What We Do In The Winter: Recent Episodes
Alasdair Satchel
This episode is a conversation with Steve Irvine of Loch Na Meal, near Tobermory.Born in Dundee, Steve grew up mostly in Carnoustie.A retired forest ranger, Steve has always had a passion for the outdoors and adventure.In our conversation we hear about Polar Bears and Arctic Foxes in unexpected locations, talk about encountering a Basking Shark in Loch Goil, go into the genetics of the local deer population and Steve tells me all about a Crannog that I’d never heard of before.Episode notes and more can be found at whatwedointhewinter.comThanks for listening!
This short episode is being released to coincide with the premiere of Banjo and Ro Beale’s new series Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel. which can be found on BBC iPlayer. The short episode you’re about to hear features a conversation with the wonderful Andrena Duffin, a local historian and tour guide who knows so much about our history. A minute of this conversation was featured in the first episode of Grand Island Hotel, so I thought you may like to hear more of what Andrena had to say. Thank you to Banjo and Ro and their lovely production team Ross Jess and Joe Sharp, for sharing the audio with us. Visit what we do in the winter dot com for episode links and more.You can find all 86 episodes of the podcast to date wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for listening, and all the best to Banjo and Ro for their brave scheme, long live the Grand Island Hotel![Image courtesy of Joe Sharp]
Ro by Lisa McKennaFor more information please see the episode links on whatwedointhewinter.comThanks for listening!
Nollaig chridhiel dhuibh! A very merry Christmas to you!This episode is a conversation with Dr Jennifer Jack of Tobermory.Jennifer comes originally from West Kilbride in Ayrshire. She moved here in the late 1980’s to take up a role within the medical practices in the North End of the island. Our conversation goes into her childhood in Ayrshire, her studies, musical and sporting interests and how she found the island when first she came to live here and what the role of a local GP is and what it means to a community. Episode notes and more can be found at whatwedointhewinter.comThanks for listening!
This episode is a conversation with Kenny and Colin MacIntyre of Tobermory. Kenny is a well known broadcaster and host of Sportsound on BBC Scotland, and Colin is a world famous musician under the name Mull Historical Society and also an acclaimed novelist, writing the Mull Mysteries series featuring Ivor Punch. Kenny and Colin talk about their father, the political broadcaster Kenny MacIntyre and their grandfather Angus MacIntyre, noted poet and bank manager. They share memories of growing up in Tobermory, tales from their family and reminisce on the smells of their Mum's hair dressing salon, amongst many other things. The episode finishes with Angus MacIntyre's poem Memories of Mull read by Iain Anderson with kind permission of BBC Radio Scotland. Episode links and more can be found on whatwedointhewinter.comThanks for listening!
This episode is a conversation with Mary McMillan of Tobermory. We discuss Mary’s family life, life at Newdale outside of Tobermory, some of the characters she remembers from her youth, a remarkable tale about something that washed up on the shore, the skull in the Western Isles, Aleister Crowley, school brutality and so, so much more. Episode links and more can be found at whatwedointhewinter.comThanks for listening!
A collection of local news clippings that show how VE Day was marked on the Isle of Mull, presented in a 1940's news reel style.
This episode is a conversation with Davie Hewitt of Tobermory.Born in Wales, Davie spent the first part of his life in and around Ammanford and Abergeron, eventually coming to live in Tobermory where he has been resident for many years. We talk about so much in this episode, Davie has so many tales to tell. Some of the things we look at are his childhood, the love and care his Grandmother expressed for him, bombings during the 2nd World War, coffin design and manufacture, his military service, the gang culture of Liverpool, his work in the forestry here on Mull, the difficulties of finding housing and so much more. For links and more please visit whatwedointhewinter.comThanks for listening!Photo of Davie with thanks to Derwyn Hewitt.
This episode is a conversation with Hugh Boa, who farms at Antuim, here in Dervaig in the North of Mull.I’ve wanted to speak to Hugh since What We Do in the Winter started, so I’m delighted to be able to share this episode with you.Our conversation covers all sorts of ground. We talk about people of the island in the past, different farming cultures on different estates, family members, the decline of Gaelic, the horror of Gruinard Island, the Salen Show and so much more. There is some exceptionally fine swearing in this episode, so do be warned. Hugh also doesn’t hold back on his take on the reintroduction of Sea Eagles, which is very interesting to hear. At about 45 minutes in we eat some mince pies, sorry if this causes anyone to feel nauseous, but they were too good to resist – they were my wife’s homemade frangipani ones.If you're listening as this episode goes out, a very happy Christmas to you! Episode links and more can be found on whatwedointhewinter.comThanks for listening!
This episode is a conversation with Alison and Angus Johnston of Iona.Many listeners will know Alison and Angus from their time running the Columba Hotel on Iona. We talk about their lives before Iona, with memories of life in Dublin and an amazing account of the WW2 victory parade in Edinburgh, then come to talk about life on the island and the characters of the past, the loss of Gaelic on the island, hopes for the future and finally we talk about what it is that so many people feel so drawn to Iona by and what it means to them. Episode links and more on whatwedointhewinter.comThanks for listening!
This episode is a conversation with Christine Leach of Balevulin, Tiroran. Originally from near Portsmouth, Christine has lived on Mull for many years. Christine runs Pennyghael in the Past Historical Archive. PPHA is a remarkable archive full of the most interesting materials that shines light onto the history of Brolas and its surrounds. I’ve always found Brolas here on Mull to be a very tricky area to define. There are Macleans of Duart, Lochbuie and Brolas, Duart and Lochbuie are easy enough to locate in your mind, but Brolas less so. It is for that reason and many more, that I wanted to talk with Christine.Christine’s book Hebridean Healers, about the medieval Beaton family, who were located at Pennycross is out now and very much worth your while. It’s a great resource to explore Mull’s past. Christine was joined by Andrea Cameron, Elizabeth Carter and Miek Zwambourn in the writing of the book.We also talk about Christine’s journey to coming to live on Mull, what brought her here and how it swiftly began to feel like home. There are many names mentioned from that past that I know many listeners will be delighted to hear again.Christine has given me loads of photos to help illustrate her story, so do have a look at whatwedointhewinter.com for episode links and more info.Thanks for listening!
This episode is a conversation with Allan and Cameron Maclean of Tobermory. Cameron and Allan are brothers, Cameron born in Tobermory and Allan on Tiree. I’ve wanted to speak these gentlemen for quite a time, so to finally get a moment to spend time together was very special. We talk about so much in this episode. Places of the past, people of the past of both Mull and Tiree, fishing practice and fishermen. There's a lot to take in.For episode notes and more please visit whatwedointhewinter.comThanks for listening!
In this, the 78th episode of WWDitW, Anda Campbell shares some time with us to talk about his life.We talk about his childhood in Bunessan, his family life, members of the Bunessan community of the past, tales of adventure crossing snowdrifts to help out cabinet ministers, the musical visitors to the Arms, sport on the island, his involvement in the Rally and much, much more. For episode links and more please visit whatwedointhewinter.comThanks for listening!
A special live episode about the Mull Rally, a car rally that started on the island in 1969. As Alasdair doesn't know too much about this subject he invited Duncan Brown, who spoke to us for episode 56, to host the episode. This episode was recorded on Zoom.For photos from the history of the rally and other links, please visit the whatwedointhewinter.com for more information. Thanks for listening!
A conversation with John Pirie about Skerryvore and lighthouses. Dr John Holliday of the Hynish Trust and Alasdair Satchel of What We Do in the Winter talk with John Pirie, retired lighthouse engineer about Skerryvore lighthouse and the culture of working in manned lighthouses. Recorded at An Iodhlann, Tiree, June 2024I'm putting this out as a side episode of What We Do in the Winter, so there's no introduction or music. Thanks for tuning in, happy listening!
This episode is a conversation with Gail Struthers. Gail hails from the Hillfoots, the villages and towns around the foot of the Ochil Hills, near Stirling.She’s lived on Mull for many years now and has worked principally in catering in hotels and cafes in the North of the Island. She currently works at Bowman Court and our local hospital in Craignure.Our conversation takes us through Gail’s childhood, her working life and travels away from the island, her life here on Mull, including her time running the Glengorm Café, where I first met her, and then into her passion for reading. For links and more please visit whatwedointhewinter.com Thanks for listening!
This episode is a conversation with Eilidh Young. Originally from Penmore in North West Mull, Eilidh lives in Lochdon, where she was the head of Lochdonhead Primary for many years. Our conversation brings the North of Mull to life during the second world war, so much so that we’ll hear what the infamous Lord Haw Haw, Nazi Propogandist on ‘Germany Calling’ had to say to the people of Tobermory one evening. Eilidh has tales of herself and her father, her training in Edinburgh at Moray House, her work as a teacher in St Neots, Murihouse and of course here on Mull. Eilidh and I spoke in December in the midst of a great big storm, which you’ll hear in the background to our chat.Image of Eilidh Young courtesy of Meriel Young, with thanks!Thanks for listening! Episode notes and more can be found on whatwedointhewinter.com
This episode is a talk between Seamas Carey of The Reason Why podcast and me, Alasdair Satchel, of What We Do in the Winter which explores the nature of our podcasting work.Seamas’ podcast The Reason Why was released in the spring of 2022. It consists of 10 themed episodes and two live episodes which round the project off.It explores the social issues, hidden history and culture wars of contemporary Cornwall.What We Do in the Winter is an oral history podcast about the lives of the people of the Isles of Mull, Iona, Ulva, Gometra, Erraid and Little Colonsay. The conversation you’re about to hear took place in An Tobar, Tobermory on the 4th of October 2023 in front of a live audience. It came about thanks to Rhona Dougall and Nina Pope where were at the time of recording the curators of the visual arts programme at An Tobar Mull Theatre. Sound at the event was by Louise Gregory and Tim Olden.Episode links and more can be found on whatwedointhewinter.comThanks for listening!
A very happy Christmas to you!This episode is a conversation with Banjo and Ro Beale. Banjo and Ro originally hail from Australia but have settled just outside of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. Ro is one of the masterminds behind the distillery at Isle of Mull Cheese, and Banjo is a celebrated interior designer, whose work you may have seen in Interior Design Masters, his own series Designing the Hebrides and whose book Wild Isle Style is available from all good bookshops.We cover so many topics in this episode as Banjo and Ro talk about their lives and adventures. To donate to Banjo and Ro's work in Nepal, please drop a line to: ahoy@banjobeale.co.ukPhoto of Banjo & Ro by Lisa McKennaFor more information please see the episode links on whatwedointhewinter.comThanks for listening! All the best to you for 2024!
This episode is a conversation with Donald Macgillivray of Pennygown.We talk about his childhood, go way back into his family history, talk about drove roads and the last cattle drove off Iona to Falkirk, the changes he’s seen in agricultural practice over his career, his work with Highland cattle, abandoned villages and places long forgotten, his dear friend – the late and much missed Hugh MacPhail and so, so much more. Episode links and more can be found on our website at whatwedointhewinter.com It's this sort of knowledge that passes so swiftly if it’s not passed on and I am deeply indebted to Donald for his time and sincerity in sharing these stories with me.Thanks for listening!
