Archipelago and council area off the west coast of mainland Scotland
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Keith McCloskey returns to the show to talk about his latest book, The Lighthouse: The Mystery of the Eilan Mor Lighthouse Keepers. In Dcemeber of 1900, 3 lighthouse keepers mysteriously disappeared from a lighthouse on Eilan Mor. We discuss that as well as new information on the Dyatlov Pass Incident. On December 26, 1900, the vessel Hesperus arrived at Eilean Mor in the remote Outer Hebrides with relief lighthouse men and fresh provisions. Staffed by three keepers, the lighthouse had been in operation for a year, but no light had been seen from Eilean Mor for 10 days. Upon arrival, the superintendent, Robert Muirhead, found the lighthouse to be completely deserted, and a subsequent search of the surrounding island failed to show any sign of what happened to the keepers. The last entry in the lighthouse logbook had been made on December 15, and contained a number of strange and distressing entries that offered clues as to the mental state of the men. One was reported to have been crying, while another had become "very quiet." When it was revealed that the men's oilskin coats were missing and the clock in the lighthouse had stopped, inevitable theories surrounding the keepers' fates were soon put forward. These included a giant wave washing them away, murder and suicide by the men themselves, and more esoteric explanations, as Eilean Mor was believed to have mystical properties. This book explores this mysterious and chilling story in depth for the first time and reveals a shocking conclusion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, Jonathan Thomas sits down with Professor Paul Robichaud — Professor of English at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, Connecticut — to discuss his remarkable new book, Stories of the Stones: Imagining Prehistory in Britain, Ireland, and Brittany, published by Reaktion Books on July 6th. Paul is not an archaeologist but a literary scholar, and his book takes a completely different approach to prehistoric monuments: rather than asking who built them or how, he asks what stories people have told about them across the centuries — and what those stories reveal about us. From the earliest Greek account of a possible spherical temple on a northern island (possibly Callanish), through Geoffrey of Monmouth's 12th-century account of Merlin flying Stonehenge from Ireland, through the antiquarian fantasies of Inigo Jones (who decided Stonehenge was Roman and helpfully corrected its geometry to fit) and William Stukeley (who invented the Druid connection that has never entirely gone away), through the Romantics — Wordsworth's visions of human sacrifice, Blake's prophetic paintings, Turner's atmospheric canvases — to the 1970s counterculture, folk horror films, and our own climate-anxious present, the book traces how five millennia of imagining these ancient places tells us as much about the people doing the imagining as it does about the stones themselves. Jonathan and Paul also share their personal favorite prehistoric sites, including Avebury, Wayland Smithy, and — Jonathan's top pick — Castlerigg in Cumbria. Links Stories of the Stones by Paul Robichaud (Reaktion Books, July 6) Stores of Stones - Amazon Stonehenge — English Heritage Avebury — National Trust Wayland's Smithy, Oxfordshire — English Heritage Castlerigg Stone Circle, Cumbria — National Trust Callanish Standing Stones, Isle of Lewis Stanton Drew Stone Circles, Somerset Newgrange, Ireland The Ridgeway National Trail Albertus Magnus College Friends of Anglotopia Club Takeaways The word "prehistoric" didn't exist until the mid-19th century. For most of human history, people encountering these monuments had no framework for understanding them as ancient — they were simply there, part of the landscape, and the stories told about them reflected whatever worldview the storyteller brought: giants, biblical patriarchs, Roman engineers, druid priests, or earth energies. Stonehenge is unique among stone circles not because of its age or size but because of its distinctive architecture — upright stones with lintels resting on mortise-and-tenon joints, clearly intentional and clearly extraordinary. Its location on a relatively populated southern English plain also meant it was seen by far more people across the centuries than monuments in Wales or the Outer Hebrides. The Stonehenge we see today is not how it looked for most of recorded history. Many of the stones that appear upright were raised during restoration work in the 19th and 20th centuries, and the contemporary visitor's experience of a cleaned-up, presented monument is itself a kind of modern imagination of what people thought it should look like. Geoffrey of Monmouth's 12th-century account — in which Merlin magically flies the stones from Ireland to Salisbury Plain as a memorial to fallen British nobles — dominated the medieval imagination for centuries because there simply were no rival stories. With no archaeological framework and no competing account, his version was accepted as genuine British history. Inigo Jones concluded that Stonehenge must be a Roman temple, and helpfully corrected its irregular geometry in his drawings to make it look properly classical. William Stukeley correctly identified the Druids as the likely builders — and then spent decades constructing increasingly elaborate Druidical fantasies connecting ancient Britain to biblical monotheism. Both men are cautionary examples of how we make evidence fit our assumptions. The Druid/Stonehenge association is almost entirely modern — an 18th-century invention that has almost no basis in archaeological evidence. The Iron Age Celts we associate with Druids arrived in Britain centuries after Stonehenge was built. But the association was cemented through repeated reproduction in engravings and illustrations — like a cultural meme — and has proved impossible to dislodge. The Romantics found in prehistoric monuments the perfect embodiment of the Sublime — Edmund Burke's idea of awe and terror in the presence of something vast and unknowable. Wordsworth had what he described as visions of ancient Britons and human sacrifice after being stranded near Stonehenge in a carriage accident; Blake incorporated megaliths into his prophetic paintings; Turner painted Stonehenge in dramatic atmospheric light. These Romantic responses shaped how visitors expected to feel at these sites for generations afterward. Paul's most unexpectedly moving site visit was to Wayland's Smithy in Oxfordshire — a Neolithic chambered tomb accessible via the ancient Ridgeway path. He had it entirely to himself in the rain, found a fresh offering of flowers left by a previous visitor, and experienced the kind of quiet communion with place that Stonehenge, with its crowds and visitor management, rarely allows. Jonathan's personal favorite prehistoric site is Castlerigg in Cumbria — a stone circle set on a hill and surrounded by mountains, relatively unknown and often visitable in near-solitude. Paul's is Avebury, which he recommends over Stonehenge for anyone wanting to actually walk among the stones rather than view them from a distance. Our contemporary fascination with prehistoric monuments is increasingly shaped by environmental anxiety — a need to reconnect with the landscape and with deep human time at a moment of climate crisis and technological acceleration. The stories we now tell about standing stones are as revealing of our own moment as Geoffrey of Monmouth's were of the 12th century. Soundbites "I had one book that had a picture of a druid kind of surfing on a large stone coming into Stonehenge — like he's landing. The idea was that they must have levitated the stones using Earth energies. The 70s was a time when there was a lot of interest in what we call New Age thinking. All that was kind of in the air when I was a kid." — Paul on his childhood introduction to prehistoric Britain. "I'm more interested in what these stories are doing and what they reveal about the people who are telling them. We can get some insight into what these places have meant to people who have visited them and lived alongside them for centuries and even millennia. The stories are interesting in their own right." — Paul on what a literary scholar sees that an archaeologist might not. "Geoffrey of Monmouth claimed to get his information from a mysterious book in Welsh that no one else had ever heard of and has never been identified or located. He was clearly a fabulator. But his account dominated the Middle Ages and kept getting retold all through the Renaissance because there were no rival stories." — Paul on Geoffrey of Monmouth's enduring influence. "Inigo Jones with his very careful architectural drawings, correcting the shape of Stonehenge to make it fit his vision, is a kind of exaggerated form of what we're all tempted to do — which is make things fit our assumptions about the world." — Paul on antiquarian projection. "The controversy around Druids in the 1700s was not whether they conducted their rites at Stonehenge — that was assumed — but whether the Druids were noble philosophers who had a secret wisdom, or bloodthirsty priests using human sacrifice to terrify the population into submission. Stukeley and