Blogs

The images of the fires burning on Arthur's Seat in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh (Scottish Gaelic: Dùn Èideann) give the strange illusion that this now extinct volcano has erupted again. In fact it is a large gorse fire. Gorse is a spiny evergreen shrub with yellow flowers that is common in many parts of Scotland. Dozens of firefighters have been battling through Tuesday night and Wednesday morning to bring the large gorse fire on Arthur's Seat under control.

“We’re as keen as ever to promote and foster Welsh links with Ireland; we have many similarities in terms of our traditions, culture and economies. Wales – Ireland links are more important than ever, which is also evident by Irish Government’s announcement that the Irish Consulate will re-open in Cardiff later this year.” These are the words of Dafydd Elis-Thomas, the Welsh Deputy Minister on a visit to Dublin.

It's a good job that school pupils in Cornwall are protesting at the appalling way our natural environment is being treated. It's their future being put at risk after all.

Possible destinations around the coast of west Wales have been revealed as possible sites to bury Britain's most dangerous radioactive waste. Objections to the plans are mounting around Wales. Meetings are to be held in Swansea and Llandudno in March by the British Government-run Radioactive Waste Management organisation. They are searching for what they have described as “a willing host community” where waste can be buried.

Just days ago people gathered at Glencoe to commemorate the anniversary of the Massacre of Glencoe. Many of those attending might have been unaware of the battle now taking place between local people and those planning to build a hydroelectric power plant next to the site of the 17th century Highland massacre. Plans are still under consideration by the Highlands Council for the hydro scheme, which include a turbine house, intake, buried pipelines, outfall, and access tracks.

In February 2000 the funerals took place of the seven crew members of the Scottish fishing boat Solway Harvester. It was on the 10th January 2000 that the boat set out from Kirkcudbright (Scottish Gaelic: Cille Chuithbeirt) in south-west Scotland. They fished until the following day 11th January and planned to set sail home. Due to the stormy conditions they sought refuge in the shelter of Ramsey Bay (Manx: Baie Rhumsaa) on the northeast coast of the Isle of Man.

On this day, 14th February 1844, the Garden Pit at Landshipping, Pembrokeshire (Welsh: Sir Benfro) was flooded by the River Cleddau (Afon Cleddau) and 40 colliers, men and boys were drowned. The community gathered today to rededicate a memorial exactly 175 years after Pembrokeshire's worst mining disaster. The waters of the Eastern Cleddau river broke through into the coal mine, a section of which ran below the estuary. On the day there had been warnings of the dangers. At about lunchtime the miners left the workings because of the quantity of salt water seeping into the mine.

So that everyone is kept informed, Agan Tavas has found it necessary to make the following press release regarding Lloyds Bank

PRESS RELEASE BEGINS

The site of the burial of Highland clan chief Ewen Cameron of Lochiel (February 1629 – February 1719) has been discovered after 300 years. He was a staunch supporter of the Jacobite rebellions and died aged 90 in 1719. He was famed for his strength, ferocity and bravery in combat, which led to him being called the Ulysses of the Highlands. His noted combats included the Battle of Killiecrankie (Scottish Gaelic: Blàr Choille Chnagaidh)  which took place on 27 July 1689 during the First Jacobite Rising when a combined Jacobite force of Scots and Irish secured victory.

With the rise in feminism and raised awareness of the environment dominating the headlines, advocates may look towards an inspirational leader to guide them through their campaigns, but historically St Bridget, who has links with the Isle of Man, may well tick all the boxes.