Goodbye to Abigail Taylor

What were you up to before you came to Uist?

I’m from a big town in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, called Lurgan. I went to the University of Stirling in 2015 to study journalism and politics, it took a little longer than expect to complete my degree but once I did I was delighted. It was just a shame it was in 2020 and the university and the world closed down! But I’m getting to graduate in June this year and I’m really looking forward to finally celebrating with my class and lecturers.

How have you found living and working here?

I can very easily say it has been the best decision I’ve ever made coming here. I never in a million years thought I’d live on a Scottish island, let alone extend my stay. I really loved the freedom this job gave me as a young journalist just starting out. I’ve covered so many amazing stories and talked to brilliant inspirational people, it has been a blast. Island life has been so good too. Especially at the beginning when we were still in some sort of lockdown. Being able to just go to the beach everyday and not worry about catching Covid every time you go outside was great. I’ve had such a great experience because of the people who have taken me in and looked after me. Tina and Angus, who let me stay in their cottage in North Uist, made sure I was safe and well throughout. Morag and Alasdair also treated me like their own family and I got to experience things I would never have done like feed cows and sheep on the machair and drive a quad on the beach. They also made sure that any time I had guests here, that they got the full Uist experience too. My work and office colleagues made me so welcome and we have all become great friends, and with their families too. I have been surrounded by loving people and it has been amazing. I’m so glad to have adopted my cat Harold from Uist Cat Rescue while being here. I will always have a piece of Benbecula with me now.

What have you learned over the past 18 months?

I think I have improved as a journalist over these past 18 or so months. That was proven when I won my award (HMA Young Journalist of the Year) which I really didn’t expect to be nominated for, never mind win. If the person I was starting uni in 2015 could see me now, she’d be so happy and proud. I’m definitely where I wanted to be then.

What have you enjoyed most?

A high point has definitely

been the Comhairle elections. Following on from the massive piece of work I had done on the lack women in local government here, and finally seeing a female elected, it really felt like a win!

I’ve enjoyed the landscape and the people the most about the islands. There is no where else on earth quite like Uist.

Any low points?

I wouldn’t say I had any low points. It’s all been so good. But if I had to pick something – I decided it would be a good idea to climb Eabhal in January. Long story short, it was not a good idea. It was awful. At one point I thought the helicopter was going to have to rescue me. I will never look at that hill the same way again.

What’s the new job?

My new job title is ‘Production Journalist’ at STVNorth based in Dundee. I’m looking forward to starting something new but at the same time I’m really sad to be leaving Am Pàipear. It has been a special time in my life and I’ll never forget it.

Any last words?

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has made my time here so special. I’ll be back, as long as CalMac allows!