his friend Borlase fell out over this." — Paul on the 18th-century Druid debate. "You've got a stone circle, you've got a druid there, and they're just always together. It becomes like a meme. And then they're taken up by the Romantics. So it really gets cemented in the popular imagination." — Paul on how the Druid/Stonehenge association became inescapable. "The Romantics find this admiration for the rugged beauty of these sites. Edmund Burke's idea of the sublime — that we experience awe in wild places that provoke a frisson of fear — becomes a kind of defining experience that travelers have at Stonehenge. These sites are viewed through the same lens as Niagara Falls." — Paul on the Romantic discovery of the prehistoric sublime. "I walked from the visitor center and I was glad I did. You see the barrows and the wooded land and then finally, a little bit in the distance, Stonehenge itself. And it really is impressive. You get at least a little bit of that experience of what it must have been like to suddenly see it in front of you in the landscape." — Paul's practical advice for visiting Stonehenge. "I drove up to Wayland's Smithy and I had the place to myself. It was raining, just one of those English drizzles. You walk down this pathway and then all of a sudden this really magnificent tomb is in front of you with standing stones around it. Someone had left an offering of flowers there. It was really beautiful." — Paul on his most unexpectedly moving prehistoric site visit. "As we're living in this increasingly dire moment of climate change, there's a sense of urgency in thinking about our relationship to the landscape. And we live in a time of unprecedented technological change — we spend so much of our time staring at screens. I think this interest in the deep past is something more and more people are developing as a way of connecting to our cultural and human origins." — Paul on why prehistoric monuments still matter today. Chapters 00:26 Introduction — Jonathan introduces Paul Robichaud and Stories of the Stones 02:15 Origin Story — Leonard Nimoy's In Search Of, Usborne books, and a trip to Callanish in 1998 03:42 A Literary Scholar Looks at Standing Stones — What Paul's approach reveals that archaeology alone can't 05:28 Why Britain, Ireland and Brittany? — The megalithic density of northwestern Europe and the span from 4500 BC to 3000 BC 07:42 A Catalog of Monument Types — Burial mounds, menhirs, stone circles, dolmens, earthworks, and what distinguishes them 08:57 The Word "Prehistoric" Didn't Exist Until the 19th Century — How the lack of a framework shaped every story told before it 11:13 Why Stonehenge Above All Others — The lintels, the mortise-and-tenon joints, the location, and the architecture of uniqueness 13:49 Stonehenge Is Not What It Looked Like — Restoration, re-erected stones, and why we see a cleaned-up version 16:33 Avebury vs. Stonehenge — Why Avebury often offers a more powerful experience, and the tip to walk rather than take the bus 18:06 Diodorus Siculus and the Spherical Temple — The earliest possible written reference to a British megalithic monument 20:51 Geoffrey of Monmouth and Merlin — The 12th-century account that dominated the medieval imagination for centuries 23:54 The Welsh Tradition — Arthurian connections, early saints, St. Samson, and the distinct Welsh relationship with prehistoric places 26:04 Old English Anxiety — Giants, barrow demons, Beowulf's dragon, and the fear that ran through early medieval English culture 28:26 The Antiquarians — Inigo Jones decides Stonehenge is Roman and corrects its geometry to fit 31:05 William Stukeley — The genuine archaeological pioneer who invented the Druid connection that has never gone away 36:05 Why Modern Druids at Stonehenge Are Performing a Modern Tradition — And why that doesn't make it meaningless 38:15 The Romantic Imagination — Burke's Sublime, Wordsworth's visions, Blake's prophecies, Turner's light 41:01 Wordsworth's Carriage Accident and the Wicker Man — How personal experience and literary reading combine at these sites 43:38 The Modern Era — Counterculture, New Age, Doctor Who, folk horror, and our climate-anxious present 46:33 Practical Tips for Visiting — Stonehenge, Avebury, Stanton Drew and its pub, Callanish, and what to prioritize 48:33 Personal Favorites — Wayland's Smithy (Paul) and Castlerigg in Cumbria (Jonathan) 51:00 Wrap-Up — Stories of the Stones out July 6 from Reaktion Books Video Version
Host Russell Reading interviews Dr. Calum McDonald, Business Director of the Point and Sandwick Trust, about the UK's largest community‑owned wind farm in the Outer Hebrides. The episode explains the Scottish community trust model, the commercial scale and governance of the 9MW project, local projects funded by revenues, challenges in development, and advice for groups considering community energy.
White sand beaches, ancient stone circles, single-track roads, and ferries that sell out months ahead. Scotland's islands are pure magic when you plan them properly, and we've just come back from an Outer Hebrides road trip ready to share the route and the reality so you can plan your own Lewis and Harris adventure with confidence.We start with the nuts and bolts: driving north from the Midlands, choosing the scenic Glencoe route, staying overnight in Ullapool, and taking the CalMac ferry to Stornoway. Then we get into what actually makes or breaks a Scottish islands itinerary, booking ferries first, locking in accommodation early, and building in flexibility for the weather. We also cover food strategy, from stocking up in Stornoway for self-catering to why reservations matter, plus a few standout places we genuinely rate.From there it's all on-the-ground tips for Lewis and Harris: how to handle passing places on single-track roads, what to watch for with lambs and livestock, when petrol stations might be shut, and why bilingual Scottish Gaelic signs are part of the experience. We finish with the moments you should not miss, beaches like Uig Sands and Luskentyre, the Callanish Stones, blackhouses, and local crafts including Harris Tweed, before giving an honest take on Skye's crowds, parking, and overtourism.Subscribe so you catch Part 2 on Mull and Iona, and if you enjoyed this one, a quick review on your favourite podcast app means the world.
Scotland's Outer Hebrides don't forgive poor planning. Ferries sell out, accommodation is limited, and the roads demand your full attention. But get it right and you're rewarded with some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. In this episode Tracy has just returned from Lewis, Harris, and Skye and is sharing exactly how she put the trip together so you can do the same.We cover the full route from the Midlands up through Glencoe to Ullapool, what the CalMac ferry crossing to Stornoway is actually like, and why you absolutely book ferries before anything else. We also get into the realities of driving on single-track roads with passing places, livestock on the road, Sunday closures, and Scottish Gaelic road signs.Then it's the good stuff: the beaches of Lewis and Harris that genuinely stop you in your tracks, the Callanish Standing Stones, the blackhouses at Carloway, local Harris Tweed, and a couple of restaurants and places to stay that are worth going out of your way for. We finish with an honest conversation about Skye, what it's like now, whether it's still worth it, and how it compares to the quieter islands.Part 2 on Mull and Iona is coming soon. Subscribe so you don't miss it.Show notes - Episode 96Support the show
John of John by Douglas Stuart is a poignant story of a young gay man who moves back to his childhood home. Douglas joins us to talk about the Outer Hebrides, Calvinism, isolation, inheritance, tweed weaving and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): John of John by Douglas Stuart Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart Clear by Carys Davies
Neolithic peoples made the transition from being nomadic hunter-gatherers to crop-growing farmers, and their diets are the subject of numerous studies.Archaeological evidence informs us about the farming and foraging activities of these ancient peoples, but it's unusual to get a first hand taste of how it might have been to forage on the shore and land! On the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, the arts organisation, Haar, facilitated an opportunity to sit down to an interpretation of a Stone Age feast - albeit with considerable artistic and culinary licence! The event was centered around the 5000-year-old Calanais standing stone circle. Nancy Nicolson joined the foragers to find out about the farming and feasting habits of our ancestors, and met one of the crofters whose sheep today graze the machair, the strip of flower and herb-rich land that borders the sea and which it is believed contributed to the flavours and nutrition of the food Neolithic people ate.Produced and presented by Nancy Nicolson.
Here is music born in a remote cottage in the Outer Hebrides, or rethinking how the Hammond organ fits within a large, adventurous ensemble; music that celebrates Corsica, or brings long-standing collaborations to new heights. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22245088/Mondo-Jazz [from "Ford the River" onwards]. Happy listening! Photo: Tore Sætre.
