I returned to Torrisdale after a winter away, just in time to miss the road blocks caused by 15 foot snow drifts. As the lights went off, the candles came out and so too did the friendly neighbours, open fires and communal dinners made for a lovely return. Took a walk up the hills with …

I’ve been thinking about bees recently and the more you read, the more worrying it is. It’s common knowledge that honey bees are facing a crisis and as a result so are we. The collapse of honey bee colonies across the world continues and reports are confirming just how serious this could be for our …

This past week or so I’ve been clearing along the track towards Glen House, opening up views of Creag Mhor as you come across the bridge and finally opening up areas down to the burn. As I was working I realised, as yet another alder came crashing down, that essentially I’m doing the work of …

Eight years ago this impressive walled garden looked much like our overgrown garden at Torrisdale, overrun with weeds and a long way from its formerly glorious days as a functioning kitchen garden. Over six years Islay walled garden has slowly been coaxed back into full production with the help of a dedicated team including its …