The Massey 135

We were trying to remember when we bought the tractor.  It was either in 1997 or 1999.  Massey Ferguson stopped manufacturing the 135 in 1975 so it was at least more than 20 years old more by then.

We had stayed the night before the sale at the Spital of Glenshee Hotel, where we had stopped for many childhood post skiing treats of hot chocolate, warming our chilled limbs by its 60s Alpine styled open fire.  Gone now were the ghosts of those almost mythical family occasions as the hotel was faded and sorry for itself. Busy with numerous coaches full of elderly passengers there for a Christmas meal and a festive sing-song - every night from early November.  

The roup (dispersal sale) at a nearby farm was a desperate occasion, as the farmer and his family were moving on, and were clearly sad to be doing so.   We both had a slightly uncomfortable feeling looking round the different lots for sale. 

We had travelled over specially as Farmer was looking for a small tractor which would enable him to get into lots of tricky corners to cut the bracken. We’d seen that this was for sale.

Having successfully bid for the tractor we arranged for Allan Stewart the haulier to bring it back to the island for us on his lorry.  

Fast forward 20 or 22 years later and today S went to collect the same tractor from Dervaig.   Farmer had sold it to a friend in the village about 15 years ago, and now full circle, it was coming home.   

The Spital of Glenshee Hotel burnt down in 2014.

A catch up of April

The Ensay Burn from above.

Traigh na cille beach with Ben More in the background.

The Magnolia in full flower, before a storm blew all her flowers away. 

The Ensay Burn beach.

Looking beyond the Point towards Calgary and Rum.

Sunset.

Over the headland towards Calgary.

Sheltering from the wind.

Putting the sheep through the fank before lambing begins.

The full moon at sunrise.

Loch na Keal.

Pony trekking at Killienchronan.

Greylags at Traigh na cille.

Treshnish Headland.

Always romantic...

Sunset over Coll.

Shian and Duill chimney pots.

The first pair of Herdwick lambs.

Out of hibernation.

Primrose time of year.

Walter has a haircut.

Twin blackface lambs.

Alice, nine years old.

Soft sunset at Haunn.

Over Coll.

Misty April morning.

Calgary in full bright sunshine.

Catkins.

Dust bathing.

The weekend

Farmer did some painting on Friday and now the tups are all out with the ewes.   He was watched by the 'spare' tups who stood in a line by the wind turbine field fence looking down at the fank.   It is not their time yet, they have a further 17 days to wait, until they get painted and put into the fields with the ewes!

We needed one more tup, so went off on Saturday morning to Knock Farm to look at the tups they had for sale.  We selected one, and after a cup of tea with Donald we headed home via Loch na Keal and Ulva ferry. Torloisk were gathering the hill at Kilbrennan so we stopped a while to let their ewes get in to the right place, and watched the already gathered ewes who seemed to be watching this gather too! 

Sunday dawned bright and clear, and remained so all day, until a truly beautiful sunset sky.

The Salen Show 2015

It doesn't feel right to miss the Salen Show, it is one of the main events of the farming year - so I try not to! It is a great occasion when the farming community and the wider island community comes together to celebrate where we are and enjoy a day out.

There were lots of sheep to judge.

Bob Stewart was there with his innovative Spinlight, designed and manufactured (3D printer) on Mull.   Look at his website for details of this amazing walking stick light, perfect for walking in the dark, on uneven Treshnish tracks (hint, hint Farmer).

There was lots of local produce - and I was giving out Mull and Iona Food Trail leaflets, some of the time.

The Hill Race had an entrant all the way from Texas, pictured below talking to Angus MacKay, the compere. 

Poultry is also shown, in my favourite tin shed, and this pretty hen was having a nap.

The cockerel crowed throughout the day. 

This year there were goats to be judged.

A good turnout of fine Highland cattle.

Some very young 'young handlers'.

The pipe band played and also the Scottish Ensemble.

This 3 year old Highland heifer belonging to Angus MacColl, Mingary won the best in show.  Caroline MacPhail and her beautiful Highland pony were a close second. 

The show ground was beginning to empty when I left, but an hour later the informal party had begun, and as I drove past it looked lovely and relaxed. The evening sun was shining.