Olistadh and Grimsay - in the snow!

What a fantastic walk I had yesterday. I've spent the most indulgent day today (shunning the sunshine) in favour of manipulating over 100 photos (oh, and going to the dentist, but that's less interesting!) I'm often amazed at how many places on Islay I have still failed to visit, and these were two of them. Olistadh is Old Norse for Olaf's Town and is situated west of Gearach (off the Kilchiaran road). Grimsay is a veritable township (albeit ruined), lying in an elevated position and 'guarded' by its very own standing stone north of Gearach. Here's a selection of photos.
Becky

Doorlet at Olistadh

Olistadh (look closely to see the snow!)

Large piece of quartz at Grimsay

Recumbent Standing Stone near Gearach

Dun Glas an Loin Choir

Part of ruined settlement of Grimsay

Summit of Dun Glas an Loin Choir looking towards Loch Gearach

The 'Guardian' of Grimsay village

Bronze Age Standing Stone - Grimsay on the Rhinns

This was photographed a couple of weeks back after a wet walk across very boggy ground to the abandoned clearance village of Grimsay northe west of the Gearach Loch on the Rhinns.  I had not visited it for a number of years, the last time being during the Spring.  This time the bracken and grasses were much longer - and I had the impression that the willow scrub had spread significantly since my previous visit.  This may, (or may not!) reflect a change in the land use in recent years with less intensive grazing by sheep.
Carl