Window of opportunity for pedal powered Amy

Workaway Amy Bowman has come up with a pedal-powered way to earn extra cash for her music making.

 

The eco-savvy 29-year-old who is back on Lismore for her second stint of helping out on crofts and in gardens on the island in return for food and lodgings is offering a window cleaning service with a difference.

 

Amy, originally from Doune near Callendar, hopes the venture that sees her cycling from job to job with a bucket fastened to the handlebars and carrying a long-pole -  looking a bit like a jouster on wheels - will help her save enough money so she can record an album for friends.

 

Her music can already be heard on SoundCloud and on Facebook if people look up mangolassie. And she appeared on last year's The Sounds From The Great Garden double CD featuring the best of Lismore's musical talent.

 

The baritone ukulele player is also learning to play the guitar and sings. On her wishlist - if she gets enough windows to clean - is a good microphone, a loop pedal and a MacBook for recording.

 

'I did a few windows for people when I was on Lismore before I went travelling in India. I'm picking up more customers, there are lots of houses with big windows with big views.  I'm even thinking about going over to Port Appin.

 

'Luckily most places have their own ladders, so I don't have to worry about carrying them with me on my bike and people fill me up with water. I look a bit like a jouster when I'm on my way to work on my bike!

 

'What I like best is getting the chance to chat with people over a cup of tea when that's possible. Lots of people are building their own houses on the island or have put their own twists on their gardens, it's fascinating. I really love it here on Lismore,' she said.

 

And added: 'I just needed to come up with an idea to make a bit of cash to invest in my music. It would be good to be able to try out different instruments and I'd love to record an album with 10 or 12 songs for my friends to listen to.'

 

Amy has put up a post on Isle of Lismore Community Noticeboard's Facebook page for anyone whose windows need a sparkle.