Argyll and Bute Council Planning Protective Services & Licensing Committee Development & Infrastructure Services

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Argyll and Bute Council Planning Protective Services & Licensing Committee Development & Infrastructure Services Argyll and Bute Council Planning Protective Services & Licensing Committee Development & Infrastructure Services June 2014 _________________________________________________________________________ Reference No: 14/01152/S36 Proposal: Proposed Installation of 10MW Demonstration Tidal Array including cable landfall and sub-station – Consultation under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 Site Address: Sound of Islay, Isle of Islay _________________________________________________________________________ A. SUMMARY This is a consultation from Marine Scotland in respect of an application under the Electricity Act by Scottish Power to deploy and operate a tidal energy array in the Sound of Islay, with the installation of export cables and the construction of associated onshore infrastructure. The report recommends views to be conveyed to Marine Scotland on behalf of the Council as Planning Authority in respect of the consent sought under Section 36 of the Act, which if it were to be granted, would include a Direction that planning permission for the onshore development be deemed to be granted. B. BACKGROUND The Sound of Islay is a 21km passage of water separating Islay from Jura which at its narrowest point in the vicinity of Port Askaig is only 1.4km wide. It is scoured by tides of up to 5 knots but is generally well protected from wave action. It is 50m to 60m deep at its deepest point, which extends south from Port Askaig for about 1.5km. This location has been the subject of consideration for some time for a production scale developmental tidal energy project, which would provide the applicants with operating experience of devices which might then be deployed in less protected and more energetic waters elsewhere off the Scottish coast. This is a revised proposal to one which was consented by the Scottish Government in 2010. The Council was a consultee at the time and no objection was raised to the marine elements of the proposal. Since that time development work has continued on the project, although no commencement of the development has taken place. Two principal changes to the project have arisen in the interim. Firstly, the type of device to be deployed has now changed as developmental work in this emergent sector has gathered pace, and secondly, the location of the proposed cable landfall, onshore infrastructure and grid connection has been changed from one which was intended to be on the Isle of Jura to one which is now to be located on Islay. Since the original consent was granted there have also been changes to the consenting regime for major electricity generation projects. Due to the introduction of amended regulations at the end of 2013, it is now open to developers to elect to apply to the Scottish Government for both onshore and offshore elements of a marine project, on the basis that this will include a deemed planning consent for those works which would otherwise have required separate planning consent for works on land. This is one of the first schemes being progressed on that basis. The Electricity Act consent granted in 2010 provided for the installation of 10 No. 1MW tidal devices in the Sound of Islay for the purposes of capturing tidal energy and converting that to electricity. Each turbine was to be mounted on a tripod support structure and would host a 23m rotor diameter at a minimum water depth of 48m from the blade tip, so as to maintain navigation. The particular turbine model was designed so as to be capable of being installed without the need for specially designed vessels or installation equipment, or the use of divers, with a substructure held in place on the sea bed by ballast to secure it against overturning loads imposed by the tide or the rotation of the turbine blades. The devices were to be installed in a north-south orientation parallel to the Islay coast in an area of deep water to the south of Port Askaig, and were envisaged to be operated during an initial 7 year lease period, with an option to extend. The cable landfall point was intended to be at the south end of the Array on the Jura coast, with a cable route along the edge of the public road on Jura to a proposed new substation inland, approx. 1.4km from the landfall point. No planning permission was sought at the time for the onshore works, and following a change in land ownership on Jura, the site originally envisaged is no longer available. Accordingly, approval is now being sought for the onshore element of the proposal at an alternative site on Islay, and by means of a composite Section 36 application addressing all the infrastructure required for the project. In consenting the original scheme in 2010, the Scottish Ministers imposed conditions at the request of consultees, including the Council, which secured inter alia the following: • An operational life of 14 years following commissioning; • The implementation of an Environmental Monitoring Plan in respect of marine mammals, birds, basking sharks, migratory fish, shellfish and seals; • The submission and approval of a Fishing Mitigation Plan in consultation with the Clyde Fishermen’s Association. • Mapping and avoidance of maerl (protected rocky seaweed); • The submission and approval of a Construction Method Statement and a Waste Management Plan; • Removal of equipment in the event electricity generation was to cease for more than 18 months; • A requirement for a decommissioning programme at the end of the consent period. C. DETAILS OF THE REVISED PROPOSAL The purpose of this project is to gain experience