Excerpts from issue 53/16 16 May 2026
Breathing Space' Bench Unveiled
Installed at Port Ellen Playing Fields, it's the first one on a Scottish Island!
On Thursday, 23 April, a new 'Breathing Space' bench had its official unveiling at the pitch and putt area at Port Ellen Playing Fields. Offering a welcoming spot for residents and visitors to pause, reflect and support their mental wellbeing, the bench offers more than just a place to sit. It serves as a quiet reminder of the importance of taking time out, slowing down, and checking in with ourselves and others. It provides a quiet spot where individuals can step away from busy routines and enjoy a few minutes of calm.
Tony McLaren from NHS 24 Breathing Space initiative said, "Sometimes the smallest actions can make the biggest difference. This bench is a simple but powerful way of reminding people that it’s okay to pause, breathe and take a moment for themselves. We hope it becomes a space where people can reflect, reset, or even start a conversation with others who may be sitting there. By placing the bench in a public setting, we hope it signals that mental health is just as important as physical health. Everyone is encouraged to visit the bench, take a moment to breathe, and remember that support is always available."
Danielle from South Islay Development said, "The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of accessible, everyday mental health support within the community. It's more than mindfulness; it's about community connection. By placing the bench in a well-used recreational area, we hope to normalise conversations around mental wellbeing and encourage people to check in with themselves - and with one another."
SID has welcomed the addition, describing it as a positive and proactive step towards supporting mental health locally. "Our Playing Fields area is a place where the community comes together. We hope this bench becomes a quiet reminder that no one has to face challenges alone."
The Playing Fields has long been a hub for sport and social activity, making it an ideal location for a wellbeing initiative that is accessible to all. By placing the bench in a familiar and well-used setting, we hope to reduce stigma around mental health and encourage everyday acts of care and support. Community members have welcomed the addition, describing it as 'a thoughtful and positive step for the village'.
The Breathing Space bench is now open for everyone to use. A simple seat with a powerful message: stop, breathe, and take care of your wellbeing. You matter to us. You matter to our community.
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Preventative maintenance
Late last year, CalMac intimated that, in order to obviate any nasty surprises such as had been the case with MV Caledonian Isles, it was intending to implement a period of preventative maintenance on the new Islay Class vessels as well as those originating from Ferguson's Yard on the Clyde.
The Caledonian Isles spent more than 18 months in various drydocks attempting to cure, amongst other things, serious corrosion discovered during its annual refit in late 2023.
The two maintenance options presented, were either to take each of the new ferries out of service for one sailing per week, or one day per month. According to CalMac, its decision was predicated on consultations with the Community Council Ferry Committee, hauliers, shopkeepers and tourism operators undertaken since 2024.
Ultimately, this has resulted in taking the MV Isle of Islay out of service for the regular Thursday morning 7am sailing from Kennacraig.
The Ileach understands that part of the reason for choosing this option over the full day per month, per ferry, was to allow a consistent timetable to be applied. CalMac has argued that, if opting for a daily period per month per boat, there would effectively need to be three timetables: one for each vessel's time out, and one when both are operational.
The reasoning appears to have rested on Mondays and Fridays not being used due to business travel and tourism. Weekends were excluded due to the volume of traffic, and Wednesdays involve timetabled sailings to Colonsay.
When the MV Loch Indaal joins the route later this year, she will undertake her weekly period of maintenance on Tuesday mornings.
While apologising for any inconvenience caused, CalMac have indicated that they have no current plans to revise the situation, underlining that again, this was implemented following lengthy consultations with those most likely to be affected.
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In this week's issue:
Morrison Court, Election results, Visitor Levy amendments, Islay Lifeboat, Delays at Port, Fèis Ìle, Elixir planning change, Lussa win drinks award, Gaelic conversation, Islay Link Club, Bridgend Bowling, Port Ellen Bowling, Breathing Space Bench
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Book review
On Sunday 31 May, on a new day added to the Festival for 2026, Laggan Bay Distillery throws its doors open to welcome the island for the first time.
Although there are two formal, ticketed tours with Distillery Manager, Malcolm Rennie, everything else is absolutely free, so no need to book. Just turn up on the Sunday.
There will be free 'look around' tours throughout the day, with the opportunity to try new-make spirit, talk to the distillery team and be some giveaways (when they’re gone they're gone - so turn up early).
Music throughout the day will be provided by Rhythm and Booze, and local band, North of the Bridge.
The Open Day is a joint event with Islay Ales and open from 11am to 5pm.
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This is Islay
2026 Podcast of the Year featuring individuals, personalities and features of Islay and Jura. Listen now at https://anchor.fm/thisisislay
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