In the current issue
MFerry frustrations sent back to Holyrood, A& B Council's new CEO, Undersea power cable break, 'It's my Business' features Campbell's of Islay', Islay Sessions 2019, Free radio training for islanders, Jura Ferry App, Local charities benefit from the Co-op's Big Payout.
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Excerpts from issue 47/04 7 December 2019
Islay Sessions
Angus Rice brings us a review of the latest Islay Sessions, held on the weekend of 22-24 November. Angus writes:
This year saw the ninth Islay Sessions, started by the late Fraser Shaw and his great pal, Grahame Allison, for whom he worked.
The format has changed little over the years except for the size of the audiences with all concerts full to capacity. People are now travelling from the mainland and much further afield to enjoy the music. Over sixty percent of the audiences were from afar, bringing a much needed boost to the economy of the island, but it would be good to see more local support.
The first of the intimate concerts in the conservatory of the Port Charlotte Hotel was on Friday night featuring 'Vox', namely Calum MacCrimmon (of Breabach), LB Salter, Kim Carnie and Innes White. Their musicality and vocal harmonies were a joy to behold. A great session in the bar followed with all the visiting musicians joining in.
Saturday dawned with a few bleary-eyed musicians about. However, after a good breakfast they were ready for the day's workshops with tuition available in fiddle, accordion and guitar. LB held a workshop in the afternoon on mandolin which was followed by a 'slow session' in the bar with the participants.
Saturday night's concert in Bruichladdich Hall was all set to go when, a last minute problem arose and 'Islay time' came into force when a young lady arrived asking for assistance. Never one to ignore a lady, we put things on hold, plucked six members from the audience and went to the rescue of a member of the audience's car that had landed in the ditch while being parked!
With all returned to their seats, Calum struck up the pipes and opened the concert.
First to appear were Charlie Stewart and Innes White who rendered a selection of lively and beautifully controlled tunes. They were followed by the Kim Carnie band; Kim's wonderful voice and the musicality of her band were jaw-dropping. Following a short interval and of course, the raffle, 'Eabhal' came on to the stage. They are a young band but their driving style soon had feet tapping and hands clapping.
The night concluded with another great session in the hotel bar.
First up on Sunday, saw a good crowd gathering at Fraser's seat outside Bruichladdich distillery, for the now annual dram to Fraser's memory (see photo above). Whilst a poignant occasion, there was a lovely warm ambience and good to see more folk gathering.
The finale came on Sunday night for the second concert in the Conservatory. Claire Hastings, albeit a year late (she had lost her voice last year), was here to entertain. The purity of Claire's voice, her style and choice of songs had everybody captivated and, I can assure you Claire, it was well worth the wait.
Sponsors are so important to us to be able to put on such an event and we thank and salute you for your generosity. Not forgetting those who do not wish to be named! Thank you for allowing the Sessions to continue.
Dates for next year's diary - 20/21/22 November 2020. See you then!
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Power to the people
As the result of a break in the undersea cable supplying the islands with power, the generator in Bowmore has been in operation over the last few weeks. The Ileach contacted SSEN to ask how long this state of affairs was likely to continue and whether it was likley to impinge on the increased electricity demand, common at this time of year.
A spokesperson for Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, said: "SSEN can confirm there is a fault affecting the submarine electricity distribution cable connecting Jura to the Scottish mainland. Initial investigations, have identified a cable fault in deep water around the midway point of the 8km-long cable.
"SSEN is committed to returning the network to normal operation as soon as possible, and a specialist contractor is being appointed to carry out a detailed inspection and instigate a restoration plan. Subject to necessary permissions from statutory authorities and dependent on suitable weather and tidal conditions, we expect restoration to take approximately 6-8 weeks.
"There is no impact to customer power supplies as a result of the submarine cable fault and contingency measures are in place, including the operation of the backup power station in Bowmore and renewable generation on Islay and Jura, to ensure a continued safe and secure supply of electricity to customers on Islay, Jura and Colonsay."
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'App' aboard for Jura ferry tickets
New apps, downloadable from preferred online stores are now available for travellers on council-run ferries, including the Islay - Jura service, to buy tickets via their phones or other mobile device.
Apps are available for Cuan; Easdale; Jura; and Lismore Ferries - note, that each ferry requires a separate app.
This extends the range of ways to pay including cash, debit/credit cards on board the ferries, or via the council website; making the service more convenient for users.
Customers can create an account by supplying contact details and the app retains information on orders, tickets and usage. Customers may also use their mobile device and app to display tickets for scanning by the ferry staff.
If you would like to book and pay for tickets via the Council website go to: online ferry ticket sales
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to subscribe or advertise, contact ileach@ileach.co.uk
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NEXT ISSUE ON SALE, Saturday 21 December 2019
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Islay Diary 2019/20
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- Saturday 7 December
- Port Ellen Primary Christmas Fair
- Coffee Morning, Bowmore Hall
- Tuesday 10 December
- Chit Chat Strollers, Ballygrant
- Wednesday 11 December
- Port Ellen Lunch Club, Islay Hotel
- Thursday 12 December
- Badminton IHS
- Port Ellen Primary Pantomime
- Friday 13 December
- Port Ellen primary Pantomime
- Saturday 14 December
- IHS Table Top Sale
- Kilmeny Church Carol Evening
- Sunday 15 December
- Country Dancing, ICCI, Bowmore
- Port Ellen Baptist Church, Carol Service
- Tuesday 17 December
- Chit Chat Strollers, Bridgend Woods
- Wednesday 18 December
- Port Ellen Lunch Club, Islay Hotel
- Ileach AGM, ICCI, Bowmore
- Complimentary T in the Church
- Thursday 19 December
- Badminton IHS
- IHS Christmas Concert
- Saturday 21 December
- Coffee, Cake & Carols, St Kiarans
- Sunday 22 December
- Mince Pie Bike Ride, Debbie's
- Saturday 28 December
- Calum Bell Memorial Shoot, Jura
- Saturday 18 January
- Old New Year Ceilidh, Ardnahoe
- Thursday 23 January
- PE Primary Parent Council AGM
- Sunday 2 August 2020
- Ride of the Falling Rain
- Thursday 27 August 2020
- Islay Book Festival
- Friday 28 August 2020
- Islay Book Festival
- Saturday 29 August 2020
- Islay Book Festival
- Sunday 30 August 2020
- Islay Book Festival
