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Let's start with Wind Turbines. One of the faults mentioned against Wind Turbines is that they kill birds. I believe that this could be quite well true and that it is a hinderence to the development of Wind farms while people remain concerned about the wellbeing of the natural world. We still hope that as far as turbines are concerned that by some clever methods bird mortality can be lessened, for example, it is wise to keep away from the known migration paths. So much for our hopes as regards renewable energy!!!

But when the public points an accusing finger at our hopes to develop our energy towards a better future, may I relate that a more sinister possibility exists as regards our much loved feathered friends.

I don't know if many realize how millions of small birds have been slaughtereed since 2004 in a hail of lead, nets, and limed twigs by Southeren European hunters illegaly killing even the most endangered species. The biggest culprits are islands in the Mediterranean in the path of migrating flocks. I believe the future is not sure as regards improvments but we hope EU laws will prevail and that this horrible butchery will stop.

It would be very commendable too, if we were to find a more definate answer to bird deaths as regards Wind Farms which are still moderate compared with those perpetrated by people bent on mass killing.

The nights are beginning to draw in especially if it is a bit dull - the Autumn is with us - there are many changes since my young days.

We are being told from various directions that the crofting way of life is fadeing into the past. I am very much inclined to agree not least as far as the mode of work is concerned - many changes I would attest.

In my younger days the hay - gathering in the hay fields was well on the way to being completed and the first large stacks would be appearing in the stack yard.
Ten, at least, of the ricks made out in the open went into a big stack. Corn cutting would commence towards the end of August.

In the present day and age, the methods have changed considerably, the hay is ensiled in large plastic bags and a whole months work can be completed in a day; but in spite I preferred the former and more satisfying way of production. And I believe that the end result was a healthier worker and also a more palatable fodder for the cattle.

The weather factor was ofcourse important in the obtaining of crops. In those days of the past it is my definate belief that the weather was better; for without congenial daily weather crop gathering in the traditional way would have been exceedingly curtailed.

Many wonder when the older generation talk about climate change how they are able to make out that this change is not really a figment of the imigination but rather quite natural and not threatening. But I'm afraid that when the well tried ways of the past are no longer viable, not because they have become somewhat obselete but because they no longer be practised owing to a change; in this case the weather.

Just by daily observation, over, for example, the last decade,and without doubt, I have noticed subtle changes in many aspects of the realm of nature around me. When scientists proclaim that a certain danger prevails now and for the future, should we not all make it our duty to pay attention???

There is nothing strange about being born on a west coast Island, but the different events over the decades can have strange undertones. So it is natural that I wouldn't call my own appearance in 1942, to a crofting family anything but normal. But at this time in the history of the world a terrible period prevailed. The lights had gone out over Europe.

For me it may well not have existed all tucked in my cot as my parents struggled
with their occupation as crofters not knowing even what sacrifice would be imminent. The news in 1942 I'm sure were bad and the social set up was rapidly changeing as two sides faced each other in deadly combat.

During the war, even on the islands, we had to conform to certain requirments as other parts of the country : food rationing and black outs for a start. But for one good advantage we were'nt on a starvation course like our neighbours in the cities. the crofts produced plenty potatoes, milk and eggs which were often shared with those without. What was once called : the staple diet of the islands, the potatoes already mentoned, were sold on demand to those wo didn't have the ways and means to acquire, espically with the men on war service.

On this island like some others the government provided special encouragement to produce traditional crops and therefore beef although the monotary returns were not always of the best; a basis for a better future was being established; and is this not strange at a time of huge conflict.

Talk about the Second World War stayed alive for a long time after it ceased, and I learned about what I'd missed out on, an so I can see why Europe doesn't want another disasterous episode, with every effort being made to avoid it.

We've just had a spell of mild weather and because I'm not working now I could accept it without feeling guilty but as in former times, such weather would have been abit of a draw-back. In those past days, corn was a large part of the cropping of the croft, and we looked forward to a nice breeze to dry the stooks from the previous nights dew fall, or indeed from damp conditions like rain.

One hardly ever sees grain crops these days; is it becouse of the general change in the weather; or is climate change a part of my vivid imigination. Is any other blogger of this frame of mind ?

The fifties were good years as far as I'm concerned and although the good and much admired friends to the crofter, the clydesdales, were on the way out, and the tractors on the way in, the sense of nostalgia was pretty evident. but the work had to go on and the legacy of the horses clearly remained as the horse impliments were duly adapted. Horse reapers, hay rakes, botato diggers, etc. took on a new look and worked for many years improvised as they now were.

21st of August, and I am trying to remember what was doing on the croft then some years ago. The stack-yard would have quite a few head of large hay-stacks, but before all the ricks were hauled in the binders would be getting attention, it being time to start the corn, now getting ripe.

The binder was indeed a remarkable piece of machinery , not much evident on crofts, here, till the late 50s or early 60s, and a revolutionary addition to the simple macines already in evidence during past years. this machine cut the corn, measured it into sheves, then tied them with twine and ejected a beautifully completed sheaf; a boon to the working life of the crofter. The corn cutting season would go on well into september, even in the best weather. The next event would be the potato harvesting in October.

In those days there wasn't any mention of atmosphere pollution, and certainly I must say, there was no evidence and no knowledge. It was intersting to read recently of the construction of a huge wind turbine, to be placed at one of the disuesed oilfields (Beaterice ) I believe. This turbine is capable of generating electricity to supply a city the size of Aberdeen. Dare I say that Scotland is going to be the Wind capital of Europe.

My mistake folks, a wind generator that would light up a city the size of Aberdeen, how could I ever suggest such an impossible proposition unless I had been half asleep when attempting the blog we are concerned with. Most times I write them about midnight to appear the next day. I think that this is a plausable excuse.
In spite of this, the turbine in question was of a size to be considered huge - one of the worlds biggest for offshore purposes with a 200 group in view for the Beatrice disused oilfield alone ( hope I've got this right ).
Now the following wording taken from the article I originically read also seems to have confused me somewhat :
" The schemes backers say the ( hub ) (this hub word gave me the wrong idea or slant ) could generate --- sufficient energy to power a city the size of Aberdeen ".
Now I hope that I have exonerated myself an in the hope that you good people who go to the trouble making comments will understand. To read the article for your selves click on the following address :- www.inthenews.co.uk.
In closing may I say how much I appreciate comments as I'm sure any blogger would. Blogging without them is rather dead and without power. Help us to really keep the show lively with your remarks.