Pretty decent morning, with chinks through the clouds. The cruiseliner Kristina Regina came into port an hour ago, apparently on its last voyage into Stornoway. She is an old lady of the seas, having been built in 1960. When she resumes her last voyage, the KR will make for Londonderry. That is about 250 miles south of here.
The Comhairle has decided to defer a decision about school closures whilst having discussions with the Scottish Executive. Although the Councillor who had proposed the closures described this decision as a "black day for the island's education system", I rather think that the opposite is true.
Read that many young people suffer poor and insufficient sleep because they have computers, games and mobile phones on in their bedrooms.
Tuesday, 28 August 2007
Monday, 27 August 2007
Stob Ban
Before I came to the Outer Hebrides, I spent a few weeks in Glen Nevis, near Fort William, climbing mountains. One of them was called Stob Ban, and blimey, that was hairy. Pictures of a climb of same hill, undertaken by others in 2000, can be viewed here.
Winter in the mountains - 09/11/04
Today was allocated to serious hillwalking. At 8.20, I left the hostel for an attempt to climb Stob Ban, a 999m high mountain to the south of Glen Nevis. The weather forecast looked rather dire; showers, as snow above 2,000 ft. Not to be daunted, I ambled the 40 mins down the Glen Nevis road to Mamore Grazings by the Lower Falls, where I turned onto the path leading towards Stob Ban. At 9.05, I started the climb, and got the first of many showers. The path was very wet, boggy and waterlogged. Had fun and games traversing some of the streams, and nearly ended up in one of them. Wobbly boulder. Just after 10 o'clock, there was another shower, and I looked around what was going on. There was a funny noise on my hood, it didn't sound like a raindrop. No. It was snowflakes. They settled on my mapcase, the rucksack, everything. Temperature had dropped to 5C. Staggered at the presence of the snow, I nonetheless carried on. The fact that it was still above freezing meant that the snow would not settle. Wound my way up the hillside and got seriously high. At 11 o'clock, just under two hours after starting the climb proper, I reached the pass at altitude 750 m (2,500 ft). Fantastic views. Stob Ban reared up high to my right, only to immediately disappear into a snow-shower. Another Munro loomed to the left. And the paths did NOT conform to their location on the map. To the south I saw Loch Leven and the Lairig from Kinlochleven to Lundavra. Absolutely breathtaking. Sat out the snowshower, which I did NOT enjoy. It's very cold now (+3C), particularly in the wind. Once the shower had passed, I started the climb towards the peak, which initially was a steep but simple and straightforward ascent. At altitude 850m (2850 ft) things got a little more complicated. The grass disappeared and the path went into a hillside covered by boulders, white stone as it happened. I got an increasing feeling of exposure, due to the steepslopes falling away on either side. Having taken stock of my position, the time (11.30) I decided to carry on into the scrambly bits. However, by this time, wisps of cloud began to rise from the hillside to the south. Those wisps blew up in size and obliterated the view. That was the point where I thought to myself: "Not happy with that". I still had about 100m to climb, in (for me) difficult terrain. If one of those clouds came over and obliterated the view again, it could take a long time to clear. I'd seen the peak wreathed in mist for a considerable period of time. So I took the decision at 11.40 to retrace my steps. I went back to the cairn at the crossing of paths where I'd come up from Glen Nevis, then proceeded onwards to the little lochan a few hundred yards east. An inviting path wound its way up a hillside to the next Munro, 1,001m high, but then the third snowshower commenced. It meant business. Temperature dropped to +2 at my location (800m) and the snow settled just above my height. Lunch was freezing cold on the edge of the lochan, I've never felt so cold on a walk. Not enjoyable at all. IT WAS SO COLD. I went down towards Glen Nevis again, and found the temperature rising as I went down. Was overtaken by a very fast walker at 2pm, and two not so fast ones at 2.30. Got down to the road at 3pm, after a very wearying slog downhill. Reported my safe return at 3.50 in the hostel, then went into town for the shopping. Returned to a virtually empty Glen Nevis YH at 5.45. Met a lady from Taiwan who was quite rude about the staff in the Tourist Office in Fort William. She wanted to stay on a working farm. Yep. In November, oh please, get real. They'll be out with their sheepdogs, sure! Small wonder the TIC couldn't help. I made a few suggestions, but to no avail, I think. A farm at Invergarry, she was looking at (30 miles from here) or Spean Bridge (12 miles). And she wanted to know at what time breakfast was served. Only to groups. Get some cereals from reception. Sorry, I'm not normally that rude about fellow hostellers, but this lady just did not realize she had come at the wrong time of year.
Winter in the mountains - 09/11/04
Today was allocated to serious hillwalking. At 8.20, I left the hostel for an attempt to climb Stob Ban, a 999m high mountain to the south of Glen Nevis. The weather forecast looked rather dire; showers, as snow above 2,000 ft. Not to be daunted, I ambled the 40 mins down the Glen Nevis road to Mamore Grazings by the Lower Falls, where I turned onto the path leading towards Stob Ban. At 9.05, I started the climb, and got the first of many showers. The path was very wet, boggy and waterlogged. Had fun and games traversing some of the streams, and nearly ended up in one of them. Wobbly boulder. Just after 10 o'clock, there was another shower, and I looked around what was going on. There was a funny noise on my hood, it didn't sound like a raindrop. No. It was snowflakes. They settled on my mapcase, the rucksack, everything. Temperature had dropped to 5C. Staggered at the presence of the snow, I nonetheless carried on. The fact that it was still above freezing meant that the snow would not settle. Wound my way up the hillside and got seriously high. At 11 o'clock, just under two hours after starting the climb proper, I reached the pass at altitude 750 m (2,500 ft). Fantastic views. Stob Ban reared up high to my right, only to immediately disappear into a snow-shower. Another Munro loomed to the left. And the paths did NOT conform to their location on the map. To the south I saw Loch Leven and the Lairig from Kinlochleven to Lundavra. Absolutely breathtaking. Sat out the snowshower, which I did NOT enjoy. It's very cold now (+3C), particularly in the wind. Once the shower had passed, I started the climb towards the peak, which initially was a steep but simple and straightforward ascent. At altitude 850m (2850 ft) things got a little more complicated. The grass disappeared and the path went into a hillside covered by boulders, white stone as it happened. I got an increasing feeling of exposure, due to the steepslopes falling away on either side. Having taken stock of my position, the time (11.30) I decided to carry on into the scrambly bits. However, by this time, wisps of cloud began to rise from the hillside to the south. Those wisps blew up in size and obliterated the view. That was the point where I thought to myself: "Not happy with that". I still had about 100m to climb, in (for me) difficult terrain. If one of those clouds came over and obliterated the view again, it could take a long time to clear. I'd seen the peak wreathed in mist for a considerable period of time. So I took the decision at 11.40 to retrace my steps. I went back to the cairn at the crossing of paths where I'd come up from Glen Nevis, then proceeded onwards to the little lochan a few hundred yards east. An inviting path wound its way up a hillside to the next Munro, 1,001m high, but then the third snowshower commenced. It meant business. Temperature dropped to +2 at my location (800m) and the snow settled just above my height. Lunch was freezing cold on the edge of the lochan, I've never felt so cold on a walk. Not enjoyable at all. IT WAS SO COLD. I went down towards Glen Nevis again, and found the temperature rising as I went down. Was overtaken by a very fast walker at 2pm, and two not so fast ones at 2.30. Got down to the road at 3pm, after a very wearying slog downhill. Reported my safe return at 3.50 in the hostel, then went into town for the shopping. Returned to a virtually empty Glen Nevis YH at 5.45. Met a lady from Taiwan who was quite rude about the staff in the Tourist Office in Fort William. She wanted to stay on a working farm. Yep. In November, oh please, get real. They'll be out with their sheepdogs, sure! Small wonder the TIC couldn't help. I made a few suggestions, but to no avail, I think. A farm at Invergarry, she was looking at (30 miles from here) or Spean Bridge (12 miles). And she wanted to know at what time breakfast was served. Only to groups. Get some cereals from reception. Sorry, I'm not normally that rude about fellow hostellers, but this lady just did not realize she had come at the wrong time of year.