GB2RS News Sunday, the 15th of March 2026 The news headlines: New Microwave capabilities for the RSGB National Radio Centre Submit your British Science Week reports Exam availability over Easter ICOM UK has announced that it has equipped the RSGB National Radio Centre with the IC-905 All-Mode Transceiver as part of its ongoing support for the RSGB and the amateur radio community. This latest addition ensures that volunteers and visitors to the NRC have access to the latest VHF, UHF and SHF technology. The IC-905 is an industry first providing seamless multimode coverage across the 144, 430, 1200, 2400, 5600MHz and 10GHz bands. The arrival of the IC-905 opens up new avenues for the NRC, from linking local repeaters to monitoring radio beacons for the study of microwave propagation. The IC-905 was officially handed over to RSGB General Manager, Steve Thomas, M1ACB, at the Martin Lynch and Sons Open Day earlier this year and has now found its home on the radio bench at the NRC. Read more about the transceiver and the NRC by going to rsgb.org/nrc and scrolling to the news section at the bottom of the page. British Science Week 2026 draws to a close today, the 15th of March, and the RSGB is delighted to have seen so many clubs, societies, schools, youth groups and individuals taking part. This year's British Science Week campaign has been the biggest for amateur radio yet. The Society would like to thank everyone who got involved and for sharing your love and passion for the hobby with others. Highlights from the event will be featured in the June and July editions of RadCom. Whether your club held an open day, arranged a sked, operated a special event station, supported a school, or held any other type of event, the RSGB would love to hear from you. To be included, send your report, with separate high-resolution photographs or videos, to bsw.reports@rsgb.org.uk by the 31st of March. If you were one of the lucky groups to have been given free FM radio receiver kits and Morse code tutor kits to build, you would have been emailed separate instructions on how to submit reports for this activity. The RSGB remote invigilation team will be taking a break over the Easter weekend. You will not be able to book an exam from Friday, the 3rd to Monday, the 6th of April 2026. Exam bookings will resume as normal from Tuesday, the 7th of April 2026. Book your exam by going to rsgb.org/exams If you have not secured your spot on the RSGB members-only Direct Digital Synthesiser programming workshop, taking place in Blackpool on Saturday, the 11th of April, now is the time. Booking closes on Wednesday, the 18th of March. Visit rsgb.org/practical-events Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk The deadline for submissions is 10am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. And now for details of rallies and events Today, the 15th of March, the Ripon and District Amateur Radio Society Rally is taking place at Great Ouseburn Village Hall, Lightmire Lane, Great Ouseburn, York YO26 9RL. The doors are open to the public from 10 am, and admission costs £5. Refreshments and free parking are available on site. For more information, email radars.rally@gmail.com On Sunday, the 22nd of March, Callington Radio and Electronics Rally will be held in the Town Hall, New Road, Callington, Cornwall, PL17 7BE. The doors will be open to the public from 10 am until 1 pm. Entry is £2 each with no charge for those under the age of 16. A comprehensive selection of traders, clubs and societies from the Southwest will be present. There will also be a bring-and-buy area, catering service, disabled access, toilet facilities and ample parking. Pre-booking is essential so please contact Alastair, M0KRR, on 01503 262 755 as soon as possible. For more information, visit callingtonradiosociety.org.uk Also on Sunday, the 22nd of March, the Dover Amateur Radio Club Rally is taking place at Eastry Village Hall, High Street, Eastry, Kent, CT13 0QB. The doors will be open from 10 am to 2 pm, and the entrance fee is £3. Refreshments will be available on site. Tables are £15 each, with a maximum of two tables per vendor. To book your table, contact the Club via darc.online Now the Special Event news The Radio Amateur Association of Western Greece, SZ1A, is active with special callsign SZ40A to celebrate 40 years of continuous presence, service, and contribution to amateur radio. Look for activity across multiple HF bands and modes until the 31st of May. QSL via ON3UN. Visit awards.sz1a.org to access awards that are available for working the station. Special callsign GB0OH will be active from the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides for around six days from the 11th of April. This is an opportunity for award chasers to log IOTA reference EU-010 and Worked All Britain square NB53. The station will be operating on several bands from 40 to 10m, mainly using SSB, but there may also be some FT8 activity. QSL via QRZ.com Now the DX news The 3Y0K team is operating from Bouvet Island on multiple bands. Depending on conditions, the station expects to be available until around the 18th to the 20th of March. QSL via OQRS and Club Log. For more information, visit 3y0k.com Yannick, F6FYD, is active as CN2YD from Marrakech in Morocco until the 31st of March. He is operating using SSB on the 20 to 10m bands. QSL to F6FYD directly or via the Bureau. Now the contest news Today, the 15th of March, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 1000 to 1500UTC. Using all modes on 1.3 to 3.4GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Tomorrow, the 16th of March, the RSGB FT4 Series Contest runs from 2000 to 2200UTC. Using FT4 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report. On Tuesday, the 17th of March, the RSGB 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 23cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday, the 18th of March, the IRTS 80m Evening Counties Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using CW and SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and county code. On Thursday, the 19th of March, the RSGB 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The British Amateur Radio Teledata Group HF RTTY Contest starts at 0200UTC on Saturday, the 21st, and runs until 0200UTC on Monday, the 23rd of March. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number and time. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday, the 12th of March 2026. There has been plenty to work on the HF bands this past week. 3Y0K on Bouvet Island is still attracting a lot of radio amateurs, but there is also 8Q7ZW on the Maldives and German group J51A on Guinea-Bissau to get your attention. DXpeditions to look out for next week include TX5EU from the Austral Islands, YJ1JXZ in Vanuatu, the tail-end of operations at T80K in Palau and VP2EAD, VP2ELX and VP2EWE on Anguilla. HF propagation has been reasonable, rather than outstanding, with a solar flux index in the 140s, declining to the 120s as the week progressed. There have been a few C-class solar flares, but nothing stronger. Geomagnetic conditions have also been reasonable with the Kp index mostly in the twos and threes. There was one excursion where the planetary Kp index hit 4 around the 7th and 8th of March, but otherwise it has been relatively calm. The maximum usable frequency, or MUF, over a 3,000km path has exceeded 28MHz on most days. 14MHz was open to the Maldives via FT8 as late as 2200UTC on Tuesday, the 10th of March. Next week, the standout item is a large, but relatively thin, coronal hole on the Sun, and the high-speed solar wind stream from this reached the Earth on Friday, the 13th of March. Expect the Kp index to rise and HF propagation, especially on northerly paths, to suffer. The Space Weather Prediction Centre forecasts that the solar flux index will decline further to around 110 in the coming week. After this weekend's geomagnetic disturbance due to the coronal hole, the Kp index is forecast to be more settled with a predicted maximum Kp of 3. Things may heat up later in the week with a predicted Kp of 4, rising to 6 on the 21st of March. Expect reduced maximum usable frequencies and poorer HF propagation, particularly on polar paths. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The current spell of changeable weather is likely to stay with us through the bulk of the coming week, but there is a glimmer of hope for better conditions after mid-week, with a suggestion of high pressure over northern Britain. To begin with, this means that rain scatter, including snow in places, will be worth checking out on the GHz bands, but strong winds may test antennas at times. The transition to high pressure should lift conditions a little, but since it's forming in a cold polar air mass, it may not be as good as it could be. The 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest on Tuesday, the 17th of March, will probably still be in the wet and windy period, so there may be a rain scatter bonus if the rain is heavy enough to affect such a low GHz band. Aircraft scatter will always be the best option for this band when tropo is poor. The 70MHz UK Activity Contest on Thursday, the 19th of March, may fare better for tropo in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Meteor scatter will offer up meagre rations as we remain between major showers. The April Lyrids are still a long way away. Aurora is still in the frame around the spring equinox, so as usual, check for the Kp index moving up to 5 or higher. Sporadic-E is not usually part of the story at this time of the year in these latitudes. If anything does get triggered, then look to explore the path on digital modes first to see which directions are being favoured. For EME, the conditions are poor for the coming week with Moon declination negative but rising, not going positive until next Thursday. We continue with short Moon windows and low peak elevation, but with falling path losses. While 144MHz sky noise is moderate to low in the coming week, Wednesday and Thursday see the Sun and Moon close in the sky, meaning high noise on the lower bands due to wider antenna beamwidths. And that's all from the propagation team this week.
