 5 miles east of Stornoway, for a stroll on the small beach by the pier there. The tide was out and the plovers were scurrying amongst the rocks looking for tidbits. I haven't uploaded the pictures yet, as I've been installing a wireless printer after coming back from Bayble. Very nice piece of kit.
I won't bore you with another rant about windfarms. We're threatened with another one, this time south of Stornoway. Wonderful. That coming on the day that the Isle of Eigg did not have power because there was no wind and there hasn't been rain there for a while - and most of their electricity is generated using hydro- and windpower. OK, they have generator back-up, but that's not the point, is it. Worse than that, last March, there was a day that all the windfarms in the whole of Scotland managed sufficient power to boil 1,000 kettles. Not much use in a nation of 5 million, is it?!
I won't bore you with another rant about windfarms. We're threatened with another one, this time south of Stornoway. Wonderful. That coming on the day that the Isle of Eigg did not have power because there was no wind and there hasn't been rain there for a while - and most of their electricity is generated using hydro- and windpower. OK, they have generator back-up, but that's not the point, is it. Worse than that, last March, there was a day that all the windfarms in the whole of Scotland managed sufficient power to boil 1,000 kettles. Not much use in a nation of 5 million, is it?!
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Lewismen in Canadian service
Lewismen serving in the Canadian Expeditionary Force 1914-1918
Total found: 678
112 do not feature in the Rolls of Honour
200 cannot be traced on Veteran Affairs Canada (with any degree of reliability), in spite of being quoted as serving with the Canadians
130 were killed
Drafted
37 were called up under the Army Act from 1917 onwards, 3 were defaulters, and were arrested after not answering their summons
445 volunteered for service
Marital status
53 were married
414 were single
Religion
1 was a Seventh Day Adventist
1 was United Free Church
11 were Church of England
451 were Presbyterian
6 had no religion recorded
Location of enlistment
Calgary 21
Edmonton 21
Valcartier 41
Vancouver 38
Victoria 31
Winnipeg 96
amongst others
Trades / occupations
Carpenter 35
Farmer, farmworker 50
Labourer 110
Miner 22
Sailor 15
Stonemason, -cutter 16
Teamster 21
amongst others
Complexion
Dark 141
Fair 150
Fresh 40
Ruddy 45
Eyes
Blue 243
Brown 99
Grey 97
Hazel 25
Hair
Black 77
Brown, dark or light 289
Dark 31
Light / fair 60
Height
Less than 5 feet - 2
5 ft 0 to 5 ft 3.75 - 20
5 ft 4 to 5 ft 4.75 - 31
5 ft 5 to 5 ft 5.75 - 45
5 ft 6 to 5 ft 6.75 - 57
5 ft 7 to 5 ft 7.75 - 82
5 ft 8 to 5 ft 8.875 - 41
5 ft 9 to 5 ft 9.75 - 64
5 ft 10 to 5 ft 10.75 - 40
5 ft 11 to 5 ft 11.75 - 25
6 ft and taller - 19
Total found: 678
112 do not feature in the Rolls of Honour
200 cannot be traced on Veteran Affairs Canada (with any degree of reliability), in spite of being quoted as serving with the Canadians
130 were killed
Drafted
37 were called up under the Army Act from 1917 onwards, 3 were defaulters, and were arrested after not answering their summons
445 volunteered for service
Marital status
53 were married
414 were single
Religion
1 was a Seventh Day Adventist
1 was United Free Church
11 were Church of England
451 were Presbyterian
6 had no religion recorded
Location of enlistment
Calgary 21
Edmonton 21
Valcartier 41
Vancouver 38
Victoria 31
Winnipeg 96
amongst others
Trades / occupations
Carpenter 35
Farmer, farmworker 50
Labourer 110
Miner 22
Sailor 15
Stonemason, -cutter 16
Teamster 21
amongst others
Complexion
Dark 141
Fair 150
Fresh 40
Ruddy 45
Eyes
Blue 243
Brown 99
Grey 97
Hazel 25
Hair
Black 77
Brown, dark or light 289
Dark 31
Light / fair 60
Height
Less than 5 feet - 2
5 ft 0 to 5 ft 3.75 - 20
5 ft 4 to 5 ft 4.75 - 31
5 ft 5 to 5 ft 5.75 - 45
5 ft 6 to 5 ft 6.75 - 57
5 ft 7 to 5 ft 7.75 - 82
5 ft 8 to 5 ft 8.875 - 41
5 ft 9 to 5 ft 9.75 - 64
5 ft 10 to 5 ft 10.75 - 40
5 ft 11 to 5 ft 11.75 - 25
6 ft and taller - 19
Tuesday 29 June
Quite a nice day, even if there was some cloud about. Managed to sit outside for lunch, as there was far less wind than yesterday. Nothing noteworthy in football land - Paraguay and Spain are through to the next round. I went to the library to find copies of the Stornoway Gazette from 1918. This was printed on poor quality paper, meaning it has had to be transferred to microfiche. Being quoted the wrong date did not help, but the quality of the film was mediocre.