Bird reservation
A day or so before I came to Lewis in November 2004, I visited the RSPB Bird sanctuary at Balranald, North Uist. At the time, I was staying at the Uist Outdoor Centre UOC, and my memories of that place are mixed. However, I'll focus on the excursion instead. I updated the journal on Monday morning, November 15th, from the cultural centre of Taigh Chearsabhagh. The people in the restaurant there, where the Internet access point was located, were driven to distraction by my furious rattling of the keyboard keys. I was in a rush, as I had to catch a bus.
Saturday 13/11/04 - Balranald
Back in Taigh Chearsabhag in Lochmaddy to update the journal. On Saturday, I took the postbus out to Balranald, located on the west side of North Uist. This is an area of working crofts, but world famous as a nature reserve. The RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) manage it. The little postbus rattled out at 11 am, after I had done my weekend shop. The shop here is quite dear, £6 for just a few groceries. On driving round the northern side of the island, the wide sandy beaches spring into view after passing the Berneray road-end. Once you turn the northwestern corner, beyond Sollas, St Kilda hoves into view. This group of islands, with cliffs of over 1,000 ft high, was abandoned in 1930. The inhabitants at the time asked to be taken of because of disease and starvation. Starvation contributed to by neglect by government, allegedly. The isles lie about 45 miles away, but stand out like a set of snaggled teeth on the western horizon. Another notable sight is Scolpaig Tower, set in the middle of a lochan, with a causeway leading up to it. Arrived at Balranald at midday. It was quite empty, but the day is bright. A nature trail leads up to the coastline. Not many birds about, just some swans and some starlings. Sat on the rocky foreshore with my back to the strong northerly wind and my face in the warm sun. Bliss. Temperature 12C. Spent an hour of lounging about, watching showers pass by into Benbecula and observing the tall lighthouse on the Monach Isles. The latter was actually found abandoned in 1900. When the light was never extinguished during the daytime, a boat was sent across to investigate. A table was set with plates and food, and lights were still burning. The three men tending the tower were nowhere to be found, and have never been recovered. It is assumed that they had to go out and were swept away by a huge sea. Walked back to the Visitor Centre and the road end to wait for the postbus back. Although this departed at 2.30, it would not return to Lochmaddy much before 4pm. The reason being that it had to go round the houses to deliver mail. The usual spectacle developed of postie (a lady) being splattered with mud by overfriendly dogs, gates having to be opened and mail left just inside the front door. One door was locked, so the mail was left inside a Volkswagen Beetle on the drive. Like you do. We also called at the home of the island's proprietors, the Boulmers (?). And at a farm, near Scolpaig Tower, where a 95-year gent still lived on his own, albeit with home help. Postie was only inside for 2 minutes, a record fast visit. Being the local gossip, he wanted to know all the news. One other gentleman, it transpired, had recently passed away, and the community was saddened by their loss. Returned to Lochmaddy at 4, and spent the rest of the evening in the UOC.
Saturday 13/11/04 - Balranald
Back in Taigh Chearsabhag in Lochmaddy to update the journal. On Saturday, I took the postbus out to Balranald, located on the west side of North Uist. This is an area of working crofts, but world famous as a nature reserve. The RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) manage it. The little postbus rattled out at 11 am, after I had done my weekend shop. The shop here is quite dear, £6 for just a few groceries. On driving round the northern side of the island, the wide sandy beaches spring into view after passing the Berneray road-end. Once you turn the northwestern corner, beyond Sollas, St Kilda hoves into view. This group of islands, with cliffs of over 1,000 ft high, was abandoned in 1930. The inhabitants at the time asked to be taken of because of disease and starvation. Starvation contributed to by neglect by government, allegedly. The isles lie about 45 miles away, but stand out like a set of snaggled teeth on the western horizon. Another notable sight is Scolpaig Tower, set in the middle of a lochan, with a causeway leading up to it. Arrived at Balranald at midday. It was quite empty, but the day is bright. A nature trail leads up to the coastline. Not many birds about, just some swans and some starlings. Sat on the rocky foreshore with my back to the strong northerly wind and my face in the warm sun. Bliss. Temperature 12C. Spent an hour of lounging about, watching showers pass by into Benbecula and observing the tall lighthouse on the Monach Isles. The latter was actually found abandoned in 1900. When the light was never extinguished during the daytime, a boat was sent across to investigate. A table was set with plates and food, and lights were still burning. The three men tending the tower were nowhere to be found, and have never been recovered. It is assumed that they had to go out and were swept away by a huge sea. Walked back to the Visitor Centre and the road end to wait for the postbus back. Although this departed at 2.30, it would not return to Lochmaddy much before 4pm. The reason being that it had to go round the houses to deliver mail. The usual spectacle developed of postie (a lady) being splattered with mud by overfriendly dogs, gates having to be opened and mail left just inside the front door. One door was locked, so the mail was left inside a Volkswagen Beetle on the drive. Like you do. We also called at the home of the island's proprietors, the Boulmers (?). And at a farm, near Scolpaig Tower, where a 95-year gent still lived on his own, albeit with home help. Postie was only inside for 2 minutes, a record fast visit. Being the local gossip, he wanted to know all the news. One other gentleman, it transpired, had recently passed away, and the community was saddened by their loss. Returned to Lochmaddy at 4, and spent the rest of the evening in the UOC.
Water's Edge
Notice to those who read my Water's Edge blog (private): I've put a few more entries on. Want to read it? Drop me a line.
Papua New Guinea and AIDS
This story is as horrifying as it is tragic. Papua New Guinea, an island state north of Australia, is in the grips of a severe HIV/AIDS epidemic, with at least 2% of the population thought to be infected. The number of new cases has risen by 30% per annum. Relatives of AIDS sufferers are reportedly burying the victims alive, when they can no longer look after them, or are afraid to become infected themselves. This was apparently witnessed by a health worker. Sexual violence is widespread in PNG, and one of the main transmission routes for the HIV virus is sexual intercourse.