Send a textIn this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, Angela Nicholson talks with Adele and Max Warner-Tate, a creative partnership based in the Outer Hebrides, who have built a new life around photography.After years of working demanding full-time careers, Adele and Max made the bold decision to step away from the nine-to-five and move to the Isle of Harris and Lewis. What began as regular trips to Scotland soon turned into something much bigger. Inspired by the dramatic coastline, powerful seas and ever-changing weather, they decided to swap busy careers for a life focused on photography and creativity.Adele specialises in long exposure seascape photography, capturing the movement and atmosphere of Scotland's wild coastline. Max works alongside her, filming their adventures, flying drones when the Hebridean winds allow, and documenting their photography journeys through video. Together they explore the island's beaches, cliffs and harbours, often heading out when the weather is at its most dramatic.In this conversation, Adele and Max share what it was really like leaving established careers to pursue photography, how they built a new creative life in the Outer Hebrides and why slowing down has transformed the way they work. They also talk about developing their photography style, running workshops, opening their gallery and the joy of printing their images.Angela and her guests discuss long-exposure photography, photographing waves and storms, the realities of creating photography content for YouTube and why the Hebrides continue to inspire them every single day.This episode is full of insight for photographers who dream of building a life around their creativity and finding inspiration in wild landscapes.TakeawaysSometimes the biggest creative changes happen when you step away from a traditional career path.Spending time in a landscape helps you understand how weather, light and conditions shape your photography.Slowing down and giving yourself time can transform how you approach photography.Long exposure photography encourages patience and careful observation of the scene.Printing your photographs can deepen your connection with your work and help you see images in a new way.Building a photography life is not always about equipment or locations but about passion, persistence and creativity.Connect with Adele and MaxWebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTubeSupport the show
This week we jump from stand-up comedy, missing co-hosts, and fallen plant heroes in Real Life into pre-life genes, ancient genetic risks, and cosmic-scale evolution in Future or Now — before closing out with Predator: Badlands, franchise nostalgia, and a deep appreciation for Yautja lore. Real Life Ben was not present this week. The official explanation given: he's out marrying his sister. We chose not to ask follow-up questions for legal and emotional reasons, and instead moved forward with cautious respect and mild concern. Devon had a far more socially acceptable outing, hitting a comedy show and discovering a cool new cocktail bar right next to the venue — which is objectively the correct pairing for live comedy. He caught sets from Heather Shaw (https://www.instagram.com/heathershawiskidding/) and Tyler Elliott (https://www.instagram.com/tylerelliottcomedy/), both of whom absolutely delivered. Tight pacing, sharp jokes, and the kind of live energy that reminds you comedy hits different when you're in the room instead of watching clips online. Steven, meanwhile, has been locked into A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and is fully endorsing it. Strong characters, grounded storytelling, and that classic slow-burn worldbuilding that rewards patience. On the tabletop side, his MCC game took a brutal turn when a player character died — goodbye Plank the Plantient. A true legend. A photosynthetic casualty. The kind of loss that only high-lethality RPG systems can deliver with a straight face. Future or Now Devon brought in a genuinely mind-bending scientific development: researchers are finding duplicated genes that appear to have existed before the last universal common ancestor of all life on Earth. In other words, parts of the genetic toolkit may predate what we traditionally define as "life" itself. By tracking these rare, ancient gene duplications, scientists can reconstruct how early cells may have functioned and what biological features emerged first. It pushes the origin story of life further back than expected and turns evolution into less of a starting point and more of a long prologue. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260210082913.htm This spiraled naturally into broader science discussion, including a Veritasium breakdown of complex scientific ideas and some internet discourse around aliens and political commentary, because no modern science conversation remains purely scientific for long. Veritasium: https://youtu.be/XX7PdJIGiCw?si=dRNcQst0xU_XKcYE Brian Tyler Cohen (Aliens & Obama discussion): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0438rjwS7c https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZP90ldOByo&t=134s Steven followed with a topic that sounds mythological but is very real: the so-called "Celtic Curse," better known as hereditary hemochromatosis. Researchers have now mapped the genetic risk across the UK and Ireland, identifying major hotspots in north-west Ireland and the Outer Hebrides. In some regions, roughly one in 60 people carry the high-risk gene variant linked to iron overload. The dangerous part is how quietly it develops — symptoms can take decades to appear, yet untreated cases can lead to liver cancer, arthritis, and other serious complications. It's a reminder that genetics isn't just about ancestry curiosity; it's about long-term health awareness. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260221000332.htm Book Club Next week's reading is All You Zombies by Robert Heinlein (1958), which means we are heading directly into time loops, identity paradoxes, and classic golden-age sci-fi mind-bending territory. https://lecturia.org/en/short-stories/robert-a-heinlein-all-you-zombies/19420/ This week's discussion centered on Predator: Badlands and, naturally, the broader Predator franchise as a whole. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predator:_Badlands We talked about our personal history with the series, how it evolved from pure action-horror into something closer to mythological sci-fi, and where Badlands lands within that spectrum. Devon was a bit mixed on some of the action beats but still enjoyed the overall experience, while Steven leaned much more positive — especially when it came to the expanding Yautja lore. The cultural codes, the hunting philosophy, and the deeper worldbuilding continue to be the franchise's strongest hook. It's less about "monster shows up" now and more about an alien warrior culture with rules, hierarchy, and legacy, which makes revisiting the older films even more interesting in hindsight. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow the show, share it with a friend who loves sci-fi, genetics, and chaotic pop culture discussions, and check out our Patreon for bonus episodes, playlists, AI images, unedited recordings, and access to our Discord community. Come hang out, talk books, science news, and sci-fi with us — and don't forget to read All You Zombies before next week, because the timeline is about to get weird.
Rejoin myself and Allie Bailey on this weeks episode of One For The Road as we catch back up on life on the other side of sobriety, and candidly chat about our experiences on both sides of the line with emotional sobriety.Allie Bailey is an ultrarunner, award winning coach, speaker and podcaster who has run in some of the most extreme places in the world. She was the first woman to run 100 miles across frozen Lake Khövsgöl in Mongolia and to run the full length of the Panama Canal. She has crossed the inhospitable Namib Desert three times, run the length of the Outer Hebrides and completed a 1,000-mile off-road version of the classic Land's End to John o'Groats route in just thirty days. Allie has finished over 200 marathons and ultramarathons all over the world, including the Dragons Back Race and the full Winter Spine Race, but the most remarkable thing about all of these achievements is that she accomplished many of them while battling depression and alcoholism. Although running ultimately became the vehicle that helped buy Allie the time to recover from a number of severe mental health breakdowns, it did not save her. In fact, there were times when it made her battle all the more difficult. After a seismic mental health crisis in 2021, Allie finally admitted to herself and those around her that she was an alcoholic and started her recovery. She left behind a dream career with major record labels and adventure companies and now works as a coach and author with a broad range of runners and endurance athletes, helping them unlock their full potential. In 2022, she was named as one of the most inspiring female adventurers in the UK by the Guardian, and she has appeared on numerous mainstream TV programmes including The One Show and Lorraine. In 2023 she released her first book, the award nominated and critically acclaimed memoir “There is Now Wall”. Her second book “31 Days: A Zero Bullshit Mindset Masterclass for the Modern Runner was released in February 2026. Allie lives in Yorkshire with her rescue dog, Pickle.https://www.instagram.com/ab_runs/https://amzn.eu/d/03O7NRTzIf you want to connect with me via Instagram, you can find me on the instahandle @Soberdave https://www.instagram.com/soberdave/or via my website https://davidwilsoncoaching.com/Provided below are links for services offering additional help and advice.www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice/alcohol-support-serviceshttps://nacoa.org.uk/Show producer- Daniella AttanasioInstagram - @TheDaniellaMartinezhttps://www.instagram.com/thedaniellamartinez/www.instagram.com/grownuphustle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nottingham University's Will Smith has been studying them in Scotland's Outer Hebrides since 2019 and joins Emile to share his research.