I ended up photographing the screen of the microfiche reader to get the best result.
Monday, 28 June 2010
Monday 28 June
Tropical storm Alex is getting its act together for a hit on the Rio Grande later this week: around 90 knots (105 mph) of wind and a heck of a lot of rain. Take care if you're down there. Here in Stornoway, it may be mild (16C) but not sunny and quite windy. That does not stop the visitors from flocking to these islands - it is as busy as ever.
Football? Holland went through against Slovakia, beating the East Europeans 2-1. They will now face Brazil, who are beating Chile 3-0. Never thought I'd be reduced to blogging about football. Oh well, swept away in the general excitement (not), I suppose.
I've spent the day looking up details of Canadian combatants in the First World War, who originated in the Isle of Lewis. It was more a case of double-checking, as I found myself correcting quite a few minor transcription errors.
Football? Holland went through against Slovakia, beating the East Europeans 2-1. They will now face Brazil, who are beating Chile 3-0. Never thought I'd be reduced to blogging about football. Oh well, swept away in the general excitement (not), I suppose.
I've spent the day looking up details of Canadian combatants in the First World War, who originated in the Isle of Lewis. It was more a case of double-checking, as I found myself correcting quite a few minor transcription errors.
Sunday, 27 June 2010
Sunday 27 June
Quite a breezy day with some sunshine, but this evening has seen some downpours. It's half an hour from sunset, but the lights are on as the rain lashes down. Spent the day compiling a new website, about a Naval Cemetery in Orkney that I visited in 2008. I entered pictures and data on a forum, but have now stuck it on another Blogger-based site - works quite well.
A lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth going on this afternoon after England lost to Germany in the football worldcup by 4 goals to 1. My mainly Scottish Twitter contacts were gloating, and the air was thick with puns. The match between Argentina and Mexico was a lot better, even if Mexico went down 1-3.
The plans for an internal refurbishment of the 1929-built Town Hall in Stornoway have been approved by the Scottish Government. I like the plans, as they appear to make the building more useable - and compliant with disabled access legislation to boot. Others don't like them, and another exchange on Twitter turned the air fairly blue. It's not just the plans themselves that are at issue, the planning process is also alleged to have been flawed.
A lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth going on this afternoon after England lost to Germany in the football worldcup by 4 goals to 1. My mainly Scottish Twitter contacts were gloating, and the air was thick with puns. The match between Argentina and Mexico was a lot better, even if Mexico went down 1-3.
The plans for an internal refurbishment of the 1929-built Town Hall in Stornoway have been approved by the Scottish Government. I like the plans, as they appear to make the building more useable - and compliant with disabled access legislation to boot. Others don't like them, and another exchange on Twitter turned the air fairly blue. It's not just the plans themselves that are at issue, the planning process is also alleged to have been flawed.
Saturday, 26 June 2010
Saturday 26 June
A day with quite variable weather here in Stornoway. It was mainly overcast, but the sun came out just after 3pm, which pushed the mercury to 19C / 66F. A couple of showers passed over during early evening. I went for a walk round Stornoway harbour this pm to see if anything had changed - not.
