Stunning views #barrartventure Scroll to the bottom to start at the beginning

Irene Walker March 3, 2019

This is our 6th journal of our stay on Barra last November. One instalment was written at Christmas whilst I was at home in Ayr . I hope I haven’t confused you, if you are following us . I have been writing this now in retrospect and I cannot emphasis enough about what a pleasure it has been to recall and share this lovely small island on the Outer Hebrides with you. My husband and I have enjoyed a wonderful journey together and we will never forget this special time.

Pulling our experiences /photographs together now, I am finding myself feeling a little sad, as there are so many many moments to share and although everything has been an absolute joy ,endings are never easy .

Here is our last instalment of last Novembers trip but I will post more later as I have since visited in February 2019 and I will be posting all the art work which will be flowing after this blog is complete.

We set out with our friends to climb this hill, this Hill we had been looking at for and driving round for several weeks, which dominates the landscape. Heaval is the highest summit on the Isle of Barra, and forms a dramatic backdrop to Castlebay. The ascent is short but very steep and rewards with stunning views on a clear day.
We knew it was going to be wet underfoot so I I choose to walk in my wellies . It was an easy enough climb but was understandibly a little tricky towards the top, but, my word! Worth every step .

This was indeed one of the many highlights of our 6 week stay on the island, The view from the summit has fired our enthusiasm to see more of the Hebrides . Coming in November has not been a disappointment, far from it, I have so enjoyed the winter colours. We are looking forward in anticipated eagerness to seeing the flowers of Barra and the machair and Archie is looking forward to a chance to fish with Jackson in May next year,

The view from the summit was spectacular. We had a little picnic and enjoyed music ! Yes music ! As Jackson had brought his blue tooth speaker ! with him . What a man ! Some folks even had a dance!

The video is a little wobbly and I suggest you turn the sound down as the wind is noisy, but it will give you a flavour of the view .

Without a doubt we have loved the sandy soft beaches, the watercolour wash of sea and sky of Vatersay, Tangasdale, Eoligarry, and the cockle strand Ardmore and Cleat

Here are a few photographs for you to enjoy the colours are magical and look just like watercolours

On the outskirts of the beaches there always seems to be a gate which beckons you to walk through , where you will find unspoilt treasure. Golden sands that sparkle in the sunshine, shells of every colour , shape and size. Stones of the most amazing patterns, beautifully rounded by decades of being tumbled by the waves and sand. Beach finds of various unusual things, both man made and natural, stunning colours of sea glass that reflect the colours of the sea.

A must go through gate that leads to treasure.

Sea glass finds of warm beautiful tones of green

In this particular stretch we we were rewarded by the most amazing stones

Treasure on the beach of zebra stripped stones with magical related lines and rich green contrasting moss.

More treasure , amazing sand patterns almost skeleton like and very figurative, like bone and muscle.

Man made treasure a visual feast of texture and sometimes hard shapes with a few surprises often placed to stop erosion of the sea.The sheer strength and power of the sea with its huge waves has been exhilarating. We have taken so many photographs. … — Man made treasure a visual feast of texture and sometimes hard shapes with a few surprises often placed to stop erosion of the sea.
The sheer strength and power of the sea with its huge waves has been exhilarating. We have taken so many photographs. well over four thousand However for me nothing can compare with the sands of Barra knowing you are on the edge of the Atlantic and walking on virgin sand, which has been newly washed by the tides . The sheer unspoilt plethora of visual treats to enjoy never cease to amaze . The colours are breathtakingly beautiful and as an artist this inspiration can sometimes be so overpowering that you are left with a sense of unimaginable heaviness as the seconds of this beauty is so fleeting. You want to hold on to it, trying to capture this.,this is the task before me. and I can say I am feeling a little overwhelmed, but I will give it my best shot .

My stones, glass and shell collection is beginning to shape up nicely , just pondering how to get them all home. I know we will use some of them for our “Gathering the Spirit of the Hebrides” Exhibition in Castlebay in June. Each shell has been handpicked, given up easily by the winds of time and lovingly collected.

