SCOTRAIL TEMPORARY TIMETABLE IN PLACE

ScotRail introduced a temporary timetable from 10th July because 'fewer train drivers than normal are available for overtime or rest day working'.
The RMT union is holding strike ballots of its members on ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper, after the union had rejected a pay offer made on 5th July as 'derisory'. ASLEF has already warned ScotRail that it is seeking the authority of its Executive Committee for a similar ballot, again after pay talks broke down.
ScotRail say 'We are currently recruiting 160 new drivers - the highest level ever - each year, but some overtime is still needed to deliver a normal timetable. This has historically been the case in the railway and is replicated in other train operators across Britain. Reducing the timetable temporarily will mean ScotRail is less reliant on drivers working rest days or overtime, providing a more reliable service for customers instead of late-notice cancellations.'
The following services are scheduled to run on the West Highland Line from Mondays to Saturdays: 08:21, 12:22, 18:23 from Glasgow to Mallaig; 06:03, 16:04 from Mallaig to Glasgow; 11:40 Fort William to Glasgow.
In practice, some additional services are running (for example the 10:10 train from Mallaig has just passed the office) so please check the ScotRail app/website before travelling. There are no services scheduled for Sundays but some are appearing on the journey planner. Many services have been reduced to two carriages, leading to overcrowding and a shortage of bike spaces, and seat reservations have not been in place.
ScotRail say the temporary timetable will be in place until 'at least' Sunday 21st July. It's a pretty frustrating situation when our trains are already packed with visitors - we need more services, not less, and this certainly will not make the traffic situation in Glenfinnan any easier.

MALLAIG BANK OF SCOTLAND TO CLOSE

The Bank of Scotland have announced that they are planning to close the Mallaig branch on 16th October 2024, leaving the village with no bank or cash machine (ATM). They say, 'Most customers are now using our Mobile Banking app, Internet Banking or calling us instead. This means they are using branches, including our Mallaig branch, much less. Because of this, we're closing the Mallaig branch.'
The Bank say that cash will be available at the ATMs in the Co-op and in the Spar in Arisaig. However there's no longer an ATM in the Co-op - it was removed some time ago. The only options for obtaining cash locally will be from the Post Office counter (when open) or the Arisaig Spar.

LIB DEM ANGUS MACDONALD ELECTED AS MP

Local businessman and Highland Councillor Angus MacDonald has been elected as MP for the new constituency of Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire.
Mr MacDonald was the final MP to be confirmed in the 2024 general election after substantial delays due to recounts. A discrepancy between the verified votes total and the provisional number of counted ballots meant they had to be counted three times and the result was not announced until 6th July, 44 hours after the count began.
Mr MacDonald gained a majority of 2,160 over the SNP's Drew Hendry, who conceded defeat on the Friday evening. Mr MacDonald received 18,159 votes and Mr Hendry received 15,999. Scottish Labour Party candidate Michael Perera came in third with 6,246 votes.
Mr MacDonald told West Word, 'I am so pleased and honoured to be elected as MP for Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire. As everyone who knows me knows, my heart is in the West. I will be working hard to make things better for us in the Highlands. I was elected on Saturday night and on the sleeper to Westminster the following evening.'
Angus can be contacted via email at: angus.macdonald.mp@parliament.uk

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

It's been a very cold month - we're on the wrong side of the jet stream, apparently - but it looks like there might be some warmer weather to come before the summer's over! Hopefully the sun will shine for the various upcoming Highland Games around the area.
If you're a visitor, then we hope you enjoy your holidays and also reading all about the area in our local paper! This seems like another packed issue of West Word, with reports from recent events, schools news, lifeboat news and more. Kenny's having a month off from his column but will be back next month.
Once again my thanks to Morag and Ewen for dealing with the printer, and also to Henrik for helping out last month.
Kirsty Bloom

KNOYDART

It's been a pretty dismal few weeks since the last time I wrote, where we had sunshine and warmth and the promise of summer; we are now back to consistent rain and depressing temperatures of below 12 degrees. Instead of shorts, it's waterproofs and woolly hats. It's got to surely have been one of the worst Junes we've had in years...
Vegetables, even those within the poly tunnels are incredibly slow to mature, and the blackcurrants and other soft fruit which would normally be dripping off the bushes and bursting with juice are definitely behind schedule. Coming up on the 21st July, there will be a Community Garden open day, with stalls, raffle, home baking and other treats, as well as Frank's Cider made from Knoydart's own apples and the popular blackcurrant cordial. There will also be some produce competitions such as best and worst veg (though if my plot is anything to go by, there ought to be a prize for smallest, stunted veg!). Thanks to Frensham Heights School group though, the large polytunnel in the gardens now has its plastic back on, after it was torn off in a storm some months ago.
The Knoydart Farm poly tunnel down towards Millburn is however doing pretty well, despite the challenging conditions, and has been producing salad at a rapid rate, as well as peas, courgettes, strawberries and herbs, all of which is organic and is being sold in The Shop. Can't get much fresher than that!
Wilder Ways returned for the month, and it was good to get back out on horseback, with them offering several exciting days for locals, including swimming in the sea, archery on horseback and lessons for the kids which they immensely enjoyed.
The ranger service provided another couple of free Gaelic workshops with Jenny Duncan and Dr Heather Clyne from Sabhal Mor Ostaig. First a singing one, with Jenny, looking at the various different song types that would have been sung back in the day, followed by a walking tour looking at Gaelic place names with Heather. This was an opportunity to gain a better understanding of how Knoydart folk pre-clearances would have viewed/understood the landscapes around them.
That's all for now, fingers crossed the summer reappears soon!
Heather Robb