in the operation of tidal devices in relatively sheltered waters. It will build on recent development work with the deployment of trial devices in Orkney and Norway which in turn will assist in the development of sites in more exposed locations such as the Pentland Firth. The current proposal is to utilise an alternative model of turbine to that previously consented in the light of subsequent technical development and trial experience and to move the locations of the devices slightly from their contented positions. An amended means of device installation is also proposed (moored barge and tug rather than dynamic positioning vessel). This cannot be achieved in the context of the original Marine Licence so requires a further application. It is also proposed that the cable landfall and sub-station site be location on Islay rather than Jura as originally envisaged, and the opportunity is being taken to seek consent for both the marine and terrestrial elements of the revised proposal by means of a single modified Marine Licence application. That application has been submitted to Marine Scotland and is accompanied by Supplementary Environmental Information to that which was produced as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment undertaken in 2010 in support of the original application. The proposed turbine model is a fully submerged bottom mounted horizontal axis 3 bladed device, mounted on a gravity ballast tripod support structure. The ten turbines proposed will be located in pairs or groups of three in a north–south aligned pattern off the east coast of Islay to the south of Port Askaig. Each turbine has a 26m hub height and a 26m rotor diameter (compared with a previously consented 22m hub height and a 23m blade diameter). The revised tip height will be 39m (rather than 33.5m as consented) although given a slightly deeper deployment depth, the under keel clearance will still be a minimum of 13.6m. (Under keel clearance for the largest vessel known to use the Sound will be over 5m and over 9m for the Calmac ferry). The device locations are to move between 41m and 117m from their consented locations but will still be within the confines of the original application site. The anticipated life of the project is to be increased from 14 to 25 years. Construction is intended to be completed by April 2017. In addition to the marine infrastructure, deemed planning consent is being sought as part of the Marine Licence for the onshore element of the proposal which comprises a substation compound accommodating a control building, transition pit, external transformers, current regulators and associated electrical infrastructure. Marine works The environmental consequences of the marine element of the revised proposal have been re-assessed in an addendum to the original Environmental Statement which concludes as follows: Physical Processes – ‘negligible’ effect on hydrodynamic sedimentary regime. Benthic Ecology - no species of conservation importance present and no implications beyond those identified in connection with the original proposal. Water and sediment quality - no implications beyond those identified in connection with the original proposal. Marine Mammals – primarily harbour seals and some grey seals. Collision risk impact considered ‘minor’ which is less than the original estimated impact given the result of modelling which was not available at the time of the previous application. Potential impacts unlikely to undermine the conservation objectives of the South-East Islay Skerries Special Area of Conservation. Marine Fish and Shellfish, Anadromous (freshwater spawning) Fish, and Elasmobranchs (basking sharks) – ‘negligible’ adverse effects. Ornithology – further seabird surveys carried out but no further implications identified beyond those identified in connection with the original proposal. Commercial Fisheries and Navigation – commercial fishing limited in the Sound to use of static gear (creeling). Extensive consultation with fishing interests undertaken. Impacts
Recommended publications
  • Four Facts About Whisky Casks Distillers Don't Want You to Know
    Malt Maniacs E-pistle #2010-08 By Oliver Klimek, Germany This article is brought to you by 'Malt Maniacs'; an international collective of more than two dozen fiercely independent malt whisky aficionados. Since 1997 we have been enjoying and discussing the pleasures of single malt whisky with like-minded whisky lovers from all over the world. In 2010 our community had members from 16 countries; The United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, Holland, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, The U.S.A., Canada, India, Japan, Taiwan, Australia & South Africa. More information on: www.maltmaniacs.org . Four Facts About Whisky Casks Distillers Don't Want You to Know "All casks are different." This a commonplace and it's one of the basic rules all aspiring maltheads and apprentice whisky anoraks will learn rather early on after they have started their journey into the whisky wonderland. When you take the step from standard distillery expressions to single cask whiskies mainly bottled by independents you will discover a seemingly endless variety of malts that sometimes can have very different characteristics, even if they are made in the same distillery. In this E-pistle I would like to highlight a few aspects of whisky casks that for some strange reason do not get very much attention, even though their consequences are rather significant. 1. Seaweed? What Seaweed? Tasting notes of Islay malts usually feature descriptors like “seaweed”, “sea spray”, “Atlantic jetty” or the likes. We all know that Islay is both caressed and mistreated by the powers of the Irish Sea, so in a way it is not a surprise that we can find maritime flavours in Islay whisky.