This episode is a chat with Cressida Cowell, author of the How To Train Your Dragon books, the Wizards of Once series and Which Way to Anywhere.Cressida grew up in London where her Dad, Michael Hare, had significant roles in several well known organisations.In the 1970’s Michael bought the island of Little Colonsay, which lies between Ulva and Staffa, which was to become the family’s summer home. The island, it’s history, topography and setting had a profound affect on young Cressida’s imagination and her summers would be spent in a reverie of story making, listening to the tales her Dad would tell her of the people of these islands’ past. These experiences lead to Cressida becoming an author, and not just any author. Her works have been translated into 38 languages and sold tens of millions of copies around the world. There are film and tv adaptations of her work. In our time together we talked about her childhood memories of Little Colonsay and the people who helped her family to build their home there. We talk about her father and his love of nature. We explore the impact that the island had on her imagination, and how that lead to her career. Cressida goes on to talk about her maternal Grandfather, Alan Hare, and his experiences in the 2nd World War in Albania and how that generation of people influenced her writing. We then talk about the importance of the natural world and the nature of climate change. I owe a big thank you to my dear friend Colin Morrison for putting me in contact with Cressida. Colin and his family run Turus Mara, which, departing from Ulva Ferry, to my mind, is the best way to see Staffa, Fingal’s Cave and to meet the puffins on Lunga for some puffin therapy. See the links in the episode notes for more details. Most importantly of all though at the end of this episode Cressida kindly took the time to answer three questions from Lachlan, one of her young readers who lives in Dervaig, who sent me some questions to ask.Thanks for listening! Episode links and more on whatwedointhewinter.com
This episode is a conversation with Anne Scott about Java and Craignure from the late 1940's and into the 1950's.Anne grew up in Falkirk, lived in Edinburgh for many years and now resides in Largs.Alexander Maclachlan, Anne's Grandfather, was the head gardener at Java Lodge. Anne offers up insights into the communities around Craignure in the mid part of the last century and the arrival of the folk from Soay to Java.Anne is an academic, who is still teaching to this day, she’s been a broadcaster working with Radio Scotland, featuring on the wonderful Jimmy MacGregor’s programmes and she’s also an author. Her book, 18 Bookshops is an absolute delight. If, like me, you’re a bit of a bibliophile, then this is the book you’ve been waiting for!Many listeners will also know the work of Anne’s son, Mike Scott of the Waterboys, whose music has brought a lot of joy to millions of listeners.Links and more can be found on our website at whatwedointhewinter.comThank you for listening!
This episode is a conversation with Cameron Fletcher.Born in Fanmore, Torloisk, Cameron tells us tales of his school life on the island and away in Oban. He talks about a wide variety of characters from his youth, then goes on to tell us about his working life here and away in Argyll and Perthshire. Cameron offers up a unique take on life growing up on the island that I know will really connect with many listeners.Episodes links and more can be found on our website at whatwedointhewinter.comThanks for listening!
This episode is a conversation with Andrew Macfarlane of Glen Aros. Aged 81 he has lived all his life here on the island, starting off at Tiroran, moving to Pennygown, then onto Salen and to Glen Aros. His family hale from the Isles of Gometra and Coll. We cover a great number of subjects in our chat including childhood memories of Coll, the people around him here on Mull as he grew up, his schooling in Gribun, elements of the second sight which, Gaelic language and culture, farming Aberdeen Angus and so much more.
We recorded our conversation at the Glen Aros road end, where you can often find Andy sat in his jeep watching the world go by.
For links to the topics covered and more info please visit whatwedointhewinter.com
Thanks for listening!
I'll update the website tomorrow. It's quarter past one and I'd quite like to go to my bed. If you're seeing this text as it goes out, hello to you, I hope you're well! (this text will be edited out when the website is updated)
This episode is a conversation with Alastair McIsaac Maclean of Tobermory. Alastair is 84 years old and lives at the back of Tobermory main street in a building which used to be a bakery, where he worked as a young boy.
Our chat we cover his early years in Tobermory and Bridge of Weir, memories of Aros House and the delights of the walled garden, life on the pier in Oban, being wrecked in the Sound of Islay, bands and comedians of the past who paid a visit to Tob, his national service, the construction of Craignure pier, his work on fishing boats and much, much more.
Episode notes and more can be found on whatwedointhewinter.com Thank you for listening!
A talk by Mrs Hilda Leslie about the history of the Ross of Mull to the Mull Historical Society.
Hilda was a school teacher in the Ross of Mull.
From the archive of Donald Langamull.
A conversation with John MacDonald Kilfinichen.
John MacDonald was one of ten children born to John MacDonald and Catherine McLucas both from Ulva (John from the Ardnacalliach area). Some time after their marriage they took up the tenancy of Calve Island where they lived with their children. As a young man he moved to Killiemore House, Kilfinichan where he was gardener and possibly also chauffeur. He married Maggie who was cook at Killiemore. There were no children.
John was known locally as “Johnny MacDonald Kilfinichan”, he kept bees and was involved as a committee member with Mull Highland Games. After Maggie died he remarried Annie who was a native of Skye. There were no children to the second marriage either. On retiral he moved to Ardmore a small cottage in Albert Street, Tobermory where he saw out his final days. John, his first wife Maggie and second wife Annie are all buried in Tobermory.
With thanks to Iain Campbell
From the archive of Donald Langamull.
In this episode I speak with Nick Holmes of Aros Mains.Nick tells us tales of his life and interests, his travels and adventures in the UK, France and America.Thanks for listening!For links and more info, please visit whatwedointhewinter.com
This episode is a conversation with Neil Jardine of Iona, a fisherman who runs Iona Seafood, a fantastic local business providing both the local and international markets. We talk about Neil’s early life on Iona, his adventures away in Australia, the development of his working practice and how he balances his family and work lives.For links and more info, please visit whatwedointhewinter.comThe HPMA Consultation - Islands Federation Draft Response can be found here: https://www.scottish-islands-federation.co.uk/draft-response-to-hpma-consultation/
This episode is a conversation about the salmon fishing station at Camas in the Ross of Mull. It features Sheena Walker, Mary-Anne MacDonald, Kirsty Lord, Sandy Brunton, Gregor Cameron, and Douglas Canning. All of whom are part of the MacInnes family, who ran the fishing. This podcast was recorded both as a podcast and as research for the film Creel of Stories – Cliabh an t-Seanachais, which tells the story of fishing cultures in the Ross of Mull and Iona.Our conversation was recorded on Zoom, which means that the sound is a bit glitchy here and there, for which I apologise. Episode links and more can be found at https://whatwedointhewinter.com/2022/12/14/66-salmon-fishing-at-camas/Creel of Stories - Cliabh an t-Seanachais can be found on this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-whCCTBk3QY&t=28sThanks for listening!
This episode features a conversation between Anne MacGregor, Iain Campbell, Jean MacLean and Mabel Canning, who all grew up near Salen.We talk about so many subjects – where people’s families came from, social activities of the past, village halls gone by, Mabel’s mum – Doctor Flora, the songs of Archie MacLean - also known as Wobbles, the brief presence of a very dark soul, the serial killer, Manuel on the island, superstitions, ghost stories, working lives and so, so much more.For links and more please visit whatwedointhewinter.comThanks for listening!
This episode is a chat with Gremlin Napier of Fanmore, in the North West of Mull. Gremlin came to Mull in the late 70’s and has been here since then, with interludes for adventures in Africa. Our conversation covers a lot of ground.We talk about the origin of his name, the incredible work of his parents, his school days, life in the 60’s and 70’s and the people who he met in the area when he moved to the island. There’s a couple of trigger warnings for you with this episode. Our conversation features strong language, in fact some of the finest swearing I’ve heard in a long time, references to dead bodies at about 10 minutes into the episode and references to the smoking of marijuana. I’m so chuffed to share this conversation with you, we recorded it over a year ago and I’ve been only just managed to sit down and edit it to get it to you. Gremlin has one of the most beautiful voices you could wish to hear, it’s been an absolute delight to spend time with his words again.For links and more please visit www.whatwedointhewinter.comThanks for listening!
This episode is a little bit different from previous episodes. It’s a lecture given by Lachlan (Lachie) MacLean, Lachie Knock, to the Mull Historical Society in the 1980's. The lecture has the loose title of Tales From the Glen.
Lachie talks about the origins of the clan MacLean, the struggle to keep the Gaelic language and culture alive, Glen Forsa and Glen Cannel, place names, local story tellers of his youth in Loch Buie and so, so much more. This recording comes from the archive of Donald MacLean, Donald Langamull, which was bequeathed to Mull Museum in Tobermory. I’m releasing this recording on the main stream of What We Do in the Winter as I think it would be of interest to so many of our listeners. The rest of Donald Langamull’s archive will be released over the coming years in partnership with Mull Museum and can be found on both the WWDitW sound cloud and main webpage.
Thanks for listening!
whatwedointhewinter.com
In this episode I talk with Giuliana Mercorio Ashford of Tobermory. Giuliana’s life started off in the town of Maddaloni, near Naples in Italy, where she grew up during the second world war. After the war her family moved to South Africa. She then moved to Washington DC, London and then to the Isle of Mull.
Thank you for listening!
For more info, please visit: https://whatwedointhewinter.com/
What We Do in the Archive - epsiode 1: https://whatwedointhewinter.com/2022/06/20/wwdita-01-mary-morrison-education-and-social-life-in-the-19th-century/
In this special Christmas episode I talk with Brigadier John Macfarlane who grew up in Tobermory during WW2, where his family ran Macfarlane’s the shop on the main street. We talk about life in Tobermoryin World War 2, the roots of his family and how they came to live on Mull, the founding of Tobermory Distillery, the characters of his youth, we hear a remarkable tale about life on the Isle of Lunga, and discuss the nature of Gaelic in the Tobermory of his youth.
A very merry christmas to you if you're listening as the episode goes out!
Episode links and more can be found at whatwedointhewinter.com
If you've enjoyed this episode and were able to and wanted to support the podcast, this month could we ask you to consider a donation towards our local foodbank, Mull and Iona Pantry, which can be found here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mullandionapantry Any support is much appreciated, thank you.
Thanks so much for listening! Nollaig Chridheil dhut!
This episode is a conversation with Harry Hickford of Tobermory.
Harry comes originally from the Scottish borders where he worked on the land, particularly as a horsieman. He came to Mull to run Erray Farm for Colonel Anderson. We talk about his time growing up in the borders, a little about borders identity, then his move to Mull, who the characters were when he first came here, how he found life on the island, the changes in agricultural practice that he’s seen over the course of his life and much more besides. We also hear a ghost story...
This is a conversation that I’ve wanted to have for a very long time, so it was just brilliant to get to spend time with Harry.
What We Do in the Winter is sponsored by Island Bakery, and, in particular, their delicious Lemon Melts.
For links and more episodes please feel free to visit our website on whatwedointhewinter.com
Thanks for listening!
In this episode I talk with Charlotte Mellis of Larach Mhòr, near Treshnish.
Charlotte’s family have had a home on Mull since the 1950’s. Her father was in the Navy when she was wee so she grew up between Mull, Malta and Greece.
Charlotte is a noted potter who owns the Tin Shed gallery, where you can see both her work and exhibitions by herself and others throughout the course of the year. She hails from a family of renowned artists including her aunties Margaret Mellis and Ann Stokes.
Our conversation goes straight in at the deep end with discussions about the nature of privilege and trying to find a niche in life. We then talk about her family, how she developed her skills as a potter, her rock and roll past and how she met Athol, to whom she’s been married for 30 years and then we talk about why she loves life here on Mull. For links and more please visit whatwedointhewinter.com
Thanks for listening!
This episode is a conversation with Carla Lamont of Fionnphort. Carla originally hails from Canada and chose to come and work in Scotland, starting off on Iona, before coming across to Fionnphort where she and her husband John run the remarkable 9th Wave restaurant. As well as running a very successful restaurant, you may know Carla from her recent appearances on Master Chef – the Professionals. Our conversation takes in her youth in different parts of Canada and then we go on to talk about her love of playing pool – and that’s how she met John in the Keel Row in Fionnphort, we then talk about how they established the restaurant, what’s special about the 9th Wave, her performance poetry career, her work in radio, her appearances on Master Chef and lots more beside. As this episode was recorded over Zoom there are odd crackles and pops here and there, for which I apologise.
Photo of Carla by Sam Jones.