ISLE OF CANNA

Weather wise, June was dreadful. Rain, rain and more rain. The start of July hasn't been much better to be honest. We are wondering if Summer is ever going to arrive!
We had a visit from South Devon College students who came for a week to do volunteering. Ranger Tom lined up plenty of jobs for them to do including beach cleans, path maintenance, bridge creation and repairs. During wet weather, they made use of The Shearing Shed to play games and dry off. Many thanks to the group for all their hard work while they were here and we look forward to welcoming them back.
The Shearing Shed is a great place for visitors and residents alike to use. Every Tuesday Vicki bakes cakes for sale and there are the usual snacks and drinks available. There is WiFi available too.
The farm has been gearing up for shearing, out gathering across the hills and wishing the rain away. The fields have been full around the bay and our soundscape has increased in volume. As I sit here and write this, a line of rather naked looking sheep are streaming past my window.
Bob Swann and his bird monitoring team have been to the island. They have been monitoring the corncrakes and we've already seen the first broods scamping about. In fact, they might be gearing up for second broods as the male corncrakes have started calling for the second time this year already. Great news for the corncrakes, not such great news for the folk whose gardens they have taken up residence in! Those early morning wake up calls have started again.
The puffins are now back in full force with some chicks already making an appearance which is great news. Kittiwake numbers are looking good so far but other seabirds have not fared so well this year with Shags and Guillemots struggling to produce young. There could be a myriad of reasons for this including a lack of fish due to the sea still being relatively cold and the cold north wind that hasn't relented.
Margaret Willington

ISLE OF EIGG

Anniversary Ceilidh
This year marks 27 years since the Eigg Community Buyout on the 12th June 1997. This year we celebrated with a nautical themed Ceilidh, inspired by the glorious Love Boat Big Band, who are old friends of the island and never fail to put on an amazing show. The night kicked off with some excellent tunes for Jamatha Ceilidh band, before The Love Boat swept us away and Andy Dolphin Boy kept us dancing late into the night. Outside there was a cocktail bar and photo booth raising funds for Gaza, and we were able to raise £180 for Watermelon Relief. It was great to see visitors - old and new - and the effort put into some of the inspired costumes.

Small Isles Week
From the 24th to the 27th of June, the Primary children from Eigg, Muck and Rum all met on Eigg for an amazing week of activities, enjoying a residential experience at The Glebe. The week kicked off with Sports Day on Monday, where we braved the midges in the tennis court to take part in a great selection of races, piped on by Donna. Eigg Guiding Co. organised two days packed full with bushcraft, team building, fire starting, archery, and much more in The Pheasantry. One afternoon, Owain and Labhaoise delivered an excellent session sharing skills and equipment that they need in the coastguard. P3-P7 hired bikes from Eigg Adventures to cycle out to Gruilin Bothy, while P1-P3 enjoyed an afternoon of team games at The Glebe, getting to know each other even better. It was an action-packed week, and an excellent way to round up the school year. Thank you so much to the Eigg, Muck and Rum teachers for organising and facilitating the week, Arisaig Marine for adapting the timetable to make it possible, and all of the parents and pupils for their flexibility and energy!

SWT Monday Shorewalks
This month Norah has started guided walks along the seashore trail each Monday through June to August. The seashore trail is a gentle walk to find out about Eigg's wildlife in the bay, including seals, shorebirds, and wildflowers. They start at the standing stone at 2pm, and last from 1 to 1.5 hours. Walks are free, but donations are very welcome and support the work of the Scottish Wildlife Trust on Eigg.

Braai - South African Barbeque
Annelise, who is on Eigg for the summer volunteering for SWT, organised a South African style barbeque called a Braii on Sunday at Laig beach. The weather was beautiful - a break from a very grey June - and the food was delicious. We enjoyed South African potato salad, freshly caught mackerel, Knoydart koftas, Eigg chickens, Lageorna Beef, and lots more.
Eilidh MacGilp

ISLE OF MUCK

Hello, Muck Calling . . . Well even though it has been seasonally wet we have managed to remain fairly busy with our visitor numbers and have had an eventful period . . . we even had to put the kettle on for the RNLI boat from Mallaig whilst awaiting for high tide to rescue a stricken yacht on our reef at Gallanach - bit of a chart misread faux pas!! Oooops - but all ended happily, with the vessel being undamaged and able to sail on.
We also had our 'End of Term' ceilidh which was well attended by big kids and visitors: big shout out for 'Return of the Aries' for the great music and C.A.M.A.S. for organising a fantastic selection of curries and puds! Well done.
With hardly any chance to catch our breath the Annual Raft Race was upon us - what an absolute blast, I think the scavenging for parts and the building of the vessels in secret added to the occasion, and we were well represented with five rafts in teams of four. We had a beach start where they were carried into the water at a mad dash, then paddled out into Gallanch Bay to a marker and back; surprisingly all vessels held together and were able to make the return, much to the delight of the Mowi support boat, and the race was ultimately won by Team Farm - Colin, Ruth, Alex and Magnus - whose raft looked like it was expecting to row the Atlantic, and they were awarded our winners lifebuoy, newly painted by Zöe!! The day ended with an all comers BBQ on the beach which was a first this year as the weather was brilliant.
Next up is the Ceilidh Trail and the all important Small Isles Games on 10th August. All shearing has now been done but as is a farmers lot, silage now before the rain returns; the Lodge have been extremely busy with new birds being delivered for the approaching season . . . it'll soon be upon us.
Well folks that's us for this session, take care and chat with you next time.
Bruce Boyd

