Portnahaven Lyrics And Guitar Chords by The McCalmans
3/4 (Nick Keir)To play along to the McCalmans on their album ‚Honest Poverty’ use a capo on the 3rd fret.
Chorus
If (A)I had the (D)time now, I would be (A)lea(D)ving,
Slipping out (G)quietly be(D)fore break of (A)day,
Taking the (D)West coast line (G)to Portna(Bm)haven,(G)
Let the sun on my (D)back find me (A)well on my (D)way. -G-D-A
A (D)blackbird is (G)chattering (D)outside my (A)window,
(D)Sleep is a stranger a(G)gain,-A
He's (D)calling the city to (G)start up its (A)rumble,
(D)Calling at last for the (G)day to be(A)gin.
Chorus
(D)Lochranza, (G)Kennacraig (D)wait for the (A)ferry,
(D)Peddling out through the (G)rain, -A
(D)Port Charlotte old friends a (G)drink and a (A)song or two,
Then (D)off on the road in the (G)morning a(A)gain.
Chorus
(Bm)I could be home again before folk had (A)missed me,
(Bm)Stepping in silent at (A)dawn,
If (Bm)you ask no questions then you could come (A)with me,
(Bm)No one would notice we'd (A)gone.
(D)Climb on the (G)rocks and look (D)out over (A)Ireland,
(D)Watch the gulls pillage the (G)shore, -A
(D)Stand by the place where she (G)whispered her (A)lies to me,
(D)Know that it matters not (G)much any (A)more.
Chorus twice
If (A)I had the (D)time now, I would be (A)lea(D)ving,
Slipping out (G)quietly be(D)fore break of (A)day,
Taking the (D)West coast line (G)to Portna(Bm)haven,(G)
Let the sun on my (D)back find me (A)well on my (D)way. -G-D-A
A (D)blackbird is (G)chattering (D)outside my (A)window,
(D)Sleep is a stranger a(G)gain,-A
He's (D)calling the city to (G)start up its (A)rumble,
(D)Calling at last for the (G)day to be(A)gin.
Chorus
(D)Lochranza, (G)Kennacraig (D)wait for the (A)ferry,
(D)Peddling out through the (G)rain, -A
(D)Port Charlotte old friends a (G)drink and a (A)song or two,
Then (D)off on the road in the (G)morning a(A)gain.
Chorus
(Bm)I could be home again before folk had (A)missed me,
(Bm)Stepping in silent at (A)dawn,
If (Bm)you ask no questions then you could come (A)with me,
(Bm)No one would notice we'd (A)gone.
(D)Climb on the (G)rocks and look (D)out over (A)Ireland,
(D)Watch the gulls pillage the (G)shore, -A
(D)Stand by the place where she (G)whispered her (A)lies to me,
(D)Know that it matters not (G)much any (A)more.
Chorus twice
: The History and Legacy of a Small Fishing Village
Introduction
Portnahaven is a small fishing village located on the southern coast of the Isle of Islay in Scotland. It has a rich history and a unique legacy that has shaped the village into what it is today. This thesis will explore the history and legacy of Portnahaven, from its early beginnings as a fishing settlement to its present-day role as a popular tourist destination.
Early History
The earliest recorded history of Portnahaven dates back to the 16th century, when the village was primarily a fishing settlement. The location of the village, situated on a sheltered bay with easy access to the sea, made it an ideal spot for fishermen to settle and establish their trade. The village was also strategically located on the west coast of Islay, making it a stopover point for travelers and traders.
The name “Portnahaven” is derived from the Gaelic word “Port na h-Abhainn” meaning “port of the river”. This refers to the small river that flows into the bay, which provided a source of freshwater for the villagers. The village was initially known as “Port-an-Drochaid” meaning “port of the bridge”, as there was a bridge that connected the village to the mainland.
Development as a Fishing Village
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Portnahaven experienced a period of growth and development as a fishing village. The village was home to a thriving fishing industry, with the main catch being herring, cod, and lobster. The villagers were skilled fishermen and their catches were highly sought after. The village also had a number of fish curing houses, where the fish were salted and preserved for trade.
The fishing industry in Portnahaven provided a source of income for the villagers, and the village became a hub for trade and commerce. The village grew in population and new houses, shops, and other buildings were constructed to accommodate the growing community. The village also had its own school, church, and other amenities, making it a self-sufficient community.
Decline and Revival
In the early 20th century, the fishing industry in Portnahaven began to decline due to overfishing and changes in fishing methods. This had a significant impact on the village, as many villagers were left without a source of income. As a result, the population of the village decreased, and many of the buildings fell into disrepair.