Shells have a flat edge and they are called spoon clams

Meantime I have been painting in the studio and trying to bring my experiences of the colours and textures together and onto canvas, whilst listening for the Twin Otter through the skylight window and to the wind and the bird cries of the oyster catchers , enjoying the quietness,……to just be, so special.

in the studio painting Vatersay Eogiltary and my own beach at Crannog

Moonlight in Castelbay and some evening light on the land

During our last few weeks we walked as much as we could when the weather was fair, going out to watch the waves, picking up stones or collecting shells . This became a comfortable way of life Everytime we ventured out within minutes I was reaching for my camera , in awe of the weather clouds and the effect of the light on the shore and land . We also enjoyed the cows and sheep who watched us on our walks and who almost always seemed to be happy, well nourished and very clean !

One of the many beautiful cows, so docile and serene

Watching the feeding flocks of geese on the grassy shores , taking to the skies , a sight in Tangasdale that never fails to stop you in your tracks.

Cleat has a feeling all of it own from the caravan that is embedded in the sand which is an oft photographed foreground structure of interest. The view north looking over the top of the caravan sometimes catches the in coming Twin Otter as it approaches the airport from the west. It quite dramatic as it comes in very low over the beach to the west of Traigh Mhor .We enjoyed a few walks along this coastal stretch constantly being drawn to watching the motion of the waves and on the odd occasion seals popping up to investigate the noise made by human voices which seems to carry out across the water to where they bob up and down. In many ways wild animals are often quite timid creatures but we have found the seals to be less readily disturbed or frightened as they seem to be well aware that they at outwit our reach.

Irene has often found a sheltered spot where armed with her sketch pad she has skilfully captured the ever changing state of the tide and the fascinating ruggedness of the rocks and the soft gentle sweeps of the sand dunes,

Some sketches

Getting to know the various places and beginning to become familiar with the landscape and the community , we were beginning to get Barra, but Barra had definitely got to me too.

Our wonderful walks with Jackson and Eileen in all sorts of weather , sun , rain , gale and sometimes icy hail would be memories to cherish .We did have some laughs along the way, this was one of my favourite photographs taken by Eileen .

Loving our silhouette as I sat sketching Archie and Jackson taking photographs and of course Thai looking on

A happy shot with us all in and Heaval too!

A time to relax and chill, happiness is sharing moments like this and the view, well we can see it !

As our time was coming to a close I was trying not to think of leaving ,thankfully our friends will be staying longer and we should able to return. God willing . We also have our exhibition to work towards in June

A sad artist preparing to pack up and leave, no don’t want to go !

Saying goodbye to our wonderful cosy home Grannag Cottage

Time to say goodbye to our own beach with Crannag in the background

We will miss this early morning view from the cottage

Now I do feel this is not the end , infact it is another beginning , how can you you stop a love affair when you are still in love. We will post again soon, as I for one won’t be staying away for long . I hope you have enjoyed the journey along with us and we will say cheerio for now, Need to work towards our Gathering the Hebridean Spirit in June 2019

Seal of Approval #barrartventure

Irene Walker February 12, 2019

Seal of approval # barrartventure

The first impression I had as I flew into Barra and crossed over the smalls islands was the amazing array of fantastic beaches to be explored and enjoyed for their sheer beauty. The airport or the beach to be more accurate bearing the name Traigh Mhor is by comparison with mainland beaches massive when the tide is fully out and is actually the site of the three runways on to which the Loganair Twin Otter lands depending on the direction of the wind. One of the most southerly of the beaches we visited on Vatersay is the south bay or Bagh a Deas. This looks across to the smaller island of Sandra and more islands beyond to the south.

It was while on this beach we encountered a couple of the ‘locals’, no not the local inhabitants but two grey seals who caught or attention by their loud grunt or barking call as we were beach combing . It took us by surprise as they were swimming close to the rocks on the west side of the bay and made no effort to make off as we approached. They were inquisitive and not in the least shy. We watched them and they eyed us as we made our way across the wide expanse of unspoilt white sand. As I kept looking back over my shoulder, they were actually following us, keeping just a safe distance off shore and missing nothing as their heads appeared and disappeared intermittently. Getting a fairly good photograph of them was achieved with out much trouble as they quite obligingly stared straight at us for prolonged periods. Without doubt they approved of our presence and in some strange way I felt they missed our company as we heading up over the hill to get a view of the abandoned settlement at Eorasdail on the south east side of Vatersay.