There is widespread ignorance of the disease in outlying districts, and some believe it is the result of witchcraft. There is little formal education on HIV in remoter areas, and no training for those that help.
More here: another contents warning is in order.
NFL star suspended indefinitely
Michael Vick, an American football star accused of involvement in illegal dog fights, has been suspended indefinitely without pay by the NFL league. At his trial, the judge has warned him he could face a five year jail term.
American readers are all too familiar with this story, which is why I feature it. For UK readers, there is a summary here.
Contents warning: The story contains very unpleasant descriptions of the cruelty perpetrated against dogs by the ring that Vick is alleged to have been involved with.
American readers are all too familiar with this story, which is why I feature it. For UK readers, there is a summary here.
Contents warning: The story contains very unpleasant descriptions of the cruelty perpetrated against dogs by the ring that Vick is alleged to have been involved with.
Evening notes
Been busy this afternoon with a carpet cleaner - three lots of 2 gallons of soapy water into carpets up- and downstairs. Does leave you whacked. It is quite strenuous to pull a heavy machine which is digging into the carpet. But it IS rewarding.
I was approached by a Gaelic Media Service researcher about the Iolaire Disaster, and she wanted names and contacts of people whose forefather survived the tragedy (75 out of 280 did); I've taken it upon myself to dig out as many people as possible, including those whose ancestor did not survive. If there is anybody out there reading this (this is one of two on-line appeals) who has this dreadful episode in their family history, please leave a comment. I can then forward details to GMS.
I was approached by a Gaelic Media Service researcher about the Iolaire Disaster, and she wanted names and contacts of people whose forefather survived the tragedy (75 out of 280 did); I've taken it upon myself to dig out as many people as possible, including those whose ancestor did not survive. If there is anybody out there reading this (this is one of two on-line appeals) who has this dreadful episode in their family history, please leave a comment. I can then forward details to GMS.
Monday notes
Bright, fairly sunny day, although not terribly warm - only 14C. I think I prefer that to conditions in Greece, where 40C / 105F has contributed to the fire disaster.
Here in the islands, the Western Isles Council [Comhairle nan Eilean Siar] will debate proposals tonight to close 11 schools across the island chain. The issue is related to a revision of the national curriculum. At the moment, junior secondary school pupils on outlying areas are taught at their local primary school in special secondary classes. After the first two years, they all go to the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway. Proposals are for all secondary units to close, with pupils going to the Nicolson, to Linaclete School in Benbecula or Castlebay School in Barra respectively. In the next few years, several small primary schools will be closed down altogether. Names mentioned are Bragar in Lewis, Cliasmol in Harris, Stoneybridge in Uist and Craigston in Barra.
The proposals have caused uproar in local communities. The junior secondaries were put in place to allow youngsters to be taught closer to home, rather than having to face hour-long (if not more) bus journeys each way every day. The discussion in the Comhairle debating chamber up the road promises to be a lively one tonight. The Scottish Executive, when advised of the proposals last week, reacted with surprise if not anger.
Here in the islands, the Western Isles Council [Comhairle nan Eilean Siar] will debate proposals tonight to close 11 schools across the island chain. The issue is related to a revision of the national curriculum. At the moment, junior secondary school pupils on outlying areas are taught at their local primary school in special secondary classes. After the first two years, they all go to the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway. Proposals are for all secondary units to close, with pupils going to the Nicolson, to Linaclete School in Benbecula or Castlebay School in Barra respectively. In the next few years, several small primary schools will be closed down altogether. Names mentioned are Bragar in Lewis, Cliasmol in Harris, Stoneybridge in Uist and Craigston in Barra.
The proposals have caused uproar in local communities. The junior secondaries were put in place to allow youngsters to be taught closer to home, rather than having to face hour-long (if not more) bus journeys each way every day. The discussion in the Comhairle debating chamber up the road promises to be a lively one tonight. The Scottish Executive, when advised of the proposals last week, reacted with surprise if not anger.
Sunday, 26 August 2007
Windy walk
In December 2004, I did not carry a camera. At the time I was based in South Lochs, at Kershader. I took pictures on 22 July of this year, 2007. At that time, I went out for a walk every day, in the most appalling weather conditions at times. This is the description of a jaunt to Cromor, 10 miles to the east. And it was blowing a hoolie!
Cromor - 9/12/04
Was woken in the night by ferocious winds juddering the windows and doors. When I looked out of the window at 9am, it was blowing a full gale. The sheep nearly blew out of their woollies, the grass lay flat and Loch Erisort had white riders on the water. Walked out at 10 o'clock, just after the bus had left, and headed east along the road. The wind made walking difficult at times, and also tried to wrest my mapcase from me. No such luck. A dog came out to greet me, I said hello, and it went on its way again. Passed through Gearraidh Bhaird / Garyvard, and turned left at the Cabharstadh / Caverstay turning. Reached the road end at 11 o'clock, and was left to my own devices to find a way onto the moors. Bit tricky; there are lots of fences about, and no gates. The first opening left me being buffeted on the edge of a precipice, and having to negotiate some loose wires. Not advisable. So, I backtracked and managed to get into a field with very friendly sheep. My mapcase looks to those animals like a bag of feed, one of them even came right up to me to nuzzle the case. Nah, no luck love. Better go to your ram, he's right behind you... Squeezed through a very narrow opening beside a broken gate and gained the moors. The wind is a hindrance, which makes it force 8. As it is forced up over the hills, it will finally go down towards the loch below at quite a speed. On one of the summits I was nearly blown over, which means it's force 10. Force 9 just makes it impossible to walk. Headed through the hills, at first close to the coastline until the lochan at 371205, then in an eastsoutheasterly direction to a small lochan at 384197. The distance is a little under a mile, but it took me nearly an hour. After that, I finally reached a metalled road at Torasdaidh at 12.15. Wasn't quite sure which way to go, but turning right was the right decision, as this got me onto the road to Cromor - stress the last syllable. Headed northeast battling with the wind. Cromor has streetlights, powered by solar power. The road leads along the inlet of Loch Thorasdaidh, which you'll see on both sides. I headed west at the phonebox, intending to go to Crobeag. Someone let some plastic bags fly out of his hands, they ended up in the sea. Had quite some bother climbing over gates, as the wind was determined to blow me off. Reached the end of the road at Crobeag, and followed the track down to the shore. At low tide, this provides a causeway across to Eilean Chaluim Chille / Columba's Island. The tide was in, so I couldn't go across. Found a sheltered spot for some lunch. Whilst sitting there, I noticed that the wind was blowing the crests off the waves, a sure sign that it is approaching stormforce 10. At 1.30, I recommenced my battle with the elements, as I found myself heading straight into the teeth of the gale. For 2½ miles, up to Eishal Junction, I was walking with great difficulty. There is a walkway across to Marbhig / Marvaig, but I wanted to leave that until a day with less wind. Finally reached the junction at 2.45, and the remaining 3½ miles were a lot easier. Reached Kershader at 4pm, just as it got dark. Yep, the sun had set at 3.35. No, didn't do a lot after that. The total distance was about 15 miles, but the wind had made it just that little bit harder!
