Islay News Roundup first-half October 2007

Following is a short overview of Islay news items published in the Ileach Newspaper.

Bottle of Bowmore sets new world record: A new world record was set on 28th September with a bottle of Bowmore selling at auction for a remarkable £29,400.

Death of Port Ellen man suspicious: 49 year old Peter Graham of Corrsgeir Place, Port Ellen collapsed in a street near to his home around midday on 20 September 2007. He was taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley where he died on Wednesday evening 3rd October. Police told the Ileach that the post mortem examination which took place on Friday 5 October in an attempt to establish the cause of death was 'inconclusive'.

CalMac prices to rise 1.8%: Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed that its fares levels will increase by 1.8% across the network from 1st April 2008.

Succesfull ferry trial for Jura: The three week passenger ferry trial has been successfully completed with 30 return trips made and just one day lost to the weather. A total of 220 passengers were carried which represents a load factor of approximately one third capacity.

Bruichladdich Pier and Oil Deliveries: The Londonderry based dredger 'Otterbank' has been working off Bruichladdich Pier to help increase the available depth for the tanker 'Keewhit' which delivers heavy fuel oil for the distilleries.

Ian MacKerrell Honoured: A local farmer has been honoured by his peers in recognition of his contribution to the practice and development of agriculture in his area. Ian has extensive farming interests in the Bowmore area and follows a long standing tradition of dairy farming. MacKerrell’s Dairy in Bowmore is a well known and well established family business and the MacKerrells have been licensed as milk retailers for over 125 years.

On Sale now, The Ileach 2008 Calendar: The price is £7.50 each. Calendars are available from the Ileach Office at Main Street, Bowmore or e-mail calendar@ileach.co.uk