It's just over two years ago that the journalist Katharine Hay, a year into her new job as rural affairs correspondent for The Scotsman newspaper, had an epiphany.'98% of Scotland is rural,' she recalls thinking, 'and here I am sitting in the two per cent urban area. It really doesn't feel like I'm doing the role justice.'What Katharine decided next changed her life: she decided to walk the length and breadth of the country. Armed with a tent, a camping stove, solid support from her editor and a hot water bottle from her mother ('I thought she was mad — it honestly turned out to be the single best thing I took with me'), she set off on what was supposed to be a six-month trek.2,000 miles and almost two years later, 'Hay's Way' is still going — and probably will be for at least another six months. 'For a woman, or indeed anyone walking alone like this, you're in a very vulnerable situation,' she tells James Fisher on the Country Life Podcast. 'But I've been blown away by the Scottish hospitality everywhere I've been.'On this wonderful episode Katharine recounts some of her adventures, from the joys of birdsong and red squirrels on sunny, summers day to a terrifying near-death experience climbing back up a cliff after visiting The Old Man of Hoy, and from coming face-to-face with an otter (adorable, if smelly) to a fishing boat trip in the Outer Hebrides that left her with sea legs so bad that she 'couldn't walk in a straight line for two days'.We can't recommend listening to this episode strongly enough — and to hear more you can sign up for her (free) newsletter on The Scotsman website, read her journalism, or follow her on Instagram or X.Episode creditsHost: James FisherGuest: Katharine HayEditor and producer: Toby KeelMusic: JuliusH via Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
fWotD Episode 3173: Northern gannet Welcome to featured Wiki of the Day, your daily dose of knowledge from Wikipedia's finest articles.The featured article for Sunday, 11 January 2026, is Northern gannet.The northern gannet (Morus bassanus) is a seabird, the largest species of the gannet family, Sulidae. It is native to the coasts of the North Atlantic Ocean, breeding in Western Europe and Northeastern North America. It is the largest seabird in the northern Atlantic. The sexes are similar in appearance. The adult northern gannet has a mainly white streamlined body with a long neck, and long and slender wings. It is 87–100 cm (34+1⁄2–39+1⁄2 in) long with a 170–180 cm (67–71 in) wingspan. The head and nape have a buff tinge that is more prominent in breeding season, and the wings are edged with dark brown-black feathers. The long, pointed bill is blue-grey, contrasting with black, bare skin around the mouth and eyes. Juveniles are mostly grey-brown, becoming increasingly white in the five years it takes them to reach maturity.Nesting takes place in colonies on both sides of the North Atlantic, the largest of which are at Bass Rock (75,000 pairs as of 2014), St. Kilda (60,000 pairs as of 2013) and Ailsa Craig (33,000 pairs as of 2014) in Scotland, in Ireland (Sceilg Bheag; little Skellig, 35,000 pairs in 2011), Grassholm in Wales, and Bonaventure Island (60,000 pairs in 2009) off the coast of Quebec. Its breeding range has extended northward and eastward, with colonies being established on Russia's Kola Peninsula in 1995 and Bear Island (the southernmost island of Svalbard), in 2011. Colonies are mostly located on offshore islands with cliffs, from which the birds can more easily launch into the air. The northern gannet undertakes seasonal migrations and catches fish (which are the mainstay of its diet) by making high-speed dives into the sea.The northern gannet was previously hunted for food in certain parts of its range, and although that practice still continues in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland and the Faroe Islands, the bird faces few other natural or man-made threats. Since its population is growing, the International Union for Conservation of Nature considers it a least-concern species. Because it is both a conspicuous and a common bird, it is referred to in several ancient myths and legends.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:45 UTC on Sunday, 11 January 2026.For the full current version of the article, see Northern gannet on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Bluesky at @wikioftheday.com.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm standard Aditi.
In December 1900, three lighthouse keepers vanished without a trace from the remote Flannan Isles lighthouse in the Outer Hebrides. No struggle, no note, no bodies—just a dark tower, an orderly interior, and a mystery that has baffled generations. This episode of Strange Places explores the lighthouse itself, the men who served there, the eerie circumstances of their disappearance, and the legendary log entries that have fueled speculation for over a century. From plausible theories like rogue waves and accidents to whispers of supernatural forces, we examine why this event remains one of the most unsettling maritime mysteries in history. Was it human error, an environmental anomaly, or something beyond explanation? What happened to these men? And where are their bodies?-----------------Head to the Strange Places home website, asylum817.com to keep up with all things Strange Places, as well as the host. Billie Dean Shoemate III is an author with over 40 novels published, a master-trained painter, and multi-instrumentalist musician with multiple albums released. To check out Billie's books, albums, paintings and other artistic ventures, head to asylum817.com. Official Strange Places merch is now available as well!-----------------This podcast can also be heard on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Pandora, and wherever you get your Podcast listening experience.-----------------If you like what you hear and wish to donate to this podcast to help keep it going, visit:https://www.fiverr.com/s/WEY9lex-----------------
Shazza Show #181 V2 Live from The Outer Hebrides 19th October 2025 on www.BootBoyRadio.Net. Please play, like, comment, download, follow & share.
There will be no U-turn on the government's plans for inheritance tax for farmers, according to the Farming Minister. Dame Angela Eagle says planned changes will go ahead in next month's budget, in spite of press reports to the contrary. We also ask her about the Sustainable Farming Incentive. Some farmers are furious because they say the latest scheme, which has only just opened, comes far too late for those farmers who were looking for a replacement for agreements under a previous agri-environment scheme, the Countryside Stewardship scheme, which ends on 31st December.Several councils in England and Wales are carrying out reviews of their farm estates at the moment, including Powys, Dorset and Cornwall and all week we've been reporting on the issues affecting farms owned by councils. According to the CPRE, the countryside charity, there were 6,700 individual council holdings back in the 1980s, but that number has shrunk by almost two thirds, down to fewer than 2,300 now. Today we hear from a livestock farmer in Cornwall who's concerned about what could happen once Cornwall Council's consultation comes to an end.Nearly a quarter of a million trees have been planted across the Outer Hebrides as part of the ‘Western Isles Croft Woodland Project'. It aims to create a mosaic of small woodlands on under-used crofts.
In this episode, Martin Domoney and Steve Miller are joined by Land Rover Life contributor and intrepid Series explorer, Vicky Turner.Vicky recounts her epic adventure around the Outer Hebrides in her Series IIA Searle Safari Sleeper, and some slight carburettor issues in the following weeks.Her refreshingly honest approach to Land Rover maintenance and upgrades will resonate with many listeners, and why her Marine Blue 88" is the perfect stealth camper.The guys debate a listener's response to the recent slating of Defender 110 double-cabs, and of course Feature of the Week and Product of the Week star.Got questions or feedback? Send them to editorial@lrm.co.uk or leave a rating on your preferred streaming platform. Enjoy the episode!
Anger on the streets across France, the National Rally's Trump problem, and a Danish political scientist's plan to fix "democracy's back door." Then: Lithuania steps up its border controls and an island special on Corsican autonomy, the Outer Hebrides' demographic struggle, and Greenland's tourism.
"What's in the box"? Episode 104 of Absolute Cuts sees hosts Mark Nelson and Ryan Cullen discuss the 1995 force feeding, Wild Bill leathering, deadly sinning classic Se7en. Ryan and Mark discuss being in the Outer Hebrides, how you lamp someone and the best way to prevent being sexually assaulted in prison. Please get in touch and let us know if you enjoy the podcast, what guests you'd like to see on in future episodes and to suggest a film. Email : absolutecutspodcast@hotmail.com You can follow the podcast on social media here - Twitter : @AbsoluteCuts Instagram : @AbsoluteCutsPod Please leave a 5 star rating and review if you have enjoyed and recommend us to anyone you think might enjoy the pod. The Absolute Cuts soundtrack can be found here : https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7y4PQxrbJk7PJLz3IJKIot?si=1d999a719b17409b You can also find both Nelson and Cullen at the various places below - Mark Links LIQUID GOLD Tour 2025/26 Tickets and FRINGE SHOW tickets https://linktr.ee/marknelsoncomic BBC SPECIAL https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0026gr4/mark-nelson-live-from-dumfries Twitter : @marknelsoncomic Instagram : @marknelsoncomic Facebook : MarkNelsonComic Youtube : Mark Nelson - YouTube LINKTREE : marknelsoncomic | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree Ryan Links NEW SPECIAL https://youtu.be/_EIdRCFlCqk?si=jyznUrONsrcgfztP Twitter : @RyanCullen90 Instagram : @ryancullen90 Tik Tok : @ryancullencomedy Tour Tickets : https://linktr.ee/ryancullen90 Bookings : ryancullen90 | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree
There's something irresistible about Lewis & Harris in Scotland's Outer Hebrides — an island that feels both timeless and alive. Here ancient history meets wild natural beauty. And life moves to a slower, more grounding rhythm.In this episode, I share the moments that made me fall head over hiking boots for Lewis & Harris. Standing among the Calanais Standing Stones, I could almost feel the hum of thousands of years of history. On the sweep of Luskentyre Beach, golden sands and turquoise waters reminded me that yes — this really is Scotland! And when the sun finally dipped below the horizon (midges included), it was pure magic.Of course, no visit is complete without a stop at the Isle of Harris Distillery — I might have gone twice — where island pride pours into every drop of their famous Harris gin. Warm hospitality, beautiful botanicals, and honestly, one of the most stunning bottles you'll ever see.This is the gin that made me fall in love with the spirit.I also wandered into St Clement's Church in Rodel, a hauntingly beautiful spot with intricate stone carvings whispering stories of centuries past and walked along other amazing beaches.Lewis & Harris isn't just a place you visit — it's a place that stays with you. If you're craving wild landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences, tune into this episode and let the Isle of Lewis and Harris capture your heart.Plus get a few tips on getting there and getting around.Want to chat more about this destination?Send me a message at Lynne@WanderYourWay.comIn this episode:1:21: Intro2:15: Placing the Isle of Lewis & Harris on the map3:54: Getting there8:08: Why Lewis & Harris?11:08: Stornaway12:41: Calanais Standing Stones17:01: War Memorial & More20:14: Tarbert21:40: Isle of Harris Distillery25:21: Luskentyre Beach & More30:27: St Clement's Church & More34:19: Wrapping it up41:10: Listener reviewImportant links: Visit ScotlandExploring the Islands of Scotland with Bo FraserCalMac FerriesWhy the Awesome Isle of Lewis and Harris Needs To Be on Your Scottish ItineraryCalanais Standing StonesIsle of Harris DistilleryWander Your Way ResourcesWander Your Way AdventuresWander Your Way ★ Support this podcast ★
With three weeks remaining of this year's BBC Proms, Jeffrey Boakye and Anna Phoebe present a Proms-themed edition. Studio guests are the celebrated trumpeter Alison Balsom, who'll be performing in this year's Last Night of the Proms, and bassoonist, Radio 3 and Proms presenter Linton Stephens. Expect music from the Proms and beyond as we head from a live, scaled-back Springsteen anthem to the Outer Hebrides, via Mendelssohn, Shostakovich and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Producer: Jerome Weatherald Presented with musical direction by Jeffrey Boakye and Anna PhoebeThe five tracks in this week's playlist:Born in the USA (live) by Bruce Springsteen 2nd movement of the Symphony No 10 in E Minor by Dmitri Shostakovich Superstar from Jesus Christ Superstar by Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice Andante: 2nd movement of the Violin Concerto in E minor by Felix Mendelssohn Hùg air a' Bhonaid Mhòir (Celebrate the Big Bonnet) by Julie Fowlis Other music in this episode:A Night on the Bare Mountain by Modest Mussorgsky Trumpet Concerto in E flat major by Johann Nepomuk Hummel The Lovecats by The Cure Born in the USA by Bruce Springsteen I Don't Know How to Love Him by Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice, sung by Yvonne Elliman Touch the Sky (from the film Brave) by Julie FowlisYou can listen to every Prom and unmissable moments from across the season on BBC Sounds. Just search ‘Proms'.
