Posts Tagged ‘Island Trails’

Posted on December 18, 2009 - by benmullay

Island Trails Promo Shoot

Picture above is the Island Trails team in the Vaila Mae which was docked outside the Shetland Museum.  It was a bit of a challenge getting everyone down into the boat, but it made for a great photograph in wintery conditions.

Pictured in the back row (from left) are Maria Leask, James Tait, Douglas Sinclair and
Niall Cruickshank. The front row consists of (from left) Kirsten Henry, Elma Johnson and Merran Nugent.

Kirsten and Merran started playing some traditional tunes while I ran back towards the museum to compose my photograph.  The music created a fantastic atmosphere and it was quite obvious  what a great group Elma has built up.

As part of  Hamefarin 2010, Elma and Island Trails will be taking part in a concert at Cunningsburgh on Tuesday 22nd June 2010.  Her part in the programme is called Emigration to Australia, with music and song.

I wish Elma and the rest of the Island Trails team a Merry Christmas and a successful 2010.

-Ben

Posted on August 22, 2009 - by benmullay

St Ninian’s Isle Walks by James Tait

St Ninian’s Isle and its sand tombolo is a unique and beautiful location with  great historical, religious and scenic importance.  It was here the famous St Ninian’s Isle treasure was found in 1958.

James Tait lives in the nearby crofting township of Ireland.  He comes from a crofting family and has a keen interest in local history, culture and wildlife.

James offers guided walks around St Ninan’s Isle which last approximately 3 hours. (Shorter walks available on request).  Outdoor footwear and clothing essential.

Walks by prior arrangement and weather dependant.

For more info and  prices contact james at  bigtontait@gmail.com

St. Ninian’s Isle Walks in association with Island Trails, see www.island-trails.co.uk

Posted on May 10, 2009 - by benmullay

St Magnus Church Raffle – WIN a trip to Bergen!

I was recently commissioned by Elma Johnson of Island Trails to take a photograph at Sumburgh Airport to promote a forthcoming raffle in aid of the St Magnus Church.  Elma has done extremely well to secure a first prize of a trip to Bergen kindly donated by Loganair.  The second prize is a weekend at Busta House Hotel.

Pictured below (from left) is Sharon Lawrence (Loganair), Elma Johnson (Island Trails) and Keith Henshall (Rector).

Tickets are available at local shops from Unst to Sumburgh.  The draw will take place at St Magnus Church Hall on Saturday 13th June at a luncheon party.

Full information on the raffle below which was sent by Elma:

Over many years the ladies of St Magnus Church have been a great support to my company ‘Island Trails’.

One of my walks was at the sooth-end of Lerwick, where St Magnus is situated. On that tour I asked our summer visitors to step back in time to the days of smuggling and press gangs during the 18th Century. About 10 years ago, Aileen Robertson asked if I would include the church in my walk. I was very willing to agree to this. For me this meant researching St Magnus. So my tour culminated in a visit to St Magnus Church, a B listed building, telling its history of how the Cameron family of Bressay provided the Church for Lerwick. Not only the Church, but also the ‘House of Charity’ (now Glen Orchy Hotel), where the occupants (three Nuns) went out into the town caring and helping the poor. The building was completed in 1864 and contains stained glass windows by Sir Ninian Comper.  These windows have been described as ‘the best ecclesiastical collection of stained glass in Shetland’ and ‘extremely valuable as a Scottish resource.’  These windows were partly the reason that St Magnus have had offers of grants from Historic Scotland and the Lottery Heritage Fund.

From the Church we move into the Church hall where the ladies of the Church provide us with refreshments and home bakes, all for just a donation.  This became an excellent thing for ‘Island Trails’ making the Sooth-End walk very popular.  I feel that the congregation of St Magnus have worked tirelessly towards the repair of this building over many years and it would be dreadful if they were unable to raise the final sum of £50,090 needed to save a piece of Shetland’s history.

‘Island Trails’ has organised a grand raffle to help this cause which many firms throughout Shetland have kindly gifted some marvellous prizes. Our first prize being a Trip to Bergen from Loganair and 2nd prize a weekend at Busta House Hotel.  The draw will take place at St Magnus Church Hall on Saturday 13th June at a luncheon party.