This episode is lovingly dedicated to the memory of Iain MacKinnon
Thank you for listening.
Episode links and more on: https://whatwedointhewinter.com/2021/05/07/58-carla-lamont/
In this episode I talk with Dawn Reade of Tobermory.
Dawn comes originally from Belfast in Northern Ireland. We talk about growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, her family, her choice to come and study in Edinburgh, the relative attractiveness of people in rural as opposed to urban settings, the development of the Island Bakery business, how international market trends affect a rural business such as theirs and so much more.
Dawn and I were able to record this at my house when the covid restrictions were lifted back in September 2020.
Towards the end of the episode Dawn goes into more detail on some of the darker parts of life in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, just a wee heads up so as not to cause any distress.
It was so great to catch up with Dawn, I miss not getting to see my pals in person.
For links and more please visit whatwedointhewinter.com
Thanks for listening, I hope you're well and happy wherever you are.
Nice to see the sun coming back now that the spring is on the way. I'm not sure if anyone ever reads this far in these bits.
In this episode I talk with Duncan Brown, formerly of Tobermory.
Duncan talks about growing up in Tobermory in the 70’s and 80’s and the role that sports, scouting and more played in his youth. We talk about football, Bogie racing, The Rally and lots more. Duncan gives a great account of what it’s like to be in a Rally car, the sensations and smells – he paints such a clear picture, it’s a delight to hear.
We then go on to talk about Duncan’s working life in Engineering, his training and travels.
At certain points in the episode you can hear my family running around in the background getting up to stuff, sorry about that, I hope it’s not too distracting.
Duncan and I were able to record this at my house when the covid restrictions were lifted. It was so nice to be sat together chatting, I long to get back to those days.
If you’re listening to this as it goes out on Thursday the 21st of January 2021, we’ve got a WWDitW live event online on Zoom tomorrow at 20.00 with the focus on sport. If you want to join us you can get tickets for free on this link. More details can be found on social media.
Interestingly, I think this is the first 2nd generation episode of the podcast, as I’ve previously spoken to Duncan’s Mum, Olive Brown, back in episode 13!
Thanks for listening!
In this episode I talk with Iain MacKinnon of Tobermory.
If you’re listening to this on its day of release, a very happy Christmas to you!
Iain talks about his family roots here on the island, and connections to Tiree. We talk about characters from the past, with Iain bringing their memory to life by telling stories that they told him. There are tales of the First World War, Ireland in the 20’s and more passed on from the mouths of MacGochan and others. We talked together one evening with Ishbel, Iain’s wife joining us for little bits of the conversation. It was so lovely to speak to both of them, I think I may have to chap their virtual door again some day soon to hear Ishbel’s tales, too! We caught up again a few days later to chat about Iain’s role in the Fire Brigade. So you’ll hear a bit of a leap as we talk about Gibby towards the end of the episode, which then leads us to talk about Iain’s long standing service in the Fire Brigade. There’s a couple of bits that I’ve not included in the episode, which I’ll put out as a short special at some point in the coming weeks, once the festive season has passed. At a couple of points you can hear bits of background noise in the recording, as we were recording over Zoom, due to the current situation. So please excuse this.
Back in episode 9 of the podcast Iain Performed a pitch invasion while I was talking to Janet MacDonald. I think I said “I’m coming to get you…” Well, 45 episodes later, here we are, at long last.
For links and more information please visit whatwedointhewinter.com
Thanks for listening! Have a lovely Christmas!
In this episode I talk with Hannah Fisher of Kintra in the Ross of Mull.
Originally from Dunkeld, Hannah is a musician who has toured the world with bands including Idlewild and King Creosote, whilst also having a fantastic solo career as one of the most interesting fiddle players and composers around at this moment in time.
I’m delighted to say that Hannah has let us have two pieces of music to play in this episode! Thank you Hannah!
Our conversation takes us back through her childhood, the roots of her musical adventures, her career adventures to date and how Mull and Kintra in particular has become home.
Check out whatwedointhewinter.com for links and photos/
To take part in the survey please follow this link: https://forms.gle/M9qtS1JE4ZxX8cvD8
Thanks for listening!
This episode is a chat with textile artist Shirley Pinder. Shirley grew up in Tobermory where her Mother and Father ran Strongarbh House and the Gallery on the Main Street, where they sold various things including materials woven by her father and herself.
Shirley brings her childhood and family clearly to life while also giving us a very fine picture of how her own career developed along with bringing up her family. Shirley’s given me lots of photos and other bits and bobs for the website so do check them out along with the episode links on whatwedointhewinter.com
We've made a short listener survey to find out how people engage with WWDitW which will also help us to find ways to grow the podcast. If you've got a couple of minutes spare we'd be very grateful to hear from you on the link below. Thank you! https://forms.gle/YThUZhQCb72myJFd6
Thanks for listening!
I’m absolutely delighted to say that this episode is a chat with Judy Gibson of the Isle of Erraid.
Erraid is a tidal island off of the Ross of Mull, with a remarkable and long history.
Judy and I chatted at the start of lockdown over the internet on a fairly poor line, which cut out several times.
Our conversation covers a lot of ground. We talk about how her family first came to holiday on Iona and then onto Erraid, where her mother chose to settle. We talk about Judy’s life and adventures and go into detail about Erraid’s remarkable history.
Thanks for listening!
Episode Links: https://whatwedointhewinter.com/2020/08/21/52-judy-gibson/
COMING SOON: WWDitW Live@Home - Friday 31st July 19.30 on Zoom - follow our social media for a link to the event! This is a short bonus episode of What We Do in the Winter which features an episode of the American Years Revisited podcast. At the height of the Cuban missile crisis the USS Proteus left the Holy Loch outside of Dunoon in a great hurry, where it was at the heart of the US nuclear defence system. The seas were so rough that she had to seek refuge in Tobermory Bay. In this episode Gerry Pursley shares his experience of working in the engine room at the eye of the storm as problem after problem built on each other, whilst outside the world was facing one of the most critical moments in contemporary history. I (Alasdair) produce the American Years Revisited podcast, where I work with the brilliant team of Kate Simpson & Ann Campbell along with our amazing reminiscence group to capture memories of life in Dunoon and the surrounds around the time of the American presence in the Holy Loch. It’s a period that’s getting further and further away so the work of the American Years group is trying to capture the human elements of the story before they come to pass. If you’re interested in the area, the subject or that point of time do follow the podcast. It’s also worth checking out Andrene Messersmith’s brilliant book - The American Years: Dunoon & the US Navy For links and more please visit: https://whatwedointhewinter.com/2020/07/28/wwditw-american-years-crossover-episode-the-cuban-missile-crisis/
See also the American Years Revisited podcast on: https://www.mixcloud.com/AmericanYearsRevisited/
Thanks for listening!
Episode 51 - WWDitW Live @Dervaig Village Hall on the 6th of March 2020.
This episode is a recording of a live event that we had at Dervaig Village Hall on Saturday the 7th of March 2020.
The topics covered in this episode include: Dervaig Village Hall in the Past; a live performance of a play featuring lots of local people at Calgary Bay in 1993, Movies Made on Mull and Delivery vans. At the start I go over the rationale for the project, which if you’ve listened to the end of episode 50 you’ll have heard fairly recently, so I apologise for double handing this bit, but I thought it worth keeping in for context. The sound in this episode is not the best, for which I apologise. The weather was so bad outside that you can hear the hall’s fan flapping in the background quite often. The hall is somewhat echoey as well, so the sound can at times be a bit distant. Where the sound is really good though is where Gus Stewart picked people out with his boom mic. I’m so thankful to Gus for his time and effort on the evening, he managed to capture some really great moments. There was a fantastic moment where someone broke wind very loudly near one of the stationary mics, but I’ve cut this out for your peace of mind. And bowel.
The videos that accompany this episode can be found on this link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmUODPpzD_oxT_s9yzjdhvA1FIbB1CH8c
More info can be found at whatwedointhewinter.com
Thank you for listening!
This is a brief advert for Islands in Film, which premieres tomorrow evening at 8pm, Friday the 26th of June 2020. For more info please follow this link https://whatwedointhewinter.com/2020/06/18/islands-in-film-premiering-fri-26th-june-8pm-on-youtube/
Filmed by 75 people and edited by Alasdair & Georgia Satchel, it features music by Hannah Fisher and Sorren Maclean.
The aim of the film is to make connections and bring us all together a bit. Another aim is to raise funds for Mull and Iona Pantry, our local foodbank. https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mullandionapantry
Thanks for listening.
(The special rockier theme at the end is the one I'm never allowed to put on the episodes as my wife thinks it's too self indulgent. Just because I want to be Mike Oldfield.)
This episode features a chat with Richard Kellett of Aros Mains.
Originally from the Borders Richard is a paramedic here on Mull.
He’s lead a remarkable life, having been in the army seeing service in Iraq during the 2nd Iraq war. Many people here on the islands will know him from his work with the ambulance service, his time as manager at Am Birlinn and many other incarnations.
It was a real honour to spend this time with Richard and I thought it important to make his episode the 50th as he and the team that he’s a part of does so much to make our lives here better and safer, at this time more than ever.
This episode delves a bit deeper into personal areas than other episodes so far. I’ve put some links to some supporting information on the website if you find that you need it.
Thanks for listening!
Links and more info on whatwedointhewinter.com
This episode is a conversation with Sheena Walker. Brought up in Dervaig, Sheena talks about the lives of her Mother and Father, her various jobs on the island, the social scene of her youth and so much more.
Due to the current lockdown situation we recorded our chat over the internet.
These days, whilst working in Edinburgh at the Royal Scottish Academy on the mound, where she’s in charge of private views, visits to artist’s studios and runs the RSA friends, Sheena keeps her home in Tobermory.
I hope this chat gives you an hour away from the world.
If you're on Mull, Iona, Ulva or Gometra and are listening to this before midnight on Sunday 24th you may be interested in our Islands in Film project, more information about which can be found on our website.
More info and links can be found on whatwedointhewinter.com
Thanks for listening!
This episode is a conversation with Anja and Mark Jardine of Iona. Due to the current lockdown situation we recorded our chat over the internet.
Originally from Germany Anja comes from a town near Leipzig, and grew up during the cold war, when the Berlin Wall divided the country into East and West Germany. Anja was in the East living under communism. We talk about the experience of growing up in this environment, and the moment when it all changed with the fall of the wall.
Mark was brought up in Glasgow at a time of great change for the city. We talk about the diversity of Scots language in the city, his time at Art School and how his path lead him westwards to Iona.
Mark, Anja and Mark’s sons Stewart and Neil run Alternative Boat Hire, Iona. If you’ve been to Iona and have seen a stunning boat with red sails sailing by, that’s likely to be the Birthe Marie, their boat. The story of the Birthe Marie and her refurbishment is in itself quite a tale and well worth investigating. You can find out more about it on boattripsiona.com It’s well worth your time!
Links and more can be found on whatwedointhewinter.com
Thanks for listening!
In this episode I talk with Elizabeth and Donald Kirsop of Lochdon.
Elizabeth’s recalls coming to the island, her teenage years, the Craignure Inn and much more. Donald talks about his family trade, growing up in Tobermory, and there’s some great stories about the music scene on the island in the past.
It was just great to spend time with both Donald and Elizabeth in recording this conversation, I look forward to catching up with them both again soon.
Following the last episode I’m going to try and do a listen-along twitter chat with this episode on Friday 24th of April, this Friday, at 8PM Dervaig time. It was lovely to chat with those that came along last time, it was rather good fun, so if you want to join me for an online natter using #WWDITW, please do!
Thanks for listening!
https://whatwedointhewinter.com/2020/04/22/47-elizabeth-and-donald-kirsop/
In this episode I talk with Charlie Hogg of Tobermory.
