stevelyon

The BBC Radio 3’s "The Essay" can be rather hit and miss, but this series on the Scottish Islands are a real hit. Wonderfully narrated by a Scottish poet it tugs at your heart and before you know it you glimpse for yourself some of the grief the narrator feels. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07vws2jWell worth a listen and if you like this consider listening to the whole series or tune in to the equally spellbinding series on places in Italy. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0000b4c

BritishCaicos

It’s not a good start Steve.

Titled up St Kilda, the BBC are showing a picture of Iona.

Thanks for posting I’ll listen when I can.

I’ve one ambition left now. Done lot’s but just want to circumnavigate Mull in a 15ft Wayfarer with the dog and a tent. Dolphins in The Bahamas are one thing but snorkelling with them in OUR water is worth 10 times more,

historytraveler

The difference between Iona and St. Kilda's is almost like night and day. Are you saying they were discussing St. Kilda and showing Iona or am I just confused. Won"t be the first time. Still sounds interesting. The Scottish Isles with the exception of Skye are still one of Scotland"s best kept secrets, but probably not for long.

janisj

>>Are you saying they were discussing St. Kilda and showing Iona or am I just confused. <<

The podcast is strictly audio (really interesting) and about St Kilda. But the photo on the page is of Iona/the Abbey. There isn't a caption labeling it 'St Kilda' but seems pretty slipshod editing.



OK -- just figured it out -- the previous podcast is about Raasay . . . and it also has the photo of Iona. Maybe that's the only photo the Beeb has of Scotland

historytraveler

No abbey at either Raasay or St. Kilda. Almost funny but also a bit pathetic. Do wonder what they were thinking. Will have a look a podcast.

BritishCaicos

Janis

It’s the only photo anyone needs of any where. Magical place.

History

if it is north of Milton Keynes the BBC usually get it wrong.

stevelyon

I can forgive the BBC when I can access wonderful podcasts like this. My intention wasn't to bring your attention to particular episodes but to the whole series which (alongside the ones on Italy) are a joy listen..

BritishCaicos

Sorry Steve my post was a little inane in view of the quality of the podcast.

I have listened to the one on Iona and loved it.

The island definitely feels like the end of the world but I love the recorded history that under Columba some clerics found it too busy and a little cosmopolitan. They had to migrate to tiny Hebredean islands to find peace and quiet.

Thanks for introducing me to Radio 3.

Radio 4 seems to pack its schedule with third rate plays and Radio 5 is just noise.