Arisaig Americana Music Festival

This year marked the 5th anniversary of the Arisaig Americana Music Festival, made extra special by the amazing acts and an awesome audience!
Opening on Friday 31st May, we welcomed acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah Jane Scouten followed by folk n' roots four-piece Wayward Jane and finishing with foot stompin' Cajun music from Hotfoot Specials. On Saturday afternoon, we celebrated being 'five' with a free-entry solo show from Rhode Island born musician (and yodeller!) Skip Gorman. Young Americana powerhouse trio Jaywalkers then opened on Saturday night to a packed hall, followed by the incredible Cahalen Morrison from New Mexico and an energetic finale with Bluegrass five-piece The Lowly Strung.
Workshops included group harmony singing with Zoe, Aly and Mairi, fiddle with Skip and banjo with Cahalen. There were lots of 'feel-good' village jam sessions and this year, we held the Sunday 'Legendary Session' at Bill's Shed, bringing Arisaig and Kentucky together in a nod to two notable 'Bills' where Skip led with the songs of Bill Monroe.
Grateful thanks to The Gower Trust and all our sponsors: West Highland Hotel, Arisaig Marine, SoundBites Café, MOWI Communiti, Resipole Studios, Vanden Guitars, Mallaig Bakehouse, DMG Catering Glenfinnan, Mallaig Art Gallery, Studio Mustard and Chris Pritchard. For raffle prizes: The Old Library, Nooc Art, Glenfinnan Candles, Mallaig Bakehouse, West Highland Tea Company and John MacMillan. For ongoing support: Father Stan, Arisaig Community Trust, Arisaig Hotel, SoundBites, Arisaig Marina Café and Arisaig Spar. Very special thanks to the brilliant sound crew Keir and Aria and to our dedicated volunteers: Pauline, Chris, Kieran and Ceri... plus the 'door girls' Martha, Freya, Jessica, Rory-Jane and Ellie and to 'raffle caller' James!
Mairi, Zoe, Mungo & Aly

Sing to Save Lives - Lochaber, Sunday 11th August

2024 marks the 200th anniversary of the RNLI. Choirs all over the country are marking it with various 'Sing to Save Lives' events, to raise awareness of the courageous work that the RNLI crews do, and to raise money for them. Music Shed would love other folk to join us in our very informal pop-up community street choir to learn and busk some great songs with a boaty, watery, safe harboury theme. So far we've singers taking part from right across Lochaber, from Mallaig to Kentallen, from Glenuig to Spean. As well as it all being in such a good cause, we're doing it for the fun and the feelgood-ness of singing with lots of other voices in simple harmony. Everyone welcome - you don't need to be an experienced singer to take part, or to be able to read sheet music. We have practice tracks so you can learn one or more of our seven songs in advance on your own at home if you can't make it to any practice sessions. Then come together to sing with us at one or more various locations around Mallaig, Arisaig and Corpach.
On 11th August we'll be raising money specifically for the Mallaig lifeboat station. Hoping lots of folk come to listen and support the cause. If you'd like to donate but miss us on the day, you can go to our Just Giving page - www.justgiving.com/page/sing-to-save-lives-lochaber (or scan the QR code on our poster). The Just Giving page will also have updates in case our timings and locations change due to travel delays or bad weather. We might pop up on different days in other spots around Lochaber too, so please keep an ear open for us. We've already sung at the Corpach Marina Open Day where we raised over £135 for the Oban lifeboat.
For more info about 11th August, or to join our pop-up choir, please contact mandyketchin@naturalvoice.net
Music Shed Community Choir, Fort William

Lifeboat Log

4th June 2024
Launched by Stornoway Coastguard at 19:35 to convey Scottish Fire and Rescue to Inverie to attend a generator fire on the pier. On-scene at 19:55, the fire had already been extinguished by the crew of a cruise vessel berthed at the pier. Once the SFR had carried out their checks it was found that generator posed no threat of reignition and was safe to leave in situ. Departed Inverie for Mallaig at 20:12. Berthed at the pontoon at 20:32 and once SFR equipment was disembarked the Lifeboat was made ready for service at 20:35.

16th June 2024
Launched by Stornoway Coastguard at 19:25 to investigate reports of a ditched Microlight in the area of Eigg and Muck. At 19:48 the crew were notified by the Coastguard that the aircraft had made a safe landing at an airfield on the Isle of Mull. Lifeboat requested to stand down and return to base. The first informant obviously had concerns about the craft safety, so notified the Coastguard, and the launch was deemed a false alarm with good intent. Lifeboat fuelled and ready for service at 20:20.

22nd June 2024
Launched at 15:25 by Stornoway Coastguard to the assistance of a yacht hooked up on creel line between Rum and Eigg. On-scene at 16:15, the yacht was found stern to wind in a moderate sea and swell, held fast by the line of creels. The pick up buoy could be clearly seen in and about the rudder area. The Lifeboat was soon joined by a rib from the fish farm at Rum crewed by two staff. Smaller and more manoeuvrable, the rib was able to get close in to the casualty. Owing to the pressure they were not able to reach the line. The Lifeboat attached a towline to the bow of the casualty and brought her head to wind, and instantly the buoy popped to the surface and the rib was able to nip in and cut the line. Now free, the plan was to tow the casualty to the lee of Eigg and try to free the buoy which was jamming the rudder to port. Whilst under tow the buoy popped free and adrift. A while later the casualty reported that steering had been restored. Once in the lee of Eigg, the casualty was brought along side the Lifeboat and checked over. With everything found in good order the casualty's crew were happy to continue to the anchorage in Rum under their own power. Lifeboat departed the scene at 17:30, berthed at the pontoon at 18:10 and made ready for service.