I've been compiling some information for the wargraves I found in the cemetery on the island of Vlieland where I was just over a week ago- have a look here. Tomorrow and next week I shall resume my transcriptions of the Napier Commission reports for the Outer Hebrides, and looking into the Canadian Lewismen who fought in WW1.
I've been compiling some information for the wargraves I found in the cemetery on the island of Vlieland where I was just over a week ago- have a look here. Tomorrow and next week I shall resume my transcriptions of the Napier Commission reports for the Outer Hebrides, and looking into the Canadian Lewismen who fought in WW1.
Hurricane update - 26 June
Tropical storm Alex is currently approaching the Yucatan peninsula and Belize. The system will pass over the peninsula and reemerge into the Gulf of Mexico, continuing to head westnorthwest. It is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by the time it makes landfall near the Texas / Mexican border. If you're in that area: please monitor the 3-hourly advisories from the NHC.
1152 days at sea
Intrepid record breaking sailor Reid Stowe returned to Terra Firma on June 18th, after being at sea continuously for 1,152 days. Initially, he was joined by a female companion, but she needed to return to land within a year or so. Three years after setting forth from New York, Reid berthed the schooner Anne there once more. The dedicated website contains dozens of links to the news on this story. I have enjoyed following Reid on his at times slow progress across the oceans of the world, and wish him well for the future.
Friday, 25 June 2010
11pm
Friday is in its last hour and the light is slowly fading. Yep, it's past 11 at night and it's only just getting dark here. Fantastic sunset tonight, with many bright colours. Will share pics later, when I upload them. Spent the day writing blogposts on the Shell Gallery about the holiday on Vlieland, also tracing two Scottish casualties from the Second World War who lie buried in the cemetery on that isle. They were mostly aircrew of planes downed by the German anti-aircraft battery (FLAK).
Friday 25 June
First day back in Stornoway after my fortnight's holiday in Holland, and trying to get myself organised. It is a grey, overcast day, with some spots of rain. Felt cold earlier on, but the mercury is at 15C / 59F, so no real complaints. I am still putting pics and blogposts on the Shell Gallery, which will take me a wee while yet.
Today is the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War, which was to claim 4 million lives.Of the UN personnel deployed across the Korean peninsula, at least 4 came from Lewis. The war memorial at Carloway mentions:
K Macarthur, 42 Park Carloway (USMA)
M Macaskill, 6 Doune Carloway (US Marines)
A Mackay, 4 Kirivick (US airforce)
M Macleod, 8 Kirivick (US airforce)
I am not able to ascertain at this stage if other men from Lewis also fell in Korea.
Today is the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War, which was to claim 4 million lives.Of the UN personnel deployed across the Korean peninsula, at least 4 came from Lewis. The war memorial at Carloway mentions:
K Macarthur, 42 Park Carloway (USMA)
M Macaskill, 6 Doune Carloway (US Marines)
A Mackay, 4 Kirivick (US airforce)
M Macleod, 8 Kirivick (US airforce)
I am not able to ascertain at this stage if other men from Lewis also fell in Korea.
Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Picture post - 9 June
The suntrap
Oiltanker Greta seen from Stornoway
Roadsign for Newton Street in Stornoway, Sraid Einicleit in Gaelic
Roadsign for Inaclete Road in Stornoway, Rathad Einicleit in Gaelic
Newton Street was built in 1833 and was always known by its English name. The area is known as Einicleit; the Coastguard Station (in so many of my weather pictures) stands at Einicleit Point. The word Sraid means street, the word Rathad means road.
This bonfire threw a pall of smoke over areas of the town
Wednesday afternoon
Although it is sunny today, the strong northeasterly wind keeps it quite cold. We managed only 14C, and the mercury is presently going down again. Went into town for a few purchases, including some reading fodder. I got myself Les Miserables by Victor Hugo (in English) in two volumes for £4.
