Isle of Birds

Scottish Fiddling with Pete Clark

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In my music library I have a copy of The Lighthouse Collection by Paul Stewart Cranford (reviewed by Jody Stecher in Fiddler Magazine, Winter 1996-'97). For over 30 years, Paul worked as a light-housekeeper, a job which provided time and tranquility for his research, composing, and fiddle playing. Since 1979, his company (Cranford Publications) has produced numerous collections of fiddle music in the Cape Breton tradition and republished many of the great classic collections of Scottish fiddle music. What a fabulous achievement.

Little did I think that I would one day have the chance to experience living in a lighthouse first-hand. This year I had the unique opportunity and privilege of spending mid-summer week on the Isle of May in the Firth of Forth, in the company of four of Scotland's top wildlife artists - Liz Myhill, Keith Brockie, Darren Woodhead, and Derek Robertson. (For me it was a case of right place, right time. A vacancy arose and I was available. I didn't need to be asked twice!)

Reached by boat from the picturesque coastal village of Anstruther in the "East Neuk of Fife" (there's a good tune!) this small rock, just over a mile long and less than half a mile wide, lies about five miles off the coast and is the last landfall for any ships heading eastwards into the North Sea.

My first visit to this magical place was on a school outing in 1972, and I have returned on several occasions since, but never in midsummer, at the peak of the breeding season.

The May, as it is often called, is a significant breeding place for seabirds including Arctic Terns, Eiders, Kittiwakes, Fulmars, Guillemots, Razorbills, and Puffins, the latter nicknamed "sea parrots" on account of their colourful bills. (The red, blue, and yellow exterior of the bill is shed after the breeding season.)