23rd June 2024
Launched by Stornoway Coastguard at 10:35 to the assistance of a grounded yacht at Gallanach on the north side of Muck. The casualty, with two people on board, was hard aground on a falling tide. On-scene at 11:20, the Y-Boat was launched with two crew to retrieve the yacht's crew back to the Lifeboat. The Y-Boat crew then returned to the casualty to inspect for any damage to the hull. The casualty's starboard bilge was resting on the fairly flat rock. With a slight swell running the concern would be that when the tide turned there was a possibility that the bilge might suffer damage in the swell. A large black fender from the lifeboat was deflated and placed under the bilge. Once fastened in position, the Y-Boat crew reinflated the fender, hopefully providing lift and protection for the hull once the tide started to flood. At 12:59 the Lifeboat departed the scene to the pier at Port Mor on Muck to await the turn of the tide.
At 15:35 the Lifeboat was back on-scene. The Y-Boat was again deployed and the a tow rope attached to the casualty's stern back to the Lifeboat. As the tide began to lift the casualty on the rock the Lifeboat took the strain. Timing the swells the Lifeboat took the strain and after a couple of tugs the casualty slipped off the rock. Once alongside the Lifeboat, both crews set about inspecting the craft for damage and any ingress of water. A small amount of water found in the bilges was fresh and may have come from the water tank or the heads; once dried up no other sign of water ingress was found. With the casualty's crew happy to return to the anchorage at Port Mor for the rest of the evening and to decide on their next plan of action, the Lifeboat was squared away and departed the scene at 17:30. Refuelled and ready for service at 18:50.

25th June 2024
Launched by Stornoway Coastguard at 11:45 to the assistance of a yacht fouled on creel lines. The casualty was fouled on the creel rope attached to a fleet of creels about two miles west of Rum Sound. On-scene at 12:35, also in attendance was the creel owner's vessel. The creel boat started on the opposite side of the string and hauled the creels onboard towards the casualty. Once the creels were onboard, the creel boat's skipper cut free the line attached to the casualty, thus freeing the yacht. The yacht skipper reported that he had no propulsion whatsoever. The Lifeboat passed over the tow rope and commenced towing the casualty to Mallaig at 12:50 in favourable conditions. The casualty was safely berthed at Mallaig Marina at 15:50. Lifeboat ready for service at 16:00.

29th June 2024
Launched at 05:13 by Stornoway Coastguard to the assistance of a fishing vessel three miles west of Mallaig. The casualty had experienced gearbox issues further out to sea but had managed to be within three miles of the port when the gearbox failed completely. Without propulsion the vessel requested assistance from the Coastguard. On-scene at 05:35, a tow was quickly established for Mallaig. The casualty was towed into the shelter of Mallaig's inner harbour and the tow released. Under her own momentum and with a couple of nudges from the Lifeboat, the casualty was secured alongside at 06:35 with assistance from the Local Coastguard CRT. Lifeboat ready for service at 06:35.

30th June 2024
Launched at 17:50 by Stornoway Coastguard to investigate a possible paddleboarder in difficulty. The boarder was reported off Traigh at Arisaig by a member of the public. On-scene at 18:05, the boarder was located close to shore but not in difficulty. After the crew spoke to the lone female and found that all was okay the lifeboat returned to station at 18:11. Lifeboat alongside at the pontoon at 18:51, fuelled and ready for service. MIC

News from Mallaig Harbour

By the time you read this, the election will have been and gone, and we will have a new government. The Scottish Fishermen's Federation welcomed two of the prospective candidates for our area to Mallaig Harbour on Friday 28th June to talk to them about issues pertinent to the industry.
We have continued to be busier than during the past few years with visiting fishing vessels, so the Harbour has had a bit of a buzz about it from this. For the first five months of the year there have been over £2million worth of landings through the Harbour, which compares well to last year's £1.25million at the same time! Unfortunately, it hasn't come without a bit of hassle, including the toilet in the prawn market having to be closed temporarily as the cistern was hauled off the wall. Hopefully this is an isolated incident.
We hoped last month that the disruption to ferry services was past, but unfortunately this was not the case. From mid-June, the MV Loch Fyne was redeployed to cover the Largs-Cumbrae route, initially leaving us with only the MV Coruisk for a few days until the MV Loch Bhrusda arrived to supplement the timetable. Latest information is that the MV Loch Fyne will remain on the Largs-Cumbrae route for the whole of July, until the MV Loch Shira is back on service, and will then require some modifications before returning to Mallaig, hopefully from around mid-August. This does mean that there is slightly reduced capacity on the Mallaig-Armadale service, and that some sailings are not available to coaches, so please check on the CalMac website before you travel.

Some more drilling was undertaken in the Outer Harbour in preparation for the overnight ferry berth works, and thankfully this didn't flag any major issues, so we are still working away in the background to try and make this happen over the winter months. Yachting season is in full swing, with lots of foreign yachts around this year - many of them French. Eda Frandsen has been in Stornoway for a few weeks, but is now back operating from Mallaig, and the Provident, Blue Clipper and Lady of Avanel have all been in the Harbour at various times. We are gearing up for the group of yachts displaced by the Ocean Clipper Race being in Mallaig, and are hoping to have our annual Marina Fun Day to coincide with their visit, on the 13th July. As usual, there will be a barbecue and some children's activities on the day. Our hanging baskets are back up providing a bit of colour round at the Marina - thanks to Jill from Ardshealach Lodge for replanting these for us. We've also added another splash of colour with a lifebelt personalised for us by Dawn at Magpie Makes, so although the weather might not have been very bright, at least the Marina Building looks welcoming!