Tomorrow, I shall be travelling to Holland for a week's break on one of the country's northern islands, followed by a number of days with my father for the purpose of visiting family. I will not have Internet access until June 18th; blog postings from me will be made on The Shell Gallery after that date until my return to Stornoway on June 24th. In a minute, I'll be putting on another picture post.
Beyond that, Atlantic Lines will resume on Friday 25 June.
Tomorrow, I shall be travelling to Holland for a week's break on one of the country's northern islands, followed by a number of days with my father for the purpose of visiting family. I will not have Internet access until June 18th; blog postings from me will be made on The Shell Gallery after that date until my return to Stornoway on June 24th. In a minute, I'll be putting on another picture post.
Beyond that, Atlantic Lines will resume on Friday 25 June.
Wednesday 9 June
A nice bright morning, with a stiff northeasterly breeze going. Although a max of 17C is forecast, I think we'll be hard pressed to reach that.
I'll have another post later today, but just wanted to share this slightly disconcerting image which was circulated on Twitter this morning.
I'll have another post later today, but just wanted to share this slightly disconcerting image which was circulated on Twitter this morning.
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
Monday 8 June
Today started bright and early, with some excitement to boot in the morning. Someone decided to light a bonfire just outside Stornoway, and the thick smoke billowed into town on the easterly breeze. It was visible from Swordale, 4 miles to the east. If the wind had been in the west, I doubt that the airport would have been very happy about it.
I managed to complete the initial transcription of the 700-odd Canadian servicemen whose roots lie in the Isle of Lewis. The majority volunteered, and mostly before 1917. In 1917, following various bloody battles, military draft (National Service) was introduced, under which 27 Lewismen were called up. Two defaulted (did not turn up) and were dragged in by the military police. I came across one gent, not from Lewis, who had defaulted - because he was a trapper and probably never got his papers in the first place. He died in hospital before any details could be taken.
Tomorrow, I intend to go through the blogs for the first time in many weeks. My Google Reader is shamefully full, although I have kept up with those of you who merit special attention.
As I close this post, the sky is coloured a nice pink colour - sunset at 10.20pm tonight. We had the best weather in the country, with downpours in Balallan (15 miles away) and heavy rain in the Highlands.
I managed to complete the initial transcription of the 700-odd Canadian servicemen whose roots lie in the Isle of Lewis. The majority volunteered, and mostly before 1917. In 1917, following various bloody battles, military draft (National Service) was introduced, under which 27 Lewismen were called up. Two defaulted (did not turn up) and were dragged in by the military police. I came across one gent, not from Lewis, who had defaulted - because he was a trapper and probably never got his papers in the first place. He died in hospital before any details could be taken.
Tomorrow, I intend to go through the blogs for the first time in many weeks. My Google Reader is shamefully full, although I have kept up with those of you who merit special attention.
As I close this post, the sky is coloured a nice pink colour - sunset at 10.20pm tonight. We had the best weather in the country, with downpours in Balallan (15 miles away) and heavy rain in the Highlands.
Monday, 7 June 2010
The Vatican
No offence intended
The Roman Catholic Church has taken a battering in recent months, particularly after priests in the Irish Republic were found to have been involved in child sexual abuse over many years. And not just in Ireland either. So it will not come as a major surprise that the authority of the Church has suffered a decline.
However, rather than indulging in a spot of introspection and recognising that there is some truth in the phrase "mea culpa", the Vatican has decided that investigators need to be sent to Ireland to reassert its authority and reestablish the standing of the Church in everyday life. Liberalism is to be stamped out at every cost. See this article in the Irish Times.
In 1984, I was invited to a lecture by some followers of the strict Jesuite order Opus Dei, with the object of converting me to Roman Catholicism. It managed to convince me that Roman Catholicism is not for me. I cannot accept that the Pope is infallible, for a start. He is a man, very much like every other of the 3 billion males of the species. As are each and everyone of his priests, as shown with the child sex abuse scandals - I condemn the sexual abuse of children in the strongest possible terms by the way. I feel that Pope Benedict XVI has made a serious error of judgment in slapping down on "liberals", rather than acknowledging that the Church made mistakes and working towards change.
