Excerpts from issue 47/21 1 August 2020
The beautiful mosaic, pictured above, and created by Emma Baker, is currently on display in Port Ellen's 'Blue Letterbox'.
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In this week's issue:
Laphroaig road repaired at last, We had our government money first, Islay Sessions takes place online, Islay and Jura recovery group commision an online movie, Are Islay and Jura's accommodation providers getting the bookings they expected?, Laphroaig gets three new stills, Perry Green on the corncrake, Calum Murray pays tribute to the late Dianne Brown, Part one of a short story by Allan Martin, Charlene Busalli previews Jenni Fagan's appearance at this year's Islay Book Festival, Islay Medical update
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ISLAY & THE COVID-19 VIRUS: IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Last updated Monday 3 August 2020
Prepared for the benefit of Islay residents, this downloadable PDF file offers general information along with details of the Islay Volunteer Network and the state of play with regard to local businesses and services. This will be updated regularly, so please check this page daily.
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Caravan and motorhome restrictions.
In our last issue (18 July), we highlighted advice given by Argyll and Bute Council regarding travel to Islay and Jura in motorhomes or caravans.
They advised that only those with booked spaces at official campsites should travel to the islands, following pressure and campaigning by the Islay and Jura Ferry Committee, supported by Councillor Robin Currie, and MSP Michael Russell.
Transport Scotland have now acceded to these demands, and in a letter from Chris Wilcock to Robin Currie, stated "We have reviewed the current situation and agree that, as this is at the request of Argyll & Bute Council and is supported locally (by the Ferry Committee), we can put in place similar advice on CalMac's website as exists for Tiree and Colonsay. This will highlight to passengers before booking that motorhomes and/or caravans must have booked official pitches in advance.
The intended message on CalMac's website will read, 'Argyll & Bute Council request that during the Covid pandemic, visitors in caravans, motorhomes and campervans make use of official campsites on Islay. This has been urged by the local community, supported by the council to help support the local economy, as well as protect the health of visitors and of local communities, and so that numbers can be properly managed and your waste can be disposed of safely.'
The letter pointed out, however, that this will be a one-off temporary measure for the rest of 2020 summer season only. It would be for Argyll & Bute Council to consider any future access restrictions and enforcement on Islay or elsewhere through such measures as a local bylaw.
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...And it's welcome to care.
Islay Community Recovery Group, a subgroup of Islay Community Council, has commissioned Ben Shakespeare to create a short film for social media. The 90 second film, organised with Gill Chasemore, Emma Clark and Paul Graham, offers a heart-warming welcome message to visitors, while reminding them of the need to follow government guidelines. Written by, filmed by and starrring local people, it will soon be available on social media platforms which ICC hopes everyone will share!
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Online Islay Sessions
Along with many other planned events in the Islay calendar, this November's Islay Sessions folk festival has announced its cancellation. Organiser, Grieg Shaw, told the Ileach, "Unfortunately we had to take the decision to cancel this year. We felt that it was too much of a risk to continue with the plans and bookings required to make the event happen.
"Nor, indeed, did we want to risk the local community by packing everyone into Bruichladdich Hall. And we certainly didn't want people making travel and accommodation arrangements, only for the event to be subsequently cancelled."
However, in keeping with May's Fèis Ìle and this month's Islay Book Festival, Grieg and his co-organisers have decided to take the 2020 Islay Sessions online.
"Currently, the idea is to have a live stream from somewhere (possibly Islay) featuring the bands and musicians already confirmed for this year. Mind you, we're still working on all the details of how and from where we plan to stream the event."
Grieg told us that artists confirmed so far include Maeve MacKinnon, David Foley and Jack Smedley, Laura Beth Salter and Jenn Butterworth, and Daimh.
"At some point in the near future, we will start selling raffle tickets offering some pretty good prizes, with the draw made live online on the Saturday evening." Sales will help raise funds for the Fraser Shaw Trust.
Grieg also told us that they have asked this year's online artists to return in 2021 and perform, in person, on Islay.
"This year's online version will offer a preview."
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Ileach calendar 2021
We would once again like to invite vistors and residents to submit photos for inclusion in the Ileach 2021 calendar.
With tourism to the island having re-opened over two weeks ago, and many budding local photographers having perhaps found themselves with an embarrassment of spare time, there must be many images portraying a quieter Islay and Jura this year.
The only stipulations are that the images must be recognisably of either Islay or Jura and should preferably be in landscape format (horizontal), as opposed to portrait (vertical).
Please e-mail images to calendar@ileach.co.uk by the closing date of Friday 25 September 2020, including a full postal address to which we can send copies to those whose images are chosen for inclusion.
Thank you for your continued support.
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Still here
The Ileach is now in its 47th year and has weathered more than just a few economic downturns in its time, local, national and global. However, the current situation is unprecedented in our lifetimes.
With every intention of heading towards forty eight years and beyond, we will continue to produce the newspaper for as long as is practical and possible. And just as in previous times of difficulty, we would appreciate your support in making this happen.
Although the office in Main Street, Bowmore is closed to the public, there will still be staff in the office Monday - Friday, 10am - 1pm. If you have stories to tell, articles to submit or need to advertise your services, please call on 01496 810 355, or e-mail theileach@ileach.co.uk
To keep up to date with important local information, please check our twitter feed @theileach or check this page regularly.
If you're staying at home and unable to pick up a paper copy, why not consider a PDF subscription? Annual cost is £27. We thank you and appreciate your continued support.
Stay safe.
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to subscribe or advertise, contact ileach@ileach.co.uk