But it is still a fragile prosperity.
The ramshackle building that hardly passes for a gallery for the islanders’ canvasses faces the sea. A lack of funding means it has no heating and the damp is taking its toll.
“I couldn’t make a living out of it (painting),” says Meenan, who was forced to give up his job as a salmon fisherman because of restrictions. “I’m on welfare but it’s no work.”
Patsy is also worried.
“It’s a miracle we’re still here if the teenagers are gone ...,” he says, his voice trailing off.
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