Not being prepared to embrace change places the Vatican in the same league as the dinosaurs. Heading headlong for extinction.
The Roman Catholic Church has taken a battering in recent months, particularly after priests in the Irish Republic were found to have been involved in child sexual abuse over many years. And not just in Ireland either. So it will not come as a major surprise that the authority of the Church has suffered a decline.
However, rather than indulging in a spot of introspection and recognising that there is some truth in the phrase "mea culpa", the Vatican has decided that investigators need to be sent to Ireland to reassert its authority and reestablish the standing of the Church in everyday life. Liberalism is to be stamped out at every cost. See this article in the Irish Times.
In 1984, I was invited to a lecture by some followers of the strict Jesuite order Opus Dei, with the object of converting me to Roman Catholicism. It managed to convince me that Roman Catholicism is not for me. I cannot accept that the Pope is infallible, for a start. He is a man, very much like every other of the 3 billion males of the species. As are each and everyone of his priests, as shown with the child sex abuse scandals - I condemn the sexual abuse of children in the strongest possible terms by the way. I feel that Pope Benedict XVI has made a serious error of judgment in slapping down on "liberals", rather than acknowledging that the Church made mistakes and working towards change.
Not being prepared to embrace change places the Vatican in the same league as the dinosaurs. Heading headlong for extinction.
Monday 7 June
A brilliantly sunny day, with a cool northeasterly breeze. The mercury topped at 15C, but the sun kept it nice and warm. Apart from sitting in the sun, I also made good progress with my transcription of Canadian servicemen who originated from the Isle of Lewis. Their total has now crept above 700. I have about 40 left to do, and hope to complete the listing by the middle of the week.
During last Wednesday's deadly shootings in Cumbria, police officers saw the man actually shooting people, but were powerless to act. Specialist fire arms constables were immediately summoned, but at no time did the unarmed officers have opportunity to stop Derrick Bird.
> For the benefit of my American readers, British police are NOT routinely armed.
A train was derailed in the West Highlands last night, when the 6.20pm from Glasgow Queen Street to Oban hit boulders on the track near Falls of Cruachan station. The rocks are presumed to have come down in a landslip, but caused the train to leave the tracks. A fire broke out in the front carriage, but nobody was safely hurt. The driver led his passengers to safety as soon as the train had come to a halt, perched precariously 50 feet above the A85 road below. Picture courtesy BBC.
During last Wednesday's deadly shootings in Cumbria, police officers saw the man actually shooting people, but were powerless to act. Specialist fire arms constables were immediately summoned, but at no time did the unarmed officers have opportunity to stop Derrick Bird.
> For the benefit of my American readers, British police are NOT routinely armed.
Picture post - 6 June
As promised, a few pictures of Sunday's foray to Uig.
The boundary between cloud and sun
The B8011(M) - Enaclete by-pass
Lonely house at Carishader
Carishader
Kneep Beach campsite
Traigh Theinig (off Kneep Beach)
Valtos Beach from a hill above Kneep Beach
Church at Miavaig
Stonecircle at Garynahine
The boundary between cloud and sun
The B8011(M) - Enaclete by-pass
Lonely house at Carishader
Carishader
Kneep Beach campsite
Traigh Theinig (off Kneep Beach)
Valtos Beach from a hill above Kneep Beach
Church at Miavaig
Stonecircle at Garynahine
Sunday, 6 June 2010
Sunday 6 June
It is 66 years ago today that Allied forces landed on beaches in Normandy, France, heralding the beginning of the end of years of occupation by Nazi forces of large swathes of western Europe. The rapid advance through France, Belgium and southern Holland following D-day was only checked after the failed attempt to capture bridges at Arnhem, Holland, three months later. The Second World War closed in Europe in May 1945, but not after millions of people had been murdered on an industrial scale - because their religion courted displeasure with the German dictator, Adolf Hitler.
I went on a trip to Uig, western Lewis, this afternoon. It took 15 miles to emerge from under the blanket of cloud and showers that cloaked the eastern side of the island. We had a pleasant lunch at a stonecircle not far from Callanish, then proceeded to a beach in Uig. Beautiful area, particularly on a day like today. I have not yet finished uploading my 119 pictures, but will share a number of them in an entry tomorrow.