Cromor - 9/12/04
Was woken in the night by ferocious winds juddering the windows and doors. When I looked out of the window at 9am, it was blowing a full gale. The sheep nearly blew out of their woollies, the grass lay flat and Loch Erisort had white riders on the water. Walked out at 10 o'clock, just after the bus had left, and headed east along the road. The wind made walking difficult at times, and also tried to wrest my mapcase from me. No such luck. A dog came out to greet me, I said hello, and it went on its way again. Passed through Gearraidh Bhaird / Garyvard, and turned left at the Cabharstadh / Caverstay turning. Reached the road end at 11 o'clock, and was left to my own devices to find a way onto the moors. Bit tricky; there are lots of fences about, and no gates. The first opening left me being buffeted on the edge of a precipice, and having to negotiate some loose wires. Not advisable. So, I backtracked and managed to get into a field with very friendly sheep. My mapcase looks to those animals like a bag of feed, one of them even came right up to me to nuzzle the case. Nah, no luck love. Better go to your ram, he's right behind you... Squeezed through a very narrow opening beside a broken gate and gained the moors. The wind is a hindrance, which makes it force 8. As it is forced up over the hills, it will finally go down towards the loch below at quite a speed. On one of the summits I was nearly blown over, which means it's force 10. Force 9 just makes it impossible to walk. Headed through the hills, at first close to the coastline until the lochan at 371205, then in an eastsoutheasterly direction to a small lochan at 384197. The distance is a little under a mile, but it took me nearly an hour. After that, I finally reached a metalled road at Torasdaidh at 12.15. Wasn't quite sure which way to go, but turning right was the right decision, as this got me onto the road to Cromor - stress the last syllable. Headed northeast battling with the wind. Cromor has streetlights, powered by solar power. The road leads along the inlet of Loch Thorasdaidh, which you'll see on both sides. I headed west at the phonebox, intending to go to Crobeag. Someone let some plastic bags fly out of his hands, they ended up in the sea. Had quite some bother climbing over gates, as the wind was determined to blow me off. Reached the end of the road at Crobeag, and followed the track down to the shore. At low tide, this provides a causeway across to Eilean Chaluim Chille / Columba's Island. The tide was in, so I couldn't go across. Found a sheltered spot for some lunch. Whilst sitting there, I noticed that the wind was blowing the crests off the waves, a sure sign that it is approaching stormforce 10. At 1.30, I recommenced my battle with the elements, as I found myself heading straight into the teeth of the gale. For 2½ miles, up to Eishal Junction, I was walking with great difficulty. There is a walkway across to Marbhig / Marvaig, but I wanted to leave that until a day with less wind. Finally reached the junction at 2.45, and the remaining 3½ miles were a lot easier. Reached Kershader at 4pm, just as it got dark. Yep, the sun had set at 3.35. No, didn't do a lot after that. The total distance was about 15 miles, but the wind had made it just that little bit harder!
Sunday evening notes
In response to some questions about my Artsy Essay - in December, we get as little light as we get nighttime in June. Sunrise: 9.15 am, sunset 3.35 pm. On cloudy, overcast, rainy days, the streetlights do not even go off through the day. I've seen them on at 12.30 in the afternoon.
Back in December, I wrote a piece about Diana, Princess of Wales, who died 10 years ago this week. It appears to have been picked up by her admirers, as I am getting a steady trickle of comments alerts in tribute to the late Princess. I am glad that the Royal Family has seen the light and that Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (Rothesay here in Scotland) will not be attending Diana's memorial service on Friday, the anniversary of her death.
In summary, Diana left the Ritz Hotel in Paris in a chauffeur driven car in the early hours of 31 August 1997. She was in the company of Dodi Al-Fayed and chauffeur Henri Paul. It is alleged that Mr Paul was called upon to drive the couple at short notice, and that he had been drinking earlier in the evening. He drove down the Alma Tunnel at 60 mph and lost control of the vehicle. It crashed, killing Henri Paul and Dodi Al-Fayed instantly, and inflicting fatal injuries on Diana. She died 5 hours later. An inquiry found no conclusive evidence that the so-called paparazzi were in close pursuit, neither that they at any time hindered efforts by emergency services to assist the occupants of the wrecked car. I have to stress the words "conclusive evidence", and express no opinion on that fraught issue.
Her death was met by an unprecendented outpouring of national (and indeed international) grief, and the Royal Family nearly lost public support after it took HM the Queen three days to go out to meet the crowds of mourners outside Buckingham Palace.
Back in December, I wrote a piece about Diana, Princess of Wales, who died 10 years ago this week. It appears to have been picked up by her admirers, as I am getting a steady trickle of comments alerts in tribute to the late Princess. I am glad that the Royal Family has seen the light and that Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (Rothesay here in Scotland) will not be attending Diana's memorial service on Friday, the anniversary of her death.
In summary, Diana left the Ritz Hotel in Paris in a chauffeur driven car in the early hours of 31 August 1997. She was in the company of Dodi Al-Fayed and chauffeur Henri Paul. It is alleged that Mr Paul was called upon to drive the couple at short notice, and that he had been drinking earlier in the evening. He drove down the Alma Tunnel at 60 mph and lost control of the vehicle. It crashed, killing Henri Paul and Dodi Al-Fayed instantly, and inflicting fatal injuries on Diana. She died 5 hours later. An inquiry found no conclusive evidence that the so-called paparazzi were in close pursuit, neither that they at any time hindered efforts by emergency services to assist the occupants of the wrecked car. I have to stress the words "conclusive evidence", and express no opinion on that fraught issue.
Her death was met by an unprecendented outpouring of national (and indeed international) grief, and the Royal Family nearly lost public support after it took HM the Queen three days to go out to meet the crowds of mourners outside Buckingham Palace.
Lunar Eclipse
Europe is going to miss out on this eclipse, as it occurs during our daytime. The further west you are in the Americas, the better the chances of seeing it. Further details in this Skywatcher alert. The eclipse occurs just before dawn on Tuesday, August 28th.
Call for support
Jeannette's [jeanno43] 2-year old grandson Daniel has had to be admitted to hospital, and is currently receiving intravenous antibiotics. He may have to stay in for a number of days. Please call round.
Don't use cruise control in the rain
SOMETHING I THOUGHT
YOU SHOULD KNOW
I wonder how many people know about this? A 36 year old female had anaccident several weeks ago and Totaled her car. A resident of Kilgore ,Texas she was traveling between Gladewater & Kilgore. It was raining, thoughnot excessively, when her car suddenly began to hydro-plane and literally flew through the air. She was not seriously injured but very stunned at the sudden occurrence! When she explained to the highway patrolman what had happened he told her something that every driver should know - NEVER DRIVE IN THE RAIN WITH YOUR CRUISE CONTROL ON.