We know salmon numbers are down and we know there's an existential threat endangering their very future, but this week on the Last Salmon, Jim Murray speaks to the chair of the Outer Hebrides Fisheries Trust, Richard Davies, who believes that their engagement with fish farms on the Isle of Lewis has resulted in helping the survival of wild salmon there. As listeners to The Last Salmon podcast know, salmon farms are polluting the environment and causing irreparable damage to wild salmon stocks and that currently they have very little interest in doing anything to help. However, Richard is one of the most passionate salmon conservationists we know and he will do anything to help save the wild salmon in the Outer Hebrides and beyond, so we had to speak to him and to hear his side of the argument.To see Richard's incredible salmon footage visit:https://www.instagram.com/racdavies_photos/The Last Salmon Season 2 is supported by The Missing Salmon Alliance.Image courtesy of: Richard Davies The Last Salmon, presented by actor and salmon activist, Jim Murray MBE, offers hope and solutions to the tragic story that is unfolding for an iconic species in crisis - the wild salmon. For regular updates, follow the show at Instagram.com/TheLastSalmon.
Adam Weymouth is a writer and journalist whose work has been widely published, appearing in Granta, The Atlantic, The Observer, and the BBC. Adam's features have covered subjects as diverse as illegal cedar logging in Malawi, the politics of oil in Alaska, migration in Greece, flooding in Wales, and depopulation on the Outer Hebrides. His […] Read full article: Episode 151: Tracing The Epic Journey Of Europe's Most Famous Wolf With Adam Weymouth
In this episode of Paddling the Blue, Tom Thorpe discusses his experiences in coasteering, climbing, and sea kayaking, and how each sport and a thirst for new experiences has influenced his personal and professional growth. He also delves into the intricacies of navigating the challenging waters surrounding the Outer Hebrides and shares insights into his solo circumnavigation of Ireland. Learn Isle of Lewis The Scaladale Activity Centre and Hostel Shiant Isles Flannan Isles Coasteering Connect: Instagram: tom.l.thorpe
Do those photos you've been seeing of the otherworldly landscapes of the Isle of Skye or the white-sand beaches of the Outer Hebrides keep catching your eye? This episode will help you decide if they're worth adding to your itinerary. Exploring Scotland's islands is like stepping into another world—each with its own unique charm, history, and rugged beauty. But with so many to choose from, it can be tricky to know if they're even worth adding to your itinerary in the first place—and which ones deserve a spot if you do. In this episode of the Scotland, Your Way series, I'm guiding you through the must-visit islands of the Hebrides, Orkney, and Shetland. You'll get a feel for what makes each one special, plus practical tips on how to get there. Whether you're short on time or planning a longer adventure, you'll leave with a clear idea of whether Scotland's islands are worth adding to your itinerary—and which ones to prioritize based on how much time you have. → Get SUPPORT designing your SCOTLAND TRIP ← Connect w/ Angela on Instagram LISTEN BACK: Episode 147: The Bahamas // Choosing the Right Island Episode 176: The Greek Island Matchmaker Episode Episode 237: Scotland, Your Way // A Guide to Every Region
Lose yourself in the rugged beauty of the Outer Hebrides with this soothing sleep story, where ancient myths and the rhythm of the sea lull you into deep relaxation. Jane escapes to a remote island, seeking solitude away from the world. But as she gazes at the restless waves, she is not alone. A seal watches her from the water, its dark eyes holding secrets of the deep. Is it simply a curious creature—or something more? Wrapped in the legend of the selkies, this peaceful bedtime story will transport you to a place where myth and reality intertwine, and the sound of the sea carries you gently into sleep. Let the calming sounds of the sea, soft storytelling, and a meditative atmosphere ease your mind, helping you unwind and drift into deep, restful sleep. If you love immersive sleep stories and guided meditations, subscribe to Your Sleep Guru Podcast for more nature-inspired journeys, binaural beats, and tranquil soundscapes. Like, follow, and leave a review to help others discover their own peaceful escape. ✨ Listen now and let the waves carry you away. ✨ Find Your Sleep Guru Podcast on all major platforms or download the app for exclusive content: Google Play: Your Sleep Guru App Apple App Store: Your Sleep Guru App
Small Isles (Eigg) Scottish Island Adventures - Eigg - with hosts Coinneach Macleod, the Hebridean Baker, singer-songwriter Natalie Galloway, and guest Ian Stephen. Eigg and the Small Isles Sitting between the Outer Hebrides and the Scottish mainland, the Small Isles are made up of Eigg, Rum, Canna and Muck and are accessible by CalMac ferry from Mallaig. Eigg has a population of 110 people and has been community owned since 1997. The entire island is powered by a 100% renewable electricity grid. Eigg Organics Eigg Organics is a project championing sustainable living. Visitors can experience stunning views from tranquil surroundings with a stripped-back stay close to nature in a bothy, cabin or campsite, and learn about organic farming at one of the projects gardening courses. Eigg Brewery The Isle of Eigg Brewery uses locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices to produce small batch craft beers. A visit to Eigg Brewery is a great way to experience the ethos of the community on Eigg seen through its beer brewing process. Eigg Guiding Operating out of a huge green shed next to Eigg's community shop, Eigg Guiding offers carbon neutral, low-impact adventure activities for locals and visitors alike. Have a splash at paddle boarding or explore underwater kelp forests snorkeling with the help of qualified guides. Thank you for listening to the Caledonian MacBrayne podcast. To find out more about Scotland's west coast islands and all topics discussed on this episode, visit the CalMac website.
