Scottish Islands Explorer

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Scottish Islands Explorer

For many years Scottish Islands Explorer magazine was produced in the Isle of Lewis, and had tales from all over the Scottish islands.

Publication will resume in a different form in November 2026
www.scottishislandsexplorer.com

06/08/2026

Step back into the history of Suardal.

Join historian Iain Mackenzie for a unique guided visit to the abandoned settlement of Suardal (Swordale), an area rich in Lewis history, archaeology and folklore.

Learn about the first Presbyterian Parish Church of Lochs, founded in 1724, hear the story of the infamous Napoleonic-era press gang, and discover the remains of a church, manse and farm that still survive in this remarkable landscape.

The day begins with a short introductory talk before travelling by boat to explore the site.

Saturday 15 August
Meet: Keose MOWI Erisort Shore Base at 11.00am
Booking: £10 IBT Members £20 Non-members

Advance booking is essential: 📧 [email protected]

We look forward to welcoming you for a fascinating journey into one of Lewis's hidden historic landscapes.

03/08/2026

ISLANDS BOOK TRUST ARE HIRING| MANAGER (PART TIME)

Are you passionate about Scottish islands, books, heritage and community?

The Islands Book Trust is looking for a part-time Manager (2.5 days per week) to lead our small team, oversee our publications and events programme, and help deliver the exciting Scottish Islands Heritage and Skills Network project.

This is an opportunity to play a leading role in celebrating, preserving and promoting the history, literature and culture of Scotland's islands while helping shape the future of one of the country's most distinctive cultural organisations.

Salary: £41,000 FTE (pro rata), plus employer pension contribution.

Location: Kinloch Community Hub, Ballallan, Isle of Lewis (with some home working by agreement).
Contract: Until April 2029, with the possibility of extension.
Closing date: 6pm, Friday 7th August

For full details and application information, please see the recruitment pack below or visit our website.

We'd be grateful if you could share this opportunity with anyone who may be interested.
Please email your applications to [email protected]

14/07/2026

Join us for the launch of Cabarfeidh Cabinet, the new Islands Book Trust Book Club.

Don't Judge a Book by its Cover!

To celebrate, we've wrapped 21 Islands Book Trust books in plain brown paper. No cover. No blurb. Just three descriptive words, the book's price, and a number.
On the night, choose a wrapped book at random. Once everyone has made their selection, we'll unwrap the books together to reveal what you'll be reading for our first book club.

There's no obligation to buy your book on the evening. If you'd like to join in, you can purchase your chosen title from the Cabarfeidh Hotel or order it later through the Islands Book Trust website.

Whether you're a lifelong reader or simply looking to discover something new, come along, meet fellow readers and help us launch a new reading community for the islands.

Friday 24 July
6.00pm
Juniper Bar, Cabarfeidh Hotel
Read. Share. Discover.

04/06/2026

Explore Eilean Chaluim Chille with Islands Book Trust

Join us on Saturday 13th June for an illustrated talk and guided visit to the historic tidal island of Eilean Chaluim Chille (St Columba's Isle) in South Lochs.

Learn about the island's early church, graveyard and burial enclosures before walking across the causeway at low tide to visit the site itself.

Saturday 13th June
10.00am
Resource Centre, Kershader, South Lochs

Free event, donations welcome
Stout footwear advised
No booking required.

03/06/2026

NEW BOOK LAUNCH – ECHOES FROM AN ISLAND'S PAST
Islands Book Trust is delighted to announce the publication of Echoes From an Island's Past: Early Ecclesiastical Sites on North Uist by Donald MacAulay.

A labour of love by a native of North Uist, this richly illustrated guide explores the island's remarkable early Christian heritage, bringing together local history, archaeology, photography and detailed site information in a single volume.

The book provides an accessible introduction to North Uist's ecclesiastical past and offers visitors and residents alike a fascinating guide to some of the island's most significant and often overlooked historic sites.

Join us for the official launch:
📅 Saturday 6th June
🕚 11.00am
📍 Taigh Sgire Sholais, Sollas, North Uist

The launch will be followed by a guided visit to several nearby sites featured in the book.

Attendance is free and advance booking is not required. Donations to Islands Book Trust are welcome.
Copies of the book will be available on the day and through the Islands Book Trust website.

27/05/2026

TONIGHT! Between the Echoes by Angus Macmillan.
A series of upcoming readings exploring place, memory, and belonging through the lived experience of Lewis. Drawing on landscape, language, and community, the work moves between personal narrative and wider reflection on how we understand home.
Event dates:
Wednesday 27 May, 4pm
Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh
More information: islandsbooktrust.org

02/04/2026

SCARP BOAT TRIP
Join Islands Book Trust for a guided visit to the island of Scarp, exploring the village and cemetery with local insight.

1 August, 11am

Departing Hushinish, North Harris

Details and booking via islandsbooktrust.org

01/04/2026

SPECIAL 1 DAY CONFERENCE, SKYE, 30 MAY

Join Islands Book Trust at An Crubh, Sleat, Skye for The Misrepresentation of Gaelic History and Culture Over the Centuries.

This important symposium brings together leading Gaelic scholars to examine how Gaelic Scotland’s history and culture have been misrepresented, whether deliberately or through ignorance, across generations of writing, tourism, promotion and public understanding.

Saturday 30 May
10.00am to 4.00pm
An Crubh, Sleat, Skye

Tickets
£5 for IBT members
£10 for non members
For details and bookings, visit islandsbooktrust.org

Address

Stornoway Media Centre, 16, James Street
Stornoway
HS12QN

Telephone

+441202087632

Website

http://www.scottishislandsexplorer.co.uk/

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