Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Eigg-tricity

Electricity is literally flowing through the air on Scotland's Isle of Eigg. After a history of dependence upon aging diesel-powered generators, the 87 residents of this small island, which lies south of the more prominent single malt whiskey-producing Isle of Skye, finally has a mains type system of reliable and affordable electricity.

In addition to serving as a gentle reminder that even in 2008 there are people in the "first world" nation of Great Britain who are still living without many of the simple things that most of us take for granted, this BBC-reported story had additional personal significance to me. Courtesy of my paternal grandmother, I am an eligible kilt-wearing member of Clan MacDonald and our ancestral home is the Isle of Eigg.

Sheep now graze where tribal battles were once fought between rival clans on this rock that possesses a rugged beauty awaiting our visit and, of course, my camera.