View across the Outer Harbour of Stornoway

Friday 27 February 2009

Sunset notes

The sun is going down on a day that finishes a lot brighter than it started. About an hour or so ago, the sun finally came out, brightening up a day that was dismally wet and grey.

I am very pleased that the Vatican is taking a dim view of the ambiguous apology, issued by Bishop Williamson over the matter of denying the Holocaust. Apparently, the bishop has not retracted his views that there were no gas chambers used to kill millions of Jews, and that there were "only" 200-300 thousand Jews killed at the hands of the Nazis. At the moment, the declaration features on the front page of the Society St Pius X. Read for yourself.

Ryanair is considering charging for the usage of toilets on their planes. I've never liked Ryanair, and that little snippet of news sent them down the pan for me. Yep, awful pun, but totally intentional.

Remembering Today - 27 February

Today on this day in the First World War, this man lost his life in the service of King and Country. RIP.

Gunner JOHN A MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 12 North Beach Street, Stornoway
Regiment or division: 2nd/1st (Ross) Mountain Bty., Royal Garrison Artillery
Service number: 301378
Date of death: 27 February 1917 at the age of 23
Killed in action
Interred: Salonika (Lembet Road) Military Cemetery
Memorial reference: 841
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial

Remembering Today - 26 February

Today on this day during the First World War, these men lost their lives in the service of King and Country. RIP.

Sergeant GEORGE MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 52 Bayhead Street, Stornoway
Regiment or division: 1st Royal Fusiliers
Date of death: 26 February 1915 at the age of 20
Killed in action in La Bassee
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial

Seaman GEORGE MACAULAY

Last address in Lewis: 3 Keith Street, Stornoway
Son of Murdo and Annie Macaulay, of 3, Keith St., Stornoway.
Regiment or division: Merchant Marine, HMHS Glenart Castle
Date of death: 26 February 1918 at the age of 24
Ship sunk by U-boat in Bristol Channel
Memorial: Tower Hill
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial

WARNING - Bank charge phonescam (UK only)

Yesterday, a judge ruled that it was lawful for people to recoup their excessive bankcharges. Only the Office of Fair Trading has to make a final decision before the process can start for ordinary people.

Scammers targeting the Highlands and Islands have been cold-calling people on the phone, saying they will recoup those charges (which may amount to thousands of pounds in some cases). They ask for your personal and bank details - and you may find your bank account plundered as a result.

If you want to recoup your charges, you have to write to your bank - it applies to charges from 2001 to today.

Friday 27 February

You may remember my epic journey from Holland back to Stornoway, which took 55 hours rather than 12 on February 2nd (3rd and 4th as it turned out). Well, I am being reimbursed by the airline for part of my expenses - the ones I incurred because of the booking error.

Meanwhile, I'm looking out at a very wet day here in the islands, not much wind, but it is raining steadily.

If you don't like your job, don't mention it on Facebook, or anywhere else on the open Internet. It can get you fired.