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Hey folks, back on the planet once more, after a long long break from the blogging.

There is so much I could blog, but instead I'm going to start with the forthcoming weekend.

This weekend sees the return of many Liosachs. It happens usually twice a year, when we all come home, New Year and the last weekend in July. Sports & Raft Race Weekend.

So what's it all about. Well the weekend kicks off with a dance on Friday night, where we try and nobble folk from the "other end" of the island from where we stay. The North v The South.

Then on Saturday the day starts with the raft race round Sailean bay, then the sports races.

They are mainly individual events, but the day cumulates in the all important "Tug of War"

This is when the island divides. North against South. The kids start with their three pulls, then the ladies, and finally the men.

I'm a "Southerner" and will be roaring the kids and men on. Over the last few years, the Southern Kids and Ladies have been marvellous, though it has to be said, our Southern Men leave a lot to be desired.

However, perhaps this year, The South of the Island will be on good form....

Go the South!!!

The busy weekend started off with a dance in the hall on Friday night, a well attended dance, with people sizing each other up for the following day.

However before the end of the night, Saturday's Raft Race and Sports Day was announced to be postponed until Sunday at 1pm due to the bad weather.

This gave some islanders time to make minor/major alterations to rafts already built, and others time to make a raft from scratch.

Saturday night saw everyone head to Baligarve for the annual BBQ and Barndance, this year in aid of McMillan Nurses. This dance just gets busier and busier, Donnie and Anne getting support for hosting this do from their extended family and friends.

Even though there were some people who left earlish almost all stayed until the last note was played, before heading home for a couple of hours sleep before having to head down to Sailean for the Raft Race.

At 5am on Sunday morning the rain was still pouring, and I lay in bed thinking that perhaps for the second time in its history, the Raft Race and Sports would be cancelled completely.

When I woke at 10, the sun was shining, the sky was blue, and the sea calm. Yeehaa! The Sports were still on.

Down to Sailean and although the Raft Race was starting, I headed to the sports field to help out. I heard the starting hooter, and then the cheering floated up from the water. I think I can say that Lorne and Anne were on winning rafts, but you'll have to check the OT for confirmation of that.

After the race everyone headed back up to the field for the Sports, Men towards the Tossing of the Sheaf, Ladies over to the Shott and Discus, Children to their races.

A grand day was had by all, the kids especially. But everyone was just waiting for the Tug of War. A South Man, Tony McLarney was on duty at Oban Fire Station, and desparately trying to get back before the Tug started. I'm sure next year, he'll try and have the whole weekend booked off!

What can I say about the Tug of War, well the South Men won the first pull, but then the North Men won the second and third. Quote of the day had to come from George MacColl, who asked the South Captain, Iris MacColl, "Iris, is it right the last time the South Men won the tug, Baldy Campbell was anchor?". Iris, just smiled and walked away.

The Teenagers lined up for their pull, the South having two lassies on the team. But the North didn't have a hope, as the South pulled for all their worth and won two of the three pulls. Its good to know that the future of the South is in good hands.
South Teenagers Rule!

The South Women, all hand picked by Iris, lined up, and pulled the North Women to Glensanda. Then ends were swapped and the North Women had the advantage and managed to pull the South Women over the line. However, the third and final pull saw the South Women rally once more, and again pull the North back to Glensanda.
South Women Rule!

Tonight (Friday) see's quite a lot happening on the island.

In the Hall tonight we have a concert given by the Lismore Lighthouse Band. These are some of our younger community members who got together to form a fiddle/accordian band a few years ago.

So far they've produced a well-selling cd, and played and won at the National Mod. Not bad for a so-far short career.




After the concert, is a Dance with the music coming from the Lindsay Weir Band. The dance starts around 9.30pm.

And on top of this, its our monthly Pub Night. This means that our numbers going over to Port Appin will be down slightly, which may mean only one ferry run at 9.30 tonight, which will please our ferryman but upset those who like to hang back for the second run to get another drink in at the bar.

Once we've left the pub, we'll be heading down to the dance.