A slow weave of some of the past year's Field Recordings, from a thunderstorm in Buenos Aires to whistling wind rattling the windows of a lighthouse in the Outer Hebrides. […]
“Climbing to the top of a lighthouse in the Outer Hebrides, wind sings through the crack in a window”
Discovered in a hidden stash on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides off the coast of Scotland in 1831 the Lewis Chessmen are a wonder to behold and a true mystery. Join me on this winter's night at the firepit in the heart of the forest as I discover the Sinister story behind their finding. www.welshstoryteller.com If you fancy buying me a Ko-fi for Christmas please use the link below www.ko-fi.com/owenstaton Or become a Patreon at www.patreon.com/owenstaton7 Please take care, my friends Owen
In this special episode of Scottish Island Adventures, Natalie Galloway - NATI - takes us to the Eilean Dorcha Festival (EDF) on Benbecula! She meets Christina from Croft & Cuan, the incomparable Ruairidh Gray, Arabella Manchester and her band, Cammy Barnes, the lovely folks from North Uist Distillery, Stevie Jukes from Saint Phnx, as well as loads of revellers and volunteers who are all set to enjoy a spectacular weekend in the Outer Hebrides. Then it's back to the studio where Nati and co-host Coinneach MacLeod - the Hebridean Baker - are joined by The Laurettes to talk about the magic of playing festivals on the Scottish islands! Thank you for listening to the Caledonian MacBrayne podcast. You can find out more about Scotland's west coast destinations and all the topics discussed in this episode at calmac.co.uk/podcast
'Good for Crofting' is a story about living with and off the land. Crofting is an integral part of Scottish culture in the Highlands and Islands, and on a crofting tour with DJ Cameron in South Uist, you can learn more about it. We learn what distinguishes crofting from farming, talk about sustainable crofting techniques and get a glimpse of the unique relationship between a crofter and his land and animals.DJ takes us to the machair to meet his sheep and cattle, shares about the challenges he faces throughout the year and the joys he gains from crofting. We also hear from his wife Lindsay, who is fully on board sharing their island way of life with visitors to the Outer Hebrides.Visit our website to find the full show notes incl. the transcript and links to places I mention in this episode.Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Birch Grove Cabin. Book now at birchgrovecabin.co.uk and quote “Wild for Scotland” to get 10% off your stay from December to February 2024. Coming to Scotland? Start planning your trip to Scotland with my FREE Trip Planning Checklist. Get it here! Browse my Scotland itineraries for your next trip.Help us spread the word about Wild for Scotland! If you hear something you like in this episode, take a screenshot and share what you like about it on your Instagram stories. And tag us @wildforscotland so we can say thank you!Join our email list for weekly resources and glimpses behind the scenes.Follow us on Instagram @wildforscotlandAlso check out my Scotland blog Watch Me See!
Show NotesEd continues relating the history of the remote isolated Scottish island of St Kilda and its amazing community. We had finished Part 1 at about 1700 AD with a kind of Utopia and a gentle folksy religion. Here we discuss its decline (our take) into a harsh, puritan, rule-bound and Calvinist kind of religion. And we ask how it could have happened and whether it's a case of Hitchen's “Religion poisons everything”. Links: That key book:Tom Steel, The life and death of St Kilda, 1975, Fontana. French website on St Kilda translated –www.kildaprojet.com That Napier Commission on the Outer Hebrides – interviews:https://napier-outerhebrides.blogspot.com/2010/05/st-kilda-2-june-1883-i.html Doubts Aloud Links:Please give feedback and ask questions using: doubtsaloud@gmail.com
This story was recorded LIVE at the Tremula Festival in Brighton on 21 September 2024.Local communities should be at the heart of sustainable and slow tourism in Scotland.'A Slow and Winding Journey' is a story about discovering the wild landscapes of the Isle of Harris - without losing sight of its community of people who take care of North Harris, its mountains, beaches and coastlines.We'll go for a hike to spot eagles on the North Harris Estate, join local guide and former ranger Daryll Brown for a snorkel session at Huisinis beach and learn about community ownership & stewardship in this part of the Outer Hebrides.At the end of the episode, I share my top tips for a slow adventure in the Isle of Harris.Help us spread the word about Wild for Scotland! If you hear something you like in this episode, take a screenshot and share what you like about it on your Instagram stories. And tag us @wildforscotland so we can say thank you! Browse my Scotland itineraries for your next trip.Help us spread the word about Wild for Scotland! If you hear something you like in this episode, take a screenshot and share what you like about it on your Instagram stories. And tag us @wildforscotland so we can say thank you!Join our email list for weekly resources and glimpses behind the scenes.Follow us on Instagram @wildforscotlandAlso check out my Scotland blog Watch Me See!
'Push and Pull' is a story about slowing down and exploring the Isles of Barra and Vatersay by bike. I spent 3 nights on these islands which I had only visited once before - to travel even slower, by foot on the Hebridean Way. Yet somehow, I never felt like I did these islands justice - seeing so little of them on my hike...That's what this story is about - maximising your time on the island, while also slowing down to immerse yourself in the landscapes.We'll explore Barra and Vatersay by bike, battle the hilly roads out of Castlebay and learn about the transformations that happen at Traigh Mhor - the big beach up north on the Isle of Barra. We meet the merry dancers in the night skies and follow the road south to the beaches of Vatersay.At the end of the episode, I share my top tips for a slow adventure in Barra and Vatersay.Visit our website to find the full show notes incl. the transcript and links to places I visited on this trip.Help us spread the word about Wild for Scotland! If you hear something you like in this episode, take a screenshot and share what you like about it on your Instagram stories. And tag us @wildforscotland so we can say thank you! Browse my Scotland itineraries for your next trip.Help us spread the word about Wild for Scotland! If you hear something you like in this episode, take a screenshot and share what you like about it on your Instagram stories. And tag us @wildforscotland so we can say thank you!Join our email list for weekly resources and glimpses behind the scenes.Follow us on Instagram @wildforscotlandAlso check out my Scotland blog Watch Me See!
Screenwriter Jeremy Brock discusses Amazon's A Very Royal Scandal, the second dramatisation this year of Emily Maitlis' 2019 Newsnight interview with Prince Andrew, which stars Michael Sheen and Ruth Wilson. Mezzo-soprano Rowan Hellier and pianist Jonathan Ware perform from the opening event of the Glasgow Cathedral Festival, an exploration of sexuality and seduction inspired by art from the 1920s. And crime writer Peter May talks about the inspirations behind his latest thriller set on the Outer Hebrides, The Black Loch. Plus an interview with writer Vee Walker, who is shortlisted for the BBC National Short Story Award. Presenter: Kirsty Wark Producer: Mark Crossan
Area/TopicUnited Kingdom, Career, Sustainable Tourism, B Corp, Human ConnectionClaire CopemanCo-founderAdventure Tours UKBorn in the UK, Claire grew up in the rolling countryside of north west England, always outdoors and usually riding horses. After studying Equine Science at university, she set off backpacking around South East Asia and fell in love with travel - real travel. The kind of travel that gets you under the skin of a place, hanging out with the locals and learning as much about yourself as the place you're in.Returning to the UK she left the outdoors to pursue a corporate career in marketing. Realising how much she missed the outdoors and riding during this time, this is when Claire discovered a love for mountain biking in the hills of North Wales and how she met her husband.England is Claire's place of birth, Wales is her home and Scotland is her favourite escape, from the mountains of the Highlands to the beaches of the Outer Hebrides and everywhere in between. Always looking for adventure and new challenges, Claire has taken part in many long distance events around the UK, including Oxfam's TrailWalker 100km charity hike in the South Downs, mountain biking across England on the famous Coast to Coast route, and a multi-activity race across across Scotland from Nairn to Glencoe.Today she lives in the beautiful Welsh hills. Claire has left the corporate world behind, setting up Adventure Tours UK to pursue her love of welcoming like-minded people from around the world to explore the incredible wild spaces of the UK. In line with her own values, Adventure Tours UK has been committed to responsible travel from the outset, becoming the first UK inbound operator to carbon label their tours way back in 2020, and now proud to be a B Corp certified business.https://adventuretoursuk.com/SummaryClaire Copeman, co-founder of Adventure Tours UK, shares her journey into adventure tourism and highlights the beauty of Wales as a travel destination. She discusses the misconception about the weather in Wales and emphasizes the stunning landscapes and outdoor activities that make it a great place to visit. Claire also talks about the challenges of promoting Wales as a tourist destination and the need for more exposure and marketing. She shares her passion for creating tailor-made trips and the joy of connecting with people through shared experiences. Adventure Tours UK is a B Corp certified tour operator that focuses on providing genuine and authentic outdoor experiences in the UK. They are committed to working for the benefit of people and the planet, as well as profit. They prioritize connection and believe that shared experiences and connections with others are what make trips memorable. Adventure Tours UK offers a range of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and trail running, and they cater to both individual travelers and group tours. They also work with trade clients as a destination management company. Their goal is to put the UK on the global adventure travel map.TakeawaysWales is a beautiful travel destination with stunning landscapes and a wide range of outdoor activities.The weather in Wales is often misunderstood, but it offers pleasant and enjoyable conditions for outdoor adventures.Promoting Wales as a tourist destination is challenging due to limited funding and the dominance of London and other popular locations in the UK.Tailor-made trips provide a personalized and unique travel experience, allowing travelers to explore Wales at their o Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers at bigworldmadesmall.com.