Our AGM went well on Friday 14th June, with a good attendance on the day, and some interesting questions, both about the Economic Impact Assessment, and the wider Harbour Operations. We are grateful to Mark and Leeanne from MKA Economics who came along on the day, as well as to all those who attended and gave us feedback. At the AGM we re-appointed Helen Wedd, David MacDonald and Sandra McLean to serve a further three-year term as Board Members, and Gavin Davis was re-appointed as Chair. Gavin's appointment was for a period of four years, as at the end of the four years he will have served the maximum term and will have to step down from the Board.
It has felt like a month of meetings, most of them done online, but on 27th June, Arijit and I attended the Scottish Ports Group Meeting. This was held in Inverness, and included a coach tour around the various ports that will make up the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport. These are Global Energy Port of Nigg, Port of Cromarty Firth, Highland Rural Deephaven, Port of Inverness and Haventus Port of Ardersier. Some of them are more advanced in their operations than others, but there has been much talk about the Green Freeport, and it was incredible to see the scale of the facilities that are part of it. Ardersier at the moment is effectively a huge building site - but one that you could almost fit the whole village of Mallaig into - never mind just the Harbour! There is an interactive map on the website www.greenfreeport.scot for those who are interested in finding out more, but even the headline numbers of 520 Hectares of industrial land (1,280 acres or 853 football pitches!) and 3.564m of quayside are quite incredible!
Last, but not least, we lease two of our offices above the Prawn Market to Studio Mustard. They were doing some work around the Harbour for another local business, and shared with us some drone photos of the Harbour. You can see them all on our Facebook page, but I've shared one here. It might be the only time there is ever an aerial shot of the boatyard so empty! Harland and Wolff are still developing their plans for redevelopment of the site, and have advertised for two apprentices on their website. These apprentices will spend their first year full time at Inverness College before being brought on site for further training.
Jacqueline McDonell 01687 462154

RNLI 200th Anniversary Scroll

The RNLI Connecting our Community's scroll, bearing the RNLI pledge, is mid-way through a journey between RNLI communities, visiting lifeboat stations, lifeguard units and fundraising branches. Over the course of seven months, the five-metre-long scroll will pass through 240 RNLI sites around the UK and Ireland before finishing its journey in October at Douglas on the Isle of Man, home to the RNLI's founder, Sir William Hillary. By then, it will carry around 700 signatures.
The RNLI pledge reads: 'Whoever we are, wherever we are from, we are one crew, ready to save lives. We're powered by passion, talent and kindness, like generations of selfless lifesavers before us. This is our watch, we lead the way, valuing each other, trusting each other, depending on one another, volunteering to face the storm together. Knowing that, with courage, nothing is impossible. That is what has always driven us to save every one we can. It's what makes every one of us a lifesaver.'
Chris Smith (Bicentenary Event Driver) brought the scroll to Mallaig on Friday 21st June for signing. After a luncheon attended by Mallaig RNLI volunteer crew, fundraisers and shop staff, the scroll was signed. For the station and crew, by Coxswain Michael Ian; for fundraisers, Audrey McKay; and for the shop staff, Juliet Blackie. After the signing the scroll was carried to our lifeboat The Henry Alston Hewat for further photo opportunities.
What a celebration for 200 years of the RNLI saving lives at sea! We couldn't do what we do without your support and much needed donations. As always, we thank you for your continued support. It means we can keep doing what we do for hopefully another 200 years!
If you are in trouble at sea call 999 and ask for the coastguard. Stay safe and respect the water.
Audrey McKay

On and Off the Rails

Hello, it's me again - diving straight in this month.
A thank you to Friends of Glenfinnan Station
In the latest edition of the 'Friends' newsletter - which deserves credit for its 'newsworthiness' alone - it was reported that the West Highland Community Rail Partnership had nominated Friends of Glenfinnan Station for the UK-wide Community Rail Network's Small Projects Award. This category is for projects that cost less than £500, excluding volunteer hours. Judges were looking for projects that deliver great value for money and that benefit the community AND the railway. Glenfinnan Friends' project was called 'Are you sitting comfortably?'
Due to the infrequency of trains and the mushrooming popularity of Glenfinnan as a destination, large crowds of people often spend a long time waiting for trains at the station. Providing seats for most of them has been something of a mission for John Barnes, both for rail safety and passenger welfare reasons.

