I recently learned that Scottish Islands Explorer magazine has ceased production, and that the October 2025 issue will be its last. The magazine has had four owners during its 26-year run, producing over 150 issues. It was founded in 2000 on Fair Isle by Linda Grieve and Peter Welch. I was so delighted when I discovered the publication in 2002 and could read about those far-off islands that I'd become enamoured with over the years. It was Linda who accepted an article I'd written about North Rona, which was the first time I'd managed to get something published.
In 2007, the magazine was sold to Jeremy Smith, who lived part-time on Jura. During his tenure, the magazine had its best cover: a dramatic photo of a RIB in the swirling waters of Corryvreackan.
Jeremy Smith died unexpectedly in 2010, and the magazine was sold to John Humphries. I met John in 2008, when we were both contributing stories to the magazine. Since then, we've met up in several places around the world: Seattle, Kirkwall, Ardveg of Lewis, and the Shiants, to name just a few. The magazine thrived during John's ten years at the helm, and he produced some 60 issues.
In 2019, John sold the magazine to Fred Silver, of Intermedia Services based in Stornoway. During their six-year run, they produced over 30 issues. Sadly, their subscriber base diminished over those years to the point that the business, as is the case with print media in general these days, was no longer financially viable.
I want to thank all four generations of the magazine's owners. It provided a venue for those who love the islands to share that love with readers around the world. I am sad to see it go.
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