She thought she was being cautious by setting the cruisecontrol and maintaining a safe consistent speed in the rain. But the highway patrolman told her that if the cruise control is on when your car begins to hydroplane and your tires lose contact with the pavement, your car will accelerate to a higher rate of speed making you take off like an airplane. She told the patrolman that was exactly what hadoccurred. The patrolman said this warning should be listed, on the driver's seatsun-visor - NEVER USE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE PAVEMENT IS WET OR ICY, along with the airbag warning. We tell our teenagers to set the cruisecontrol and drive a safe speed - but we don't tell them to use the cruisecontrol only when the pavement is dry. The only person the accident victim found, who knew this (besides the patrolman), was a man who had had a similar accident, totaled his car and sustained severe injuries. If you send this to 15 people and only one of them doesn't know about this,then it was all worth it. You might have saved a life. NOTE: Some vehicles (like the Toyota Sienna Limited XLE) will not allow youto set the cruise control when the windshield wipers are on
I wonder how many people know about this? A 36 year old female had anaccident several weeks ago and Totaled her car. A resident of Kilgore ,Texas she was traveling between Gladewater & Kilgore. It was raining, thoughnot excessively, when her car suddenly began to hydro-plane and literally flew through the air. She was not seriously injured but very stunned at the sudden occurrence! When she explained to the highway patrolman what had happened he told her something that every driver should know - NEVER DRIVE IN THE RAIN WITH YOUR CRUISE CONTROL ON.
She thought she was being cautious by setting the cruisecontrol and maintaining a safe consistent speed in the rain. But the highway patrolman told her that if the cruise control is on when your car begins to hydroplane and your tires lose contact with the pavement, your car will accelerate to a higher rate of speed making you take off like an airplane. She told the patrolman that was exactly what hadoccurred. The patrolman said this warning should be listed, on the driver's seatsun-visor - NEVER USE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE PAVEMENT IS WET OR ICY, along with the airbag warning. We tell our teenagers to set the cruisecontrol and drive a safe speed - but we don't tell them to use the cruisecontrol only when the pavement is dry. The only person the accident victim found, who knew this (besides the patrolman), was a man who had had a similar accident, totaled his car and sustained severe injuries. If you send this to 15 people and only one of them doesn't know about this,then it was all worth it. You might have saved a life. NOTE: Some vehicles (like the Toyota Sienna Limited XLE) will not allow youto set the cruise control when the windshield wipers are on
Ground Control and Pilots...
Actual exchanges between pilots and control towers
Tower: "Delta 351, you have traffic at 10 o'clock, 6 miles!"
Delta 351: "Give us another hint! We have digital watches!"
***
Tower: "TWA 2341, for noise abatement turn right 45 Degrees."
TWA 2341: "Center, we are at 35,000 feet. How much noise can we make up here?" Tower: "Sir, have you ever heard the noise a 747 makes when it hits a 727?"
***
From an unknown aircraft waiting in a very long take off queue "I'm f...ing bored!" Ground Traffic Control: "Last aircraft transmitting, identify yourself immediately!" Unknown aircraft: "I said I was f...ing bored, not f...ing stupid!"
***
O'Hare Approach Control to a 747:
"United 329 heavy, your traffic is a Fokker, one o'clock, three miles, Eastbound."
United 329: "Approach, I've always wanted to say this... I've got the little Fokker in sight."
***
A student became lost during a solo cross-country flight. While attempting to locate the aircraft on radar, ATC asked, "What was your last known position?" Student: "When I was number one for take off."
***
A DC-10 had come in a little hot and thus had an exceedingly long roll out after touching down. San Jose Tower Noted: "American 751, make a hard right turn at the end of the runway, if you are able. If you are not able , take the Guadeloupe exit off Highway 101, make a right at the light and return to the airport."
***
Tower: "Eastern 702, cleared for takeoff, contact Departure on frequency 124.7"
Eastern 702: "Tower, Eastern 702 switching to Departure. By the way, after we lifted off we saw some kind of dead animal on the far end of the runway."
Tower: "Continental 635, cleared for takeoff behind Eastern 702, contact departure on frequency 124.7. Did you copy that report from Eastern 702?"
Continental 635: "Continental 635, cleared for takeoff, roger; and yes, we copied Eastern... we've already notified our caterers."
***
One day the e pilot of a Cherokee 180 was told by the tower to hold short of the active runway while a DC-8 landed. The DC-8 landed, rolled out, turned around, and taxied back past the Cherokee. Some quick-witted comedian in the DC-8 crew got on the radio and said, "What a cute little plane. Did you make it all by yourself?" The Cherokee pilot, not about to let the insult go by, came back with a real zinger "I made it out of DC-8 parts. Another landing like yours and I'll have enough parts for another one."
***
The German air controllers at Frankfurt Airport are renowned as a short-tempered lot. They not only expect one to know one's gate parking location, but how to get there without any assistance from them. So it was with some amusement that we (a Pan Am 747) listened to the following exchange between Frankfurt ground control and a British Airways 747, call sign Speedbird 206 .
Speedbird 206: "Frankfurt, Speedbird 206 clear of active runway."
Ground: "Speedbird 206, taxi to gate Alpha One-Seven." The 747 pulled on to the main taxiway and slowed to a stop.
Ground: "Speedbird, do you not know where you are going?"
Speedbird 206: "Stand by, Ground, I'm looking up our gate location now."
Ground (with quite arrogant impatience): "Speedbird 206, have you not been to Frankfurt before?"
Speedbird 206 (coolly): "Yes, eight times in 1944, but it was dark-- and I didn't land."
***
While taxiing at London's Gatwick Airport, the crew of a US Air flight departing for Ft. Lauderdale made a wrong turn and came nose to nose with a United 727. An irate female ground controller lashed out at the US Air crew, screaming "US Air 2771, where the hell are you going? I told you to turn right onto Charlie taxiway! You turned right on Delta! Stop right there. I know it's difficult for you to tell the difference between C and D, but get it right!" Continuing her rage to the embarrassed crew, she was now shouting hysterically: "God! Now you've screwed everything up! It'll take forever to sort this out! You stay right there and don't move till I tell you to! You can expect progressive taxi instructions in about half an hour, and I want you to go exactly where I tell you, when I tell you, and how I tell you! You got that , US Air 2771?"
"Yes, ma'am," the humbled crew responded. Naturally, the ground control communications frequency fell terribly silent after the verbal bashing of US Air 2771. Nobody wanted to chance engaging the irate ground controller in her current state of mind. Tension in every cockpit out around Gatwick was definitely running high. Just then an unknown pilot broke the silence and keyed his microphone, asking "Wasn't I married to you once? "
Tower: "Delta 351, you have traffic at 10 o'clock, 6 miles!"
Delta 351: "Give us another hint! We have digital watches!"
***
Tower: "TWA 2341, for noise abatement turn right 45 Degrees."
TWA 2341: "Center, we are at 35,000 feet. How much noise can we make up here?" Tower: "Sir, have you ever heard the noise a 747 makes when it hits a 727?"