Since then Friends' volunteers have been working with the Museum Trust to make local use of the timber that still remained after the felling of over-mature trees below Station Road ten years ago, that allowed for the building of the Museum car park. New and refurbished heritage-style benches, in keeping with the station seats originally inherited from Railtrack, now adorn the platforms and the wider station area, providing seating for approximately 55 persons - free of charge to Scotland's Railway. Lack of seating at stations is a recognised barrier to the use of public transport. The Museum won a Bronze Community Rail Award for the benches at the station.
Iain McQueen, stalwart Friend of the station, with his knowledge as a boat builder, and John Barnes, have now made sure that passengers at Glenfinnan have a chance to sit comfortably as they are waiting for their train to arrive. One of the new ten legged benches on platform two in front of the waiting room is a beautiful work of art and worthy of the nomination in its own right. Well done to all involved - what an altruistic gesture.
Following on from the benches being installed, Paul Freer, who resides near to the station during The Jacobite season, and is frequently a Fireman and Guard on both Jacobite services, approached John Barnes to ask if two dedicated memorial brass plaques could be added to the new bench on platform one. It is often used by The Jacobite footplate crews as they stretch their legs when waiting for their passengers to return to the train after their 30 minute wander around the delights of Glenfinnan station. The plaques were to honour the memory of Bobby Duncan, who passed away in March 2020, and Steve Roberts, who predeceased Bobby in December 2019. Paul was a great friend to both pals for many years and kindly wanted them to be thought of each time the crews sat on the bench. John readily agreed, and Paul carried out the work. The plaques read 'Bobby Duncan, Lifelong Railway Man and Legendary Jacobite Engineman' and 'Steve Roberts, Radio Engineer to the Jacobite 'Shine on you crazy diamond''.
Even with the busy lives we tell ourselves we're leading, there comes a moment when you find that time stands still, and you breathe deeply, slow down and realise that a moment is special. Remember that an act of kindness (for that is what Paul has done) is worth more than the grandest of intentions. Thank you for reading this column, and to Paul - thank you for your thoughtfulness. Just had to let you know that 'Whatever the rails our lives may take, wherever the rainbow ends, I'll give you my hand for auld times' sake - ever the best of friends.'

News of a newly formed long term partnership for running heritage trains in Scotland - including Mallaig and Fort William On Wednesday 19th June 2024 a press release came through my carbon operated fax machine that made my heartbeat faster!
Issued jointly by Scottish Railway Preservation Society (SRPS) and the Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust (RSLGT), confirming the following positive proposals for a long term partnership that they have formed.
The agreement with the Trust, part of the Locomotive Services Group (LSL) will be mutually beneficial, allowing LSL to stable locomotives and rolling stock on the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway (B&KR) while visiting locomotives will feature on B&KR services. LSL will also provide locomotives and support services for SRPS's day excursion rail tours around Scotland. Facing LSL trains at Bo'ness, midway between Glasgow and Edinburgh, should prove beneficial operationally.
Andrew Wells, Finance Director of SRPS said, 'As we approach our 55th year of operation, the partnership with RSLGT is an exciting one and we look forward to our passengers being able to enjoy the experience of historic railway journeys on the mainline once again in our newly overhauled carriages. RSLGT has an impressive fleet of beautifully restored locomotives that have deep connections to Scotland and we look forward to hosting them on services on the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway.'
Jeremy Hosking, chair of the RSLGT and the wider LSL Group confirmed, 'It is a pleasure to be partnering with, and to be invited to operate, these SRPS heritage assets on the British mainline railway. Railworthy carriages of the 'Mark One' design remain un-failingly popular with travellers and the upgraded features they require to operate on the mainline in 2024 and beyond requires external finance. We are pleased to be in a position to provide this. The carriages will now be seen in operation on the mainline many years into the future.'
A significant investment has been made recently for the carriages in the SRPS collection in order for them to meet the latest safety standards. Exciting times, indeed as it is believed to include the fitting of central door locking. This has been boosted by third parties carrying out the work to speed up the process. Recently, some of the carriages have travelled to Barrow Hill for the work to be carried out and the first overhauled carriages are expected in service in July.

GB Railfreight - Alvance Smelter contract extension
GB Railfreight (GBRF) has recently announced a five year extension with Alvance British Aluminium. The deal will see GBRF continue to transport alumina powder from the Port of Blyth, Northumberland to Fort William where it is used to make aluminium at what is one of the world's greenest metal production plants.
GB Railfreight started working with Alvance back in 2010, and will continue to haul two freight trains a week, along with all the shunting duties required, carrying 70,000 tonnes of alumina powder per year. Each train journey replaces up to 129 HGV's having to make the 250 mile road trip from Blyth to Fort William.
Good news all round, including extra job security for the GB Railfreight crews who operate, and reside, in the Fort William area. Coincidentally this very morning as I write this, GB Railfreight are passing my garden hauling - top and tailed in matching livery - the Belmond Royal Scotsman luxury touring train, with guests on board, into and out of Mallaig, as they do on approximately 16 Saturdays a year, as part of a five day Highlands rail tour. Another contract with Network Rail that GB Railfreight secured using local depot drivers with route knowledge and skills. Today on the return journey to Fort William they will pass the incoming morning Jacobite train at Arisaig station, plus at Glenfinnan they will negotiate past the incoming class 156 ScotRail lunchtime service train - again with a local crew on board. Sad to say - yet again - the ScotRail train has no catering on board, not even a bottle of water!! It is now 17 months since I made representation at a rail conference in Glasgow and was promised action, even if it meant outsourcing the catering on our branch line. ScotRail are missing out on such a basic opportunity to enhance the pleasure of the wonderful journey - and don't get me started on why the upstairs rooms at Mallaig railway station still do not have tenants some 18 months since posters first appeared offering an opportunity to rent them!!
Hug-a-mug moment coming on I think!!

