Island I Vow (Ellan Vhow) Preservation Blog

Happy New Year! Happy Hogmanay!

1/28/2024

Over the Holidays, we began to consider next projects. There is still some remaining tree and site maintenance work to be done at Elanvow. and Inveruglas has much work that needs to be done. We will touch base with John Duncan on the latter. We heard last year that HES had proposed some works there and we would be happy to help.

We will also post our Outlander hike on Ben Vorlich. Macfarlanes recognized Loch Sloy in the show and, hopefully, recognized the view overlooking the loch after coming out of the tunnel. Many may not have gone that far up on the Ben Vorlich trail, but the tunnel entrance is there and that stunning view is as well.

Of course, if Sophie stepped a little closer to the edge, our Inveruglas Isle would be in view.

Macfarlane Charter Research Continues!

11/10/2023

Recent work has focused on the physical preservation of the site with tree works over several years to protect the integrity of the buildings on site. Photogrammetry certainly helped identify the needed works and in securing approvals from Historic Environment Scotland. We plan to return to earlier computer vision and text analysis of the extant 1395 charter granting the island to Macfarlanes along with earlier documents such as the 1215 charter. More to follow!

Successful Project in spite of 30 mph winds!

10/27/2023

An expanded team worked on Elanvow on September 29 and 30 to remove several tress that were threatening the outbuilding walls. The team consisted of two tree surgeons, each with a supporting helper, two boat skippers, three new volunteers joining the team, our chief archaeologist (Fiona Baker) and Joss Durnan of Historic Environment Scotland. The work was performed under Scheduled Monument Consent from Historic Environment Scotland and could not have been completed in the two days allocated without exceptional commitment from the team and extra help for our new team members Greg Gillies, Andy Flatters, and Andy Dempsey.

A full report will follow shortly.

THANKS TO ALL!

Scheduled Monument Consent - Approved without Conditions!

8/15/2023

Our Scheduled Monument Consent application was approved today for continuing preservation work on Island I Vow. We are planning to do the work in September and are finalizing details and confirming resources. Thanks to all for all your support!

New SMC Application Submitted!

7/31/2023

We submitted a new SMC application this week!

With our ten year history of responsible site management, your donations and the donations from the EVPF Board are now being leveraged to arrange funding of the next major preservation work on Elanvow. We have submitted another SMC application for additional tree work identified by HES, WOSAS, and Firat Archaeological Services Ltd. over the last three years. More to follow on details next month!

Ready To Go, pending Report

6/27/2023

We are ready to do with the next trip for tree and foliage maintenance pending completion of the report from August 2022. We have clearance to proceed with the help of HES, but we want to incorporate earlier recommendations, so we are waiting a bit.

Our target is for August-September, but it will have to be late September, if September.

More to follow! Thanks again to all who contributed to the sign placement!

2023 HES Assessement - April 28th

5/30/2023

Chris Barrowman of Historic Environment Scotland visited the island on April 28th, 2023 for an updated assessement of the Scheduled Monument risk status. The work over the last 10 years was complimented but more work was defined as needed.

As soon as we get the full report, we will apply for an additional SMC, as needed, to continue the tree surgery and foliage work prescribed.

Spring Planning

3/27/2023

As soon as we can muster resources and specify the additional tree surgery work, we plan to apply for another SMC to finish the major tree work.

Planning for 2023

1/31/2023

Still in the planning process for the next tree surgery and foliage cleanup in 2023.

A Great Year!

12/30/2022

2022 was a great year in many ways! In addition to completing the interpretive sign and substantial tree work on Elanvow, we had Katherine's wonderful Handfasting in Slovenia and wedding in Houston, and celebrated the 10-year anniversary of The Elanvow Preservation Fund.

As mentoned in the last post, we hope to arrange funding for specific additional tree work with Historic Environment Scotland and will be evalutating plans forward.

Many Thanks for all your support over these 10 years!