In 1986, when petrol was a mere £1.89 a gallon (£0.41/litre), John Chester moved to Eigg as the Islands ranger with the Scottish Wildlife Trust.
His first progress report notes that he spent that first year living in ‘Woodman’s Bothy’ – a 6’ by 10’ shed with no running water. Sadly, Woodman’s Bothy was destroyed in a recent gale, but John Chester still stalks the island, recording everything that flowers or flies in his annual Birds of Eigg report.
The Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust has now published these reports, incorporating Eigg bird records from as far back as the 1700’s, in his first book – The Birds of Eigg – John demonstrates his remorseless attention to detail and breadth of ambition.
If it were just that, it would be enough, but those who have known John over the years have added their tuppence-worth in tribute to the man and his obsession – making the book richer and more humorous.
In congratulating him, Colin Carr of the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust, said: “John Chester is synonymous with Eigg – a tireless ambassador reaching visitors and volunteers alike.
“We are very proud of him and that his work is now available in this book.”
All the profits from the book go towards keeping this essential wildlife work going. Each year since the buy-out in 1997, the Isle of Eigg has celebrated its achievements and this is no different – Eigg is a determined, enterprising community.
June 12th is not only 16th anniversary of the buy-out but also marks five successful years running of Eigg's world-leading electricity system.
Community-inspired and community-run the scheme uniquely combines power from the three renewable resources of solar, wind and hydroelectric generators into a stable controlled grid that supplies all who live, work and holiday on our Island.
Life-changing and life-enhancing the system has encouraged growth and development in new directions and, after five years, the benefits of community ownership continue to accrue.
At a ceremony to mark John Booth’s retirement as Director and voluntary Project Manager from Eigg Electric, Eddie Scott, Chair of the Resident’s Association, said: “The electricity scheme has been central in uniting the community.
“We simply could not have taken it forward without John’s pragmatic and dogged determination. “We owe him a great deal.”
Chair of the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust, John Hutchison, said: “We have come a very long way since 1997.
“At that time we had an uncertain future and a dispirited, shrinking population. Now we have 40% increase in the population and a healthy school roll. The community continues to work enthusiastically in taking the Island forward.”