George Robertson to give next talk at INHT - "Photographing the Best of Islay" - Wednesday 4th April

Loch Indaal by George Robertson

We are delighted that Lord George Robertson of Port Ellen is to be our next guest speaker at the Centre on Wednesday 4th April at 7.30.  George has been photographing Islay and Jura for many years.  His book is available at The Celtic House in Bowmore
The Celtic House - Islay and Jura by George Robertson

Admission will be free to members, £2.50 for non-members.  We will be asking for donations to support the work of the Trust.  Tea and coffee will be served after the event.

Jura from Bowmore

Taken yesterday - Carl

Jura Hills

Small Isles Bay on Jura from above Keils.  We saw lots of Red deer up here, and even more when we were travelling to and from the ferry at Feolin after dark when herds appeared to be feeding on seaweeds on the shoreline.



There were, as ever, plenty of the ubiquitous Fox moth caterpillars



Cemetery at Keils on Jura



The cemetery outside Craighouse near the crofting community of Keils has graves dating back to the medieval period right through to the present day.  The 'building' in the centre of the picture is a Campbell mausoleum.



This is a Medieval grave slab

Ragwort was still flowering, just, next to the burn flowing past the cemetery.  There was no sign here either of the Grey wagtails that used to grace these burns.  I have not seen a Grey wagtail on Islay or Jura since the big freeze last winter.

The island of Jura

Corran Sands on the island of Jura yesterday

Large amounts of kelp had been thwon up onto the beach at Corran Sands, which was full of flies and other small invertebrates.  These were being fed on by small parties of waders such as these Ringed plover and Dunlin, but also large numbers of Rock pipits.

Jura announces 'World's First Walkie Talkie Cafe'

We  do not usually print advertorial press releases here on the INHT blog - but the opportunity to bring you this is just too good to pass up...

A 'World First' for Jura?

Is Tea On The Beach the world’s only walkie-talkie café? Situated at Jura’s wild and beautiful north end, Tea On The Beach operates daily at Inverlussa Bay. Teas, home-made cakes, fresh coffee and cold soft drinks are on the menu and are delivered to you to enjoy on the beach. A busy season last year, with visitors from near and far (“Best cuppa anywhere”; “Fantastic chocolate brownie”) has continued in 2011.

The bay at Inverlussa is a gem. The first glimpse of the sea as you approach never fails to thrill, whether it is your first visit, or if you know it intimately. Inverlussa is clearly signed to the right just after crossing the Lussa River, 26 miles from Feolin Ferry.

It is easy to park on the grass by the bay, and you can explore the beach, walk out to the points both to the north and south (keep an eye out for otters), or climb either side of the glen for spectacular views of the mainland and Jura’s coast, hills and mountains. At all but the highest tides there is plenty of room for beach games, sandcastles and rock-pooling; even at high tide there is lots of space on the meadows. The sandy bay shelves gently down, so the beach is wonderfully safe for children to paddle, swim or use their fishing nets.

After the journey and enjoyment of the bay and beach, you will be ready for a cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake. Fortunately you don’t have to leave the charms of the beach for your refreshment. Next to the sign for Tea On The Beach you will see a table with a walkie-talkie and menu on it. You can place your order using the two-way-radio (instructions are provided!) and it will be brought to you on the beach. Tea On The Beach is normally open from 11-4.30 on weekdays and 10-5.30 at weekends. If you are making a special trip, do phone to double-check the service is operating as opening hours are flexible (although a self service tea is normally available if the owner isn’t!): 01496 820053.

Please vote for Vanessa's idea...

Islay High School teacher Vanessa Fuery has entered an idea to win some books for her class - and needs our votes.  Please simply follow the link below and vote by commenting...  We suggest voting for Idea 6....!
Thanks
Carl

The Geography Collective - Mission:Explore