Now that I have calmed down, and still on the subject of GB Railfreight haulage, another locally crewed contract is the Caledonian Sleeper train from and to Fort William/London Euston.
Operating six nights a week, the sleeper service departs from Fort William, Inverness and Aberdeen, all converging to make one train into (or from) London Euston, known as its Highlander service.
Now Caledonian Sleeper are seeking to re introduce pick up and depart calls at Birmingham International station, and to that end it has submitted a track access application which could introduce the right from May 2025. Currently if you want to access Birmingham you have to alight or depart your journey at Crewe or Euston! Not entirely satisfactory. So the idea is that there is a wrong to be righted - which is true.
Although none of the platforms at Birmingham International are long enough to fully accommodate the sleeper, CS says (in its application request) that it already has 'well established procedures for selective door operation which are successfully deployed at all other calling points, with the exception of Glasgow, Edinburgh and London Euston.' It pledges (nice word) to undertake a platform train interface risk assessment and review, such as platform availability and power requirements (i.e. common sense). It was ever thus that I used to (many, many times) depart and arrive between Birmingham and Fort William 30 years ago. Let's hope it returns to service!!
See you on the train,
Sonia Cameron

North West Lochaber Handicraft Show

ASTLEY HALL, ARISAIG Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th June 2024
Wow! What a very special couple of days on the 15th and 16th June. The extremely talented crafters in our area were showcasing some of their makes over the last 12 months at the inaugural North West Lochaber Handicraft Show. What talent!! There were 26 categories in total, three of which were just for children. The categories were grouped. A Judge and Steward were assigned to each group. For each category, gold, silver and bronze certificates were awarded and the winner of each group won a trophy. There were seven trophies in total up for grabs. All of the results can be seen on page 22. WELL DONE ALL! The exhibits were amazing. Jimmy Morton has kindly shared the love, admiration and his recipe for his gold award winning cucumber chutney! See Caroline's cookery column.
The judges (Judy Stuart, Helen Race, Iain MacQueen, Hilary Trodd, Violet Hogg and Lesley Newnham) had a tough job in deciding the winners! The Stewards (Julie Gordon, Margaret Graham, June Cairns and Caroline Jackson) did a great job in keeping the whole process moving. To ensure transparency judges and stewards were not allowed to officiate groups of categories they had submitted exhibits into and were not allowed to talk to other judges or stewards until all of their winners were submitted to the adjudicator.
Thank you to all that visited the Show. We were treated to seeing all of the exhibits as well as soup and sandwiches on the first day by Ewan's Room and on the second day by the Mallaig, Ardnamurchan and District Pipe Band. The money taken for lunches went to those charities, further supporting our local community - over £600 in total!
On the second day, Show goers were piped in by a piper and drummer from the Band, Raj and Eilidh. What a delight.
Plants and produce by Becky Dacre from Shielfoot Organics and Gill Calver from Glenborrodale Nursery were on sale too.

Thank you also to all those that bought raffle tickets and WELL DONE to all those that won a prize!
The local businesses and individuals were extremely generous in their donation of prizes for the raffle. With 25 prizes in total! To those that donated prizes, we salute you! Thank you. You were all recognised over the weekend.
Also a thank you to the Steering Group for organising and putting the Show on - June Cairns, Jane Foster, Susie Foster, Alison Horsley, Caroline Jackson, Ann Lamont, Lesley Newnham, Mary Stanning and Saskia van der Plas.
A thank you to husbands Peter Jackson, Richard Lamont and Jeremy Newnham for their assistance in setting up and then 'putting away', to Morar & Mallaig Community Centre for the loan of tables and to Kirsty at West Word for all her help. Also of course to Alan Cargill for coming along to take photographs.
... And a huge thank you to Anne MacDonald and the Road to the Isles Agricultural Show committee for the help, information and the generous donation to get us started.

So what next?

On the success of the 2024 Show, we're hoping to bring you the North West Lochaber Handicraft and Produce Show 2025!! We've listened to your comments and next year it will be even bigger and better. The Area for entries will be broadened to include Glenuig, Acharacle, Strontian, Knoydart, the Small Isles and all of Roshven.
We're considering how we make it clearer that bakes and kitchen makes are also included. We're also reviewing the categories to add new ones for any age group to enter and more categories specifically for children.
If any of you have any suggestions for categories to include, please send them to Lesley Newnham - lesley.newnham1@btinternet.com before 25th July 2024. Similarly, if you would like to join the Steering Group.

Mallaig & District Canoe Club

Tuesday 11th and Tuesday 18th June
The first evening paddle in June was held in Arisaig on 11th with four club members practising incident management ably led by Janek. Participants learned how to make use of their team during an incident and how to ensure everyone is kept safe. Although this involved all participants getting wet while practising rescues, everyone had a great time and learned a lot!

The second evening a week later was held in Fort William. Again, four members put in behind the college and practised boat handling skills including turning in the wind, effective strokes for turning, moving sideways, edging the boat to aid the turn and body position. After playing some games around the diving school pier's concrete pillars, the group paddled up to where the river Lochy meets the sea with water also coming in from the Aluminium factory outflow and the river Nevis. Here they practised crossing eddy lines and ferry gliding. Again, thanks to Janek for the coaching!

21st - 23rd June
A circumnavigation of the Ardnamurchan peninsula
Three days in June to kayak from Salen to Ardtoe. Long days, good weather … what could possibly go wrong? Let's guess - the weather! A week (and more) of forecast watching kept the organisers guessing, planning and re-planning until, a day before the start date things fell into a sort of place and a plan was finally hatched!
Force 4/5 wind and rain forecasts for Friday and Saturday made the prospect of paddling in either direction unattractive and inadvisable along challenging sections of coast. A last minute opportunity to camp at Ardnamurchan campsite in Kilchoan presented a possibility for two good days at the far end of the peninsula. So, on Saturday 22nd June four tents were pitched by 12.30 and four of the group enjoyed a walk to the historic village site at Glendrian, in the inner ring of the caldera of the large (extinct) volcano, which is thought to have been inhabited from the 1300s until this century. There were many golden-ringed dragonfly, one of which became rather attached to one of the group, possibly attracted by her purple socks! On this stretch of the walk the group were treated to a fly past by the Red Arrows in formation as they headed north towards Loch Morar! Continuing towards the Glendrian caves the terrain became difficult, a deer fence blocked the way, the weather deteriorated and time ran out so a retreat was beat to join the Sanna swimmer group back at the campsite, where a congenial evening was enjoyed in the comfort of a campervan.