I went on a trip to Uig, western Lewis, this afternoon. It took 15 miles to emerge from under the blanket of cloud and showers that cloaked the eastern side of the island. We had a pleasant lunch at a stonecircle not far from Callanish, then proceeded to a beach in Uig. Beautiful area, particularly on a day like today. I have not yet finished uploading my 119 pictures, but will share a number of them in an entry tomorrow.
Saturday, 5 June 2010
Saturday 5 June
A very nice bright day, although not fully sunny. A bit of cloud about, a spot or two of rain as we went up the road through the village of Barvas. Temperature around 14C, with a high of 16C in late morning.
After lunch, it was up the road to Ness (North Lewis) to start with. A distance of 25 miles, which is commonly covered in an hour. The object of the trip, lunch at the Eoropie Tearoom, was thwarted as the Tearoom was closed whilst the owners find a buyer.
We duly diverted to Port of Ness, where a cup of tea and a couple of biscuits awaited. First though, we went to the Butt of Lewis, just over a mile from Eoropie (pronounce Yo-ropee).
Port of Ness
A drive of about 37 miles then took us to the Callanish Stones and attendant wildlife.
after which the Pentland Road was our route back to Stornoway. Some strange objects along there.
After lunch, it was up the road to Ness (North Lewis) to start with. A distance of 25 miles, which is commonly covered in an hour. The object of the trip, lunch at the Eoropie Tearoom, was thwarted as the Tearoom was closed whilst the owners find a buyer.
We duly diverted to Port of Ness, where a cup of tea and a couple of biscuits awaited. First though, we went to the Butt of Lewis, just over a mile from Eoropie (pronounce Yo-ropee).
Port of Ness
A drive of about 37 miles then took us to the Callanish Stones and attendant wildlife.
after which the Pentland Road was our route back to Stornoway. Some strange objects along there.
Friday, 4 June 2010
Friday 4 June
As my previous postings from today have indicated, I have now completed the transcription of the evidence from the 1883 Napier Commission Inquiry from the island of North Uist. In case you are wondering what it is all about, a brief summary.
In the 1880s, living conditions for crofters (subsistence farmer, who leases land from an estate owner) were atrocious. They could not expect to stay on their land for any length of time, had handkerchief-sized patches of land to raise crops on, and their livestock was usually starving to death as a result. A lack of milk meant they gave their children tea to drink. A riotous uprising in the Isle of Skye, 50 miles south of Lewis, opened the eyes of the government to the plight of its poorest residents, and Lord Napier of Ettrick was sent up to investigate.
Today saw a few light showers in Stornoway, but it is still reasonably warm. Tomorrow will see a trip out into the countryside in a car (not driven by me, I should hasten to add), and hope to have a picture or two to show.
In the 1880s, living conditions for crofters (subsistence farmer, who leases land from an estate owner) were atrocious. They could not expect to stay on their land for any length of time, had handkerchief-sized patches of land to raise crops on, and their livestock was usually starving to death as a result. A lack of milk meant they gave their children tea to drink. A riotous uprising in the Isle of Skye, 50 miles south of Lewis, opened the eyes of the government to the plight of its poorest residents, and Lord Napier of Ettrick was sent up to investigate.
Today saw a few light showers in Stornoway, but it is still reasonably warm. Tomorrow will see a trip out into the countryside in a car (not driven by me, I should hasten to add), and hope to have a picture or two to show.
Quote from the Napier Commission
This summarises what the Clearances were all about – for those who were on the receiving end of them. I quote the Reverend Alexander Davidson, aged 70, at Leverburgh in Harris.
It is most unnatural that man should be chased away to make room for sheep and deer ; that the land should lie uncultivated when men are perishing for lack of food. It is very unnatural that old or young should not be allowed to cast a hook into a standing lake or stream to catch a trout without being pursued by an officer of the law.
