Ruined Farm, Islay

This house can be seen from the main road to Port Askaig and is, I think, called Druimnasceogh.

Alas it is not the only ruined farmhouse visible from that road and that is strange for Islay is a prosperous , fertile island where the potential and prospects for agriculture are as good as anywhere in Argyll and probably better than most.

However some parts of Islay still suffer from very bad landlordism and this is one of the consequences for in other parts of the island, where is much greater owner occupation, this sight would not be seen.

Ruined houses that could sustain local people in productive work, providing demand for local services are a blot on more than just the beautiful landscape. Each one diminishes the possibility of sustainable progress for it is a wasted asset.

This example belongs, I think , to Islay Estates . And on Jura there are also landlords whose actions or inactions are damaging the viability and future of the community , particularly at Ardfin owned by the Australian Fund Manager Greg Coffey.

Such a contrast to yesterday's blip from a different Jura estate , which shows the outcome from good management and positive investment.