by Holly Morton aged 12
the
following piece appeared in Spectrum, part of Scotland on Sunday.
What it lacks in shops and supermarkets, the little Hebridean island of Lismore makes up for in natural beauty, friendly people and great fishing spots.
I HAVE chosen
to do My Little Piece of Scotland on the Island of Lismore. It lies between Oban
and Mull so it's not too far away from where I live. My granny came from Lismore
and owned a lovely little cottage there. Unfortunately she has passed on, so my
dad and uncles own it now. We usually go up to Lismore two, sometimes three
times a year. It is a very outdoor sort of holiday, I can tell you that. I love
going there because the island's people are so welcoming and friendly and its
landscape is just spectacular.
Lismore's original name was 'Lios mor', which is Gaelic for 'great garden', and
if you could see it, you would know why. It is only about 12 miles long and
there are only about 176 people living there, so not many people know about it.
I find that a shame because I'm sure if more people knew of it, the island would
have many more visitors.
Having a look at the Isle of Lismore website (www.isleof lismore.com) is a good
idea because there is lots of information on there about the island.
There aren't any clothes shops or supermarkets in Lismore, just a single shop, a
post office. But don't get me wrong, it has most of the things anyone would need
in it. There is also a big church with a graveyard in which my granny and
grandad are buried. Also a ferry comes to the island from Oban, and one from
Port Appin. It has one primary school made up of two rooms and there is a recent
addition to the island, a heritage centre and museum and cafe.
When I go to Lismore I like going walks and cycle runs, but most of all I enjoy
fishing. I have caught three fish there and have my own rod. Although sometimes
it can get freezing, I love it. If we do catch a fish, one of our old neighbours
fillets it and that's very helpful.
Well, I suppose that's My Little Piece of Scotland. Thanks for reading.
Holly is the daughter of Melanie Jackson and Peter Morton and granddaughter of the late Mary Morton