Countdown to Mother’s Day March 11-

And Pest Free Islands

In the middle of the Minch off the Outer Hebrides lie some lovely islands that sea birds have found a safe haven until recently when ship born rats landed and terrorised the native population, eating their eggs and their young. These are the Shiant Isles, enchanted in Gaelic, and one of the most important seabird breeding colonies in Europe. The pesky rats were causing grief to the puffins, razorbills and guillemots which regularly nest there. So with EU money a scheme was set up with lots of volunteers to rid the isles of these four legged pests. Now after a two year period of no vermin it has been officially declared rat free.

New Security Measures

Now we all know that sea bird populations in Scotland are in decline so anything we can do to ease this reduction is brilliant. Now they hope Manx shearwaters and storm petrels may roost there in the future secure from the four legged vandals.  The volunteers worked with a New Zealand based company. It is so successful that new visitors will face bio-security measures designed to keep the rats at bay and all incoming boats will be subject to checks. The people in charge of the project have sent a huge ‘thank you’ to all connected with thi success and I too wish them well after this tremendous effort.

A Massive Thank You

Now we all know there is a certain somebody that we really should be thanking at this time of year whether you call her, mum, mam, mammy, mother - or the wife it will shortly be her day. So if there is a mother in your life now is the time to let your mouse go click on a darn good present to express you gratitude to the woman who gave you life or gave life to your kids. We have lots from that lovely pair of glasses for the prosecco to charming collectibles to adorn the hearth. Go on show her you care.

https://www.jamespirie.com/occasions/mother-s-day-gifts.html