Note about William Ross's first poetic composition and accompanying quotation stating that he was 'storm stayed' on an island in Gairloch [Geàrrloch/Gairloch, Siorramachd Ròis/Ross-shire] when he wrote the poem beginning 'Is mairg a thachair an Eilean'. The island was covered with aspen but none of the fisherman would use any object made out of aspen.