***
From an unknown aircraft waiting in a very long take off queue "I'm f...ing bored!" Ground Traffic Control: "Last aircraft transmitting, identify yourself immediately!" Unknown aircraft: "I said I was f...ing bored, not f...ing stupid!"
***
O'Hare Approach Control to a 747:
"United 329 heavy, your traffic is a Fokker, one o'clock, three miles, Eastbound."
United 329: "Approach, I've always wanted to say this... I've got the little Fokker in sight."
***
A student became lost during a solo cross-country flight. While attempting to locate the aircraft on radar, ATC asked, "What was your last known position?" Student: "When I was number one for take off."
***
A DC-10 had come in a little hot and thus had an exceedingly long roll out after touching down. San Jose Tower Noted: "American 751, make a hard right turn at the end of the runway, if you are able. If you are not able , take the Guadeloupe exit off Highway 101, make a right at the light and return to the airport."
***
Tower: "Eastern 702, cleared for takeoff, contact Departure on frequency 124.7"
Eastern 702: "Tower, Eastern 702 switching to Departure. By the way, after we lifted off we saw some kind of dead animal on the far end of the runway."
Tower: "Continental 635, cleared for takeoff behind Eastern 702, contact departure on frequency 124.7. Did you copy that report from Eastern 702?"
Continental 635: "Continental 635, cleared for takeoff, roger; and yes, we copied Eastern... we've already notified our caterers."
***
One day the e pilot of a Cherokee 180 was told by the tower to hold short of the active runway while a DC-8 landed. The DC-8 landed, rolled out, turned around, and taxied back past the Cherokee. Some quick-witted comedian in the DC-8 crew got on the radio and said, "What a cute little plane. Did you make it all by yourself?" The Cherokee pilot, not about to let the insult go by, came back with a real zinger "I made it out of DC-8 parts. Another landing like yours and I'll have enough parts for another one."
***
The German air controllers at Frankfurt Airport are renowned as a short-tempered lot. They not only expect one to know one's gate parking location, but how to get there without any assistance from them. So it was with some amusement that we (a Pan Am 747) listened to the following exchange between Frankfurt ground control and a British Airways 747, call sign Speedbird 206 .
Speedbird 206: "Frankfurt, Speedbird 206 clear of active runway."
Ground: "Speedbird 206, taxi to gate Alpha One-Seven." The 747 pulled on to the main taxiway and slowed to a stop.
Ground: "Speedbird, do you not know where you are going?"
Speedbird 206: "Stand by, Ground, I'm looking up our gate location now."
Ground (with quite arrogant impatience): "Speedbird 206, have you not been to Frankfurt before?"
Speedbird 206 (coolly): "Yes, eight times in 1944, but it was dark-- and I didn't land."
***
While taxiing at London's Gatwick Airport, the crew of a US Air flight departing for Ft. Lauderdale made a wrong turn and came nose to nose with a United 727. An irate female ground controller lashed out at the US Air crew, screaming "US Air 2771, where the hell are you going? I told you to turn right onto Charlie taxiway! You turned right on Delta! Stop right there. I know it's difficult for you to tell the difference between C and D, but get it right!" Continuing her rage to the embarrassed crew, she was now shouting hysterically: "God! Now you've screwed everything up! It'll take forever to sort this out! You stay right there and don't move till I tell you to! You can expect progressive taxi instructions in about half an hour, and I want you to go exactly where I tell you, when I tell you, and how I tell you! You got that , US Air 2771?"
"Yes, ma'am," the humbled crew responded. Naturally, the ground control communications frequency fell terribly silent after the verbal bashing of US Air 2771. Nobody wanted to chance engaging the irate ground controller in her current state of mind. Tension in every cockpit out around Gatwick was definitely running high. Just then an unknown pilot broke the silence and keyed his microphone, asking "Wasn't I married to you once? "
Sunday notes
Cloudy day, with some breaks in the clouds. The fire situation in Greece is worsening, with the ancient city of Olympia under threat. Enough of fire.
Still quiet on the hurricane front.
Now, how can you see nothing? As in, there is absolutely nothing there. Not matter, not light, nothing at all. And it measures 1 billion lightyears across. You know, the distances you measure in 10 to the power of 24. Well, they've seen 'nothingness'. Have a read.
And I scoffed at the report that air pollution could boost asthma risk. For goodness' sakes, anyone that knows the way asthma develops could have worked that out ages ago. I'm sorry, I was told about that 20 years ago and more.
Still quiet on the hurricane front.
Now, how can you see nothing? As in, there is absolutely nothing there. Not matter, not light, nothing at all. And it measures 1 billion lightyears across. You know, the distances you measure in 10 to the power of 24. Well, they've seen 'nothingness'. Have a read.
And I scoffed at the report that air pollution could boost asthma risk. For goodness' sakes, anyone that knows the way asthma develops could have worked that out ages ago. I'm sorry, I was told about that 20 years ago and more.
Saturday, 25 August 2007
Fires in Greece exact mounting toll
Fierce forest fires on the Greek island of Peloponnese continue to claim lives, as they run out of control. Gruesome stories are emerging from the island, where for instance, people burned to death as they were stuck in a traffic jam, resulting from a collision between a fire engine and a car. Burned-out houses are found behind the fire front, containing burned bodies.
Two hundred fires are reportedly raging there, with 70 new ones starting just today. Forty-six people are confirmed dead, with an unknown number trapped, surrounded by fire. The dense smoke reaches as far as Athens, 330 km (210 miles) to the northeast, blown on by strong winds. High temperatures and dry conditions have fuelled the fires, which are spreading rapidly on the wind. Arson is also reported.
Several European countries are sending firefighting aircraft. A state of emergency has been declared, campaigning for the general election has been called off and the poll itself is likely to be postponed.
A more detailed report can be accessed here; the imagery is graphic.
Artsy Essay
Jumping in at the deep end of Judith Heartsong's Artsy Essay for August. The theme is Squeezing every last drop of sunshine out of Summer.
Summer in the Western Isles of Scotland does not mean warm days by the seaside. It does mean long days, with even the nights not wholly dark. During the three years I have spent in Northern Scotland, since August 2004, I have never ceased to be amazed by this phenomenon. Stornoway, from where I post, is located just north of the 58th degree latitude north. The weather can be savage, particularly in winter. It can be savage in summer too. But the dominant theme is light. My essay shows the small town of Stornoway, wreathed in the ghostly light of the gloaming. The all-night dusk, or is it all-night dawn? For reference, the sun rises at 4.20 am and sets at 10.35pm on the summer solstice.
Stornoway Town Hall in the evening of the solstice, 2007
View north at 1.10 am, in mid July.
The Callanish Stones at midnight on June 29th, awaiting the Lunar Standstill, pictured below.