It was a bright but chilly day so we decided to hike over to the ruins of a settlement to the west of Tangasdal. This meant negotiating the varied terrain of soft sandy beach, small streams, some boggy bits and some short but steep climbs and descents along the path which was marked by weather beaten posts showing the route to the dun. Our attention was taken by the vivid rich almost velvety green moss which appeared from time to time either side of the roughly defined path. The dun appears as a mound of moss covered stones projecting out on a short but fairly high promontory and on reaching it, we relaxed and had our picnic. Perhaps too grand a name for a simple sandwich and a hot drink but most welcome on a very chilly day. We wondered what life must have been like for the inhabitants of this structure when it was occupied. Certainly not comfortable by modern standards but probably inhabited for its strategic location and perhaps for access to good fishing and birds’ eggs. Nature had taken over the site but it had done so with a kind of soft and gentle cover of rich mounds of moss and covered the stones to disguise their hard edges. In November the hill above us Beinn Tangasdal with its massive bulk sheltered us from the full force of the icy wind but also shadowed this side of the island, so it was with great delight we eventually stepped out into the sun’s rays as we returned to the sandy beach and dunes of Tangasdal

As we approached a large galvanised farm gate we were conscious a a grey mass lying on the short beach grass on the other side of the path and just look what was there !

Whilst walking with our friends Eileen and Jackson the next day we had to abandon it in view of the heavy rain but we were rewarded with a wonderful rainbow and a double one at that. We get so many rainbows here making it is so special . I was trying to capture that moment …special, Eva Cassidy comes to mind.

Monday, day after remembrance Sunday, started bright and clear , but cold , so we decided to make our own wee trip along the coast to pay our respects to various memorials .

First we stopped at the war memorial for the serviceman of the first and second world war. As we drew up, a school bus with the local children was pulling away after they had been brought to think on the significance of the memorial and the service that had taken place.

Flags were flying and many of the wreaths were weighted down with stones to stop them from being blown away. We restored a few which had succumbed to being blown away by the strong wind., Some of the messages on them were very poignant. We both remarked on how many men were lost from such a small island.

As we took time to read the names, it came as no surprise to see that many of those who had served in the war were in the navy. Coming from an island community they would naturally be drawn to this type of service. The flags flying that day represented the armed forces and were accompanied by the Saltire reminding us of which part of the U K these brave had come from. It was only because it was Remembrance Sunday that the flags and the wreaths were on display.

I had a special reason for wanting to visit the war memorial as a friend of mine had asked me to take a photograph of it for him. He explained that a previous member of the rifle club, of which he was a member, had been involved in the design and construction of this tribute to the fallen.

As you skirt the northern edge of Vatersay by the road you are conscious of another small but quite significant memorial to a much smaller group of servicemen. In 1944 on the Friday evening of 12 May, a Catalina Flying boat took off from Connel Airfield near Oban on a night training flight . During the flight the pilot became disorientated and sadly crashed into the hillside on Vatersay. Three of the nine crew lost their lives with six surviving the tragedy. Even today almost 75 years later, the remains of the aircraft lie scattered on the rocky shore line and moorland . So much of it remains, it is hard to get your head around the fact that neither weather nor mankind have disturbed this memorial to these brave young men.

The ‘Annie Jane Memorial ‘ commemorates an even older tragedy and although marked by quite a small granite obelisk it is lovely to see the thoughtfulness of the islanders, who many many years after the sinking and destruction of the Annie Jane in a fierce storm, saw fit to prevent the loss of over 350 souls being ever forgotten. The ship taking emigrants to a new life in Quebec foundered off the island and over 350 people were drowned. The needle memorial shows signs of being visited regularly and a service is held annually to remember the souls whose hopes and dreams were shattered by the fierce storm on 28 September 1853

A collage of pieces of the plane from The Catalina Flying Boat

The surrounding sympathetic landscape seems a natural memorial in itself

It was with mixed emotion that I waved my hubby off on the plane on Tuesday but knew that I would use the next 4 days constructively to get as much painting started as possible. I spent the first few hours organising my work space, as one does and eventually got down to it .