Send me a text messageThe Blackhouse unfolds on a remote Scottish island, and it integrates two narratives: a man grappling with past actions and a bipolar woman investigating a historical murder. The novel combines supernatural elements, suspense, and deep character studies. Carol shares insights on the eerie setting of the Outer Hebrides, her inspirations, and the process of writing complex, multi-faceted characters. She also touches on her journey as an author, her past work, 'Mirrorland,' and hints at her upcoming book. The episode emphasizes the atmospheric settings and richly layered plots that Carol is known for.
Join us, Bex, Alex (two Brits), and Jenn (an American)—three Call The Midwife super fans—as we rewatch our favourite show and discuss each episode in order. Why not join us? Watch the relevant episode, and then listen to us! We are now on the 2019 Christmas episode! The midwives answer the call for medical help in the Outer Hebrides.Please follow us on Instagram @recallthemidwifepodcast, on Facebook @Recallthemidwife, on Twitter/X @RECallthemidPod, Threads @recallthemidwifepodcast, subscribe to our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@recallthemidwife or e-mail us at Recallthemidwife@gmail.com with any questions, suggestions, ideas or feedback! Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/recall-the-midwife. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
At the age of 60, Siobhan Daniels decided to sell her flat and most of her belongings, buy a motorhome and explore all around the UK. Five years later, she's fulfilled so many of her dreams, including spending months adventuring around Orkney and the Outer Hebrides, watching beautiful sunsets in the wilderness and writing a book about her journey. Siobhan, who calls herself a ‘pro-age campaigner', is determined to encourage older women to dismiss age as a barrier to adventure, and to go out and have the time of their lives. I had a fantastic time chatting to Siobhan in front of an audience at The Big Retreat Festival in Pembrokeshire. It was a conversation that will stay with me and inspire me for years to come. Siobhan's episode of The Outdoors Fix is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts. It's also embedded below. I hope you enjoy it! Liv x The Outdoors Fix is a podcast produced and hosted by Liv Bolton @liv_outsideuk You'll find Siobhan on Instagram @shuvonshuvoff - The Big Retreat Festival is @thebigretreatfestival You can find photos from our recording on Instagram @TheOutdoorsFix The Outdoors Fix book is now available: http://bit.ly/3GJDLJc The audio from the festival was produced by Pete Crouch from Liquid Studios: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petecrouch/ The post Siobhan Daniels: The ‘Retirement Rebel' adventuring all over the UK – Live from the Big Retreat festival appeared first on The Outdoors Fix.
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In this special episode, Tom travels to the Outer Hebrides, Scotland's wild western edge, where one of the most interesting hustings of this election is taking place. Then we head to Glasgow, to find out whether the Indy dream is still alive after a catalogue of spectacular SNP failures... Join us on the road! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Last month I visited the Isles of Barra and Vatersay - two islands in the Outer Hebrides that I hadn't returned to since solo hiking the Hebridean Way in 2018.My trip inspired me to revisit one of the first stories I shared with you on Wild for Scotland. It's called 'Out of Nowhere'. But there is another reason why I decided to give this story an encore... you'll have to listen to find out!After the story, we're sharing an updated tips section with my top tips for a trip to Barra and Vatersay.Find the transcript for this episode here, and the updated, full show notes from when the episode aired originally here.Come to my live show at the Tremula Festival in Brighton!Check out the full programme of the Tremula Festival (20-21 September 2024)Come to my show on 21 September - tickets available here - or get a Theatre Pass for all live shows on the day! Browse my Scotland itineraries for your next trip.Help us spread the word about Wild for Scotland! If you hear something you like in this episode, take a screenshot and share what you like about it on your Instagram stories. And tag us @wildforscotland so we can say thank you!Join our email list for weekly resources and glimpses behind the scenes.Follow us on Instagram @wildforscotlandAlso check out my Scotland blog Watch Me See!
This week i am joined on One For The Road by Allie Bailey who is an ultrarunner, coach, speaker and podcaster who has run in some of the most extreme places in the world. In 2024 she released her first book “There is No Wall”, a brutally honest, sometimes shocking account of alcoholism, depression and severe mental breakdowns that almost cost her her life. She would like it to be known that despite this doom worthy introduction, she is “super good fun.” Allie tends to swear quite a lot. Allie was the first woman to run 100 miles across frozen Lake Khövsgöl in Mongolia and to run the full length of the Panama Canal. She has crossed the inhospitable Namib Desert three times, run the length of the Outer Hebrides and completed a 1,000-mile off-road version of the classic Land's End to John o'Groats route in just thirty days. Allie has finished over 200 marathons and ultramarathons all over the world, but the most remarkable thing about all of these achievements is that she accomplished most of them while battling depression and alcoholism. Although running ultimately became the vehicle that helped buy Allie the time to recover from a number of severe mental health breakdowns, it did not save her. In fact, there were times when it made her battle all the more difficult. After a seismic mental health crisis in 2021, Allie finally admitted to herself and those around her that she was an alcoholic and started her recovery. She left behind a dream career with major record labels and adventure companies and now works as a coach with a broad range of runners and endurance athletes, helping them unlock their full potential. Instagram: @ab_runsWebsite: www.alliebailey.co.ukBook links: Publisher: https://www.adventurebooks.com/products/there-is-no-wall-allie-Tour: https://www.speakersfromtheedge.com/theatre-tours/2024/allie-bailey-rwsyThis weeks episode is sponsored by https://www.ethicalcontent.co.uk/If you want to connect with me via Instagram, you can find me on the instahandle @Soberdave https://www.instagram.com/soberdave/or via my website https://davidwilsoncoaching.com/Provided below are links for services offering additional help and advice.www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice/alcohol-support-serviceshttps://nacoa.org.uk/Show producer- Daniella Attanasio-MartinezInstagram - @TheDaniellaMartinezhttps://www.instagram.com/thedaniellamartinez/www.instagram.com/grownuphustle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Explore a landscape of craggy mountains, turquoise seas and deep blue lochs on the Isle of Harris in search of rare wildlife – and especially golden and white-tailed eagles. Join Plodcast host Fergus on an epic search for these mighty birds – in a series of wild adventures in the Outer Hebrides. Produced by Jack Bateman and Lewis Dobbs. Music written and performed by Blair Dunlop. If you've enjoyed the plodcast, don't forget to leave likes and positive reviews. Contact the Plodcast team and send your sound recordings of the countryside to: editor@countryfile.com. If your letter, email or message is read out on the show, you could WIN a Plodcast Postbag prize of a wildlife- or countryside-themed book chosen by the team. Visit the Countryfile Magazine website: countryfile.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Joining us in this episode is the remarkably resourceful Kate Dawson, a rural general practitioner who has cared for the rugged Scottish islands of Uist for over 30 years. From managing trauma cases with scarce resources to coordinating care across isolated communities, Kate brings us her invaluable perspective from the remote frontlines. She reveals the personal touches in building longtime doctor-patient relationships, the intricacies of rural healthcare logistics, and the nuanced understanding needed while operating in an austere setting. We'll also uncover how Kate's medical career blossomed from an early international health volunteering stint in Nigeria to settling into island life in the Outer Hebrides. Together, we grapple with the demands of serving as a rural GP - leading tiny teams, handling emergency situations, and keeping up with ever-evolving best practices. Most excitingly, Kate sheds light on the rewards of being part of a remote island community, musing on the resilient spirit of Scotland's rugged outposts. Her trailblazing career shines bright, with hopes her experience will inspire the next generation of rural and remote specialists. So prepare your rain jacket and hiking boots for an episode packed with survival stories and insights from over 30 years as a rural Scottish GP. You can find out more about Kate's work here.
Jillian Maclennan hosted my whisky and gin tasting at the Isle of Harris Distillery on the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. She shares two spirits and one purpose. Isle of Harris's Hearach (Hearadh) Scotch whisky and gin and sustainable employment. Sit back, relax and find your sense of ceremony.