Excerpts from issue 53/08 24 January 2026
At the almost completed Port Charlotte housing development, one of the street names pays tribute to well-liked and much-missed local councillor, Robin Currie.
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A marriage made on Islay
Islay based photographer, Ben Shakespeare has, in his words, "... finally got around to creating an Islay Wedding Guide."
And as the guide details, 'Scotland is one of the few countries in the world where legal ceremonies can take place virtually anywhere. That includes scenic beaches, rugged cliffs, ancient woodlands, your favourite whisky distillery, or even a garden.' Ben goes on to highlight popular outdoor spots, including Machir Bay, Finlaggan, and Carraig Fhada Lighthouse in Port Ellen (photo above).
Entitled, 'My Islay Wedding', it's aimed just as much at locals intending to tie the knot at home as it is at those from elsewhere, hoping to take advantage of Scotland's largesse when it comes to choosing a destination.
Ben has underlined several reasons why you might wish to opt for an Islay wedding, as well as subjectively the best times of year from which to choose, available venues and the more expedient points such as where to stay and how to get here.
However, far from being a self-serving enterprise, Ben has thoughtfully included local businesses and individuals who can help shape the happy day. Necessities such as hair and make-up, flowers, the all-important cake, local pipers, should you wish to add a bit of tartan to proceedings and, most importantly, the local registrar.
Then there's the not insignificant need for catering, perhaps a marquee and transport for the happy couple to and from the chosen venue.
Ben told the Ileach, "After years of photographing weddings across Islay, I wanted to create resources that genuinely help couples plan their day, while connecting them with fantastic local businesses they might not otherwise discover.
"The wedding and suppliers guides are designed for both local couples and those travelling to Islay for a destination wedding. It's such a special place to get married - it deserves to be at the top of people's lists!"
All this, and a lot more pertinent advice, can be found online at my islay wedding
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Fèis Òigridh Ìle agus Dhiùra
Ciara MacTaggart previews four days of music and Gaelic
Fèis Òigridh will be holding the annual Fèis - a festival of Traditional Music & Gaelic for the children of Islay & Jura - during the February holidays, commencing Tuesday 10 February until Friday 13 February. After the success of last years Fèis, it has been extended from three to four days due to popular demand and suggestion from the youngsters.
Children aged 3 - 7 years will experience an array of different songs, games & instruments planned by the Fèis Bheag tutors each day. Children aged 8 - 18 years can choose three instruments to learn for the week, either for the first time, or to improve upon their existing musical abilities. The classes available for 8+ years are: Gaelic Song with Mairi McGillivray, Accordion with Sileas Sinclair (BEM), Whistle/Pipes with Seonaidh MacIntyre (Trail West), Fiddle with Archie McAllister (Skippinish), Percussion with Grant Cassidy (Skerryvore), Guitar with Arran Mcallister (Rhuvaal), Step Dance / Gaelic Drama with Marsaili MacNeil, Keyboard with Arlene McKerrel and Clarsach. Lots to choose from!
For the first time, there will be 1:1 ASN sessions available for children who require additional support. These sessions will be led by the highly experienced, Morven Gage. Morven, originally from Islay, is a music teacher in Oban High School, a Makaton Gaelic Choir Conductor, Gaelic speaker and has a wealth of experience with ASN children, and fully understands the therapeutic benefits of music.
The duration and frequency of the sessions are fully adaptable whether it be one session, or more. While the Fèis is traditionally set up for children aged 3 - 7 years old to attend 'Fèis Bheag', and from 8 - 18 years old to attend 'Prìomh Fèis', we are offering the 1:1 ASN Sessions starting from P1 through to S6. We are asking for parents to get in touch in order to book their child with Morven, as spaces will be given on a first come, first served basis. This additional section has been generously funded by the Ardbeg All Islay Fund with no payment required from parents/carers. Booking is essential and can be made via the online booking form
For further information, please get in touch with the committee at following email address: feisoigridh@outlook.com
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In this week's issue:
MV Isle of Islay handed over to CMAL/CalMac, Change to transport concession cards, High Road closes in February for three months, Cllr. Redman slams miserly council funding, New beginning for Portnahaven Church, EV Charging point changes, Council planning delays, Robin Currie Way, Argyll Talking Newspapers at 40, Communal bins overflowing, Fishermen's Mission Islay visit, Bowmore School page, Islay wedding guide, Oban High School reunion, Fèis Òigridh, Festive football report, Charlène Busalli's book column, Music reviews: Blazin' Fiddles + Donald Shaw, Aluminium whisky bottles?, An Ileach in Cambodia, Bessie Williamson - Laphroaig's finest
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Music review
Acclaimed Scottish music figures, Donald Shaw and Greg Lawson, have unveiled a new album entitled, 'Night Flight '75', marking the 50th anniversary of the Great Mull Air Mystery.
Recorded earlier this year on Mull, marks the mysterious disappearance of Peter Gibbs, celebrated pilot, war hero and accomplished musician.
On Christmas Eve 1975, the former WWII Spitfire pilot and a renowned first violinist in the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, took off on a solo night flight from Glenforsa airstrip on Mull, and vanished.
His body was discovered four months later on a remote hillside, but the plane was never conclusively found. His body carried minimal injuries and the circumstances of his death remain a mystery.
Inspired by Gibbs' story Donald Shaw and Greg Lawson, came together to honour his life through music, crafting a deeply evocative new body of work. The album blends traditional, classical, ambient, and cinematic influences. Whilst it is a concept album of sorts with a specific story to tell, it is also a very worthy piece of work where the tracks can also be enjoyed individually.
The overall feeling of the album is one of coherence. The tunes are wonderful and tell a flowing story throughout the whole album. Whilst impeccably written, played and mastered, the album has not been over produced and has avoided the large scale orchestration we hear so often, opting instead, for simple and effective trad-style accompaniment creating an intimate feel.
From the haunting intro of 'Ascent', we journey into more lively tracks, some with a heavy trad influence as you might expect and some with a more classical feel. Mid-album is the dreamy, soothing 'Miss Grainger' one of my favourites, before moving on to the dark and mysterious 'Night Flight '75'.
The lament, 'Larch Tree' sits well near the end before the thought provoking 'Descent', the final piece. Overall a wonderful album which I would recommend to any trad music fan and it will certainly take its place in my collection.
Calum MacGregor
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This is Islay
A monthly podcast featuring individuals, personalities and features of Islay and Jura. Listen now at https://anchor.fm/thisisislay
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