Here, in this quiet corner of the island, the first signs of spring are starting to appear.
Green shoots are beginning to push through the warming soil and yellow buds of prickled gorse are blooming.
The ewes which range freely across the moor and machair have grown heavy over the last few months. As crofters brace themselves for sleepless nights, soon there will be litters of lambs.
The sun is rising higher in the sky with each passing week and we no longer rise for work in total darkness as the hours of daylight increase incrementally.
And here, as in the wider world, the steady roll-out of Covid vaccinations to our most vulnerable brings cautious hope that the worst of the pandemic may well be behind us at long last.
Yesterday’s news of winning Gold in the World Gin Awards 2021 was a great morale boost for the team and lifted our spirits as we allowed ourselves to look forward to the good things still to come.
As ever, we refuse to rest on our laurels or stand still, and 2021 promises even more new and exciting projects and products from our island distillery, each deeply rooted in this special place.
As our chief storyteller (it’s a great job title isn’t it?) I’m delighted to grow my team as myself, Mairi and Lauren welcome former brand ambassadors Iona and Calum into the storytelling team.
Together we have some wonderful things planned, as we set out to explore and share the stories which underpin our Outer Hebridean life and work with you.
Our revitalised Diaspora Project will be reaching out to people all around the world to discover their island connections and bring them together in celebration of history and the Harris of today.
Our Cèilidh Project continues apace as we gather as new friends and old in the traditional way, with music, song, and laughter providing the soundtrack to special get-togethers both on and offline.
We’ll be bringing you more Gaelic too, our native language and an evocative embodiment of all we hold dear, whether you’d like to learn a few words or simply love the sounds when spoken and sung.
Our Harris Tweed Project is evolving, and those of you that followed the progress of our beautiful pattern will soon be able to own some of your own, as our first creative clothing collaboration becomes available.
We’ve been working hard over recent months to bring you new Isle of Harris Gin products too. While much remains under wraps, we think you’re going to love what we have coming your way.
And, perhaps most exciting of all is the prospect of re-opening our distillery doors at some point, offering a chance to be social once more, but always with safety to the fore.
Until then, let’s stay connected here online and stay tuned for all the above and more. Make no mistake, all storms eventually pass and together we’ll embrace the bright days ahead.