Big adventure for me today, I took the car to the Coop, a 16 mile round trip.! The first time I have driven myself and I couldn’t believe how far it seemed. The weather was very wet but what took my breath away was how difficult battling with the wind could be . By the time I got home AND emptied the shopping into the house, I was exhausted.I spent a super afternoon in the studio however and got a few paintings further developed. Two paintings were drafted in an hour which I really enjoyed, feeling quite free and expressive.

View from our living room window looking towards Eriskay

Next day was a very different day, miserable wet weather outside, no chance of getting distracted so I worked on a rather long sketch I had started in August , and then made some soup, spaghetti Bolognese, and some mince , cleaned out the fridge, and dealt with emails. After lunch I made my way up the stairs to my new studio space. I chose to do a view of the cottage from the upstairs bedroom window . The little cottage I was looking at was surrounded by rich textures, so I decided to use a pallet knife to try to create this.

Over the next few days I was happy to paint. I found myself enjoying the peace and quiet and being on my own for the first time. I particularly enjoyed looking out of the small living room window and had my watercolours sitting handy to catch a glimpse of the light as it changed.

Now that I had had a little of ‘me’ time I was looking forward to the arrival of my daughter. I was praying the dreich weather we had been having would ease and the sun would come out for her, and sure enough, on cue, the day before Katie was due to arrive the sun came out in its full splendor

I drove to the airport beach and walked over and through the sand dunes to enjoy the waves. I also took a little time out to do a sketch of the crashing waves and found myself getting quietly excited.

Katie arrived on time and as the day was deliciously bright I Introduced her to her first Barra beach through the sand dunes , just as Eileen had done with me. We walked along the beach where I had sketched the day before and I was tickled to see the imprint of my body still on the sand where I had sat on the day before , a good sign of settled weather .

We were really blessed with a beautiful few days and I was so happy to be spending such a special time together with my girl . I found it particularly heartwarming to see her revert to the three year old I remembered, beachcombing and picking up shells, but then Barra has this magic of transporting you back in time .

After we had dropped our bags off at Crannag and had a spot of lunch we drove over the causeway to take a late walk to Vatersay . Whilst walking along the shore we watched a golden eagle soaring above us and by comparison at the end of the shore a young couple were flying a drone .

Next day began beautifully and it was so good to get out in the fresh air after being indoors for several days painting , so off we went together with our friends Eileen and Jackson and of course energetic Thai. We were delighted to spot two seals in Seal Bay who were very inquistive and came far into the shore to exchange gasps of delight from us all.

Enjoying our admirers

After some relaxing time pottering around we decided to head over the hills to explore

Naturally after our walk where we were ready for a scone and a cuppa at the post office

The North Bay community centre was hosting a concert on Katie’s last night, Heela a Seal. Three young musicians who entertained us with the pipes, violin and sung in the Gaelic . And as is customery a cup of tea and home baked cakes to round off a great night.

All to soon our few days came to an end but what a marvelous few days we had had. Archie would be arriving back after Katie left to join me again.

Katie at the luggage terminal , Getting ready to leave.

Bye bye Katie safe trip home miss you already

Both Flights for Katie and Archie were similar but this gives you the flavour of the take off experience as a spectator.

First day at Crannag outside our new home.

Settling in to this way of life #barrartventure

Irene Walker January 27, 2019

Feeling lucky to be looking out at our first rainbow and having finished a delicious breakfast , we set about getting all our belongings and work things sorted.

With two bedrooms at the top of the cottage, it seemed sensible to use the little landing between the rooms to set up a working space . The window on the roof afforded nice light and I could also watch the plane coming and going from Glasgow to Barra twice daily. This became quite a feature as the days rolled by. In no time at all I had a light and comfortable working space and Archie rigged up some lighting with some daylight bulbs as the days were very short.

Our computer is very important these days for us and Barra boasts great wifi so the computer was set up in the lounge for easy access. Hey we were sorted

My favourite window, just loving the view , and close to my darling hubby too !