    [Show full text]
  • Oban to Belfast
    Cruising Route: Oban and west Argyll to the Antrim coast and Belfast Lough This is a beautiful cruising ground with a combination of inshore and offshore sailing amid wonderful and varied scenery. The channels among the southern Hebrides offer a number of alternative routes. From Oban, the track inside the islands leads either down the Sound of Luing to Crinan or further south, or else via Cuan Sound to Kilmelford or Craobh. In these sounds – and indeed almost everywhere on this route – the tidal stream is the first consid- eration in passage planning. The tide runs very fast in Cuan Sound and in the Dorus Mor leading to Crinan, and at a significant rate in the Sound of Luing, gradually lessening down the Sound of Jura. Loch Craignish and Ardfern offer a pleasant and scenic side-trip. There are visitors’ moorings at Craighouse and Gigha. An alternative route south from Oban is offshore, via Colonsay and the Sound of Islay, with Port Askaig providing a possible stopover. The Sound of Islay is also a tidal gate, with five knot tides. It is worth remembering that working these tides to advantage can result in very fast passages! The marina at Port Ellen is only a few miles to the west whether coming east or west of Jura. An alternative route south from Oban is offshore, via Colonsay and the Sound of Mull Oban Islay, with Port Askaig providing a possible stopover. The Sound of Islay is also a tidal Kilmelford gate, with five knot tides. It is worth remem- Craobh Ardfern bering that working these tides to advan- Oban to Colonsay 32 Colonsay tage can result in very fast passages! The Crinan Jura marina at Port Ellen is only a few miles to the west whether coming east or west of Jura.
    [Show full text]
  • Kintour Landscape Survey Report
    DUN FHINN KILDALTON, ISLAY AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY DATA STRUCTURE REPORT May 2017 Roderick Regan Summary The survey of Dun Fhinn and its associated landscape has revealed a picture of an area extensively settled and utilised in the past dating from at least the Iron Age and very likely before. In the survey area we see settlements developing across the area from at least the 15 th century with a particular concentration of occupation on or near the terraces of the Kintour River. Without excavation or historical documentation dating these settlements is fraught with difficulty but the distinct differences between the structures at Ballore and Creagfinn likely reflect a chronological development between the pre-improvement and post-improvement settlements, the former perhaps a relatively rare well preserved survival. Ballore Kilmartin Museum Argyll, PA31 8RQ Tel: 01546 510 278 [email protected] Scottish Charity SC022744 ii Contents 1. Introduction 1 2. Archaeological and Historical Background 2 2.1 Cartographic Evidence of Settlement 4 2.2 Some Settlement History 6 2.3 A Brief History of Landholding on Islay 10 3. Dun Fhinn 12 4. Walkover Survey Results 23 5. Discussion 47 6. References 48 Appendix 1: Canmore Extracts 50 The Survey Team iii 1. Introduction This report collates the results of the survey of Dun Fhinn and a walkover survey of the surrounding landscape. The survey work was undertaken as part of the Ardtalla Landscape Project a collaborative project between Kilmartin Museum and Reading University, which forms part of the wider Islay Heritage Project. The survey area is situated on the Ardtalla Estate within Kildalton parish in the south east of Islay (Figure 1) and survey work was undertaken in early April 2017.
