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!

59 Charlotte Mellis

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.com

Thanks for listening!

64 Gremlin Napier

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.

Thanks for listening!

For links and more info, please visit whatwedointhewinter.com

The HPMA Consultation - Islands Federation Draft Response can be found here: https://www.scottish-islands-federation.co.uk/draft-response-to-hpma-consultation/

67 Neil Jardine

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

68 Nick Holmes

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!

69 Alastair Maclean

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!

70 Andrew Macfarlane

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

73 Cressida Cowell

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!

74 Donald Macgillivray

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.uk

Photo of Banjo & Ro by Lisa McKenna

For more information please see the episode links on whatwedointhewinter.com

Thanks for listening!  
All the best to you for 2024!

75 Banjo and Ro Beale

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

76 Eilidh Young

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.com

Thanks for listening! 


78 Anda Campbell

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.com

Thanks for listening! 


79 Allan and Cameron Maclean

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!  


80 Christine Leach

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.com

Thanks for listening! 


81 Alison and Angus Johnston

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.com

Thanks for listening!

82 Hugh Boa

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.com

Thanks for listening!

Photo of Davie with thanks to Derwyn Hewitt.

83 Davie Hewitt

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.

Mull Museum  - VE Day 2025

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.com
Thanks for listening! 

84 Mary McMillan

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.com
Thanks for listening!  

85 Kenny and Colin MacIntyre

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.com

Thanks for listening!


86 Dr Jennifer Jack

This episode is a repost of episode 75 of What We Do in the Winter,  an oral history podcast about the people of Mull, Iona, Ulva, Gometra and Little Colonsay.  It features a conversation with Banjo and Ro Beale to coincide with the release of Banjo and Ro's Grand Island Hotel on BBC iplayer.  
Originally released for Christmas 2023 it features some seasonal greetings and a wee bit of context about the podcast.

Wishing the boys all the very best with their adventure on Ulva, it's a properly dramatic watch, I've only seen one episode and have no idea how it's all going to pan out.  Compulsive viewing!  

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.uk

Photo of Banjo & Ro by Lisa McKenna

For more information please see the episode links on whatwedointhewinter.com

Thanks for listening! 

Encore:  Banjo and Ro Beale

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]

Banjo and Ro's Grand Island Hotel - Andrena and Alasdair chat about Ulva

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

What We Do In The Winter

What We Do In The Winter Theme 01

01 Duncan MacGilp

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!

What We Do In The Winter 2018

06 Alasdair MacLean

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

09 Janet MacDonald

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!

12 John Maughan

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

What We Do In The Winter 2019

19 John MacDonald

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!

22 Gordon Buchanan

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/

25 Hugh MacPhail

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.

28 Jim Corbett

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/

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54 Hannah Fisher

A podcast about the lives of the people of the isles of Mull, Iona, Ulva and Gometra.

What We Do In The Winter

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