Our friends Eileen and Jackson and Thai , soon appeared ready to take us out walking, so we happily set about getting the right gear on and as I had bought a pair of red boots in Oban on the way I had christened them my Barra boots. They were now on and ready to go.

The four of us were so happy to be together again on the island . Friendship is a precious thing and spending time with these two Ayrshire folk who had decided to take a year out to live on Barra was to become a great source of joy for us over the next two months

Eileen and Jackson superb photography #barragapyear

Now, although we had brought some food stuffs with us, it was now time to visit the nearest shop, the COOP and it was 8 miles away ! So no running out of milk.! I had difficulty with knowing when the fresh food would be on the shelves as it depended whether the ferry was running or not .We had no problem with getting what we needed but I would be making some soups to freeze just in case. Archie would be getting some bread making classes from Jackson who had become very proficient at making bread with fennel, yummy so delicious.

It is a different way of life here, and it was very comforting to hear Archie in the kitchen making this and that as I painted up stairs in my studio . The aroma of fresh fruit scones wafting its way up the stairs was delightful and tasted amazingly good .

We soon settled into this quiet and simple way of life and although the days were short we packed a huge amount of things in. The main reason for me coming to Barra was to get quiet time to observe and reflect on Barra”s intoxicatingly magnificent landscape. I was so happy to immerse myself in it .

It reminded me of how it felt to be a student. So here I was a student on Barra and loving it. Sometimes it was just wonderful to just sit quietly and watch the tides coming and going and to observe the change of the small things that occur round the shoreline . Crannag sits on a peninsula and is almost surrounded by the sea. The tides coming and going on the golden sands are incredible. I had a sketch book on the window sill and enjoyed dipping in and out of my visual feast . Everytime I passed the window, the view had changed and I was certain I would ever get tired of watching the oystercatchers, gulls, small birds flitting to and fro and the Eriskay Ferry coming and going steadily across the sound. The sound of the Loganair Twin Otter plane passing by, before landing and soaring skyward on its return trip to Glasgow never seized to amaze us.

The cottage was cosy and warm and I felt very secure in it, which was fortunate, for after we had been out to Castlebay to watch the firework display on returning, we came home to darkness. No electric light, nothing , total darkness, no street lights outside either. Torches at the ready and mobile telephones to the rescue, some time and a few candles later we still couldn't work out what was tripping the fuses. However we got it down to an outside light in the end. Archie was going back to the mainland in a few days time so I was particularly pleased to have found out what to do Incase of an emergency. I was to have four days on my own so, at least, I would know how to throw the switch etc . It must have been a very different way of life before electricity! My, It doesn’t bear thinking of.

The only real contact with cockles prior to coming to Barra was seeing them in small jars in the fish and chip shop. But here I was (its me Archie writing now! on the edge of a large expanse of beach called Traigh Mhor ( the Barra Airport “runway’ ) renowned for its variety of shell fish and oyster frames. I had been advised by our friend Jackson that they were easy to harvest and were so simple to cook. Rake in hand and with my wellies on I set out to find cockles on ‘The Cockle Strand’ as it is known locally. Although there was ample evidence of their presence with empty razorfish, winkles and cockle shells they proved just that little bit more elusive than I had first imagined.

The Oyster Bed frames on the south edge of Traigh Mhor.and a few shots of the rakes progress!

My strenuous efforts with the rake attracted the attention of hungry or may be just curious sea birds and as I was being watched, I gradually got the hang of cockling. I settled for two dozen being ample in my bright orange bucket.

The practicalities of preparing cockles was quite simple. Leave them over night in a bucket of sea water to allow them to carry on filtering and ridding themselves of any particles of sand prior to cooking.

‘Master Chef’ preparing cockles in the small but well appointed Crannog Cottage kitchen.

Wine, some garlic and perhaps a few slices of onion at the ready, meant I was almost at the point of creating my seafood dish. Shells soon opened, which is the sign they are safe to eat and with a slice or two of hot buttered toast they were generously spooned on the top and a little seasoning applied.

I am biased for sure, but they looked good, smelled good and tasted lovely! Well worth the effort was my conclusion. This would not be my only cockling foray!