    [Show full text]
  • Islay February 2019
    Islay February 2019 February 20th : Sandwich Bay to Islay The group left the Observatory at 5 a.m. and had a straightforward run up to Gatwick with the ever-efficient Airport Connections. Our Easyjet flight to Glasgow was delayed by an hour but the flight itself was quicker than scheduled – did the pilot really put his foot on the accelerator? At Glasgow Airport we met with Peter and the mini-bus was then duly collected from a large company based about 20 minutes away in Clydeside. Peter and Ken came back to the airport to collect the group and then we were on our way in dreich conditions out of the city and north along the shores of Loch Lomond, then off through the sea lochs and mountains of Argyll. We stopped for lunch at the Loch Fyne Centre and again for a short stretch of the legs at historic Inveraray and, near the journey’s end, at Tarbert. Here we saw the first ‘good’ birds of the trip in the form of 5 Black Guillemots out in the harbour. From there it was a short journey to the ferry terminal at Kennacraig and, with night fast approaching, there were some rather nice sunset effects through the now-lifting clouds. A Red-throated Diver was swimming around the jetty as the M. V. Isle of Arran appeared from the south to take us across to Islay. A smooth crossing, landing at Port Askaig, and then across the dark island to the hotel at Port Charlotte for a decent night’s sleep in this very comfortable hotel set overlooking the outer reaches of Loch Indaal.
    [Show full text]
  • 2019 Scotch Whisky
    ©2019 scotch whisky association DISCOVER THE WORLD OF SCOTCH WHISKY Many countries produce whisky, but Scotch Whisky can only be made in Scotland and by definition must be distilled and matured in Scotland for a minimum of 3 years. Scotch Whisky has been made for more than 500 years and uses just a few natural raw materials - water, cereals and yeast. Scotland is home to over 130 malt and grain distilleries, making it the greatest MAP OF concentration of whisky producers in the world. Many of the Scotch Whisky distilleries featured on this map bottle some of their production for sale as Single Malt (i.e. the product of one distillery) or Single Grain Whisky. HIGHLAND MALT The Highland region is geographically the largest Scotch Whisky SCOTCH producing region. The rugged landscape, changeable climate and, in The majority of Scotch Whisky is consumed as Blended Scotch Whisky. This means as some cases, coastal locations are reflected in the character of its many as 60 of the different Single Malt and Single Grain Whiskies are blended whiskies, which embrace wide variations. As a group, Highland whiskies are rounded, robust and dry in character together, ensuring that the individual Scotch Whiskies harmonise with one another with a hint of smokiness/peatiness. Those near the sea carry a salty WHISKY and the quality and flavour of each individual blend remains consistent down the tang; in the far north the whiskies are notably heathery and slightly spicy in character; while in the more sheltered east and middle of the DISTILLERIES years. region, the whiskies have a more fruity character.
    [Show full text]
  • Public Document Pack Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra Ghaidheal Agus Bhoid
    Public Document Pack Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra Ghaidheal agus Bhoid Customer Services Executive Director: Douglas Hendry Kilmory, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RT Tel: 01546 602127 Fax: 01546 604435 DX 599700 LOCHGILPHEAD 13 December 2013 SUPPLEMENTARY PACK 1 PLANNING, PROTECTIVE SERVICES AND LICENSING COMMITTEE - COUNCIL CHAMBERS, KILMORY, LOCHGILPHEAD on WEDNESDAY, 18 DECEMBER 2013 at 10:30 AM I enclose herewith items 6 and 13 which were marked “to follow” on the Agenda for the above meeting along with a supplementary report for item 8. ITEMS TO FOLLOW AND SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT 6. MR JAMES PAUL DALY AND ANDREENA DALY: ERECTION OF DWELLINGHOUSE, FORMATION OF CAR PARKING AND SITING OF STEEL CONTAINER UNIT (PARTIALLY RETROSPECTIVE): 3 KYLE VIEW, KILCREGGAN, HELENSBURGH (REF: 13/02045/PP) Report by Head of Planning and Regulatory Services (Pages 1 - 26) 8. MR SEUMAS MACARTHUR: ERECTION OF FLAG POLE (RETROSPECTIVE): FORESHORE, OPPOSITE 7 SHORE STREET, PORTNAHAVEN, ISLE OF ISLAY (REF: 13/02075/PP) Report by Head of Planning and Regulatory Services (Pages 27 - 28) 13. 