Charlie and I have been trying to get a time to catch up together since the start of the project, so I’m absolutely delighted to have finally got around to spending time with him and to have the opportunity to share this with you.
Charlie’s memories take in life in Tobermory, visits to Haunn and the Treshnish Isles, and we talk about his working life, the characters of his youth and a quite remarkable boat yard in Tobermory, on the light house path that I’d love to find out more about.
What I love about this conversation is the way that Charley relays the smells and senses of the times he’s talking about. We talk about food quite a bit, which he brings to life with great relish.
I hope this little chat will give you an hour away from the world and just a wee break from all that’s going on.
Episode links to follow in the next day or two.
Thanks for listening!
There's a live event coming up this Saturday, the 7th of March 2020, in Dervaig Village Hall at 19.30. We'll be talking about Movies Made on Mull, Dervaig Village Hall through the years, the theatre production at Calgary Bay in 1993, delivery vans and local characters. If you've got anything you want to bring along to discuss, please feel free to do so! Cheers!
In this episode I talk with Gordon Bruce of Iona. Originally from Cumbernauld, Gordon has lived on Iona for the last 18 years or so.
We talk about life before Gordon came to Iona for a good portion of the episode, and then, roughly half way through we come on to his life on Iona, the various jobs that he’s had over the years, and touch into the nature of life in a small community and touchingly, the kindness of others.
My wife and our dog make an appearance towards the end of the episode, so that’s the noise you can hear in the background.
I’m delighted to say that we’ll be having a What We Do in the Winter Live event on at Dervaig Village Hall from seven thirty to nine thirty, this Saturday the 7th of March 2020.
It’s free to come along, if you’re about do come and join us, we’d love to see you. It’s going to be recorded for release as a podcast in the coming weeks, so do come along and take part. Rather than talking to one person we’re going to be looking at a few topics, which I’m going to ask people to comment on from the audience. I’ve got a couple of plants already willing to speak, but everyone’s welcome to chip in. The topics are: Movies Made on Mull; Dervaig Village Hall through the ages; Delivery Vans and – Local Characters. I’m kind of hoping that we get derailed though and go off in directions that weren’t anticipated, so we’ll see what happens!
Episode links and more can be found on whatwedointhewinter.com
Many thanks for listening!
In this episode I talk with Morag and Dugald Campbell of Sunipol, in the North of Mull near Cailleach. Originally from Grimsay in the Outer Hebrides, Morag will be well known to many listeners here on the island as a midwife. In fact she brought more than a couple of the listeners into the world. Dougie was born in Achahoish and moved to other locations in Argyllshire before settling here on Mull with Morag. Morag and Dougie lived on Gometra for a few years, which they describe with great clarity. You’ll notice that the sound in this episode isn’t quite the best, for which I apologise. The microphone was at a distance from Morag, although I did manage to move it closer as the episode progresses.
The film I mention at the end of the episode can be found on https://youtu.be/2kgs3530alI
Links and more can be found on whatwedointhewinter.com
Thanks for listening!
In this episode I talk with Iain Morrison of Penmore.
Iain runs Turus Mara with his son Colin and wife Pat, and sails daily from Ulva Ferry to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles in the Spring, Summer and Autumn.
We cover a lot of ground in this episode. We talk about growing up in Penmore, going to school at Mornish, where his Mum was the teacher. We talk about his parents, and a little about his grandparents. At one point Iain talks about the evictions, these of course are the clearances. References are made to Dykes & Agnes, Marky Dan and many more famous local characters. As a young man Iain was in the merchant navy, and we talk quite a bit about his travels and life at sea. At one point we talk about the mortality of illegitimate children in the past, which was a real eye opener for me and quite shocking, so just a wee heads up for you that we go into that topic at a certain moment.
There are quite a few terms that I found I needed a bit of definition on, such as Butterworth Watch and Rhumb line, so do check out the website for these and other links.
We met over here at my house on a very windy day, and at certain points you can hear the wind roaring away in the background.
Thanks for listening!
www.whatwedointhewinter.com
In this episode I talk with Joanie and John Mackay of Tobermory.
Joanie comes originally from Tobermory and John from Dervaig.
Our conversation goes all over the place. We talk about when Joanie worked at the telephone exchange in Tob, when John’s folks ran the Bellachroy in Dervaig, the career of Joanie’s Dad, Pibroch, the renowned fiddler, John’s time in the garage and we also go into the early days of the rally and how John and friends used to compete in it.
Joanie’s descriptions of her childhood on the main street are particularly vivid. The pictures she draws of her young self encountering all the people along the way is very beautiful. Hearing the numbers of the exchange too captures a specific moment in time that’s already passed.
It was a delight to spend time with both John and Joanie, and the anonymous gentleman who appears at a certain point in the episode, too!
Thanks for listening!
Episode links can be found at whatwedointhewinter.com
Howard Pitman hails from Dervaig and now lives in Glasgow.
Howie and I chat about his memories of growing up in the village and what the nature of the island means to him. He identifies lots of characters from the past and talks very touchingly about the first time he met his wife to be.
His father, David, ran Coffee in Books in the village.
There’s some cracking info on the film screenings that used to take place at Dervaig Village Hall, including a screening of a more raunchy ‘art house’ movie. At a certain point in the episode you’ll hear a buzzing noise, this was a cable fault at my end of our online connection, for which I apologise.
I’ve edited this episode and recorded the intro / outro whilst I’ve been working in Frankfurt, so sorry if I sound a bit rushed at the start and end, I’ve been grabbing moments in between screenings at the Lucas Film Festival.
This episode is dedicated to the memory of my wonderful Mother in Law, Jackie O’Neill. I couldn’t have wished for a better Mother in Law, our wee man was so lucky to have her as a Gran.
Thanks for listening! Episode links and more can be found here:
http://whatwedointhewinter.com/2019/09/22/41-howard-pitman/
In this episode I talk with Chris Reade of Sgriobruadh Farm, Tobermory.
Chris and her late husband Jeff founded Isle of Mull Cheese.
We talk about her life in England as a child and how she and Jeff bought a farm in Somerset and then, through seeing an advert in an English paper, noticed some land on the Isle of Mull for sale.
We explore her working life, family life, childhood, and how family is at the core of everything.
If you want to see any photos of the development of Sgriobruadh and the Cheese farm, do go and have a look at www.isleofmullcheese.co.uk for some great photos and stories.
More info and links to some of the topics covered can be found on whatwedointhewinter.com
Thank you for listening!
This episode takes a trip to Shetland to talk with Tim Matthew. Born down South, Tim first came to live on Mull at Tavool, past Tiroran on the way to the Burgh Peninsula in the South of the Isle of Mull. Tim talks about the nature of life in such a remote location and how he went to school in Pennyghael School, under the tutelage of Mamie Brunton.
We talk about his parents, where they themselves have come from, and the family’s move to Quinish in the North of Mull, and then the move to their own farm on the other side of the loch at Ardrioch.
Our conversation goes all over the place in this episode. We go into the nature of cattle farming before the legal obligation to pasteurise milk, how culture is revealed to a young person living in a remote location, how having a quiff at one of his first student nights in Edinburgh opened up a whole world for him, his career in music and sound, and how his band Mystery Juice, who you’ll hear throughout the episode, once outsold the Beatles in Russia!
We also go into detail about fiddle music, the learning of the instrument in a social context and playing with the Mull Fiddlers, Cachallans, and then Eat The Seats.
We talk about loads of characters from Mull’s past and present, including Chrissie Burgh, Addie MacQuarrie, Hamish Johnstone, and many, many more.
I was delighted that I was able to get some time with Tim, as we live rather far apart from each other, he’s based in Shetland and I’m in the North West of Mull. We talked over Apple’s Facetime, so there’s the occasional crackle and pop in the sound, for which I apologise.
Throughout the episode you’ll hear tracks from Tim’s band, Mystery Juice The episode ends with the track Song For the Rural Dispossessed of Scotland Thank you for letting me use these tracks, Tim!
Thank you so much for listening!
Episode links can be found on https://whatwedointhewinter.com/2019/09/01/39-tim-matthew/
In this episode Catherine Evans talk about her life in Tobermory as a child, the shops along the main street and the many characters of the town. She then goes on to talk about student life in Belfast at the dawn of the troubles, and where her adventures took her later in life, leading to coming back home to Mull. At the end of the episode we return to the past to talk about Catherine’s grandfather’s shop in upper Tobermory and the Drama festival and its importance to the communities of the island.
Thanks for listening!
Episode links: whatwedointhewinter.com
Short film about the podcast https://youtu.be/sBLvdc8hhZw
www.sarahbauhan.com
There’s a fine level of detail in this episode, I think it will really help flesh out life in Mull for listeners in the future.
This is a special episode in this series of podcasts which normally comes from the Isles of Mull, Iona, Ulva, Gometra. In this episode you’re going to hear from some of the people who attended the Bunessan Show on the 2nd of August 2019.
The Bunessan Show is an agricultural and cultural show which is held in the fields around Bunessan Primary in the Ross of Mull. I was invited by the show committee to go along and record the memories of participants old and new as they talk about the show, what it means to them and the community.
As I was recording outside in a field the sound is somewhat erratic. It may be best to listen to this episode through headphones, but I’m not sure. I’ve tried my best to even it out, but there are some times where it’s just a bit full of noise. Be prepared for some commentary in the background when you hear Nigel talking…
Photos and more can be found on www.whatwedointhewinter.com
Thanks for listening!
In this episode I talk with Netta Titterton of Colonsay.
I’ve known Netta since I was a wee boy, as she’s a relation, so it’s an absolute delight to have gotten a chance to speak with her.
We talk about Netta's family, and how her Dad's work with the Strathcona family, who have owned Colonsay for over 100 years, brought the family to Colonsay. The story of the Strahcona family and how they came to own the island is also explored. Then the conversation moves on to her school life in Colonsay and Oban and a little about her working life. We didn't get a chance to talk about her work as the telephone exchange operator though, which I must try and ask her more about when next we meet up! We also talk about the characters of the island, including my great grandfather. The village halls of the island and their characteristics are also explored. Thanks so much for listening!
Episode links and more can be found on https://whatwedointhewinter.com/2019/08/09/36-netta-titterton-colonsay/
In this episode I talk with Carol and Donald (Peedie) MacNeill of Drumclach, on the Western Side of Colonsay.
As you’ll hear, Carol is originally from Edinburgh and came to Colonsay as a young woman to work at the hotel for a summer job. It was there that she met Donald, who was born and raised on the island at Garvard, opposite Oransay.
Our conversation covers a wide range of topics. Both Carol and Donald trained as teachers, and their life and work has taken them from Colonsay, to Thurso, back to Colonsay, Wick, and then back to Colonsay again.
We name check characters from the past, talk about the challenging nature of being the teacher in a small rural school, and we talk about Peedie’s musical career. We also identify the harsh realities of life at Oban High, which include a particularly brutal form of punishment that many people from that generation will recall with a shocking degree of clarity.
You’ll hear quite a lot of background noise in this episode, for which I apologise. I’ve tried to tidy it up as best I can, but I didn’t want to push it too far, otherwise we sound like we’re inside a fish bowl.
Donald has very kindly provided the music for this episode. Throughout the main body of the interview you’ll hear instrumental sections from his song “My Mother Rode Her Motorbike” and then at the end of the episode you’ll hear the song “The Hall in ‘59” in its entirety. You can purchase Donald’s music by following the link to his bandcamp site, https://donaldmacneill.bandcamp.com/music. His music is available through iTunes, Amazon and Spotify, too.
For more information and episode links, please see https://whatwedointhewinter.com/2019/08/01/35-carol-and-donald-macneill-colonsay/
In this episode I talk with Gordon Connell, originally from Blairmore near Dunoon, Gordon moved to Tiree to teach History in 1962. Gordon is an accordion player and one of the most significant teachers of accordion, the list of his pupils is rather impressive.