Whilst all this creativity was going on in the kitchen Irene was busy enjoying painting and decided to try to paint Vatersay beach and the view from our window

View from the community centre end .

Still working on this one but here it is in its raw state

Painting al fresco was very challenging. However she did try to work from the tailgate of her car which provided just enough shelter to enable her to complete her task..

The view from Crannog Cottage, looking over to the airport

The owner of the cottage, Gerry Murnin has a wonderful folder with everything you need to know about the Island and where to go. It looks idyllic in the summer, however, I ( its me again Irene ) am so enjoying the small space around the cottage, collecting shells and sketching when the tide goes out. There is a special thrill of walking on the shore after the water recedes, when you know you are the first person to make footprints in the newly washed sand . You never know what you may find. I particularly like cockle shells that have opened and are intact.

Razor shells, delicate tiny crabs and shells with mother of pearl

Oyster shells displaying gorgeous related lines and subtle colours of blues and purple

Shore finds of various things slate, pottery and corroded metal

My adoring fans and my wee corner of heaven

As our first week came to a close we found ourselves very contented.

Some panorama wobbly shots but nevertheless stunning.

Clear blue cloudless sky for our crossing in October!

Crossing the calm deep blue water to Barra.

Irene Walker January 13, 2019

As we explained to friends that we were heading to Barra for five weeks and would be sailing from Oban to Castlebay in late October, this was met by reserved enthusiasm as they shared with us their concerns about the prospect of a six hour saill in a relatively small ship on rough seas.

Their concerns had not escaped us, as we also knew there was a high chance of inclement conditions sailing out beyond the sound of Mull passing Ardnamurchan and out into the open sea towards Barra.

Sunday dawned and to our great surprise we were blessed with the most glorious of days for sailing. Bright ,windless and fairly warm. We had ‘won a watch’. To wake up to a clear blue cloudless sky in late October was more than we could have asked for but we were so excited to be looking forward to such a beautiful sail which it did indeed turn out to be. We boarded the’ Isle of Arran’ to commence our five week journey and settled in to the six hour trip.

Cake and coffee in Oban before our wonderful sail, loving the flag in the sky and the lighthouse at the southern tip of Lismore looking across to Duart Castle on Mull.

The views from the open deck of the ship, on Sunday the 28 October, were just wonderful and scanning the islands , mountains and sweeping landscapes occupied us all the way through the Sound of Mull and only ended when light faded as we passed Ardnamurchan Point and headed out into the open sea. Our last view was of the island of Bac Mor which is the shape of cap and is referred to by that name ‘The Dutchman’s Cap’.

It was very dark as we disembarked from our ferry but our friends Eileen and Jackson were waiting to give us a welcoming Barra hug . On our way once more and we had a very funny journey . Archie found it very difficult to drive as the road was very narrow and with no road markings and no street lights, “ where does the road go? “ was the cry . We knew it was 8 miles, so after nearly driving into the sea before taking a sharp turn to the right we found ourselves driving up a shingle path. Crannoch stood welcoming in the dark light. To say we were relieved to arrive is an understatement. After emptying the car, we sat down to a nice supper and a glass of wine . We had arrived!

The quietness and the darkness of the night ensured we got a great night’s sleep and woke refreshed and excited . On drawing the white curtain from the sitting room, on my way to make a morning cuppa, all Archie could hear was me squealing with delight . The view from the window was breathtakingingly beautiful and as the dawn was just breaking the colours from the window across the water many shades of pink and blue .

I shouted excitedly to Archie to come and look. We stood for ages as it was so gorgeous and just to cap it all, the view from the kitchen window had the most stunning rainbow which in days to come we would recognise as a regular feature of Barra skies.

View from the kitchen window, our first of so many rainbows we would come to enjoy

What a start to our adventures I was already in love with our new temperary home .#barrartventure

Merry Christmas #barrartventure

Irene Walker December 17, 2018

Back on the mainland for Christmas and we are looking forward to spending time with our children and grandchildren.

Now that Culzean is closed I have had to decant my prints from the gallery to my studio as it can get quite damp over the winter.

In anticipation and preparation of continuing with my Barra art work in the new year I have had a massive studio clean out !

