2. The following courtesy Angus MacIssaac. A short movie entitled “The Wake of Calum MacLeod” will be shown on Bravo television at 4:30 P.M., Friday, February 29^th. The movie was made in Cape Breton so should have a great dollop of Highland realism.

The Isle of Eigg Electrification Project switched on for the first time on 1st February 2008, allowing power generated from renewable energy sources around the island to be supplied to all residents, through the new island-wide high voltage distribution network. The system will generate over 95% of the island’s annual energy demand through a combination of Hydro Electric, Wind Power and Solar Energy, which is believed to be the first time that anyone has successfully integrated these three renewable energy sources. To ensure that constant power can be provided, a battery storage system has been designed which will compensate for short periods where energy from renewable sources is not available. Two diesel generators have also been installed to provide emergency back-up power, and to supplement the supply should the output from the renewable sources be lower than the demand.

4. Talisker Distillery in Skye is looking forward to increased interest from connoisseurs around the globe after one of its products was named “the world’s best single malt whisky” in the industry’s most prestigious awards event.

It was Talisker 18 Years Old that took the fancy of the judging panel — and the supreme title for the first time — in Whisky Magazine’s 2007 Awards. A spokesman for Diageo, the distillery’s owners, said that demand for Talisker was expected to rise sharply as a result.  The award coincides with the retirement of Charlie Smith, manager at Talisker for the past three years, following a distinguished career in the whisky industry. Mr Smith was also manager at Dufftown, Cardhu and Glenkinchie distilleries.

He is succeeded by Willie MacDougal, a native of Aberfeldy who was site operations manager at Oban Distillery for six years prior to a brief spell at Blair Athol. His family has a long association with the industry and Mr MacDougal says he is “totally thrilled” to be taking over at one of the world’s most famous distilleries.  “Talisker is one of the most successful malts in the world,” said Mr MacDougal, “though — or maybe because — the distillery’s output is deliberately a good deal lower than some other top-selling malts. It’s a distillery with massive heritage and an amazing future, with fans all over the world.” He added that he also intended to improve his piping skills while on Skye.  The Whisky Magazine judging panel’s comments on Talisker 18 Years Old fully endorsed Mr MacDougal’s enthusiasm for the brand. Dave Broom, one of the world’s leading whisky commentators, described it as “elegant with fascinating balance between smoke and subtle sweet fruit. Ever changing in the glass and on the palate.”

Edinburgh whisky dealer Keir Sword waxed even more eloquent:

“Warm, rich and attractive. Leather, pipe-tobacco, sweet sherry and polished oak on the nose, followed by a good creamy texture and a warming finish. A very attractive

A writing workshop and public reading with Sharon Butala

It's Chinese New Year week....

here are some FUN events this week.... after recovery from Gung Haggis Fat Choy

Tuesday February 5, 2008 - 6:00 PM

CITY COOKS with Simi Sara

1. Lotus Root Soup
2. Steamed Pork with Salt Fish
3. Green Beans with Fooyi Bean Cake

Friday, February 15 concert of DEAD Serious 
7:30 p.m. at Vancouver Memorial Services and Crematorium / Hamilton-Harron Funeral 
Home, 5390 Fraser Street) will TAKE PLACE AS SCHEDULED.  
If you would like to make reservations, 
please call 604-325-7441.