Image galleries

All the action from Festival Week 2011.

Many thanks to all those who took part in the Halloween festivities this year. The spooky storytelling, children's fancy dress walk, fireworks, bonfire and party in the pub, all made for a highly enjoyable night for all. Thanks are due to everyone who worked to make the night, including the fireworks firing team, the island's volunteer Coastguard and Fire Service teams, everyone in the pub especially for all the food, and of course everyone who dressed up.

The Shackleton 80th anniversary celebration event held in the hall on Saturday was a great success with over sixty people attending. The packed hall listened to Douglas Cecil set the scene, and introduce the other speakers. Loughie McQuilkin gave a very evocative account of his childhood memories of the night the Shackleton ran aground. Eoin, Ryan and Orla recited poetry, Gordon Munro, representing the Coastguard, spoke about the continuing tradition of voluntary search and rescue on the island, and Cllr Cara McShane, Chairperson of Moyle District Council remarked on the sense of community evident on the island, and in the event itself. The crew of the RNLI Red Bay Lifeboat also took the trouble to cross over for the event. Ian Wilson, author of 'Shipwrecks of the Ulster Coast' was unfortunately unable to attend. The attendance enjoyed the artwork of the schoolchildren, including a papier mâché model of the East Light, as well as the exhibition of photographs, documents and artefacts relating to the rescue of the Shackleton eighty years ago today. The exhibits will be in the Resource Centre shortly if anyone would like to see them, or look at them again. It is also hoped to exhibit the material in Ballycastle. All photos Stephen Ryan

Over the past few weeks, Loughie McQuilkin has been generously giving his time and considerable expertise in model yacht building, to guide and advise the construction of a new generation of boats. Meeting in Loughie’s shed, Douglas Cecil, Brian Teggart, Marianne Green and Stephen Ryan have been learning from the traditional Rathlin methods of model boat construction. All of these boats began as old pine or pitch pine roof timbers, and hopefully will end up competing in next year’s championship, beginning at Easter. It is hoped to source more blocks soon for more boats to be carved – if you’re interested in getting involved, please contact Stephen in the Resource Centre. Check out the progress on these model yachts, with weekly updates in this gallery, and many thanks again to Loughie for all his time and invaluable help.

On Wednesday 7 October 2009, representatives of the Department of Regional Development, working with the RDCA held a public consultation event in Bruce's Kitchen about the DRD's proposed policy for the island. Over sixty people attended, and participated in a lively series of discussions based around the policy themes of sustainability, services & the environment. Also discussed were Moyle District Council's proposed set of bye-laws for Rathlin harbour, and a draft 'Rathlin Code' for visitors to the island. The resulting ideas and suggestions will be posted on the website. All photos Stephen Ryan.