Expecting to wake to sunshine on the Sunday morning, it was disappointing to discover drizzle and grey skies but, by 09:15 things were looking brighter. While the shuttle was run to Portuairk, the remaining team stumbled down the stony shore with boats and kit ready for a 10:30 departure to ensure the journey round the Point was undertaken at slack water and just at the beginning of the north going tidal stream. Getting away at 10:40 a 6km paddle into a comfortable force 3 got the six paddlers to the wonderful safe haven of a little beach and hinterland behind Eilean nan Seacdh Seisrichean (island of the seven sixes?). Although the time allowance for lunch was 30 minutes, a sunny hour of eating, chatting, admiring the vegetation and watching three birds not definitively identified, one hovering impressively on the spot and two squabbling noisily up high, elapsed before re-embarking for the 4kms to the lighthouse, with a following sea, force 3/4 winds and 1.3m swell. The conditions on rounding the point proved to be a bit more challenging and gave the group a generally bumpy ride that required a good amount of focus and loose hips. As the lighthouse hove into view there was much jubilation, but no photographs were taken due to fear of losing one thing or another. Somewhere along the way a fantastically agile and very large fish (salmon?) was seen leaping vertically out of the water and returning with gravity three times. The Point passed and no crisis required immediate landing so they continued on to the headland before Portuairk and convened to plan their onward route.
Originally it was planned to continue round to Rubha an Dun Bhain or beyond and maybe check out the caves and Dun, but strengthening winds from the SW discouraged this, so it was agreed to paddle across to the far Sanna beach, where the tide was by now low but incoming, for a celebratory cake-fest. By this time Sanna was living up to its Caribbean reputation (but much, much better) with bright blue skies and sparkling blue seas. As the boats began to drift off on the incoming tide a move was reluctantly made to continue. The paddlers headed out into lively sparkling seas and wind and set their sights on Portuairk where the vehicles were parked up the hill. The tide being still well out, the haul up the beach was rather protracted, but azure seas and skies of an indescribably bright blue made this all a pleasure. Farewells and shuttles were made, and everyone went their separate ways with memories of a foreshortened but brilliant trip!
Paddler

Birdwatch June 2024 by Stephen MacDonald

A very cool and wet month, which will have made it extremely challenging for all birds, especially those rearing young. Species that hatched offspring in April and early May got a good start and seem to have fared well so far. Both Canada and Greylag Geese have large goslings now and there are good numbers of both species at Loch Ailort and around Loch nan Ceall. Eiders haven't done as well, but there are some good sized chicks at Loch Ailort and around Traigh.
Cormorants and Herring Gulls had large chicks on their local breeding sites by the third week of the month.
A higher than usual number of Common Terns nested at Loch Ailort, but with chicks hatching during the poor weather, time will tell how many will survive. There was no sign of any Common Terns at other traditional nesting locations in Loch nan Uamh or offshore from Traigh this year. A small number may have nested on islets at the entrance to Loch nan Ceall, along with a handful of Arctic Terns.
Fledglings from a number of species reported from gardens with feeders. Gold, Green and Chaffinches, Siskins, House Sparrows, Great, Blue and Coal Tits, Blackbirds and Starlings. Juvenile Great Spotted Woodpeckers reported from garden feeders in Arisaig and Morar.
Apart from local breeding waders like Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Redshank and Lapwing, little reported around the shoreline, except for a few Dunlin and Curlew at Traigh. Presumably breeding Golden Plover were reported from high ground around Sidhean Mor - Glen Beasdale area on the 25th.
Tawny Owls were reported from Morar and Arisaig and Barn Owls from Mallaig and Morar. Several reports of Jays in the Morar area.
Belated news of a Rosy Starling that visited and fed in an Arisaig garden for around 40 minutes on the 27th May. The bird, an adult male, with its pink body, black wings, head and tail, looked stunning. The closest breeding sites are in southeast Europe, in Ukraine, Bulgaria, Turkey etc. A few turn up most years in the British Isles, usually later in the summer/autumn, and mostly juveniles are reported, which look much more drab. A breeding plumaged adult is a much rarer sighting.

Common Terns - photo by S MACDONALD

World Wide West Word

West Word has been in the far north - Alasdair MacEachen from Benbecula read the June edition in Torshavn in the Faroe Islands.

The Editor's daughter Josie stopped under Mont Blanc to catch up with the latest news whilst walking in the Alps last month!

Kirsty M and Laila T took a copy to Rotterdam and read it in front of the famous Erasmus Bridge.

Natalie Vardey read hers at a memorable Midsummer event at Crawick Multiverse, Sanquhar (an old opencast mine that was completely re-landscaped by Charles Jencks). She said, 'Probably the coldest midsummer I've known for some time!'

Ross Martin took his copy of West Word when he went to have a session with Hannah Read at the Fiddle Tunes Festival at Port Townsend, Washington state. Rena, Cayley and Celine, who all came to the School of Daimh in Arisaig in February, were also there! Hannah will be back in Scotland in August to compete for Eigg in the Small Isles Games!!