13/02270/S36: CONSULTATION FROM MARINE SCOTLAND RELATIVE TO PROPOSED WEST ISLAY TIDAL ENERGY PARK Report by Head of Planning and Regulatory Services (Pages 29 - 48) PLANNING, PROTECTIVE SERVICES AND LICENSING COMMITTEE Councillor David Kinniburgh (Chair) Councillor Gordon Blair Councillor Rory Colville Councillor Robin Currie Councillor Mary-Jean Devon Councillor George Freeman Councillor Alistair MacDougall Councillor Robert Graham MacIntyre Councillor Donald MacMillan Councillor
    [Show full text]
  • KENNACRAIG - PORT ELLEN OR PORT ASKAIG Table 9
    ISLAY TEXT CODE 09 KENNACRAIG - PORT ELLEN OR PORT ASKAIG Table 9 Kennacraig Port Ellen Port Askaig Port Askaig Port Ellen Kennacraig DAY Depart Arrive Arrive Depart Depart Arrive OPERATES 23 OCT - 24 NOV 2017, 3 JAN - 19 JAN 2018 AND 10 MAR - 29 MAR 2018 0700 0910 - - 0945 1155 MON 1300 - 1455 1530 - 1725 FRI 1800 - 1955 2015 - 2210 0700 0910 - - 0945 1155 SAT 1300 E - 1455 1800 - 1955 2015 2225 - - - - See Table 10 for full Saturday Port Askaig / Colonsay / Oban / Kennacraig connections - - - - 0945 1155 SUN 1300 - 1455 1530 - 1725 1800 - 1955 2015 - 2210 OPERATES 25 NOV 2017 - 2 JAN 2018 AND 20 JAN - 9 MARCH 2018 0700 0920 - - 0700 0910 0945 1155 - - 0945 1205 MON 1300 - 1505 1530 - 1735 1800 2020 - - 1800 2010 0700 B 0910 B - - 0700 BC 0920 BC 0945 B 1205 B - - 0945 B 1155 B TUE 1300 - 1455 1530 - 1725 1800 - 1955 - 1800 B 2020 B 0700 0920 - 0700 - 0855 0945 1155 - - 0945 1205 WED 1300 - 1505 1530 - 1735 1800 - 2005 - 1800 2010 0700 0910 - 0700 - 0905 0945 1205 - - 0945 1155 THU 1300 - 1455 1530 – 1725 1800 - 1955 - 1800 2020 0700 0920 - 0700 - 0855 0945 1155 - - 0945 1205 FRI 1300 - 1505 1530 – 1735 1800 - 2005 - 1800 2010 0700 0910 - 0700 D - - 1300 - 1455 - 0945 1155 SAT 1800 2010 - 1530 - 1725 - - - 1800 - 2005 1300 - 1505 - 0945 1155 SUN 1800 A 2010 A - 1530 - 1735 CODE A Not on 24 and 31 December B Not on 26 December C Not on 2 January 0700 departure from Port Askaig on a Saturday willl operate To Oban via Colonsay.
    [Show full text]
  • Islay Whisky
    The Land of Whisky A visitor guide to one of Scotland’s five whisky regions. Islay Whisky The practice of distilling whisky No two are the same; each has has been lovingly perfected its own proud heritage, unique throughout Scotland for centuries setting and its own way of doing and began as a way of turning things that has evolved and been rain-soaked barley into a drinkable refined over time. Paying a visit to spirit, using the fresh water a distillery lets you discover more from Scotland’s crystal-clear about the environment and the springs, streams and burns. people who shape the taste of the Scotch whisky you enjoy. So, when To this day, distilleries across the you’re sitting back and relaxing country continue the tradition with a dram of our most famous of using pure spring water from export at the end of your distillery the same sources that have been tour, you’ll be appreciating the used for centuries. essence of Scotland as it swirls in your glass. From the source of the water and the shape of the still to the wood Home to the greatest concentration of the cask used to mature the of distilleries in the world, spirit, there are many factors Scotland is divided into five that make Scotch whisky so distinct whisky regions. These wonderfully different and varied are Islay, Speyside, Highland, from distillery to distillery. Lowland and Campbeltown. Find out more information about whisky, how it’s made, what foods to pair it with and more: www.visitscotland.com/whisky For more information on travelling in Scotland: www.visitscotland.com/travel Search and book accommodation: www.visitscotland.com/accommodation Islay BUNNAHABHAIN Islay is one of many small islands barley grown by local crofters.
