Thursday 27/10/05

Very nice morning, but very blustery. We're warned against strong gusts of wind at high levels, up to 70-80 mph. Temperatures could sore to 21C / 70F. Kenny "There you go" MacLeod on Isles FM has a bad cold and complains that there is no milk in the studio to put in his coffee. Well, Stornoway rises to the appeal and he very soon asks people to stop bringing milk! On the subject of windfarms, an advisor states that councils are being brainwashed into building windfarms by the manufacturers. The Scottish Executive has as yet failed to produce guidelines. It could leave the Highlands an industrial wasteland. Does this sound familiar? Like heck it does. Caithness, the far northeast, could end up mirroring sites in Spain and California which sport hundreds of the things. The profits made by companies like Amec and scandalous. Quoting from Radio Scotland, this is very interesting news. Going through pens like a dose of salts; the last pen just ran out again. New lot out of Woolworths later today. At 1.40, mrs B and I go on the bus to Stewart Drive, near the hospital, to go to the War Memorial.

I have visited this conspicuous landmark, above the hospital, twice before; on July 4th and December 31st. Stewart Drive is a steep street, which requires mrs B to take a break or two. At the top, we come out amongst fields, where sheep are grazing quietly. They are very white with beautiful black faces. Next month, the rams will be put amongst them to ensure more lambs next year. At the top, we enjoy the view s around. Stornoway lies at our feet. The time at just after 2pm, the ferry is blasting away. It normally doesn't do that before departure. Broad Bay is fairly clear, although Point is very hazy. The Arnish hills are laid out in shades of grey, and the hill with Prince Charlie's monument on top stands out. Eitsal and the Barvas Hills are clear. A navy ship (possibly HMS Shoreham) is anchored in Broad Bay.

A helicopter is preparing to land at the airport. The Laxdale estuary is full, so no pedestrian crossing there today. Water is flowing out of the tower of the War Memorial. Built 81 years ago, it has suffered problems with water ingress for decades. Twenty-three plaques commemorate the 1,151 men of the five parishes of Lewis killed in action in WW1 and 2. The majority appear to have fallen in the First War, with the RNR [Royal Naval Reserve] featuring heavily. About 1 out of every 3 RNR men came from Lewis. On Remembrance Sunday, November 13, people will be thronging the walkway up to the tower. The ground beside the paths is sodden, an indication of the recent heavy rainfall. We go downhill to the Lochs Road, then turn right into Willowglen Road opposite the Caberfeidh Hotel. Last week, a watermill was inaugurated further upstream. This mill generates electricity to power the streetlamps along the walkway to Cuddy Point. Once back in town, our ways temporarily divide for shopping. It's warm, 18C.