Another hazardous trip to Harris – delayed ferry on the way there, van creeking under the weight of the kitchen units, radiators and various bathroom fittings (I had a WC as my travelling companion)…and cancelled ferry on the way back, meaning a long drive to Stornaway and over to Ullapool. It was well worth it, though, to see the newly plasterboarded ceiling – what a triumph for the MacKay boys, Kenny, Kenny and Iain…I take my hat off to them.
It was very fitting that the commission to create the dining table base for Oran Na Mara should go to Angus Smith, a master boat-builder on Lewis, as the ceilings are now starting to look like the insides of upturned boats! I don’t think you’d get very far if you tried to float away on this, though, as these beautiful pieces of 4,000 year old wood are saturated with resin and incredibly heavy. What a fantastic job he’s made of intertwining the pieces to create a beautiful sculpture, whilst ensuring the finished piece is stable and able to take the weight of the top, which will be made of textured green glass.
His next challenge will be to build the low wall surrounding the snug area. This will enclose a television on a lifting device, shelving and cupboards, whilst forming the back of the seating area in the snug itself.