Skip to product information
The Potter's Tale
£5.99
The Potter's Tale—A Colonsay Life
A potter's life and craft on the remote and beautiful island of Colonsay
Access Your Content in Seconds
- Complete your purchase on our store.
- Download The Grey Hill App (free).
- Log in using the same email from checkout.
- Your ebook will appear instantly in your library.
All content is securely delivered through our app and not offered as a Shopify download.
About the Ebook
The Potter's Tale is a story of one man's journey of discovery and self discovery on one of the most beautiful islands on the Hebrides – Colonsay. Dion
Alexander was 'the Colonsay Potter' through the 1970s and his own story is interwoven with that of some of the legendary characters of the islands in that period, one of the last in which Gaelic came naturally to the community. It is also the story of beginning to think about how to keep a small remote community dominated by a landed estate alive and viable in the face of modern pressures.
The Colonsay of the 1970s had no electricity or affordable housing and an erratic ferry service. The book is an autobiography, a reflection of a world still close in time but in some ways very distant interwoven with much of history, tradition and folklore, and a moving account of the trials, triumphs and tribulations of a small community. Above all it is woven with a deep love of the magical place that is Colonsay.
Why You'll Love This Ebook
- Discover the creative life of a potter on remote Colonsay
- Explore island rhythms, craft, and the pull of a small community
- Experience a memoir rooted in art, place, and quiet dedication
- Read another celebrated title from Birlinn Ltd - Independent Scottish Publisher
About the Author
Dion Alexander moved in 1971 to Carsaig on Mull to set up a pottery before moving to Colonsay. He set up a pottery on Colonsay through the 1970s before leaving for South Uist in 1980 to become the first manager of the Co Chomunn at Lochdair. In 1983 he moved to Glengarry and began work for Shelter Scotland where he set up the Lochaber Housing Association. He has continued to specialise in that area and has both written a number of high profile reports and has chaired a large number of committees and action groups on housing and fuel poverty across the Highlands. He now lives near Dornoch.
Publication Details
Publisher: Birlinn Ltd
Publication Date: 11 May 2017
Print Length: 232 pages (Ebook edition)
ISBN (Ebook): 9780857909459
Format: Ebook
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access my ebook?
Download The Grey Hill App and log in using the same email you used at checkout. Your ebook will appear instantly in your library.
Can I read it online?
Yes — you can also access your purchases via our online reader at reader.thegreyhill.com.
I can't see my ebook — what should I do?
Tap the refresh button in the app or online reader. If it still doesn't appear, ensure you're logged in with the same email used at checkout. If issues continue, contact us and we'll help right away.
Can I gift this ebook?
Yes — you can purchase a Grey Hill Gift Card here: Buy a Gift Card. The recipient can redeem it on our store, and the ebook will appear in The Grey Hill App.