We talk about growing up in Blairmore, going to school in Dunoon, university life in Glasgow, how it was to move to Tiree in the 60's, and more about his life as a teacher of History, Modern Studies and towards the end, his work as an accordion teacher. We also talk about the character of Tiree and why it is so appealing.
If you’re interested in his considerable musical legacy I suggest checking out some of the links in the episode notes, which can be found on: www.whatwedointhewinter.com There’s a really good programme from BBC Alba in there which is well worth a watch.
Thank you for listening!
This episode takes you away from Mull and over to Tiree where I talk with John Holliday. John was the doctor on the island for 30 years and is often known as 'Doc'.
Originally from the England, John lived in Australia before settling on Tiree. We talk about his work in Australia with the Pintupi people, the choice of coming to live and work on Tiree, the nature of rural locations, his engagement with local Gaelic culture, the place names of the island and the remarkable Ringing Stone, a feature of the island which has had 6 thousand years of continuous human use. There’s also a section in Gaelic, in which we talk about characters of the island, which then leads us into place names.
Throughout the episode you’ll hear a tune that John wrote for his son, called Michael John’s Reel. The tune was recorded in 2018 at the Tiree Fèis Tutor's Ceilidh. It features the wonderful Màrtainn Skene on the box, Dr John Holliday on flute, Kenny Rankin on guitar and Anna Garvin on keys.
John's daughter Sarah has a podcast, too, it's called Utopia Dispatch. It "takes on the small task of radically reimagining the future of human society, while somehow managing to keep our spirits up at the same time. [They] talk to thinkers with ideas that break the mould, and to citizens taking radical action for a better future, to bring you closer to a vision of the future we actually all want, and we might even have a few laughs along the way." It can be found here: http://utopiadispatch.com/
I was across on Tiree to work with https://feis-thiriodh.com/ Check them out, they do great work!
Episode links and more can be found on www.whatwedointhewinter.com
Thanks for listening!
This episode features a return to Iona, where I chat with Joanne MacInnes. A proud Dundonian, Joanne has lived on Iona for many years now, where she and her husband John are raising their family.
We talk about Dundonian cultural identity, college life, work life and what it is like to move into a small community and make your life there.
We also mention the Iona Village Hall Music Festival, which I’ve always wanted to go to, but haven’t yet managed to. Our conversation was recorded in Iona Village Hall. Iona are in the process of fund-raising to build a new hall, which you can find out more about here: https://www.justgiving.com/ionavillagehall
At one point in the episode you’ll hear a new version of the podcast theme as recorded by Hamish Napier. You can find out more about his wonderful work on https://www.hamishnapier.com/
More links and other information can be found on whatwedointhewinter.com
Thanks for listening!
In this episode I chat with Iain Thomson. As you’ll hear Iain’s had a long association with the Isle of Mull, and now divides his time between the island here and Sweden. Iain has been involved in farming and the land since he was a young boy. Our conversation goes into some detail about his life and work and fascinatingly, the relationship between farmers and their dogs. We also talk about Iain’s work as a singer songwriter. Iain is perhaps better known as The Singing Shepherd.
You’re going to hear two pieces from Iain’s album Fields of Dreams in this episode, too. Half way through you’ll hear the instrumentals Musician & Ulva Boatman.
Episode links can be found on https://whatwedointhewinter.com/2019/06/12/31-iain-thomson/
Thanks for listening!
This episode is a little bit different in that it’s a conversation I had with two people who I’ve previously spoken to individually for the podcast.
After I released Alasdair MacLean’s episode last year Nick Turnbull said to me that I could have got deeper in on some of the fishing things, so I thought it would be a good idea to put the two of them together and see what happened when they chatted.
We cover a huge amount of ground in this episode. It’s very local, and if you know the areas that they’re talking about, it’s great to hear their pasts brought to life. Some of the tales are quite remarkable. I was particularly amused by the section where we start to talk about mines washing up and being tangled in nets. We do go into depth about fishing at certain points, too. I’d like to hear the perspective of a younger fisherman on this as well, to offer another perspective on the current state of fishing and its sustainability. That’s another episode for the future. the whole What We Do in the Winter project has been sponsored in kind by the Island Bakery, and everyone who takes part in it gets a complimentary packet of Lemon Melts.
This map may be of use: https://www.google.com/maps/@56.6176713,-6.2502726,6414m/data=!3m1!1e3
Thanks for listening!
This episode is a conversation between Mhairi Killin of Iona and myself.
Mhairi and I met in her office at Aosdana, on the Isle of Iona at the start of this week, half way through May of 2019.
We talk about a whole host of topics, a lot relating to our cultural identity and sense of place. We even talk about Mhairi and her sister's plans for what to do in the event of a nuclear attack. We go into some detail about the life, ethos and work of the Ritchies of Iona, whose metal work is of significant cultural importance.
This episode is sponsored by Treshnish and Haunn Cottages. Check out their wonderful eco friendly properties at https://treshnish.co.uk/
Thank you for listening!
Episode Links
http://mhairikillin.com/ https://aosdanaiona.com/
Rhythmic Records, Greenock https://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/news/14003382.end-of-era-for-music-store/
Duck and Cover https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duck_and_Cover_(film)
Taigh Chershabhagh https://www.taigh-chearsabhagh.org/
Iain MacCormick http://www.alexander-ritchie.co.uk/maccormick.htm http://www.alexander-ritchie.co.uk/maccormick2.htm http://www.alexander-ritchie.co.uk/maccormick3.htm http://www.alexander-ritchie.co.uk/maccormick4.htm
Alexander and Euphemia Ritchie http://www.alexander-ritchie.co.uk/history.htm
Arts and Crafts movement: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts_and_Crafts_movement
Jessie Newberry https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jessie_Newbery
The Glasgow Girls https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glasgow_School
Charles Rennie MacKintosh https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Rennie_Mackintosh
V and A Dundee https://www.vam.ac.uk/dundee
National Museum of Scotland Celts exhibition: https://www.nms.ac.uk/celts
Art Pewter https://artpewter.co.uk/
Joanna Caskie https://www.joannacaskie.co.uk/
Sponsor in kind: http://www.islandbakery.co.uk/ (Lemon melts… Lemon melts…)
In this episode I talk with Jim Corbett of Lochbuie. The Lochbuie estate has been in Jim’s family since 1922, and Jim and his wife are just about to celebrate their 40th year living here on Mull. We talk about Jim’s family background, how the family came to live in Lochbuie, the Maclaines of Lochbuie and Kenneth Maclaine in particular. We also mention Moy Castle, I Know Where I’m Going, Eye of the Needle and much, much more. We also talk about George Sassoon, who is a man I really wish I’d met. I should point out that when the location of the Ark of the Covenant is mentioned, Jim phoned me up afterward to say that meant the Holy Grail rather than the Ark - it’s in Ethiopia, everyone knows that… The whole What We Do in the Winter project has been sponsored in kind by the Island Bakery, and everyone who takes part in it gets a complimentary box of Lemon Melts.
The website, whatwedointhewinter.com, has links to the topics covered in our chat.
In this episode I talk with Anna Mockford from near Kintra in the Ross of Mull. Anna is a professional photographer and was born in the South East of England. She grew up in the 70’s and 80’s before going off travelling with her partner Nick, who is also a photographer. We recorded this episode at Anna and Nick’s home near Kintra. You’ll hear the birds singing loudly in the background throughout. I’m a bit low in the mix of this episode, which is probably quite a good thing.
We talk about growing up in the SE of England, the miner’s strike, travel, lots of travel, photography, family life and the experience of being a parent of a child who boards away in Oban for the majority of the week. Links to topics covered can be found on our website at whatwedointhewinter.com
Thank you for listening!
In this episode I talk with Davie Kirkpatrick of Iona. Davie has lived in Iona for the vast majority of his life. Our conversation covers lots of ground. We talk about growing up on the island, going away for school, various characters and community members of the past and present. We talk briefly about the politics of passenger ferries, the start of commercial crabbing. We also talk about a remarkable family called the MacCormicks, who achieved remarkable things. The whole What We Do in the Winter project has been sponsored in kind by the Island Bakery, and everyone who takes part in it gets a complimentary packet of Lemon Melts – the tastiest biscuits I know. Our webpage, whatwedointhewinter.com has all the links and info you’ll need from this episode, and we can be found on twitter, facebook and Instagram. Thanks for listening!
In this episode I talk with Hugh MacPhail.
Hugh talks about his life on the island of Ulva, the construction of the big house, farming, fishing, other people who lived on the island at the time. At one point he has a fantastic series of reminiscences about the puffers, the small coastal ships that brought supplies such as coal from the mainland to the islands.
Thanks for listening!
Episode links can be found on https://whatwedointhewinter.com/2019/04/19/25-hugh-macphail/
In this episode I talk with Neil Munro.
Neil is our first participant to hail from Ulva. We recorded this episode in the study of Ulva house. Ulva, which is now, I’m delighted to say, a community owned island. The ground floor of Ulva house has a beautiful wooden floor, which you’ll hear throughout the course of the episode, as my dogs clatter around on it quite a bit. For which I apologise. Both of my dogs make an appearance at different points in the episode, so keep your ears peeled for their snoring and clickity-clackity noises.
Neil talks about his childhood on Ulva, his studies, travels and working life. We talk about his current work with Isle of Mull Cheese and former employment at the Tobermory Distillery towards the end of the episode.
This episode features Mark Summers’ interpretation of the WWDITW theme tune in the middle and then end, which I'm over the moon with. Recorded at his home in Orkney, it’s great to make island conections across the seas! Thank you Mark!
Thank you again to www.islandbakery.co.uk for the lemon melts that each participant receives when they take part.
Thank you for listening!
Episode links:
Ulva https://www.ulva.scot/
Gartocharn www.gartocharn.org
Glengorm http://www.glengormcastle.co.uk/
Napier University https://www.napier.ac.uk/
Queen Scallops https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_scallop
Scottish Salmon Company https://www.scottishsalmon.com/
Mallaig https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/mallaig-p236601
Knoydart https://www.visitknoydart.co.uk/
The old forge pub http://www.theoldforge.co.uk/
MacGochans Tobermory https://macgochans-tobermory.co.uk/
The University of Dallas https://udallas.edu/
Calgary https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calgary,_Mull
Community buyout of Ulva http://nwmullwoodland.co.uk/ulva/
Isle of Mull Cheese www.isleofmullcheese.co.uk/
Tobermory Distillery tobermorydistillery.com/
Bringing Our Island Community Back to Life - Ulva https://vimeo.com/322192808
More episodes can be found at whatwedointhewinter.com
In this episode I talk with Andrena Duffin. Andrena has lived all over the world, but has never been more than 6 months without being back on Mull. When she was younger her family owned Erray farm, outside of Tobermory, which she talks about around 15 minutes into our chat. Her parents then moved over to Ulva Ferry, from where her father ran boat trips to Staffa.
There’s so much detail in Andrena’s conversation, it’s quite remarkable. I don’t really want to spoil it for you, but if you’re interested in ghost stories, and a certain Scottish monster, then this is the episode for you…
The whole What We Do in the Winter project has also been sponsored in kind by the Island Bakery.
In the coming months I’m going to pull together an episode on the filming of When 8 Bells Toll, which was made on and around Mull. I’m looking to chat to anyone who was involved with the filming or anyone who has a particular affection for it. And, a bit of a long stretch, I know, I’m trying to see if I can get a few minutes to interview Anthony Hopkins about his work on the film.
As these podcasts take quite a lot of time to make, I’m looking to fund raise through donations. So if you feel like it, and are able to, please feel free to donate the cost of a cup of coffee through the website. You’ll see a ‘donate’ tab there, where you can donate if you so wished. I’ve also got a Patreon page for donations which you can find under my name, Alasdair Satchel, if you want to contribute to that you’re very welcome. Also, to help me grow the podcast, if you want to leave a rating or a review on which ever platform you use to listen I’d be most grateful. Thank you to those of you that have, I really, really appreciate it!
