Scottish Islands Explorer

27/11/2025

And since we were on the subject of the Isle of Eriskay – see previous post – here's some further reminders of this fabulous little location in the Western Isles…once the focus of 18th century Royal intrigue.

27/11/2025

Another message from a reader of Scottish Islands Explorer:
"So sorry to hear that you have had to stop publication. I loved the Magazine and after visiting many of the Islands over a time span of fifteen years, it was lovely to read your Magazine and bring memories back and read about Islands I had never got chance to visit. Very Best Wishes you all and thank you for all the joy and comfort your Magazine has given."
Thanks to everyone for all your kind words. And here's a summer photo of Prince's Strand in Eriskay to cheer everyone a bit.

12/11/2025

The Islands Book Trust are delighted to have reached an agreement with Stornoway Media to enable a version of SIE to continue. There is considerable synergy between the aims of SIE and IBT - see our website www.islandsbooktrust.org

It will take some time before it is clear what form future issues of SIE will take, but we are very pleased to have stepped into the breach and prevented its complete loss.'

John Randall
Chairman
Islands Book Trust

We publish books about the history of Scotland's Islands and their communities. We hold events throughout the islands and we work to connect people.

12/11/2025

Well folks, what about this! We're back, well sort of. But not us, them! Yes, I know, it's been a rollercoaster time for the past few months. So my words are all at sixes and sevens! But the Islands Book Trust (https://www.facebook.com/islandsbooktrust2/) has come forward to take over the archives and other records from our years running Scottish Islands Explorer…and they hope to continue to publish your favourite magazine in the future in some form!
So it's a great big island welcome to John, Ben and Karen from the Islands Book Trust…and it's goodbye from Fred and Melissa at Intermedia Services (Stornoway) Ltd! Best of luck to you all!!

02/11/2025

Another story from one of the wonderful, dedicated readers who we are so sorry to lose…
"I am very sorry that SIE is finished. It will leave a gap that other magazines will not fill. An elderly neighbour (my age) will miss it too. She has lots of magazines but enjoys that most.
"My only comfort is the knowledge that I have been personally to over 50 Scottish islands, some many times. Two generations of two Labradors came too. They sobbed with excitement when they got to boarding the ferry. I got up the stairs on board faster than I intended hanging on the end of a lead.
"Sadly they are all gone too."
The photograph is a view of the Quiraing looking towards the Western Isles.
From the lone shieling of the misty island
Mountains divide us, and the waste of seas-
Yet still the blood is strong, the heart is Highland,
And we in dreams behold the Hebrides

25/10/2025

With a valedictory look at some island coastlines, we thought it was appropriate to widely publish some more of the email tributes received for the work of Scottish Islands Explorer, once again reflecting the commitment and skills of our writers, editors, photographers, sales people, printers, and distributors. One subscriber from the Netherlands wrote:

"I am in mourning... I love(d) the Scottish Islands Explorer. Some ten years ago I bought the magazine at a newsagent's and was totally hooked. I took out a subscription and have been reading the SIE ever since. I enjoy the many beautiful pictures of the Scottish Isles that I love so much. And the interesting stories about all aspects of island living. Every time the magazine is delivered on my doormat, I tear open the envelope and start reading. It brings me back to the holidays my husband and I spent in Scotland over the years. We especially enjoy the wildlife, like the breeding seabirds in spring and early summer. Only last August I went to the Isle of May, in the Firth of Forth, with my sister. And although the puffins had already left, there were still birds around. My sister is now also a fan!

Well, this is goodbye. But I sincerely hope that one day there will be a publishing company that will pick up from where you had to leave off.

I gladly leave you the rest of my subscription money. Maybe it is some compensation for the losses.

Thank you for all your effort!"

Another subscriber wrote: "So sorry to hear this
I lived in Shetland for 11 years and know Orkney very well and some of the western isles, so I really enjoyed either reminiscing or broadening my knowledge with the magazine
Thank you for your efforts to keep it going and for the work you put into publishing. Take care and all good wishes."

And another said: "I am sorry to see you go. I have been a subscriber for many years and will miss the regular message from the Isles. Thank you for the publication., and best wishes."

21/10/2025

We have been receiving numerous messages of regret relating to our shutdown via email and Messenger – thank you all so much for your kind words – here's the text of a recent email: "To you all, thank you for all your work to create such an interesting magazine for the years I have been lucky enough to receive them. As many of other subscribers have written, I am sad and I shall miss the editions no end as it is the only magazine that appeals to me by transporting me to wonderful places which I long to visit again and again.

I wish all of the team best wishes for their future, and thank you for all the knowledge you have given. I have lots of back numbers to read over again, thank goodness I kept them. Jo A

We do still have back numbers ourselves…see our Stornoway Media Centre Etsy shop…and we do also have others from the years before.

18/10/2025

We have been deeply moved by the expressions of regret for the loss of Scottish Islands Explorer…thank you all for your many kind and supportive words… and thanks to our team at Select Publishing Services, Buxton Press, Contact Publicity, Magazine Workshop and here at Intermedia Services (Stornoway) Ltd for all the splendid work over the years.

For the local news and events in the Western Isles, We Love Stornoway connects our island communities, highlighting key happenings and sharing positive stories.

16/10/2025

Following the announcement of the shutdown of Scottish Islands Explorer., our subscribers are being contact by Select Publishing Services – who manage our subscriptions – to ask if they'd like refunds of their subscriptions. If not, we'd be happy to keep the money to defray some of our recent expenses! No seriously, though, folks…don't worry if Select are in contact – we're trying to give you money back, not take it off you!

Photograph: Ancient and modern traditions in one view…a traditional Sgoth-style fishing vessel and the 'Big Tent' of the Hebridean Celtic Festival in Stornoway.

30/07/2025

The familiar sound of the ferry leaving Berneray for Leverburgh… the most familiar sound is right at the end as the first of many car alarms went off! fans