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Hi Fellow Bloggers, I've just returned after an extended paternity leave having Sorley, (as pictured) 8 Ibs and doing just fine, as is his mother. He's already expressed an interest in having his own blog, which I have refused. He will however be allowed to post occasional comments and pictures to the Blog Blog site as he is considerably more articulate than Richard, who has spent too long in London and is suffering irreperable damage.

I saw this story and wondered if anyone knew any more? How can Argyll get in on this? What do people think?

"A Western Isles of Scotland development programme is to use a digital microwave radio platform to bring broadband remote areas and attract investment, residents and tourists to the islands.

The Connected Communities project has signed a deal with supplier NEC UK for a communications infrastructure covering the islands of Lewis, Harris, North Uist, South Uist, Benbecula and Barra.

High capacity digital microwave links will form a backbone network spanning the islands and linking community nodes back to a central hub in Stornoway. End users will access the high-speed links via the nodes using wireless technology."

Full story here at

Did anyone hear Mark Stephen's programme 'Fresh Air' about windfarms in the Western Isles?

If not you can listen again by going tot the

Sorry about the plug. I'm going to have another listen just now...

According to historians, there are an estimated 38,000 people of Tiree descent, in all parts of the world.

"The grain of Tìr an Eòrna, land of barley as the island is famously known, are scattered far and wide."

An Iodhlann, Tiree’s historical centre, wants information on the Tiree disapora for an exhibition on the island in May 2006, to celebrate the achievements of the ‘Children of the Barley’, Sìol an Eòrna.

If you know of folk from Tiree - please go to or contact Dr. John Holliday, chair, An Iodhlann, Scarinish, Isle of Tiree, Scotland, PA77 6UN. Or email them at: aniodhlann@tireearchive.fsnet.co.uk