Attitudes to Gaelic - 1883
The estate factor in North Uist gave a good insight into why the Gaelic language continued on its long, slow decline in the latter years of the 19th century. I quote the relevant parts of his submission to the Napier Commission, sitting at Loch Eport on 30 May 1883.
12793. There was a statement made by some of the people here with respect to teaching the children Gaelic. Has the school board any educational views on that question? Other things being equal, would they consider that an advantage in the education of the children?
—I do not think they would.
12794. The great object is to endeavour to get as much English as possible ?
—As much English as possible.
12795. And the belief of the board is that anything done in the way of teaching the children Gaelic rather stands in the way of teaching English ?
—Well, if the teacher had plenty of time it would not do the children any harm to be taught their native language.
* and *
12854. You said something which I consider very heterodox about Gaelic. You speak Gaelic yourself?
—Yes.
12855. And have done so all your life?
—Yes.
12856. You read it?
—Yes.
12857. And write it ?
—I cannot say I can write it well
12858. You would not wish that you never had Gaelic?
—No, I would not.
12859. Then why is it that you discourage the teaching of it in schools, and therefore prevent Gaelic scholars from having that proper knowledge of the language which could be so easily given ?
—Without an additional staff of teachers, it could not be done. It would take up too much of their time.
12860. It is only a question of expense ?
—It is only a question of expense.
12861. You would not go to the length of saying that Gaelic is of no importance in the Highlands ?
—I believe the importance is getting less every day.
Boreray
Boreray is a small island in the Sound of Harris (between Harris and North Uist), which was home to 150 people in the 1880s, as testified in this submission to the Napier Commission. Nowadays, only one person lives there – as a crofter. The complaint in 1883 was overcrowding. The below map shows how small the island is.
Thursday, 3 June 2010
Thursday 3 June
A beautiful summer's day, with a veil of high cloud slowly moving up from the south. I'm expecting rain some time through tomorrow. Spent most of the day out in the garden, assisting in various improvements.
An emergency was declared at Stornoway Airport just after 3pm, after a small plane left the runway. I could hear the sirens blaring away down Sandwick Road. Nobody was hurt, and the plane did not catch fire.
The police are continuing their investigations into the gunman who killed 12 people in western Cumbria yesterday, before turning the gun on himself. ITV television is not showing an episode of a popular soap, as it features a storyline involving gunfire. I cannot be bothered to relay the various scenarios being debated, I just want to express my sympathies to the families and friends of the dead and injured. I have never visited that area of the country myself, but my parents have in the early 1990s, at the start of the Coast to Coast walk.
An emergency was declared at Stornoway Airport just after 3pm, after a small plane left the runway. I could hear the sirens blaring away down Sandwick Road. Nobody was hurt, and the plane did not catch fire.
The police are continuing their investigations into the gunman who killed 12 people in western Cumbria yesterday, before turning the gun on himself. ITV television is not showing an episode of a popular soap, as it features a storyline involving gunfire. I cannot be bothered to relay the various scenarios being debated, I just want to express my sympathies to the families and friends of the dead and injured. I have never visited that area of the country myself, but my parents have in the early 1990s, at the start of the Coast to Coast walk.
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
North Uist, 1883
My transcription of the Napier Commission, which I have been doing over the past week or so, is slowly progressing and we are presently in North Uist. Once more the issue appears to be the size (or lack of it) of the land that each crofter holds. Malcolm Mcinnes, a crofter from the township of Tigharry, summarises it in his reply to question 12298.
12298. Then what I understand is that though you are not dissatisfied with your present holdings, you wish to have such large holdings as would enable you to live as farmers on a farm, and not be dependent upon labour
to maintain your families?
—That is it exactly—the very thing we want—that we could make a living out of our crofts by our own labour. We don't want to be gentlemen.
Gentlemen, in his perspective (I remind you of the date, 1883), were people who made a living out of other people's labours. It appears to have been a matter of pride to Malcolm that he be able to make a living by his own hard graft.
12298. Then what I understand is that though you are not dissatisfied with your present holdings, you wish to have such large holdings as would enable you to live as farmers on a farm, and not be dependent upon labour
to maintain your families?