Summer in the Western Isles of Scotland does not mean warm days by the seaside. It does mean long days, with even the nights not wholly dark. During the three years I have spent in Northern Scotland, since August 2004, I have never ceased to be amazed by this phenomenon. Stornoway, from where I post, is located just north of the 58th degree latitude north. The weather can be savage, particularly in winter. It can be savage in summer too. But the dominant theme is light. My essay shows the small town of Stornoway, wreathed in the ghostly light of the gloaming. The all-night dusk, or is it all-night dawn? For reference, the sun rises at 4.20 am and sets at 10.35pm on the summer solstice.
Stornoway Town Hall in the evening of the solstice, 2007
View north at 1.10 am, in mid July.
The Callanish Stones at midnight on June 29th, awaiting the Lunar Standstill, pictured below.
Standards of education
With a steady trickle of murders by young people on the streets of the UK (last night, a 23-year old man with learning difficulties was beaten to death in Sunderland by a group of youngsters), the Edexel examination board has voiced concern over the sickening level of violence in essays written by GCSE students. The most common title was "The Assassin", apparently. Apart from the violence, the essays excelled in shallowness, with little plot or character development. Worse than that, the examiners failed to comprehend the high marks awarded to such poor work by schoolteachers, who, in some cases, appeared to grade the work according to quantity, not quality. High marks were awarded to essays, riddled with spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors. Finally, plagiarism remains a problem as well, but schools do appear to be on the ball there.
I feel that this places the high percentages of passes in A-levels into perspective. I do not want to denegrade (sic) the genuine achievements of students, but I agree with the Edexel board that standards are there to be maintained by teachers. If they pass 'slasher' essays with high marks, because a pupil has filled A4 upon A4 with murder and mutilation, then that is a cause for grave concern.
Finally, it was reported in the last few weeks, that employers are despondent of school leavers who have insufficient command of the three Rs: reading, writing and arithmatic. This whole issue is demonstrative of a larger problem, which extends beyond unruly pupils pupils, poor teaching or truancy.
I feel that this places the high percentages of passes in A-levels into perspective. I do not want to denegrade (sic) the genuine achievements of students, but I agree with the Edexel board that standards are there to be maintained by teachers. If they pass 'slasher' essays with high marks, because a pupil has filled A4 upon A4 with murder and mutilation, then that is a cause for grave concern.
Finally, it was reported in the last few weeks, that employers are despondent of school leavers who have insufficient command of the three Rs: reading, writing and arithmatic. This whole issue is demonstrative of a larger problem, which extends beyond unruly pupils pupils, poor teaching or truancy.
Mountain ascent II
Another mountain I conquered was Mullach an Langa, standing 2,000 feet tall. It sits at the western end of the Clisham Horseshoe.
Saturday 23/04/05 - Mullach an Langa
Sunny day to start with. Went south on the Harris bus at 10.20. Just before the Grimshader turn, 3 dead sheep lay in the verge of the road. Somebody is guilty of mass slaughter. I got off at Vigadale Glen, and it felt stifling. Walked as far as the cairn, then a little way on the southwestern branch. From there, I traversed along the higher reaches of Glen Langadale, until I gained the pass at the head of Glen Scaladale. There is no wind today, and it’s quite warm in the sun. Reach the pass at 12.30, and commence the ascent of Mullach an Langa, a hill of 614 m (2,014 ft). This proves to be a slightly tricky proposition. It’s steep and littered with rocks and bogs. Have to zigzag my way up, but that’s no problem. Problems start on the higher slopes. Mullach an Langa has a rockstrewn crown, and I have to do some scrambling over rocks and boulders. The ascent is done from the northeast; the northfacing slope is precipitous; the western slope plunges down into the valley between Mullach and Teileasbhal. Reach the summit cairn at 1.15. Views are hazy but still good. Loch Langabhat, Rapaire and Stuabhal to the west. Teileasbhal and Uisgneabhal to the southwest. To the south, the beaches at Losgaintir, Seilebost and Northton; Ceapabhal and Pabbay beside the latter. Further on south and east: Mullach fo-Thuath and Dheas, An t-Isean and of course piece de resistance: An Clisham. Toddum is visible through a gap in the hills. The ridge to Clisham is beyond me. I could conceivably gain Mulla fo-Thuath, but I’d have considerable trouble with rocks and a sense of exposure. Climbing Clisham this way is a major expedition, requiring (a) an early start (b) stamina (c) scrambling skills (d) head for heights (e) settled weather. The oppressive feel to the weather is born out by a very weak weatherfront obscuring the sun after 2pm. I teeter my way down that hill again, reaching the valley at 3 o’clock. See a herd of deer below Mo Bhigadale, and I am to encounter all 14 of them a few times on my way east. I keep an altitude of 1,000 feet to enjoy the mountain scenery. A coastguard helicopter circles the Clisham. The frontal clouds touch the summit not long after. This mountain is ‘only’ 799 m high, but deserves the respect of a major Munro. I go sharply downhill just before Mo Creag, in order NOT to fall down this 500 ft escarpment. The lochan of Loch Misteach is the warning marker across the valley. Once at the very bottom of the valley, a path will materialize to sort of take you back to the main road. “Sort of” because the path is boggy and ill-defined. At any rate, I return to the A859 at the Scaladale bridge and walk the 1½ miles to Bogha Glas. It’s not good road walking, because this is the section with the road works on it. No work is being carried out today though. Pass Scaladale Outdoor Centre and Aird a’Mhulain castle. Mo Creag rears up in the west. Return to Bogha Glas, past some Highland cattle, at 4.55. While I wait for the 5.05 bus, a few drops of rain fall out of a grey sky. A woman is on there with her kids. They’ve been on the go since 6.30 a.m., probably out of Glasgow. From Balallan, the South Lochs service takes over. The driver kicks his kids unceremoniously off in the village. The woman nearly falls through the window on the Co-op roundabout in Stornoway, only my knee against her thigh prevents a disaster. Return to town at 5.50.
