Islay News roundup second-half November 2007

Following is a short overview of Islay news published in the Ileach Newspaper and from various other sources.

The Vital Spark returns: Not directly related to Islay although the island received its fair share of puffers as well many years ago. The Vital Spark, a Clyde puffer, whose namesake appeared in the popular Para Handy books and a classic television series, was in Bowling harbour on the Clyde river, to mark the 150th anniversary of the first puffer. The Herald website also has a video of the arrival of the Vital Spark.

RNLI offical retires: Committee and crew members of the Islay lifeboat met at their Port Askaig station on Tuesday to make a retirement presentation to Bill Horne, the RNLI’s divisional base manager for the past ten and a half years. All present spoke highly of Bill’s interest and encouragement and unanimously wished the popular and helpful divisional manager many happy days ahead. They were also delighted to welcome Bill’s successor aboard.

Spirited Soaps: Ailsa Hayes has opened “Spirited Soaps”, a new shop on Main Street Bowmore that will be retailing her wide range of hand made soaps and bath salts, bath oils, body lotion and face cream. At the same time she opened here online shopping facilities on her website at www.spiritedsoaps.co.uk.

New Baptist Minister: The Rev George Campbell, the part time Church of Scotland minister on Jura for the past 4 years, is the new pastor of the Baptist churches at Bowmore and Port Ellen. George completed his Jura ministry two weeks ago and he and his wife Margaret are to take up residence at the Baptist manse at Bowmore. His induction service to his new charge is likely to take place at the beginning of next month.

Port Ellen Hotel: The rebuilding of the Islay Hotel in Port Ellen is well under way and has encountered no unforseen problems to date. Roland, the owner of the new hotel, also launched the Spot the Barrel competition two weeks ago. This is your chance to win fantastic prizes!

Armin's blog: read what other blogs write about Islay on Armins blog roundup nr12 and find out what Islay has to do with Rum.

Scottish Islands Federation – Mull: On Thursday and Friday of last week representatives from most of Scotland’s 95 populated islands came together to find common cause and purpose. The historic meeting on Mull agreed to the formation of a Scottish Islands Federation which would seek to develop influence over key decisions which affect the quality of life of those who live on the inhabited islands of Scotland.

The Islay Oil Crisis: Last Monday the Keewhit managed to dock at Bruichladdich, making a last minute delivery. Oil supplies were running extremely low. This will probably happen more frequently if weather conditions deteriorate during the winter and nothing is done about the pier. The Bruichladdich Blog in the meanwhile reports that things are not looking good for the next month in their latest "oil be damned" post.