Muir is Tir

Muir is Tir - Land and Sea Residency 2018 - An Lanntair was a 10 day programme exploring the cultural heritage and identity of the Outer Hebrides.  Half the residency was spent on a sailing boat exploring the rugged coastlines whilst working together learning to sail.  The other half was spent on the Isle of Berneray.

The current display showcases the residency from 2017 and 2018 in Ann Lanntair.  It was a feast for the eyes.  Each artist so completely different.  We have visited twice and enjoyed each visit immensely, seeing something different each time.   See for yourselves...

This next piece I must have taken 20 photos and didn't capture its beauty.  The embroidery on Harris Tweed was stunning and must have taken hours.  It was an inspirational piece that I loved.

So much to see, let me show you some more.

In addition to this wonderful display there is also a Hebrides international Film Festival going on which is screening current global cinema on the theme of small islands rural communities and the environment.  There is also an annual beach clean.

Some of the short film screenings, lectures, workshops and environmental promotions are free so no one is excluded.  I think that is quite amazing.

Thank you for all your comments and concern.   The storm whilst damaging was not as bad as anticipated so we enjoyed our time in our little cottage together, making some very tentative plans for future travel.  The mainland didn't fair as well so my heart goes out to all those affected.

See you soon.

Hebcelt

As we drove into Stornoway on Wednesday the bunting was waving in the breeze, and people were milling around.  Lots of people.   There was a glimpse through trees in the Castle grounds of stripes...

We had forgotten that it was festival week.  Hebcelt, Hebridean Celtic festival is a combination of the Islands natural beauty and high quality Celtic influenced music.  The bunting, the amazing shop window displays along with a wonderful array of displays made for a great afternoon out.  I was amazed to see a lady spinning outside one of the tweed shops, my heart was a flutter as I saw the incredible beauty of the wool she was spinning.  The children are always a joy as they danced in their gorgeous tweed costumes.  Pipers and smiling faces were in abundance.

In the harbour there was a German sausage stand and donuts on sale.  We were sorely tempted but decided it was not a good thing to eat prior to going into see  cardiac staff...lol!  We also popped into An Lanntair who have a lot going on this week in conjunction with the festival.

Maybe next year?

We are back in town later today as Gerard is having a heart monitor fitted to establish if the change of drugs has worked, we are ever hopeful.  We have no real plans for the weekend, the weather forecast is not looking good.  Have you any plans?

See you soon.

Everything Changes

After such a wonderful weekend, yesterday we awoke to snow.  Only a slight covering but enough to make me feel cold and run to the log store.  There is nothing nicer than sitting in front of the stove with a good book and a warming bowl of soup.  The soup recipes remain very much the same with the exception of a reduction in salt.  We are now using reduced salt stock cubes as suggested by the British Heart Foundation, they have some very good recipes.  I attempted a recipe over the weekend for a lemon cake using yogurt which was a treat.  Gerard's weight is fine but I am overweight so healthier choices are now been made.

The snow disappeared as quickly as it came and gave way to a beautiful sunny day albeit a little windy.  I managed to get the washing dry to add to the ever growing pile of ironing.  Today is dark and rainy so the ideal day to get it done.  We did get a couple of feathered visitors.

    I did get a little waylaid yesterday with a little stroll around the lighthouse.

It was cold but quite calm and a joy to watch some of the birds in the crags.  The weather is so changeable here going from one extreme to the other in a matter of minutes.  Last week on our trip to Stornoway it was like a Summers day, the sun shining brightly and feeling quite warm.  We felt that the long Winter was finally over and that Spring was starting to emerge.  We had our usual stroll around the harbour enjoying the different aspects of the Castle in the distance and choosing a boat for our little adventures.  We weren't tempted by the Fish and Chip shop despite the wonderful aroma but instead opted for the fresh fish shop and came back with a wide variety of fish for the freezer.

Then onto Ann Lanntair for the exhibition of New Photographic work from Scotland and the Nordic countries by female practitioners.  A collaboration between Dr Katherine Parhar of Wildfires and FOCAS Scotland, Alex Boyd of Ann Lanntair and the Flow Festival of Photography. 

I found it quite thought provoking as we explored the different images.

For such a small Island we are certainly blessed with so many events going on.  Now that we are not going away I intend to explore the different workshops that are going on.  Lambing has started, it is a joy to see new life in and around the many local crofts.  I will be out and about to photograph them as soon as it stops raining.  I am definitely a fair weather girl.

As always I am thankful for your lovely comments and well wishes.  I am trying hard to catch up with you all so if I haven't visited I will very soon.  Take care.

See you soon.

A Little Adventure

Another beautiful day here on the Isle of Lewis and consequently a little adventure out to explore a little more of its beauty and history.

 A monument to commemorate the loss of the Iolaire where 205 souls perished within yards of land.  A true tragedy of predominately naval ratings returning to Lewis and Harris in the Great War. 

 Sadly only 79 survived.  It was heart breaking to see how near to land this tragedy occurred and how fragile vessels are when a storm hits these exposed Islands.

The loss of so many had a devastating effect on the Islanders and was in part the start of the decline of the population in between the wars.

At An Lanntair there is the Hebridean Book Festival going on with Films, workshops and exhibitions.  Such a lot going on when you consider the size of the Island.

A lovely place to sit and relax over a pot of tea and cake overlooking the harbour and make  plans for the future.  A wonderful little adventure around the Island once again highlighting its amazing history. 

Another stocking is finished, it takes as long to sew in the ends and sew it together as it does to crochet the squares.

Not cool enough to light the fire, although a little overcast the temperatures are still quite high for this time of year.

 The dappled sunlight making the photo a little hazy and reflecting off the mirror above.  I am hoping if I leave them there long enough Santa will take pity on me and fill them up.  In truth I have everything I want and need already and feel blessed that we are living the dream.  Wishing you and yours a wonderful weekend.  We have no real plans and intend to take things easy prior to our departure next week.

See you soon.