Brushes are now all cleaned and canvases primed.

I have my Barra stones and shells around the house and the map of Barra on the studio wall .

My husband Archie and I will not be alone in thinking of the beautiful island of Barra at Christmas and we would like to wish you,….. that’s if you are reading this……..wherever you are in the world a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

From our tree to yours wishing you a Merry Christmas

In the meantime take care, coorie doon and enjoy the festive holiday. We are looking forward to sharing our ‘6 weeks in November on Barra’ blog with you in the new year.

Divine intervention !

Irene Walker December 10, 2018

No sooner that we had got our feet back on the mainland and had travelled to Aberdeen to visit my daughter and her family, I heard a ping on my mobile and in utter disbelief I read a post that Crannag cottage was free for six weeks during November to Christmas ! Now this is the little red roofed house that we had spotted on our visit.

Gerry Murnin has sent an email to Eileen to see if she had wanted to stay there and guess what she sent it onto us ! How spooky was that !

As soon as we looked at the photo and link we just knew we had to go. Within a few hours we had booked it and I could hardly sleep for excitement.

To be our house to stay in November “Crannag” Unbelievable !

When this opportunity of spending a solid block of time in Barra came up I was super excited, Not just to be going to the island of Barra, to have time to paint and reflect, but just to be.

So the ferry’s booked and I was now counting the days until November.

So that you can understand a wee bit about myself I will give you a wee bit of current history.

I am an artist who retired from teaching many moons ago but has been running and sharing a gallery space in the beautiful grounds of the NTS Culzean Country Park in the Coach House. We are open in season from March until October. I love this place it is beautiful all the year round and the castle is magnificent .

I enjoy selling my work to people I meet and it is always satisfying to have that point of contact. As well as the gallery, I also exhibit work with my local Ayr Sketch Club, the Paisley Art Institute and the Glasgow Society of Woman Artists and also many local charity events. As you can imagine this keeps me very busy as well as being a mum to my two wonderful daughters and grandma to four beautiful grandchildren.

During my wait I was being kept busy in the gallery, meeting lovely people and this lad certainly gave me a smile… a basket ball player from the states what a great chap !

Sneaky peak inside the Gallery

Some pantings sold in the gallery during August

I am also very lucky to have my own studio in the house , this is me at my happiest.

In the meantime my husband Archie is also working hard mounting my prints and making bespoke frames.

What a star! This is a print of Culzean in the Summer, The original is with a lovely family in New York

In September we had organised an exciting competition called ‘Capture Culzean in a Day ‘ with the NTS.

This kept me busy, what a blast.

It was now time for a proper rest and a holiday . So we were off to Madeira with our good friends Irene and Ken from Chesterfield.

Not long to go now, new paints to buy and canvases to prime and in the meantime, I did some wee sketches in my sketchbook, in anticipation.

Little watercolours from my memory of Barra

Nearly there ………only a few more sleeps!

next blog is BARRA whoop! whoop! #barrartventure

See you all there.

Let the adventure begin #barrartventure

Irene Walker December 5, 2018

August 2018

I am so embarrassed that this blog has taken so long to get underway but thanks to my teacher and patient friend Eileen Frater, hopefully my hubby and I now have some the skills to write save and publish.

Our friends Eileen and Jackson Frater had made the decision to take a gap year out of city living from our home town of Ayr to go and live and work on the Isle of Barra in July 2018 for a year. Now this had the wow factor for me and after a little chat they both kindly invited us to go out and visit. ….A little taster. …… A chance to work together over the winter to produce a creative body of work in film , photography ( both of our husbands are very keen photographers ) and painting for the following year. This seemed like an opportunity not to be missed, and as we had spent creative moments amicably videoing several projects together, we were more that excited to book tickets for the Twin Otter plane which flies from Glasgow and lands on the beach in Barra for August.

In the meantime my friend Alistair McCulloch who is an Ayrshire fiddler of amazing talent was happy to come on board and has allowed us to use one of his pieces of music for our installation

Now we were all set, a film maker, two photographers and a musician, and an artists it is….. ready steady go … We can do this.

As the time approached we found ourselves getting more excited and hoped for nice weather,and we were not disappointed.

