11 July 2024

A wonderful day. With Clare and Paul transplanting bee-loving comfrey from neighbours, Margaret and Dave, who run the post office (open six hours a week) to one of the reserve fields. This involves a lengthy coffee stop, all very pleasant. The couple moved here 25 years ago and ran 100 sheep before it became too much for them. We learn how life has become harder now that the cattle-feed suppliers no longer deliver to the harbour. It necessitates running a large vehicle to bring it over. The same is true of the coal suppliers – coal being essential in view of of the frequent electricity outages. Travel has also become more difficult. In the past the bus connection from Thurso to Inverness was a non-stop 1.5 hours. This run is now over three hours with the bus servicing numerous small villages where no passengers get on or off. Life is unsatisfactory!

After lunch we wander to the south end of the island to investigate the bee populations. The Sun graces us with its presence and the wildflowers are sublime.

Roughly half of Egilsay is owned by the RSPB. The territory includes a working farm and the team there report in to the same line manager as Vicky. Hence the potential conflict of interests in terms of managing the terrain. 

During our walk, we can see where red clover and woundwort have been transplanted earlier in the year. They are establishing well, but it looks like a massive amount of work and I wonder why the decision has been taken to introduce new areas of the plant rather than extending from the areas where it is already successful. 

It is lovely to see some unfamiliar species of bee on the tufted vetch. Thanks to my ornithlogical companions I have several birds pointed out to me: great skua, arctic tern, an owl, curlew (obviously), meadow pippit. We also see a dozen seals resting on a rock.

I walk back along the road, not wanting to miss a minute of the glorious sunshine. In the verge red clover is particularly abundant, nature doing its thing without any help.