The last week of February has seen a return of sunshine to Canna. After the howling wind and rain of Winter, the ground finally has a chance to dry out and the cows have been sunbathing on the cliff tops. The longer days are starting to make a welcome return too which brings with them a renewed sense of busyness to the island. Winter seems to have flown by in a flash and we have begun the steady march towards the Summer season.
Two nights ago we had the best Northern Lights we have seen here in many years with a dazzling display of greens and deep reds against the backdrop of a clear, starry sky! As soon as the alert went out, the lights from torches and cars could be seen heading over to Sanday and down to the Pier as folk dashed out to the best viewing spots on the island. Another reason to come to Canna and experience our dark skies in the winter, mother nature puts on a spectacular show!
We took part in the Marine Litter survey and both Winnie and Pete collected a variety of bits from their 10m stretches of beach to add to the data. I often see large plastic litter like buckets, old fishing trays, random bits of wood and rope all around the island but at Coroghan the other day, it was the first time that I had seen micro plastics on that beach. It was pretty shocking to see how much there was, especially when you start to look a bit closer. I went snorkeling for the first time this year at the weekend and spotted, amongst other things, a random shoe lodged in the rocks.
On a brighter note, the Eider ducks have returned to Canna. The other morning as I stood outside I heard the familiar “old lady with a handbag” sound from across the water. There was only one on Sunday and now there are loads, having a mothers meeting, swimming about in a gaggle. No doubt discussing where they went for the winter and which Yorkshire or Cornish Ale is the best.
Team Canna had a fantastic day trip to Eigg as part of a community learning exchange to look at their various projects. We visited the brewery, the renewables, the tree nursery and Eigg Adventures as well as enjoying a tasty lunch in the cafe! Thank you to Camille for showing us around, to Charlie for driving us around all day and to all those involved in the projects we visited. There is a wealth of knowledge to share between the islands and we look forward to having Team Eigg over for a reciprocal visit very soon!
Photos by Margaret Willington
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