We can be reached on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and on email at whatwedointhewinter@gmail.com
This episode is dedicated to the memory of Cookie, Anne Flavell, who brought so much to life in Tobermory. Thank you for listening, I look forward to speaking to you again soon!
There are so many links for this episode that they can't all fit in this text! Please head over to whatwedointhewinter.com for links to the topics covered.
In this episode I talk with Gordon Buchanan of Tobermory. Born in Alexandria outside of Dumbarton, Gordon moved to Mull with his Mum, brothers and sister in the late 70’s.
In our conversation we cover lots of anecdotes about growing up in Tob, building dens, raiding gardens for fruit, local characters of his youth, the challenges of going to school in Oban, his love of horses, and towards the end of the episode, how he came to work with Nick Gordon, wildlife cameraman. We leave off our conversation there, just as his career begins. Gordon lives in Glasgow these days, and I was made very welcome at his beautiful home, where we recorded this episode.
I’m delighted to say that this episode has been sponsored by Turus Mara. Turus Mara have been running Seabird and Wildlife Cruise tours to The Treshnish Isles and Staffa for almost half a century. Sail from Ulva Ferry and visit the awe inspiring Fingal's Cave and commune with the puffins and their many thousand relatives. For further info visit www.turusmara.com or find us on social media... The whole What We Do in the Winter project has also been sponsored in kind by the Island Bakery, and everyone who takes part in it gets a complimentary packet of Lemon Melts. www.islandbakery.co.uk
Alexandria https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria,_West_Dunbartonshire
Nick Gordon Obit https://www.theguardian.com/news/2004/may/03/guardianobituaries https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tarantulas-Marmosets-Other-Stories-Amazon/dp/1900512157/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1550793026&sr=8-7&keywords=Nick+Gordon
Turus Mara www.turusmara.com
Island Bakery www.islandbakery.co.uk
Gordon Buchanan http://www.josarsby.com/gordon-buchanan
As ever links to the topics covered can be found on the website at whatwedointhewinter.com
Thank you for listening!
In this episode I talk with James Westland of Tobermory. Born in a castle near Stirling, James, or Seamus as we know him, grew up around Alloa before going to Uni in St Andrews and then headed off shore and came back to land where he studied Gaelic at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, in Skye. It was at Sabhal Mor that he met Moira, who later became his wife. Eventually they chose to settle on Mull where they live to this day with their family in Tobermory.
Our conversation moves between Seamus’ love of geology and the land, and how that journey started for him in the Ochil Hills, how landscape gives off certain feelings, Gaelic music and culture, his working life here on Mull and the geological make up of our islands and why they are so interesting. At the very end we also talk about Seamus’ father in law, the late, much missed Duncan MacGilp.
We also have a wee natter in Gaelic at one point in the conversation for a couple of minutes.
As ever links to the topics covered can be found, as ever, on the website at whatwedointhewinter.com
Episode Links:
Airthrie Castle https://historic-hospitals.com/2015/04/27/airthrey-castle-maternity-hospital/
Alva https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alva,_Clackmannanshire
Ochil Hills https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ochil_Hills
Alloa https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alloa
Ben Cleuch https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/grahams/ben-cleuch.php?s=1
The Silver Glen https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Glen
Bonanzas and Jacobites by Stephen Moreton https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bonanzas-Jacobites-Story-Silver-Glen/dp/1905267088/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550074623&sr=8-1&keywords=bonanza+jacobites
Alva Glen - The Dwarf’s Tomb https://megalithix.wordpress.com/2014/01/17/dwarfs-tomb/
Clootie Well at Munlochy https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/munlochy/clootiewell/index.html
St Andrews Uni https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/
Runrig www.runrig.co.uk
Silly Wizard http://sillywizard.co.uk/
Teach yourself Gaelic https://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Gaelic-Beginner-Intermediate-Course-ebook/dp/B006MXEZ0A/ref=sr_1_2_twi_kin_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550138698&sr=8-2&keywords=teach+yourself+gaelic
Can Seo https://www.amazon.co.uk/Can-Seo-Donald-John-Macleod/dp/0563162902/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1550078020&sr=1-1&keywords=can+seo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBVb1zbe32k&list=PL04B67DB0ABD8AAD2
Calum Kennedy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calum_Kennedy
Na h-Òganich https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Na_h-%C3%92ganaich
Dòtaman https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%B2taman
HIE www.hie.co.uk
Isle of Mull Computers http://www.mull.co.uk/
Angus Miller Geowalks http://www.geowalks.co.uk/
Geology map of Mull https://pennyghael.org/geology.html
Mars rocks similar to Mull https://www.hutton.ac.uk/news/mars-and-mull-share-similar-soil-hutton-analysis-finds
The Mid Atlantic Ridge https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-Atlantic_Ridge
Columnar basalt - Ulva and Staffa http://www.mullgeology.net/columnarbasalt.html http://www.mullgeology.net/ulva.html
The geology of Mull & Iona http://mullgeology.net/
http://www.largeimages.bgs.ac.uk/iip/mapsportal.html?id=1004374
Geology of Gribun http://mullgeology.net/gribun.html
Duncan MacGilp https://whatwedointhewinter.com/2018/08/17/coming-soon-duncan-mcgilp/
When the Song Dies by Jamie Chambers https://vimeo.com/150802508
Thanks for listening!
In this episode I talk with Bill O’Neill of Ceann Cuin, near Penmore outside of Dervaig. Born in Stirling within spitting distance of the castle, Bill grew up in the Raploch. He was a soldier in Cypress and Libya, and on returning to the UK lived and worked in Sheffield, Stirling and then Sheffield again, before settling on Mull in 1989.
Bill and his wife Jackie live in the house he built with his own hands over the course of 8 years, without the aid of power tools.
We talk about his childhood in the Raploch, his years in service, working at Cruachan, and various driving jobs before we come on to his life on Mull towards the last third of the podcast.
It is at this point that I should make a declaration of interest, as Bill is my father in law and Grumpa to my son, Coll.
I had a few issues with my equipment during the recording, so I’m quite low in the mix. Which is probably quite a good thing. Also there’s a pitch invasion by Fingal, one of our cats, so there’s quite a lot of purring at one point, as he rubs himself against the microphone.
Raploch https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raploch
Riverside School baths https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/iconic-swimming-pool-flattened-housing-3999137
Kelvingrove https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/venues/kelvingrove-art-gallery-and-museum
Bob Swift https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/11910987.robert-swift-yorkshireman-who-adopted-scotland-and-the-national-instrument/
Stirling Castle https://www.stirlingcastle.scot/
Ochil Hills https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ochil_Hills
Dumyat https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dumyat
The auld brig www.localhistories.org/stirling.html
The Hunchback of Notre Damme https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunchback_of_Notre_Dame_(1939_film) ALSO IMAGE
Billy Bremner https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Bremner
St Ninians, Stirling https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Ninians
Cyprus - British army presence https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/cyprus-1954-2017
King Idris of Libya https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idris_of_Libya
QL Bedford https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bedford_QL
Gallaher Ltd, Sheffield http://www.picturesheffield.com/frontend.php?keywords=Ref_No_increment;EQUALS;s16727&pos=2&action=zoom
Fingal makes an appearance
Cruachan Dam https://www.visitcruachan.co.uk/
JG Graves https://www.visitcruachan.co.uk/
Viscount https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_Viscount
Further images and links can be found on whatwedointhewinter.com
Thank you for listening!
In this episode I talk with John MacDonald.
John grew up in Tobermory at Springbank.
A haulier for the last 40 years and more, as you’ll hear John has a passion for the West Coast of Scotland, and Mull in particular. His interests stretch far and wide, and he knows so much about the people and history of our islands.
Our conversation ranges from his grandparents, parents and siblings, to details of his working life, the Tobermory of his youth, his family and travels both local and more exotic.
John, also known as Spank - from Springbank, came over to join me here at home and we recorded our conversation in my office.
Episode Links:
Lambhill Ironworks https://www.theglasgowstory.com/image/?inum=TGSE00405
Dorlin - Loch Buidhe & Loch Tiagasg http://heritageardnamurchan.co.uk/clachans-clans/
Sherrif Robertson’s Mull Diaries http://jamesirvinerobertson.co.uk/html/archive.html
Duncan MacNeil of Colonsay https://www.revolvy.com/page/Duncan-McNeill%2C-1st-Baron-Colonsay
REME https://www.army.mod.uk/who-we-are/corps-regiments-and-units/corps-of-royal-electrical-and-mechanical-engineers-reme/
Scammell http://www.scammellregister.co.uk/index.php/history
Tobermory Distillery tobermorydistillery.com/
Commer Lorry https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commer
Loch Sunnart https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loch_Sunart
Phi Phi Islands https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phi_Phi_Islands
Rob Barlow & the Elizabeth G https://www.hebridescruises.co.uk/
Island on the Edge of the World https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004V31LJG/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_rp4uCbAQS43TQ
The Life and Death of St Kilda https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005IH0M7G/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_jq4uCbW27FDNE
Eoin a cheann bhig https://www.electricscotland.com/books/story/story91.htm
Port Rainich https://www.google.com/maps/place/Isle+of+Mull/@56.5217329,-6.2082165,393m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x488bc310f55d3693:0x1ccc6844774d042f!8m2!3d56.4391984!4d-6.000887
In this episode I talk with Catriona MacLeod .
Catriona, is a singer and cabaret artist who goes by the name of Cat Loud when on stage.
Catriona is part of the famous MacLeod family in Tobermory. We talk a lot about growing up as part of a well known family, and her childhood in Tobermory. We then venture further into her student days and talk about the growth and development of her performing career.
If you’re curious about any of the subjects we talk about, please feel free to visit our website at whatwedointhewinter.com to find links that will allow you to investigate further.
If you have time and are so inclined, I’m running a short online survey that I’ll keep up until the first week of February to find out about how you engage with What We Do In The Winter. You can find a link to it in the text along with this podcast file, on our website and on social media. I’m looking to build more of an audience for the podcast, and I’d like to know how you interact with it at present to allow me to understand how to grow it. It can be found on this link: https://goo.gl/forms/xNuWBKB2aTiKmi1k1.
Thank you for your time! Episode Links:
Duart Castle https://duartcastle.com/
Alasdair MacLeod https://boxandfiddlearchive.weebly.com/17-alasdair-macleod.html
Oudtshorn - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oudtshoorn
Hugenots in South Africa http://www.hugenoot.org.za/huguenots.htm
Alistair MacCulloch http://www.alistairmcculloch.com/
Clan MacCulloch https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_McCulloch
Bobby MacLeod https://projects.handsupfortrad.scot/hall-of-fame/bobby-macleod/
The Mishnish http://themishnish.co.uk/
Lemmings https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemmings_(video_game)
Starling Safety https://starlingsafety.com
Lochaline https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lochaline
St Andrews Uni https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/
Postgrad in Theatre & Performance Practices https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/theatrepractices/
Cat Loud’s Big Night In https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og_5HVzGz_c
Free Fringe http://www.freefestival.co.uk/
Byre Theatre, St Andrews https://byretheatre.com/
Vault Festival https://vaultfestival.com/
Jock Tamson’s Bairns at the CCA http://www.cca-glasgow.com/programme/civil-disobedience-jock-tamsons-bairns-18feb
Prague Fringe https://www.praguefringe.com/
Bobby MacLeod - Modern Medley https://open.spotify.com/track/1Z7OFcrfz9T20EgGvCzFdo?si=0fmLE063Tk6mpuF5N1KO6Q
Felipe and The Blueswater https://theblueswater.com/
Finn Anderson http://finnanderson.co.uk/
Fraser Parry - cellist for To the End of the World! - also composes and performs under the name Try Happy https://www.instagram.com/musicbytryhappy/
Photo by Richard Bray https://unbound.com/authors/richard-w-h-bray
Thanks for listening!
