Archive

Creel fishemen on the west coast of Scotland have joined forces with a marine conservation charity to try to reduce the numbers of whales, dolphins and basking sharks getting entangled in the ropes they currently use at sea. They’ve conducted trials of a ‘sinking rope’, which, they say can reduce the risk of entanglement by as much as 80 per cent. The trials were funded by...

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The welfare organisation, the Fishermen’s Mission, recently closed its facilities in Mallaig, once a major fishing port on the west coast of Scotland. It's another sign of challenging times for the industry and the communities that grew up around it. Kathleen Carragher met Jacqueline McDonell, CEO of Mallaig Harbour Authority and Harbour Master, James McLean, down at the quayside to discuss the changes.   A report for...

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The Lochaber Environmental Group recently re-published a booklet, 'The Spirit of the Soil,' which details how countless generations of small farmers and crofters have managed to make a living in the challenging conditions of the West Highlands. Kathleen Carragher meets crofter, Marian Austin, who says the methods outlined in the booklet are still relevant today.   A 20 minute documentary for BBC Radio 4's On Your Farm Broadcast September...

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A group of food producers in the Lochaber area of the West Highlands of Scotland, who work together to sell their produce online, say they are showing it is possible to grow an impressive variety of fruit and vegetables in the area, despite poor soil, hilly terrain and a wet and windy climate. Crofter, Marian Austin, says that nurturing and mulching the soil is vital and...

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Kathleen Carragher meets Barbara Mladek who runs Northern Ireland's only dedicated Hen Rescue Centre.   An extended feature for BBC Radio 4's Farming Today Broadcast August 2024   [audio mp3="https://www.yamal.co.uk/cms/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NI-Rescue-Hens-rough-cut-for-Rebecca.mp3"][/audio]   ...

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Kenny Lang and his partner Cheryl set up their veterinary practice in Fort William in the West Highlands several years ago.  Kenny is Scottish and Cheryl comes from California.   They love the area's outdoor activities. With two part-time colleagues, they're kept busy with pet clinics.   They're keen to take on more livestock work but, like many other practices across the UK, they're finding it difficult to...

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The joys and hardships of life in a rural Ulster-Scots community, vividly retold in a new dramatised podcast. Sixteen episodes with an introduction and bonus episode about the author. Click below to listen https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376001 Published July 2024   Presenter:   Helen Mark Executive Producer:   John Deering Producer:   Kathleen Carragher Series Consultant:   Matthew Warwick   Readers:   Anne McMaster, Janette McKendry, Roy Ferguson, Sylvia Burnside Voices:   Aileen McCahon, Alex Morrow, Roy Ferguson, Liam McCullough, Janette McKendry, Wilson Logan,  Jackie Morrison Music: ...

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A campaign group in Northern Ireland is helping to develop a major European walking trail – The Columban Way – which traces the pilgrim routes of the 6th century Irish monk, Saint Columbanus.   But they say that public sector bureaucracy is frustrating their progress by denying access to a short stretch of the river Quoile in County Down.  Kathleen Carragher met campaigners, Cadogan Enright and...

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The River Quoile meanders through the drumlin countryside in County Down.  In the past it was a busy thoroughfare for Viking long boats and steam ships.  Flood defences kept it at bay from the nearby county town of Downpatrick – until they failed in last winter's storms.  Helen Mark reports on the colourful life of the River Quoile.   A 25 minute documentary for BBC Radio 4's...

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