Saturday 23/04/05 - Mullach an Langa
Sunny day to start with. Went south on the Harris bus at 10.20. Just before the Grimshader turn, 3 dead sheep lay in the verge of the road. Somebody is guilty of mass slaughter. I got off at Vigadale Glen, and it felt stifling. Walked as far as the cairn, then a little way on the southwestern branch. From there, I traversed along the higher reaches of Glen Langadale, until I gained the pass at the head of Glen Scaladale. There is no wind today, and it’s quite warm in the sun. Reach the pass at 12.30, and commence the ascent of Mullach an Langa, a hill of 614 m (2,014 ft). This proves to be a slightly tricky proposition. It’s steep and littered with rocks and bogs. Have to zigzag my way up, but that’s no problem. Problems start on the higher slopes. Mullach an Langa has a rockstrewn crown, and I have to do some scrambling over rocks and boulders. The ascent is done from the northeast; the northfacing slope is precipitous; the western slope plunges down into the valley between Mullach and Teileasbhal. Reach the summit cairn at 1.15. Views are hazy but still good. Loch Langabhat, Rapaire and Stuabhal to the west. Teileasbhal and Uisgneabhal to the southwest. To the south, the beaches at Losgaintir, Seilebost and Northton; Ceapabhal and Pabbay beside the latter. Further on south and east: Mullach fo-Thuath and Dheas, An t-Isean and of course piece de resistance: An Clisham. Toddum is visible through a gap in the hills. The ridge to Clisham is beyond me. I could conceivably gain Mulla fo-Thuath, but I’d have considerable trouble with rocks and a sense of exposure. Climbing Clisham this way is a major expedition, requiring (a) an early start (b) stamina (c) scrambling skills (d) head for heights (e) settled weather. The oppressive feel to the weather is born out by a very weak weatherfront obscuring the sun after 2pm. I teeter my way down that hill again, reaching the valley at 3 o’clock. See a herd of deer below Mo Bhigadale, and I am to encounter all 14 of them a few times on my way east. I keep an altitude of 1,000 feet to enjoy the mountain scenery. A coastguard helicopter circles the Clisham. The frontal clouds touch the summit not long after. This mountain is ‘only’ 799 m high, but deserves the respect of a major Munro. I go sharply downhill just before Mo Creag, in order NOT to fall down this 500 ft escarpment. The lochan of Loch Misteach is the warning marker across the valley. Once at the very bottom of the valley, a path will materialize to sort of take you back to the main road. “Sort of” because the path is boggy and ill-defined. At any rate, I return to the A859 at the Scaladale bridge and walk the 1½ miles to Bogha Glas. It’s not good road walking, because this is the section with the road works on it. No work is being carried out today though. Pass Scaladale Outdoor Centre and Aird a’Mhulain castle. Mo Creag rears up in the west. Return to Bogha Glas, past some Highland cattle, at 4.55. While I wait for the 5.05 bus, a few drops of rain fall out of a grey sky. A woman is on there with her kids. They’ve been on the go since 6.30 a.m., probably out of Glasgow. From Balallan, the South Lochs service takes over. The driver kicks his kids unceremoniously off in the village. The woman nearly falls through the window on the Co-op roundabout in Stornoway, only my knee against her thigh prevents a disaster. Return to town at 5.50.
First World War - a story of internment
October 1914 - Antwerp, Belgium.
First Lord of the Admiralty, Winston Churchill, orders reservists from the Royal Naval Division to bolster the British Expeditionary Force holding the port of Antwerp against advancing German forces. They have to retreat west, towards Ghent and are to join a train at St Niklaas. The train is gone, and the route back to Antwerp is cut off when the bridges across the river Scheldt are blown up. The commander of three battallions orders his men north, across the border into Holland. Once there, they are taken into internment. Holland is neutral in the First World War, and combatants from either side are held for six years, or until the end of the war, whichever occurs first.
1 March 1916 - Groningen, Holland
The 1,500 men of the Royal Naval Division have been interned in this northern city since late 1914. Among them are just over 100 men from the Isle of Lewis. Donald Macleod is one of them. He was born in the village of Gearrannan near Carloway in December 1891. Donald was in the 1st Royal Naval Division, Benbow Battallion. His former schoolmaster at the Nicolson Institute, Mr Gibson, wrote him a Christmas card at the camp in December 1915. Donald replied on 2nd January 1916, extending best wishes to teachers and pupils at his school. He also expressed the wish that Holland would go to war, which would release his companions in Benbow Battallion and himself back into service for Great Britain.
On 1 March 1916, Donald was lying ill in the University Hospital. He dies of pleurisy that day. A collection is held among the burghers of Groningen to buy a huge Celtic cross, out of sympathy with this lad of only 24, who died so far away from home. His mates from D company, Benbow Battallion have organised a huge wreath, in the shape of an anchor. On passing along Groningen's main street, people stop and bare their heads. Shopworkers stand outside their premises, residents outside their doors, including maids and servants. The cortege finally pulls up at the Southern Cemetery, where Donald is laid to rest.
Donald's wish was not to be granted. Benbow,Drake, Collingwood and Hawke Battallions were to remain interned until the Armistice, in November 1918. Those that returned to the island after the war would not readily speak of their experiences. They felt it a matter of shame that they had led the 'cushy life' of an internment camp, where their fathers, brothers and sons had fought and died in the trenches or in the North Atlantic.
Two more Lewismen would not return home, but lie buried at Groningen: John MacLeay, of Shader, Barvas and John Smith of Lower Bayble. A fourth, Angus MacLeod of Portnaguran, was discharged home for being unserviceable - suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis. He died at Plymouth.
There are suggestions that four internees from Lewis perished in the Iolaire disaster of 1919, when the ship returning them to the island foundered outside Stornoway Harbour.
Note: I realise that the text under the pictures is not very legible in the picture viewer.
First Lord of the Admiralty, Winston Churchill, orders reservists from the Royal Naval Division to bolster the British Expeditionary Force holding the port of Antwerp against advancing German forces. They have to retreat west, towards Ghent and are to join a train at St Niklaas. The train is gone, and the route back to Antwerp is cut off when the bridges across the river Scheldt are blown up. The commander of three battallions orders his men north, across the border into Holland. Once there, they are taken into internment. Holland is neutral in the First World War, and combatants from either side are held for six years, or until the end of the war, whichever occurs first.
1 March 1916 - Groningen, Holland
The 1,500 men of the Royal Naval Division have been interned in this northern city since late 1914. Among them are just over 100 men from the Isle of Lewis. Donald Macleod is one of them. He was born in the village of Gearrannan near Carloway in December 1891. Donald was in the 1st Royal Naval Division, Benbow Battallion. His former schoolmaster at the Nicolson Institute, Mr Gibson, wrote him a Christmas card at the camp in December 1915. Donald replied on 2nd January 1916, extending best wishes to teachers and pupils at his school. He also expressed the wish that Holland would go to war, which would release his companions in Benbow Battallion and himself back into service for Great Britain.
On 1 March 1916, Donald was lying ill in the University Hospital. He dies of pleurisy that day. A collection is held among the burghers of Groningen to buy a huge Celtic cross, out of sympathy with this lad of only 24, who died so far away from home. His mates from D company, Benbow Battallion have organised a huge wreath, in the shape of an anchor. On passing along Groningen's main street, people stop and bare their heads. Shopworkers stand outside their premises, residents outside their doors, including maids and servants. The cortege finally pulls up at the Southern Cemetery, where Donald is laid to rest.
Donald's wish was not to be granted. Benbow,Drake, Collingwood and Hawke Battallions were to remain interned until the Armistice, in November 1918. Those that returned to the island after the war would not readily speak of their experiences. They felt it a matter of shame that they had led the 'cushy life' of an internment camp, where their fathers, brothers and sons had fought and died in the trenches or in the North Atlantic.
Two more Lewismen would not return home, but lie buried at Groningen: John MacLeay, of Shader, Barvas and John Smith of Lower Bayble. A fourth, Angus MacLeod of Portnaguran, was discharged home for being unserviceable - suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis. He died at Plymouth.
There are suggestions that four internees from Lewis perished in the Iolaire disaster of 1919, when the ship returning them to the island foundered outside Stornoway Harbour.
Note: I realise that the text under the pictures is not very legible in the picture viewer.
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