In this episode I talk with Pat Morrison of Penmore, outside of Dervaig.
Pat and I spoke in her home at Penmore Mill at the end of last October.
Originally from Ayrshire, Pat came to Mull as an itinerant art teacher. Our chat covers all sorts of topics, from the poetry of Robert Burns, to student life in Edinburgh in the 60’s, Turus Mara - the family company, which takes you out to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles from Ulva Ferry, the travails of running a fish hatchery and a reminiscence about a dearly missed friend. The first few minutes of the recording are awfully hissy sounding. This is because I am such a professional, that I forgot to switch Pat’s recorder on for about 3 minutes. Yup. Sorry. It evens out after that.
If you’re curious about any of the subjects we talk about, please feel free to visit our website at whatwedointhewinter.com to find links that will allow you to investigate further.
If you have time and are so inclined, I’m running a short online survey that I’ll keep up until the first week of February to find out about how you engage with What We Do In The Winter. You can find a link to it in the text along with this podcast file, on our website and on social media. I’m looking to build more of an audience for the podcast, and I’d like to know how you interact with it at present to allow me to understand how to grow it. It can be found on this link: https://goo.gl/forms/xNuWBKB2aTiKmi1k1. Thank you for your time! Episode Links:
Robert Burn’s Poetry Tam o’Shanter http://www.robertburns.org/works/308.shtml To a Mouse http://www.robertburns.org/works/75.shtml Holy Willie’s Prayer http://www.robertburns.org/works/58.shtml
Edinburgh college of Art https://www.eca.ed.ac.uk/
John DuBarry http://www.tobarandualchais.co.uk/gd/results;jsessionid=B02103E06B3C7FDAD6DB004FB9CBC1B2
Archie Fisher https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archie_Fisher
Turus Mara https://www.turusmara.com/
Staffa https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staffa
Lunga https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunga,_Treshnish_Isles
A video about Staffa, Lunga and Ulva I made for Marketing Mull & Iona, with music by Duncan Lyall https://youtu.be/hcqNwdsVkdo
Lochan class boats
Frunculosis https://www2.gov.scot/Topics/marine/Fish-Shellfish/aquaculture/diseases/notifiableDisease/Furunculosis
Christine Kidd https://www.christinekydd.com/
In this episode I talk with Euphie Wood of Bunessan. I spoke to Euphie in her home the other day, at the start of January 2019.
It was a great pleasure to spend time in Euphie’s company, although we’d met some time ago, we’d never really managed to have a proper chat. I’m delighted that we got the opportunity to speak together this week.
I’m pleased to say that there’s a Gaelic section in this episode, too. If you’re curious about any of the subjects we talk about, please feel free to visit our website at whatwedointhewinter.com to find links that will allow you to investigate further.
If you have time and are so inclined, I’m running a short online survey that I’ll keep up until the first week of February to find out about how you engage with What We Do In The Winter. You can find a link to it in the text along with this podcast file, on our website and on social media. I’m looking to build more of an audience for the podcast, and I’d like to know how you interact with it at present to allow me to understand how to grow it. It can be found on this link: https://goo.gl/forms/xNuWBKB2aTiKmi1k1. Thank you for your time! Episode Links: Ross of Mull Historical Centre https://romhc.org.uk/
Attie MacKechnie http://www.tobarandualchais.co.uk/en/person/1033;jsessionid=4985EC5C237D069931A1A58F92C9ADD5 https://www.scotsman.com/news/obituaries/attie-mackechnie-1-674582
Ardchiavaig - https://canmore.org.uk/site/148381/mull-ardchiavaig
Lochinvar poem https://lochinvar.ltd.uk/about-us/lochinvar-poem/
H & I Film Guild - https://hifilmguild.gla.ac.uk/
The Master of Balantrae - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Master_of_Ballantrae_(1953_film)
Tea With Chrissie https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tea-Chrissie-Story-Burg-Ardmeanach/dp/0953189015
Brigadier Ronald Cheape of Tiroran tune https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGVRlaGZJlA
Soil and Soul https://www.amazon.co.uk/Soil-Soul-People-versus-Corporate-ebook/dp/B008QWCS0Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1547074936&sr=8-1&keywords=soil+and+soul
Dugie’s Shop http://www.dervaigshop.co.uk/
Kiel School https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keil_School
Oestende Boat explosion https://canmore.org.uk/site/102437/ostende-loch-na-lathaich-mull
The Appin Murder https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appin_Murder
Hill of the red fox https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hill-Red-Fox-Contemporary-Kelpies-ebook/dp/B00GL9R8Z4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1547119267&sr=8-1&keywords=hill+of+the+red+fox
Kidnapped https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kidnapped-Oxford-Worlds-Classics-Stevenson/dp/0199674213/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1547119288&sr=8-2&keywords=kidnapped
Erraid https://www.erraid.com/
Patronymics https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Scotland_Names_Personal
Thank you for listening!
In this episode I talk with Sandy Brunton of Fionnphort.
Sandy talked to me over Skype from his home in the Ross of Mull in the middle of December.
I’ve known Sandy and his wife Jane for a number of years, so it was great to get a chance to chat to him about his life and family history. We talk about how his family lived and worked in Mull in the past, his training as a boat builder on the Clyde. We get into some detail about the process of Salmon netting, which has answered a lot of questions for me about how it was actually done, his work as shop keeper and postmaster at the Ferry Shop in Fionnphort, and his role in community development organisations.
Towards the end of the podcast we talk about his work with the Coast Guard, and I enthuse about how it sounds like a boy’s own adventure as a sombre thought hits Sandy and he remembers that it’s 20 years to the day, as we spoke, since the Iona tragedy, which marked the communities of Iona and Mull in such a profound way. I was in two minds about whether to keep this section in this episode or not, but I feel it’s such a significant event that it should be marked with respect. I’m so pleased to have talked to Sandy, as I really want to try and speak to more people in the Ross and Iona, but time and distance often keep me up in the North of the Island.
I'm delighted to say that this episode has been sponsored by www.islandholidaycottages.com Thank you Hylda and team for your support!
If you have time and are so inclined, I’m running a short online survey that I’ll keep up until the first week of February to find out about how you engage with What We Do In The Winter. I’m looking to build more of an audience for the podcast, and I’d like to know how you interact with it at present to allow me to understand how to grow it. It can be found on this link: https://goo.gl/forms/xNuWBKB2aTiKmi1k1. Thank you for your time! Episode Links:
https://whatwedointhewinter.com/15-sandy-brunton/
Kerrera - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerrera Silver’s boat yard - http://www.silversmarine.co.uk/history.htm Ocean Youth Trust - http://oytscotland.org.uk/
Vedoura - http://classicyachtinfo.com/yachts/vadura-2/ Fastnet race ’79 tragedy - https://en.wikipedia.org /wiki/1979_Fastnet_race Carsaig - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carsaig_Bay Cycling Snipers - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_infantry Salmon Fishing / Netting - http://scottishsalmonassoc.net/ Camas - https://iona.org.uk/island-centres/camas-the-outdoor-centre-with-a-difference/ George MacLeod - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_MacLeod I know Where I’m Going - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037800/ Torosay estate - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torosay_Castle Creich School - now Creich Hall https://creichhall.co.uk/ The Ferry Shop, Fionnphort - https://www.ferryshopmull.co.uk/ MICT - Mull & Iona Community Trust - http://www.mict.co.uk/ RNLI - https://rnli.org/ Coastguard - https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/maritime-and-coastguard-agency The Iona tragedy, a report from the time - https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12020557.iona-mourns-the-loss-of-four-young-lives-night-trip-back-from-dance-by-dinghy-ends-in-tragedy/ Thank you for listening! whatwedointhewinter.com
In this special episode I talk for a second time with Duncan MacGilp of Tobermory.
I know so many of us hold Duncan with such great respect and affection that I thought it worth releasing this second interview as a wee festive treat.
Thank you to Island Bakery, again, for sponsoring the podcast through the medium of Lemon Melts. Everyone who takes part in this podcast gets a box of Lemon Melts. It seems to be everyone’s favourite of their range! I’m particularly fond of an oat crumble though, I must say.
Episode Links:
Osgood MacKenzie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osgood_Mackenzie
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hundred-Highlands-Osgood-Hanbury-Mackenzie/dp/1297520971/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1545603782&sr=8-1&keywords=osgood+mackenzie
The Summer Walkers https://www.amazon.co.uk/Summer-Walkers-Timothy-Neat/dp/1780273967/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1545604365&sr=8-1&keywords=the+summer+walkers
Coffin Road by Peter May https://www.amazon.co.uk/Coffin-Road-Peter-May/dp/178429313X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1545604530&sr=1-1
The Drove Roads of Scotland https://www.amazon.co.uk/Drove-Roads-Scotland-R-B-Haldane/dp/1841586951/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1545604689&sr=1-1&keywords=the+drove+roads+of+scotland
The Lochinvar http://www.clydeships.co.uk/view.php?ref=16366
The Lochbroom http://www.clydeships.co.uk/view.php?ref=17460
The Canoe Boys https://www.amazon.co.uk/Canoe-Boys-First-Scottish-Journey/dp/1903238994/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1545605756&sr=1-1
Jimmy and Angus https://www.amazon.co.uk/Originals-Angus-Milne-Jimmy/dp/B01K8NEWCA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1545605977&sr=8-2&keywords=Angus+and+Jimmy+Milne
Calve Island https://www.google.com/maps/place/Calve+Island/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x488bf1bf9fcc2c59:0xbb62ed598329d52?ved=2ahUKEwijvsy5iLffAhWpVRUIHckEAawQ8gEwFnoECAQQCA
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calve_Island
Flora Celtica https://www.amazon.co.uk/Flora-Celtica-Plants-People-Scotland/dp/1841583030/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1545609487&sr=1-1&keywords=flora+celtica
http://whatwedointhewinter.com/2018/12/25/14-duncan-macgilp-christmas-special
Thanks for listening! Have a wonderful festive season and all the best for 2019!
In this episode I talk with Olive Brown of Tobermory.
Originally from Dundee, Olive met her late husband, Alasdair, whilst a student at St Andrews, and, after some time down south came to Tobermory to run Alasdair’s family’s shop – the iconic Brown’s on the main street.
We talk about her life growing up in Dundee, her student years in St Andrews, the shop, Mull Museum, publishing and the Rural.
Links for this episode:
Dundee High School - https://www.highschoolofdundee.org.uk/
Tommy Steele - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Steele
St Andrews University - https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/
St Andrews Golf Course - https://www.standrews.com/
Building of Iraqi Railways - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraqi_Republic_Railways
Iraq revolution of 1958 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/14_July_Revolution
Archibald Brown and Son - http://www.brownstobermory.co.uk/
Ardnamurchan Lighthouse - http://ardnamurchanlighthouse.com/ https://www.nlb.org.uk/LighthouseLibrary/Lighthouse/Ardnamurchan/
Barrahead Lighthouse - https://www.nlb.org.uk/LighthouseLibrary/Lighthouse/Barra-Head/
Whitaker and Brown Publishers - http://www.brown-whittaker.co.uk/ Walking in North Mull - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Walking-North-Mull-Olive-Brown/dp/1904353096/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1545258263&sr=8-1&keywords=walking+in+north+mull
Mull Museum - http://www.mullmuseum.org.uk/
Isabella Bird - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isabella_Bird
A lady’s life in the Rocky Mountains - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ladys-Life-Rocky-Mountains-Adventure/dp/0857068415/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1545258087&sr=8-1&keywords=A+ladies+life+in+the+Rocky+Mountains
Unbeaten Tracks in Japan - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unbeaten-Tracks-Japan-Including-Aborigines/dp/1540873323/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1545258132&sr=1-2&keywords=unbeaten+tracks+in+japan
Keonori Kanasaka Twin Time Travel - https://www.nls.uk/exhibitions/isabella-bird A lecture by Keonori Kanasaka https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHOrK2_9fTA https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2017/12/09/books/book-reviews/off-beaten-track-isabella-bird/#.XBrDvSeYRhA
Sir Harry Aubrey de Vere Maclean - The Kaid https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Aubrey_de_Vere_Maclean http://lafayette.org.uk/mac2702.html https://en.yabiladi.com/articles/details/64272/kaid-maclean-adventurous-account-scottish.html
Tobermory Clock - https://canmore.org.uk/site/157772/mull-tobermory-main-street-clock-tower
The Scottish Women’s Rural Institute https://www.theswi.org.uk/
Volendam https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volendam
We can be found on whatwedointhewinter.com Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Thanks for listening!
