flissfraser

Decision making in a small community I’ve been thinking a lot about how we make decisions here on a small scottish island and am trying to articulate my thoughts. The original version of this essay was short, to the point and needed work, it also assumed knowledge of our particular island situation. I’ve tried to make this version more readable while still emphasising my points about democracy and accountability in a micro-community making some very big decisions. How do we make decisions...

How a tree is helping me fear less There’s a very tall beech tree behind my house; this one has the capacity to slice through my home like a knife through butter. The storms last year took out a lot of trees - it was carnage, one narrowly avoiding the house by leaning on a BT mast instead - don’t ask why I live next to a BT microwave mast - the perils of this can be discussed another time. I’m concerned that less surrounding trees and the shallow root systems around here - there simply isn’t...

I’m sitting here in my conservatory, looking out at the cold grey sea and the angry grey sky. It’s hailing; loudly. I shiver uncontrollably. February. A month sent to try us. The winter months are long, dark and quiet on a distant island with just 43 residents. In October the tourist numbers start to significantly dwindle, but we have Halloween and bonfire night to look forward too. Halloween means a party in the village hall, dressing up, carving pumpkins and swedes. My personal favourite...