—That is it exactly—the very thing we want—that we could make a living out of our crofts by our own labour. We don't want to be gentlemen.
Gentlemen, in his perspective (I remind you of the date, 1883), were people who made a living out of other people's labours. It appears to have been a matter of pride to Malcolm that he be able to make a living by his own hard graft.
Hurricane update - 2 June
Tropical cyclone Phet (pronounce: pet, Thai for diamond) is currently strenghtening very rapidly in the Arabian Sea, west of India. The storm is currently equivalent in strength to a category IV hurricane, and will reach a maximum strength of category V, with winds of 140 knots or 160 mph by tomorrow. In the early hours of Friday, Phet will make landfall in Oman at that intensity and track overland to reemerge over the Arabian Sea on a northeasterly bearing and a lot weaker.
This is the second cat V storm in the Arabian Sea in three years; Gonu devastated Oman in 2007. The waters of the sea are very warm, not surprising if you know that Pakistan is suffering an extreme heatwave, with temperatures reported at 53.6C (128F) in the south. The monsoon will move in during July, but it is common for extremely high temperatures to occur ahead of its coming.
My tropical cyclones blog, which copies advisories from various hurricane agencies around the world, has suddenly become very popular, with nearly 1,400 hits in the past 16 hours. The Indian TC agency's website is inaccessible, and people in the area are very concerned.
The first tropical cyclone in the Eastern Pacific has exacted a fearful toll in human life, with more than 100 people reported killed in Guatemala, El Salvador and southern Mexico. Tropical storm Agatha unleashed 30 inches of rain on the mountainous terrain there, causing flashfloods and mudslides.
This is the second cat V storm in the Arabian Sea in three years; Gonu devastated Oman in 2007. The waters of the sea are very warm, not surprising if you know that Pakistan is suffering an extreme heatwave, with temperatures reported at 53.6C (128F) in the south. The monsoon will move in during July, but it is common for extremely high temperatures to occur ahead of its coming.
My tropical cyclones blog, which copies advisories from various hurricane agencies around the world, has suddenly become very popular, with nearly 1,400 hits in the past 16 hours. The Indian TC agency's website is inaccessible, and people in the area are very concerned.
The first tropical cyclone in the Eastern Pacific has exacted a fearful toll in human life, with more than 100 people reported killed in Guatemala, El Salvador and southern Mexico. Tropical storm Agatha unleashed 30 inches of rain on the mountainous terrain there, causing flashfloods and mudslides.
Wednesday 2 June
The news in the UK is dominated today by a shooting spree, conducted by a taxi-driver in the west of Cumbria, northwestern England. The man has taken his own life, after shooting at people in 11 different location in Whitehaven, Egremont and Seascale. Five people are presently known to have died. A police operation is still on-going to establish what happened and make sure that not more casualties are found along the route taken by the man on his way. He shot himself in woods at Boot in Eskdale, southeast of Whitehaven. People had been ordered to stay indoors and out of sight, but have now been allowed to resume normal daily activities.
Here in Stornoway, the weather is windy and with a fine drizzle blowing along. A controversy is on-going at the moment with regards to the provision of public conveniences. Due to the refurbishment works on Perceval Square, at the very centre of the town, the public toilets there have been closed. The intention is not to reopen the loos and refer the needy to the library (where they can read for a pee) and the bus station, which is not open all hours. Councillors are now beginning to veer towards reopening the public toilets, providing someone is prepared to spend 30,000,000 pennies. And that's a lot of wee-wees.
Here in Stornoway, the weather is windy and with a fine drizzle blowing along. A controversy is on-going at the moment with regards to the provision of public conveniences. Due to the refurbishment works on Perceval Square, at the very centre of the town, the public toilets there have been closed. The intention is not to reopen the loos and refer the needy to the library (where they can read for a pee) and the bus station, which is not open all hours. Councillors are now beginning to veer towards reopening the public toilets, providing someone is prepared to spend 30,000,000 pennies. And that's a lot of wee-wees.
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