However, in the latter half of the 20th century, Portnahaven experienced a revival as a tourist destination. The village’s picturesque setting, with its whitewashed cottages and scenic coastline, attracted visitors from all over the world. The village was also featured in several films and TV shows, further increasing its popularity. This led to the renovation and restoration of many of the village’s buildings, and the development of new amenities to cater to the growing number of tourists.
Legacy and Impact
The legacy of Portnahaven lies in its transformation from a small fishing village to a thriving tourist destination. The village’s history as a fishing settlement is still evident in its architecture and way of life, and many of the villagers are descendants of the original fishing families. The village’s close-knit community and strong sense of identity have been preserved, despite the changes brought about by tourism.
The impact of tourism on Portnahaven has been both positive and negative. On one hand, it has brought economic growth and development to the village, providing employment opportunities for the locals. On the other hand, the influx of tourists has also led to concerns about overdevelopment and loss of the village’s traditional way of life. This has sparked debates and discussions within the community about how to balance the needs of tourism with the preservation of the village’s heritage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Portnahaven’s history and legacy are intertwined with its identity as a fishing village and a tourist destination. The village has undergone significant changes over the centuries, but its charm and character have been preserved. Its story serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing progress with the preservation of heritage, and the impact that tourism can have on a small community. Portnahaven continues to thrive as a unique and charming village, with a rich history and a promising future.
Introduction
Portnahaven is a small fishing village located on the southern coast of the Isle of Islay in Scotland. It has a rich history and a unique legacy that has shaped the village into what it is today. This thesis will explore the history and legacy of Portnahaven, from its early beginnings as a fishing settlement to its present-day role as a popular tourist destination.
Early History
The earliest recorded history of Portnahaven dates back to the 16th century, when the village was primarily a fishing settlement. The location of the village, situated on a sheltered bay with easy access to the sea, made it an ideal spot for fishermen to settle and establish their trade. The village was also strategically located on the west coast of Islay, making it a stopover point for travelers and traders.
The name “Portnahaven” is derived from the Gaelic word “Port na h-Abhainn” meaning “port of the river”. This refers to the small river that flows into the bay, which provided a source of freshwater for the villagers. The village was initially known as “Port-an-Drochaid” meaning “port of the bridge”, as there was a bridge that connected the village to the mainland.
Development as a Fishing Village
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Portnahaven experienced a period of growth and development as a fishing village. The village was home to a thriving fishing industry, with the main catch being herring, cod, and lobster. The villagers were skilled fishermen and their catches were highly sought after. The village also had a number of fish curing houses, where the fish were salted and preserved for trade.
The fishing industry in Portnahaven provided a source of income for the villagers, and the village became a hub for trade and commerce. The village grew in population and new houses, shops, and other buildings were constructed to accommodate the growing community. The village also had its own school, church, and other amenities, making it a self-sufficient community.
Decline and Revival
In the early 20th century, the fishing industry in Portnahaven began to decline due to overfishing and changes in fishing methods. This had a significant impact on the village, as many villagers were left without a source of income. As a result, the population of the village decreased, and many of the buildings fell into disrepair.
However, in the latter half of the 20th century, Portnahaven experienced a revival as a tourist destination. The village’s picturesque setting, with its whitewashed cottages and scenic coastline, attracted visitors from all over the world. The village was also featured in several films and TV shows, further increasing its popularity. This led to the renovation and restoration of many of the village’s buildings, and the development of new amenities to cater to the growing number of tourists.
Legacy and Impact
The legacy of Portnahaven lies in its transformation from a small fishing village to a thriving tourist destination. The village’s history as a fishing settlement is still evident in its architecture and way of life, and many of the villagers are descendants of the original fishing families. The village’s close-knit community and strong sense of identity have been preserved, despite the changes brought about by tourism.
The impact of tourism on Portnahaven has been both positive and negative. On one hand, it has brought economic growth and development to the village, providing employment opportunities for the locals. On the other hand, the influx of tourists has also led to concerns about overdevelopment and loss of the village’s traditional way of life. This has sparked debates and discussions within the community about how to balance the needs of tourism with the preservation of the village’s heritage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Portnahaven’s history and legacy are intertwined with its identity as a fishing village and a tourist destination. The village has undergone significant changes over the centuries, but its charm and character have been preserved. Its story serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing progress with the preservation of heritage, and the impact that tourism can have on a small community. Portnahaven continues to thrive as a unique and charming village, with a rich history and a promising future.
