Potatoes and Starvation.
Posted: Friday, 01 April 2005 |
On commencing this blog, I am aware it is the first of April, March is gone and it was generally a good month. This is the time when we used to spread dung on the new grass being kept for hay, and of course seaweed was hauled for the same purpose.
The dung heap was not all used up, but plenty was kept for the potato planting in mid April. Just imagine the delight of a young boy to partake of the tea and sandwiches out in the open field. It was a special kind of treat, not any longer known, I'm sure.
Potatoes, since I am on the subject, have been , more or less, the staple diet of the west highland populations over the centuries. It was a terrible blow to them and the people of Ireland when the crop failed in 1846, Starvation followed, and in Ireland severe emigration-the west coast of Scotand had the benefit of megere provisions supplied by the government of the day.
Well, it looks as we only have one month left of spring, and then the beginning of Summer. We are all looking foward to good weather and sunshine then, that is if the beleboured elements will allow.
GAELIC: Am bheil cuimhne agaibh air dineir do bhuntata agus sgadan? Tha cuimhne nuair bha an sgadan cho blasda, gle thric iucair bhreagha,agus buntata lurach maile ris.
The dung heap was not all used up, but plenty was kept for the potato planting in mid April. Just imagine the delight of a young boy to partake of the tea and sandwiches out in the open field. It was a special kind of treat, not any longer known, I'm sure.
Potatoes, since I am on the subject, have been , more or less, the staple diet of the west highland populations over the centuries. It was a terrible blow to them and the people of Ireland when the crop failed in 1846, Starvation followed, and in Ireland severe emigration-the west coast of Scotand had the benefit of megere provisions supplied by the government of the day.
Well, it looks as we only have one month left of spring, and then the beginning of Summer. We are all looking foward to good weather and sunshine then, that is if the beleboured elements will allow.
GAELIC: Am bheil cuimhne agaibh air dineir do bhuntata agus sgadan? Tha cuimhne nuair bha an sgadan cho blasda, gle thric iucair bhreagha,agus buntata lurach maile ris.
Posted on Island Wanderer at 22:11
BLOGGING.
Posted: Wednesday, 06 April 2005 |
I'm not sure when I started blogging; possibly two years ago; nor do I know how blogging stood from the media standpoint, world wide, then; but seemingly, it has mushroomed into an enormous communication concern lately.
Blogging in this part of the world started with ten islands in the inner west coast; and I must point out that I remain disgracefully ignorant of what makes these same islands function; for they must all be abunding with interisting details local to themselves.
In Tiree, we have certain attractions which tourists find appealing. Take the "Ringing Stone" as an example, known by name, probaly, all over the world; and to the visitors the very idea that a stone rings deems that it must be seen and tested; that is though it is difficult to find it in spite of precise directions.
Well, what I'm trying to get at, is that other islands must have many equally interisting sights and natural objects which would arouse much attention in a blog.
I am aware that many worthwhile blogs have been produced throughout the recent blogging span; but should we not all tell each other about the attractive endearing sights peculiar to our native heath, plus cultural and historical aspects.
Blogging in this part of the world started with ten islands in the inner west coast; and I must point out that I remain disgracefully ignorant of what makes these same islands function; for they must all be abunding with interisting details local to themselves.
In Tiree, we have certain attractions which tourists find appealing. Take the "Ringing Stone" as an example, known by name, probaly, all over the world; and to the visitors the very idea that a stone rings deems that it must be seen and tested; that is though it is difficult to find it in spite of precise directions.
Well, what I'm trying to get at, is that other islands must have many equally interisting sights and natural objects which would arouse much attention in a blog.
I am aware that many worthwhile blogs have been produced throughout the recent blogging span; but should we not all tell each other about the attractive endearing sights peculiar to our native heath, plus cultural and historical aspects.
Posted on Island Wanderer at 22:32
"The Giants Chip"
Posted: Tuesday, 12 April 2005 |
In my previous blog posted I mentioned "The Ringing Stone", well known to all Tiree people, and all who come to visit.
When considered, Sotland abounds with stones and the stories attached to them, and though I'm not an authority on such as these, the names with which they are known come down through the ages.
This now, is the reason why I'm thinking of another stone in Tiree, near to where I live, not as renowned the above "Ringing Stone", but well known locally, and the peculiar legend that goes along with it.
The stone itself, a big rugged lump sitting on rocks, is known as: "The Giants Chip"; "Spiligean An Fhomhair" in gaelic. This name does give a clue as regards the legend.
Long, long ago two giants dwelt on the island and like most giants they fell out, one being situated at one end of the island and the other at the opposite side. As they argued one in his anger lobbed the "chip", but fortunately for him on the receiving end it fell short, and has remained mid-way ever since.
Well, people of olden times had never heard of the ice-age, a formidable giant itself, but they had a good imigination.
When considered, Sotland abounds with stones and the stories attached to them, and though I'm not an authority on such as these, the names with which they are known come down through the ages.
This now, is the reason why I'm thinking of another stone in Tiree, near to where I live, not as renowned the above "Ringing Stone", but well known locally, and the peculiar legend that goes along with it.
The stone itself, a big rugged lump sitting on rocks, is known as: "The Giants Chip"; "Spiligean An Fhomhair" in gaelic. This name does give a clue as regards the legend.
Long, long ago two giants dwelt on the island and like most giants they fell out, one being situated at one end of the island and the other at the opposite side. As they argued one in his anger lobbed the "chip", but fortunately for him on the receiving end it fell short, and has remained mid-way ever since.
Well, people of olden times had never heard of the ice-age, a formidable giant itself, but they had a good imigination.
Posted on Island Wanderer at 21:35
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