Island hopping. * Sixtyexpress

I started the day singing ‘Sunshine,highland rocks, Rainbows everything’s wonderful ‘ but this changed to ‘raindrops keep falling on my head’ but are we worried, no of course not. Put on your raincoat and off we go.

First stop is a stroll to see the Polochar Standing Stone. It is quite small compared to some we have seen. Apart from being old, 2000BC, I have no words of wisdom to share with you.

Next we are off Kildonan Heritage Centre. Now I know we have been to lots of these but this one actually explains about the land issues and crofting.

Bed made from driftwood. The mattress was made of straw and was burnt if someone died.

It also is realistic about the good and bad aspects of life for the people. They were at the mercy of the landowners. Land owners could charge any rent and collect it in produce or money. Some of these were only interested in what they could gain and not their people. Some , when conditions were particularly bad and crops had failed, assisted those who wanted to emigrate to Canada or elsewhere. Others simply evicted the tenants if they wanted to make bigger farms. When finally tenants gained rights , they could buy the land and work for themselves. Allowance was made for the kelp gatherers, who did not farm. They were also allocated land. Kelp was gathered, dried and milled to a powder for use in food and other products.

Original men’s club. I was just visiting the Smithy, dear and caught up with friends.

Life in the Croft’s provided community, opportunities for poets, storytellers and singers. It also was a place of disease because of the close living conditions. People still croft or farm. Their cattle and sheep are prized.The methods used are easier but the tasks the same.

Isle of Eriskay. This is a whistle stop. There is a lovely little old church. The priest explained how the people of the community are restoring it. Many of its decorations were destroyed by an earlier minister. Many of these are now returned. The altar has part of a lifeboat and anchors to remind the congregation of journeys and hope. You will like this sign.

Not so religious is the story of the HMS Politician. A ship that was carrying 3500 gallons of whisky. The ship floundered during the war and the locals decided to rescue the whiskey. This was against the Customs Officer’s wishes and caused quite a drama in the community with searches for the missing grog.

Ferry time!

You are now on Barra. That was quick wasn’t it. This island is extremely rocky. A quick bus trip and then a boat ride. This very cute castle is Kisimul. It has rising damp and no proper kitchen so don’t worry you are not staying here.