Visit Colonsay Festival of Spring

Visit the festival of Spring on colonsay running for three weeks in May. visit the website for more information http://www.colonsayestate.co.uk/ 

We love to visit the garden and the kids "go ape"  in the magnificent Cupressus macrocarpa.
You can visit Colonsay on the day return ferry which travels to the island every Wednesday from Islay in the Summer.

burns night

Greetings

we hope you have had a great burns night. This is how we celebrated ours south of the border.

First find your pub with a burns minded landlord (http://www.thestarinn-eccleshall.co.uk/) and a bonny tartan clad landlady.

second - loosen up with some early drinks

step three - let the ceremony begin.

step forward master of ceremonies - Phil, who hits us with Rabbies life story

now for some tag poetry readings from three locals fully preped with haggis, tatties and neeps.Rabbies words of wisdom are all about the downfall of man at the hands of wicked women, a message mostly lost on the well lubricated guests.

step forward again Phil to thank the readers and toast the life and times of Robert Burns.

Even this far South of the border we are never far from Islay as evidenced by the fine collection of Simon & Elaine's Islay malts to supply late revellers with some fine dram(s).   



hedging goes in December 2010, to create a windbreak and attract wildlife to the garden

new year

A very Happy New Year 2U. We travelled north after Christmas in Staffs. All the snow & ice melted away just hours before our journey.

The car was loaded up with 100+ hedging plants, champagne & wine, lots of items for the house & a 3kg Haggis. Only 4 cars at the Kennacraig ferry - a record low ! Calmac staff outnumbered passengers by a massive margin.

Just 2 miles out of Port Askaig hundreds of Greenland White fronted Geese on roadside fields. Not a tourist in sight !

Cottage is warm & welcoming & peat basket is full. Ready for the cosy evenings ahead.

Before Breakfast I (that’s Les')  goes for morning run down hill to Airport & on to the 'Big Strand' for one of the most scenic & atmospheric runs ever. Sea, sky & sand - perfect ! Back to cottage for hot shower & breakfast before the day's main gig.

The Beatles sang about 4000 holes in Blackburn, Lancashire - We only needed to dig 100 in Glenegadale. Spade meets rocks, clay & water in bone aching clash of elements. Every hole is a minor triumph in a race against the fading light of short Islay days. In go Hornbeam, Spindle, Scots Pine, Alder, Sea Buckthorn, Willow & Dogwood. Pioneer plants for summer birdsong, windbreak & a carbon neutral Rowan Cottage !

In between times Vicki lays some more gravel paths & we enjoy the beautiful soft pinkish light of an Islay dusk in Winter.

New Year's eve is Chinese Takeaway (just opened in Bowmore), Champagne, Peat & Fire.

Last of the trees get a berth in Glenegadale ground & we end with a lovely meal with Vicki's mum at the Harbour Hotel.

Packed ferry out of Port Askaig taking all the Holiday visitors home.

Already looking forward to going back for more tree planting in March. Much achieved, lots to do & enjoy.