Our Twin otter arriving on Barra we were two very happy bunnies!

Within minutes of arriving we were on the sand dunes and were in sight of the wonderful Eoligarry beach.

Happy to have arrived at Eoligarry Beach

Our friends were staying in Castlebay and the view from their window was magnificent. The house was cosy and warm and we soon found ourselves feeling at home.

I had my sketch book out as quick as lightning and was soon enjoying the view alongside Thai the family pet who loved this spot as it was on top of the radiator !

My husband Archie is a very keen fisherman and as he was itching to fish one of the lochs, Eileen and myself along with Thai decided to go to Tangasdale beach to sketch and film on our first day together it started well but the weather soon changed and we got soaked!

Weather changes so quickly and the storm clouds were on their way!

Watercolour sketches in the sketch book with Thai keeping me right and a wee clip of the happy fisherman …but no fish today!

Over the next 4 days we were lucky to be driven around the island by Eileen whose husband Jackson unfortunately was still on the mainland. Surprise, surprise we found ourselves enjoying island life. Eileen could’nt wait to show us the beauty of this small island so much so we had hardly alighted from the plane than she had us covering the two hundred yards to the first beach located just behind the airport. Traigh Eais stretched out before and must have , at a rough guess, been a mile long with waves breaking and wafting up the expanse of smooth sand. This was not going to be our only exposure to fabulous beaches , not if Eileen Frater had anything to do with it! Now the weather was on the up and up. As the sun came out we took off to

On top of the world , but what is Eileen up to ? what has she found?oh I know she is checking her photo! — On top of the world , but what is Eileen up to ? what has she found?
oh I know she is checking her photo!

As an artist I was in heaven and with some lovely weather enjoyed sitting and sketching. I started with one small sketch but this was simply not enough and found myself doing a panorama view in half and hour

This must be one of my favourite beaches and it looks as if Archie is loving it too, such peaceful moments and what a beautiful day so blessed

The weather was so nice we decided to visit Kismul Castle, we just made it on the last trip what a lovely way to finish a perfect day

Thai is exhausted at the end of a fabulous day

Next day we took off to visit Vatersay

The dunes spread back from the beach into shallow undulating short green pasture , here and there showing hints of the presence of rabbits, although we did not spot any on this occasion. To our left was the small hamlet of Vatersay spread out to the south of the land mass that is the Island of Vatersay. To the north end of the beach was the modern looking community hall surrounded by cattle, bikers and cars parked on the machair. Word has it that in this establishment one can enjoy nicely made coffee and cakes to die for.. I was about to check out the validity of these claims!

In the few days we spent on the island we visited most of the beaches that Eileen had already been on ,several times and we were not disappointed by any of them. Vatersay beach in August is truly stunning , a perfect bay affording shelter to swimmers, sailors, fishermen and anyone interested in outdoor pursuits where safe water is a priority. Clambering down through the sand dunes after negotiating the inquisitive cattle ambling around the cattle grid near the Community Hall, we slid down through the soft sand till we met firmer sand and revelled in the sheer beauty of this curved patch of sand stretching out before us. A large yacht was moored in the bay and we could see that it was flying a French tricolour confirming to us that this ‘secret ‘ gem of a place was certainly known to more than just us Scots..

Although this was not such a sunny day , we loved it and brought so many stones back, but not sure if we will get them on the plane! Oh we will need to come back!

Last day and although we were sad to be going home , we had had a wonderful few days.

Sharing a meal round the table is always special and we enjoyed the Barra atlantic salmon mmm delicious great cook Eileen ……. soon time to go go back to the mainland !

As we travelled back up to the airport we noticed a lovely red roofed cottage on a tiny peninsula and I exclaimed how lovely it was and said “now that is a painting I will have to do next time.” Not knowing when that would be, we exchanged a reticent goodbye to Eileen Frater whose journey has been so beautifully documented #barragapyear

Archie and I are so appreciative of Eileen’s kindness and selfless sharing. You can’t put a cost on that!

Taking off on the twin otter plane , we soared above the white beaches and before we disappeared above the clouds, I looked down on that red roofed cottage, offered a silent prayer in the hope that we could be back in Springtime.