Globusz^® Publishing 

Having now appointed the three Managers, it was essential that they, with several others who would have work to do before the actual occupation, visited the island. I gave Denise a list of names and her first job was to contact all those on the list and arrange their train journey, hotel accommodation, the boat trip to and from the island and of course the return trip.

About twenty-five were able to make the journey, including a few of the older children. As a surprise, Angus offered to meet us up there and to take us across in his fishing boat.

A good atmosphere was apparent on the train journey up and it continued at the hotel in the evening, with everyone getting to know each other and seemingly all getting along rather well. The good spirits were heightened the next day when it dawned fine and Angus was waiting in his fishing boat ready for the trip to the island. It was like a holiday venture, the group enthusiastically discussing the future that was in store for them.

It was a pleasant crossing with a strong westerly wind to blow away any cobwebs and it was interesting to see how those used to working outside were much more able to appreciate the exposure than those who had office jobs. It was a practical guide as to what again type of clothing would need to be part of our wardrobe when we eventually came to stay. Angus, at his first sighting of the island, pointed it out in the distance and we all strained our eyes only to see only to see it positively some minutes later. Anticipation increased until we were able to step on to terra firma and look around, first impressions often being the ones that last in the memory.

As we all tramped to the row of crofts and then on up the rise towards the main lodge the group broke into two groups, those who wanted to see all they could of the village where they would be living and those who strode ahead to see as much of the whole island as possible in the short time available. The questions began to flow fast and continued to do so for almost the whole time we were there. They were not all directed to me, it was all part of the excitement and infectious need to be part of the enfolding experience. Eventually we arrived at the top of the central hill, meeting those who had gone on ahead and together we admired the expansive views around. Everyone was ecstatic and I took a minute to remind them that we were lucky, this was one of the all too few summer days and that it was not always as good, they would have to contend with wind, rain, cold and mist but I hoped that the sunny days and the community spirit would offset these disadvantages.

We made our way down again to the main lodge and noticed on our approach that several, somewhat worn, wicker rocking chairs had been left ready on a covered veranda at the front of the entrance. It seemed rather welcoming and some took the opportunity to rest and have a bite to eat. I had obtained the key to the lodge and invited everyone to come in and have a look round. The large rooms with high ceilings and general space available within the house impressed everyone. There was a particular mustiness about certain parts of the house but several items of furniture were still in place and I felt that we could make use of some of them. There were even some old books in a glass-fronted case. I picked one up and read the title: The Willow. I guessed it was the subject dear to the heart of the previous Laird, who, I understood, wished to cover most of the island with these trees. Generally the house gave me comfortable vibes, with its large fireplaces and good-sized windows allowing the light to flood into nearly all the rooms. There was general approval and a few ribald remarks about my position as Laird, and how I would be sitting up there smoking cigars while they toiled, without adequate clothing, as they fought against the elements. The aristocracy were always lording it over the serfs.

Wandering outside, we were surprised to discover what had been a well laid out garden, with overgrown shrubs, a vegetable garden, a rose garden and an apple orchard. Most surprising of all were the half a dozen mature palm trees swaying in the breeze. I am not a gardener but I did have thoughts that I would love to bring this garden back to what, it seemed, was a former glory.

As we returned, the questions related more to who would have what accommodation. I could not answer this yet but said that on our return I would soon hold another general meeting, by which time we should have been able to finalise on some of these issues.

We continued on our walk passing some of the crofts, round to where a beach came into our view. The extensive sweep of shell sand was backed by steep sand dunes covered with marram grass, which rose sharply to the green fields above. But it was the sea that caught all our eyes, for the sun, having found an opening of blue between the rolling cumulus clouds, suddenly illuminated the sea to a brilliant turquoise blue which captivated all of us. We had to stop and watch the transition and interplay of the colours. The white-topped breakers, viewed from above, appeared to move slowly towards the beach to make it a peaceful scene, but we knew only too well that the weather could change in a very short period of time to render the scene totally different. We would, we guessed, talk much about the weather, good or bad.

We all then wandered down to inspect the crofts again, Denise, I noticed, was taking copious notes and I guessed that she would try and accommodate everyone’s wishes as far as she could in the allocation of these properties.