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Summer in the HebridesYes, there is Summer here in the Outer Hebrides!!The changing of the seasons here seems a bit more subtle than other places as there aren't the extremes of temperatures. The main clue to the fact that the seasons are changing is that the days get either longer or shorter. Round about April, we get what we call 'British Summer Time' which is when the clocks spring forward, though the temps outside don't really feel anything like summer, much less spring! But the days are noticeably longer and everyone has a smile on their face, despite the continuing wet and wind. Then May happens. Oh, glorious May! The machairs are starting to bloom with such rare flowers as the spotted orchid, lambs are gamboling about and the weather is calm. The browns of winter heather on the peat moors are greening up and by August, the moor is rife with the pinks and purples of heather. This is the time when those who still do, are going out to the peat moors and cutting their peats for winter fuel for the following winter. Even until recent times, this was a great community affair. Everyone would go and help each other in the village to cut each other's peats. Whoever's turn it was, the wife would host everyone at her house with a great repast, lubricated with the odd dram. Instead of being an horrendous chore as one would imagine, it was a time to look forward to with great merriment. I have been told the odd romance used to happen at the time of the peats... Many people have switched to oil fired central heating and the peat moors are re-generating, but I do wonder with the current price of oil if the peats won't make a resurgence?
Another clue it's summer is the sudden influx of tourists coming off the ferry. In July, there's a big event known as the Hebridean Celtic Festival held at various venues in Stornoway with the main evening event in the Castle Grounds. This past year saw a record number of folks attending this event. At the same time, the Sail Hebrides Maritime Festival is on in Stornoway. It's a wondrous sight to see sailing boats in full sail floating into Stornoway Harbour! For information on the Hebridean Celtic Festival, click here
The Nasty Wee BeastiesWith the lovely warm, summer weather comes a nasty little vicious bug known as the Scottish Midge. They are probably the number one deterrant to tourism in Scotland in the summer months. They come out in droves when the weather is warm, still and overcast/dull. Hence, if it's bright mid-day sun, they won't get you. It's dawn and dusk that are the killers, thus making early evening BBQ's nearly impossible. And if you walk fast, they won't get you as their flight speed is slower than human walking pace. When we've had barbeques in summer in early evening, my partner's solution is to make a very smoky fire with loads of peats and dry grass. Only problem is you nearly choke to death with smoke inhalation! One of the best products to use to keep them away is Avon's Skin-so-soft bath oil. Apparently the dry oil spray isn't so long lasting. I have been told the tough guys of the SAS have been known to use it, though I am sure Avon isn't happy for this sort of publicity! There are various herbal alternatives, one of which is sold on the island and contains Bog Myrtle, a plant native to the Hebrides and apparently the midges hate. If you go out on the peat moors in August (traditionally when the peats are to be collected), they are there in black clouds. No amount of repellant will help. It's defensive clothing that is needed here, particularly a midge net. Midge Nets are different to mosquito nets in that the mesh is much finer as midges are the size of gnats. These are easily obtained from various stores around the islands, such as Engebretsens, a local petrol station which is also open on Sundays (affectionately known locally as "Engies"). In the meantime, here's a book called Midges of Scotland which may give you some humorous insights into the little horrors!
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