Esther sends in a progress report

Esther is on the last leg of her mini-epic round trip with the Press Night of Para Handy at, I think, the Eden Court in Inverness. A perfect way to end a day of travelling if you ask me - as we found on our horse-drawn tours of Scotland, when it became a regular habit to read out loud the adventures of Para Handy and the crew of the Vital Spark, while we clustered around the camp-fire, dram in hand, 'til way past midnight.  

Anyway, while Esther recovered from the Stornoway - Ullapool ferry, she sent word of her meetings with Rona MacDonald of Glasgow Life; then at Sabhal Mor Ostaig - Mikey and Annette and Kath and then the TV studio at the college, plus talk of BBC Alba. Then on to Uist and meeting Andy MacKinnon. Everywhere mighty enthusiasm and promises of help. 

Alison during our trip last year, on the beach near Eochar, with the chimney of
Angus MacPhee's now ruined childhood home peeking up over the shore line. 

Esther then met Mary McInnes in Eochar, (Angus's home as a young man), where she clearly had a wide-ranging discussion touching on Ceolas, possible venues, Julie Fowlis, Kathleen McInnes, Anna Murray, and came away even more enthused than before. Then on the way to catch the Berneray - Harris ferry she popped in to see Chris and Mary. Next to An Lanntair and Alex MacDonald - and finally a rough crossing to Ullapool and thence to Inverness and the coal-puffer crew.

So, now I can barely wait to hear directly from Esther - and then get on the road with my own trip.