    [Show full text]
  • Boisdale of Mayfair Whisky Bible
    BOISDALE Boisdale of Mayfair Whisky Bible 1 All spirits are sold in measures of 25ml or multiples thereof. All prices listed are for a large measure of 50ml. Should you require a 25ml measure, please ask. All whiskies are subject to availability. 1. Springbank 10yr 19. Old Pulteney 17yr 37. Ardbeg Corryvreckan 55. Glenfiddich 21yr 2. Highland Park 12yr 20. Glendronach 12yr 38. Ardbeg 10yr 56. Glenfiddich 18yr 3. Bowmore 12yr 21. Whyte & Mackay 40yr 39. Lagavulin 16yr 57. Glenfiddich 15yr Solera 4. Oban 14yr 22. Royal Lochnagar S. Res. 40. Laphroaig Quarter Cask 58. Glenfarclas 10yr 5. Balvenie 21yr PortWood 23. Talisker 10yr 41. Laphroaig 10yr 59. Macallan 18yr 6. Glenmorangie Signet 24. Springbank 15yr 42. Ardbeg Uigeadail 60. Highland Park 18yr 7. Suntory Yamazaki 18yr 25. Ailsa Bay 43. Tomintoul 16yr 61. Glenfarclas 25yr 8. Cragganmore 12yr 26. Caol Ila 12yr 44. Glenesk 1984 62. Macallan 10yr Sherry Oak 9. Brora 25yr 2008 27. Port Charlotte 2008 45. Glenmorangie 25yr QC 63. Glendronach 12yr 10. Clynelish 14yr 28. Balvenie 15yr 46. Strathmill 12yr 64. Balvenie 12yr DoubleWood 11. Isle of Jura 10yr 29. Glenmorangie 18yr 47. Glenlivet 21yr 65. Aberlour 18yr 12. Tobermory 15yr 30. Macallan 12yr Sherry 48. Macallan 12yr Fine Oak 66. Auchentoshan 3 Wood 13. Glenfiddich 26yr Excellence Cask 49. Glenfiddich 12yr 67. Dalmore King Alexander III 14. Dalwhinnie 15yr 31. Bruichladdie Classic Laddie 50. Monkey Shoulder 68. Auchentoshan 12yr 15. Glenmorangie Original 32. Chivas Regal 18yr 51. Glenlivet 25yr 69. Benrinnes 23yr 2 16. Bunnahabhain 12yr 33. Chivas Regal 25yr 52. Glenlivet 12yr 70.
    [Show full text]
  • A Series of Sho Rt Co S
    Cuiribh sràc an seo ma tha sibh nur n-oileanach làn-thìde Fàilte gu Ìle is Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle Tick here if you are a full-time student ies uim Tha Ìle ainmeil airson uisge-beatha, eòin agus seallaidhean brèagha, mastery of the waves. Its later history is tied to the MacDonalds, the coming residents and admire for er of hal Ch ach tha fada a bharrachd ann. Nuair a thàinig na Gàidheil, ’s ann a dh’Ìle Campbell overlordships, the Clearances, and emigration. It is estimated yourself its stunning beauty. S S C ill h ad e a thàinig iad agus b’e seo prìomh eilean na h-Alba fad linntean. Tha from the last census records that around 1,800 people on Islay have Our seashore base here at Ionad A o Tha mi airson clàradh air a’ chùrsa: Ì eachdraidh gu leòr anns a h-uile sgìre, agus bidh cothrom ann dhuibh some command of Gaelic and the language is very much in evidence Chaluim Chille Ìle (translated as The n le I wish to register for the course: o seo ionnsachadh anns na h-àiteachan far an do thachair e. Tha sinn gu when you travel around. Bowmore, Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Caol Ila, Columba Centre Islay) was opened in August 2002 as a Centre for Gaelic r I mòr an dòchas gum bi na cùrsaichean goirid Gàidhlig, cùird is ciùil air am language and heritage on Islay. The old fever hospital at Gartnatra was Fiosrachadh air na t Ardbeg, Bruichladdich and Bunnahabhain – all Gaelic names which are mìneachadh sa chlàr seo tarraingeach dhuibh, agus gun tig sibh còmhla also celebrated classics of the whisky world.