In this episode I talk with John Maughan of Croggan. Croggan is a small settlement on the Lochbuie estate, on the shores of Loch Spelve.
Born in Edinburgh, John’s mother’s family originally comes from Mull, and he can trace his ancestry very far back indeed.
John came to Croggan and the area as a child for holidays, and like so many people before and since, it got a hold of him, and he always longed to live here.
I went to see John and his wife Cathy, at their beautiful home in Croggan looking across the water to Gualachaolish.
We talk about John's life and work, his family history here, stories from the community in the past and his interest in history.
If you're interested in some of the things we talk about in the episode, you can find out more on the following links:
Croggan: https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/mull/croggan/index.html
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Croggan,+Isle+of+Mull+PA63+6AH/@56.3818643,-5.7333576,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x488bde986c928a41:0xf9771c325b1d0a74!8m2!3d56.381866!4d-5.715848
Black browed albatross - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-browed_albatross
St Kilda - https://www.kilda.org.uk/
Lochbuie Estate - http://www.lochbuie.com/
Balgamrie & Barnashoag- https://canmore.org.uk/site/22651/balgamrie-mull
Portfield - http://www.isleofmullcottages.com/cottage/portfield.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RdRsIkLIEE Lord Lovat’s Cave - https://canmore.org.uk/site/79944/mull-lord-lovats-cave
The ’45 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacobite_rising_of_1745
Patrick Sellar - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Sellar
Factors or Land Agents https://edinburghuniversitypress.com/book-the-land-agent.html
Irish Podcast - https://soundcloud.com/folklore_podcast https://www.facebook.com/NationalFolkloreCollectionUCD/ Also available on iTunes.
Tobar an Dulchais http://www.tobarandualchais.co.uk/
Jo Currie’s book on Mull - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mull-Island-People-Jo-Currie/dp/1904607985/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544658903&sr=8-1&keywords=Jo+Currie+Mull
You can follow us on twitter, facebook and instagram or visit the website at whatwedointhewinter.com
Cheers!
In this episode I talk to Clare Ellis of Argyll Archaeology. We talk about the archaeology of Argyll, Mull, Iona and Lismore. Links with further information on the topics covered can be found on
whatwedointhewinter.com
There's a few too many links to put into this text, so do have a look at the website to get further under the surface.
Many thanks!
In this episode I talk to Zelda Sawyer of Dervaig.
Zelda, born in Australia and raised in England, has lived in the village for the last 40 odd years.
For many years Zelda ran a craft shop from her home on the main street of Dervaig. She was also a key figure in the little theatre, running the box office from her front room, amongst other duties.
In this conversation we chat about her life here on Mull, her working life away, her family and childhood, memories of local artists, characters from the village and the glory days of Mull Little Theatre under the Hesketh family.
It was a delight to spend time with Zelda, who at the age of 90, has many stories to tell.
www.whatwedointhewinter.com
In this episode I talk to Janet MacDonald of Tobermory.
Janet is a well-known figure in the local community, having grown up in the town.
To many of the people of North Mull she’ll be long remembered as the Gaelic teacher at Tobermory High School.
Janet is also well known in Gaelic circles for her singing, and her involvement with both the local and national Mòd.
I spoke with Janet by the fireside at her home in Tobermory. Archie, Janet’s husband, was there with us, and he occasionally joins in with the conversation.
At one point there was a pitch invasion by a gentleman who I’m hoping to talk to soon. Mr Iain MacKinnon, who has plenty of stories about life on the island that would be of interest, I’m sure.
There’s a really nice local flavour to Janet’s memories, there are many people and places mentioned, some no longer with us. We talk about houses and the people who used to live in them, drawing a map in my head with both people and place.
For more info, please visit: www.whatwedointhewinter.com
In this episode I talk to Roc Sandford of Gometra.
Roc has owned Gometra since the late 80’s. He has had a long and interesting career as both a farmer and a publisher, as well as working on the board for an inner city affordable housing trust in London.
His family history is both long and full of remarkable individuals. Both of his parents have had acclaim and critical success for their era defining work. His mother, Nell Dunn, wrote both Up the Junction, which was inspired by their community in Battersea and Poor Cow amongst many other works. His father, Jeremy Sandford wrote Cathy Come Home, and was a champion of the lives and rights of travelling people.
I first met Roc when I was working as a local development officer for the Ulva Ferry area. I was greatly taken with his charm, sincerity and sense of fun. Our conversation in this episode takes in all sorts of topics. We talk about the history of the ownership of Gometra in some depth, and Roc offers a perspective on lazy beds, those furrows that permeate our landscapes that I’d never thought of before.
We cover some esoteric matters, family stories, the genetic make up of notional populations, climate change and a quite remarkable coincidence, harking back to my conversation with Lucy MacKenzie about the Happy Valley murder, that you can find about half way through the episode.
I spoke to Roc via facetime audio, through my computer and into a sound recorder. The line occasionally makes squelchy odd noises, but I think it’s pretty clear, all things considered.
You can find links to the topics covered in this episode on: www.whatwedointhewinter.com
See also: www.gometra.org www.rocsandford.com
In this episode I talk to Alistair Morrison of Dervaig.
Al's family holidayed in Dervaig when he was young, and eventually bought a cottage in the village. I was keen to talk to Al as he’s someone who has always longed to be here. His experiences in childhood and throughout his teenage years here left such a mark on him that he always wanted to come and live here. What interests me is the gap between his dreams and the reality of living here.
We talk about how music and culture affect who we are, teenage adventures, memories of the village in the past, and a little about his work as a postman in Salen.
We also talk about one of my favourite events on Mull, the Box Ball. The box balls were fancy dress parties in Dervaig at the old hall, where Dougie’s shop is now.
I’m very pleased to say that this episode has been sponsored by Treshnish & Haunn Cottages. Have a look at their remarkable cottages on www.treshnish.co.uk
You can also find Treshnish on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook on @treshnish
www.whatwedointhewinter.com
In this episode I’m delighted to say that I get the chance to talk with Alasdair MacLean.
Alasdair was born in Dervaig, and spent his childhood around and about the village. He can trace his family in the area back to the early 1700’s. Alasdair is well known for his work as a fisherman, and his vast knowledge of local lore and tales. He’s a true tradition bearer.
Our conversation covers a lot of ground, and we move from topic to topic fairly swiftly.
Some of the things we talk about include: Quinish, Treshnish and the Whisky Cave, salmon netting, otter trapping, the process of making your own shot, the changes in dance and ceilidh music, the Highland Fund, fishing boats and fishing for different catches. Towards the end of our conversation we get into tales of characters from the past, including Markie-Dan, the Bongan and several other folks.
There are links and more on the website for many of the topics we talk about. www.whatwedointhewinter.com
I had a few issues with the microphone whilst recording this session, so please excuse any odd wee noises here and there.
I’m delighted to say that this episode has been sponsored by www.mullselfcatering.co.uk
Have a look at their site, at, www.mullselfcatering.co.uk, for their three properties, two flats at Thornliebank and the house beside them, Crieve. They’re beautiful properties in upper Tobermory, and have a really homely feel to them. They’re perfect for a break with family or friends.
Thanks!
In this episode I talk with Anne Cleave. Anne and her husband Colin moved to Mull in the late 90’s and ran Round and About, a local newspaper, and published the red book, our local telephone book, amongst many other things.
Our conversation goes into Anne’s life here, her working life before coming to Mull, the Salen Show, being the archivist at Duart Castle, and her studies with the open university, after retiring.
Anne also talks about the death of her sister Elsie Frost, who was murdered when she was a teenager. You can find this section at about half an hour into the episode.
Here’s some links to some of the topics we cover: - Overlord Embroidery https://theddaystory.com/discover/overlord-embroidery/ - Lambeth Housing Film from 1937 on the BFI’s facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BritishFilmInstitute/videos/2107607529281395/ - Salen Show - https://salenshow.wordpress.com/ - Duart Castle - https://duartcastle.com/ - Elsie Frost: BBC PM 50th Anniversary programmes on the case - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02vn2mt/episodes/downloads - https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/justice-for-elsie-frost/ - http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/qualifications/q39 - Alasdair Moffat - Arthur and the The Lost Kingdoms https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B009YPJPNK/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 - The Birth of Merlin https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Birth_of_Merlin
You can follow us on facebook, twitter, instagram and the website at www.whatwedointhewinter.com
Thanks for listening!
In this episode I talk to Lucy MacKenzie about her childhood, here on Mull at Calgary House, and her life in France, the USA and in Italy. Lucy runs a beautiful garden and B&B at Lip na Cloiche, near Ulva Ferry. http://www.lipnacloiche.co.uk/
More information on the Happy Valley murder, which Lucy mentions, can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happy_Valley_set
The book that Lucy’s work is featured in can be found here: Island Gardens: https://www.quartoknows.com/books/9780711239753/Island-Gardens.html
The podcast website can be found at www.whatwedointhewinter.wordpress.com/
This podcast has been sponsored by Isle of Mull Cottages. You can visit their website on www.isleofmullcottages.com/ There’s lots on there to see, beautiful photos, videos and lots of great information about visiting the island. Thanks for listening!
Oyster farmer Nick Turnbull talks about his life here on Mull and how he's seen fishing and aquaculture change over the years. There's a very interesting ghost story and tales of characters, some of whom are no longer with us, and some of whom still figure largely in the lives of many.
You can follow Isle of Mull Oysters on twitter on Gordon Turnbull's page https://twitter.com/gturnbull1
You can find a short film featuring Nick, Kenny and Gordon at work here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TARRRhBDAqU
Thanks for listening.
Our second podcast features Morven Gibson from Bunessan in the Ross of Mull.
Morven is the General Manager with South West Mull & Iona Development
In our chat we mention: https://swmid.co.uk www.mict.co.uk http://nwmullwoodland.co.uk/ https://ionavillagehall.org/ http://www.tobermoryharbour.co.uk/
Rural Housing Scotland Woodland Crofts
Lesley Riddoch’s books
Blossom McSmorgasboard
For more info please visit https://whatwedointhewinter.wordpress.com/ Or follow the podcast on Twitter: twitter.com/WhatWeDoInTheW1 Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatwedointhewinter
Our first podcast is with Duncan MacGilp. I interviewed Duncan on the 14th of August 2018.
In this episode we talk about Duncan’s life on Mull and his time away from the island during the war.
Topics include: Poaching; Growing up in Tobermory; the Salen Show; local characters in Tobermory; Training as a Commando at Spean Bridge; Travels through Europe during and after the 2nd world war; Gaelic language and song; Sorley MacLean; Fiddle making and many others besides.
For more info please visit https://whatwedointhewinter.wordpress.com/ Or follow the podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhatWeDoInTheW1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatwedointhewinter