Island on the Edge Page 24

  Last year the island suffered three significant hurricanes, leaving a seventy-nine foot pine tree on another holiday cottage not far from Leac Mhor, knocking off the chimney and part of the gable end. Robert managed to clear away this tree as he had done with the tree that fell on the Carn cottage in 2006. Thanks to his small chainsaw and divine providence, he managed to clear the pine tree and rebuild the chimney and gable end as best he could, although Robert admits himself that the chimney would have pleased Gaudi with its attractively organic look. With combined efforts of the few remaining Soay residents and willing holidaymakers, we have rebuilt the track and replaced the small bridge.

  At one time it was possible to make general seasonal weather predictions, but no longer. We now use a ‘wait and see’ approach to any forward planning. Growing our vegetables has become quite a challenge and we have recently built a large polytunnel to help boost our food production which has suffered over the last few years due to excessive rainfall. In a relatively short space of time, global weather changes are having profound effects on our lives.

  It might have been made fifty years too early, but Gavin Maxwell’s astute prophecy has been all but fulfilled for Soay today. I hope not to make a similar prediction for the future of the entire planet and that there may still be time to adapt if we have the will to learn the ways.

  Soay harbour, with the ruined shark factory. At first sight, the looming Cuillin Mountains seemed to be part of the island. ( Jemma Cholawo)

  Glenfield House, just as the estate agency described it: ‘a stone built traditional one-and-a-half-storey croft house with corrugated iron roof ’. But with climbing roses, too. (Anne Cholawo)

  Tex and Jeanne Geddes: the continuity they provided held together the small community of Soay for more than forty years. Their companionship and kindness gave a new dimension to my experience of the island. (Getty Images)

  The sad remains of Gavin Maxwell’s shark factory: a rusting steam engine and scattered machinery parts are all that’s left of the venture, which came to an end in 1951. (Robert Cholawo)

  Loch, Isle of Soay. A hauntingly beautiful place on the far north-eastern side of the island. On a clear day the Cuillins are reflected in the water. ( Jemma Cholawo)

  Helicopter drop by the Marines: how else could I get my precious upright piano delivered to Soay? (Robert Cholawo)

  My first winkle boat – the money earned from winkling made it possible for me to continue living on Soay. (Jill Harding)

  Taffy: his life on Soay became easier once he pretended sheep did not exist. (Anne Cholawo)

  Tex in Petros. She was built from cement but Tex handled her as easily as a rowing boat. (DJ Roodhuyzen)

  Dallas Jane Roodhuyzen, known as DJ, taking a rest from a summer shift on Glenfield House improvements. (Anne Cholawo)

  Tork, the Labrador ‘collie’, singing to the harmonica (DJ Roodhuyzen)

  Lachie, the collie, barking at BT windmills – they power the island’s telephone system. ( Jemma Cholawo)

  Soay House, with lush garden and Jeanne’s bright red telephone box. That’s Peter Fitzgerald leaning by the gate and me opposite him. (DJ Roodhuyzen)

  The Schoolhouse, an impressive Victorian building, was always an important meeting place for islanders. (Robert Cholawo)

  Jeanne’s four white Sanaan goats always knew when it was milking time. (DJ Roodhuyzen)

  Tex and myself feeding foals. Caring for Highland ponies kept Tex going after Jeanne’s death. (DJ Roodhuyzen)

  Maintaining Sally B’s engine: a labour of love – and a necessity for our life on Soay. ( Jemma Cholawo)

  Soay shopping trip: self-reliance takes careful planning and every delivery has to be carried up the stony beach to the house. (Robert Cholawo)

  Geese enjoy the pond, fed by releasing excess water from our hydro scheme. (Jemma Cholawo)

  Robert on our invaluable workboat. (Jo Bryant)

  The sheep chase. Hired hands at work with hand shears. (Robert Cholawo)

  Collecting up the fleeces. From left to right: Biddy Harman, Donita and Oliver Davies. (DJ Roodhuyzen)

  Blondie in the cart with Biddy and Tex. (DJ Roodhuyzen)

  Seumas the stallion arriving in the hold of Petros. (DJ Roodhuyzen)

  Heron being beached for a much needed makeover. (Robert Cholawo)

  Petros beached and ready for a new coat of anti-foul paint, while Tex lights his ever-present pipe. (DJ Roodhuyzen)

  Taking Heron around to the safety of the harbour with Peter Fitzgerald. (DJ Roodhuyzen)

  Soay Bay with the houses scattered along the shoreline. (Jemma Cholawo)

  Raft test run: it took nine hours to do the eight-mile round trip – we needed another boat! (Anne Cholawo)

  Homeward bound: Robert and I after a golden autumn day on the croft above Leac Mhor. (Jemma Cholawo)