    [Show full text]
  • Rubha Port an T-Seilich 2017 Excavation Report
    The Rubha Port an t-Seilich Project 2017 report The Rubha Port an t-Seilich Project | 2017 The archaeological significance of Rubha Port an t-Seilich is matched “ by its spectacular setting on the east coast of Islay. Having the opportunity to excavate the site is both a privilege and a responsibility. By this we can address key research questions about the human past while also giving The project works University of Reading students closely with Islay an outstanding archaeological Heritage, a Scottish experience, one that expands their Charity (SCO46938) knowledge, develops their skills devoted to furthering and builds their abilities for teamwork. knowledge about Islay’s past, and the many Steven Mithen Professor of Early Prehistory and ” ways in which it can Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Reading, be explored and and Chair of Islay Heritage (SC046938) enjoyed by everyone [email protected] www.islayheritage.org. www.islayheritage.org 1 The Rubha Port an t-Seilich Project | 2017 The straits passing between Islay and Jura provide a major seaway used throughout history and today by sailing boats, kayaks, fishing boats and ferries. Rubha Port an t-Seilich, located close to the present day ferry terminal of Port Askaig, shows that this history of sea travel reaches far back into prehistory. 2 The Rubha Port an t-Seilich Project | 2017 Outer Hebrides The Rubha Port an t-Seilich Project Rubha Port an t-Seilich is located on the east Scotland coast of the Isle of Islay in western Scotland. A small terrace overlooks It is the only site in Scotland the Sound of Islay and is where evidence of ice age Inner Hebrides known to be the past hunter-gatherers is known camping site of prehistoric to remain largely undisturbed, hunter-gatherers between sealed below the debris from 12,000 and 7000 years ago.
    [Show full text]
  • ON ISLAY PLACE-NAMES. by CAPT. F. W. L. THOMAS, R.N., F.S.A. Soot
    I. ON ISLAY PLACE-NAMES CAPTy B . W.F . L. THOMAS, R.N., F.S.A. Soot. Whe examinatioe nth e Lewith f no s Place-Names—wit e vieth hf wo ascertaining to what extent the Scandinavian influence had been im- pressed there—was finished, it seemed very desirable that the name- system of the Southern Hebrides, particularly Tslay, should be inquired intoj for comparison with that of Lewis; but having no local acquaint- ance with the island d onlan ,y ver e d mapsb y ba e attemp o t th , d ha t postponed. But having lately the offer of assistance from Mr. Hector Maclean of Ballygrant, Islay, who, besides having a critical knowledge of Gaelic, is thoroughly acquainted with the topography of Islay, it was considered safe to proceed, but without his co-operation this account of Islay Place-Names coul t havdno e been written. This paper must be considered complementary to that on Lewis Place- Names, to which the reader is referred for many remarks bearing on the present subject t whichbu , avoio t , d repetition omittee ar , d here,. formee th n I r pape methoe th r s detailedi whicy db namee hth s them- selves were determined and their analysis performed,—and the same system has been followed in this. To prevent any unconscious selection, and as affordin faia g r exampl e name-systeth f eo mIslayn i lise farmf o th ,t n i s the Valuation Rol f Argyllshiro l s takea basis wa es a n . These names VOL.
    [Show full text]