Open Day

It has long been my belief that in Scotland we have as many types of rain as the Inuit do snow. I have been compiling a compendium of these rain types for some time. The type of rain that fell occasionally during the open day is called Niar Llams, and it can fall for a while without actually making anything wet, although quite substantial in appearance in lacks in water delivery- it is the wet look of rain types and that was fine with me for the open day. It meant that the consultants could meet people and discuss the specifics of their situation in depth in the simply beautiful interior of Glenlyon Kirk, which we had kindly been allowed to use for the open day.

I had the night before discovered just how many people who would perhaps have been attending were away on holiday with their children. A reminder of how out of touch with holiday timing you get when you are self employed and also of how the demographics of the glen have changed of late. That there are so many families with children bodes well for the future of the school and the glen as a whole- Shame they were all on holiday when the open day was on though. That said I genuinely believe that a good time was had by all who did attend and I was pleased that most of the people who came stayed for the whole day.

Lots of people stayed for quite a while, having delicious refreshments helped.

Woodfuel Experts chat away, Bernd and Steve in the middle talk (presumably) woodfuel with fellow experts from  St Andrews based Stoveco. The table top is made from locally grown larch 225 years old, milled with a chainsaw and an Alaskan Mill.

Part of the plan for the day was about networking. Communities across Scotland are working together to improve their lives and environment, and the work being done at Tombreck with the Big Shed and Loch Tay Food Chain is really valid and inspiring. The Big Shed, built with timber from Bolfracks Estate and milled on site at Tombreck is really taking shape and is going to be of real benefit to the area as a nexus for creativity, shared learning and capacity building. The open day as a whole was a great opportunity for people to meet and chat (network).

Dennis Anderson of Scottish Sawmilling Services who did the milling for The Big Shed dropped in at the open day which was very nice.

Georgia's baskets and the Rowan poles looked the part.The wood slab is from a 300 year old oak

One of the highlights of the day was the Iron Horse demonstration, from Artcom Tradebridge, suppliers of interesting forest machinery. The demo was a bit later than planned and as such made a nice end to the day.

Hooray - It's time for the Iron Horse Demo'.

Although a small machine it can pull logs with ease.

Incidentally I was recently introduced to this rather good palindrome, from a 20 year entrant to a writing competition called U@50,  needless to say it stunned the judges. I thought I was clever realising Glenelg was a palindrome, but this is something else altogether....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRG4ySdi_aE&feature=related