View across the Outer Harbour of Stornoway

Monday 4 April 2011

Monday 4 April

Today was mainly overcast, and the morning saw some quite unpleasant weather. Persistent moderate rain, blown along by a strong easterly wind made it feel particularly cold. The Greenpeace vessel Esperanza came in to seek shelter from the poor weather, docking alongside no 3 pier until just before 6pm this evening.

I had to go to the post office to get 8p worth of stamps. A postcrossing card was ready with a 60p stamp to go to Germany, but the postal rates went up as of today, so the extra postage was required.

I am not a terribly political person, but one thing stood out in terms of the May 5th Scottish election campaign. One of the main political parties have announced that if they come into government, they will scrap the Road-Equivalent Tariff, which has led to a halving of ferry fares over the past few years - resulting in a 30% increase in tourism trade in the Outer Hebrides. I think that's a classical case of turkeys voting for an early Christmas.

I have now completed the research into the Harris witnesses, who gave evidence to the Napier Commission in 1883. You may wonder why an event from 128 years ago is so important in 2011. The findings by Lord Napier led to a fundamental change in laws and practices surrounding land ownership and land usage. Next, I shall have a look at the witnesses at St Kilda, thence on to Uig (Lewis).

2 comments:

  1. What a beautiful picture Guido on your header.It's been a nightmare today here has the wind.As for the postage prices, well it gets worse Guido,and here the service gets worse too.I recieved a letter today,posted locally on the 7th March Grrr.Good to be back reading you and seeing those wonderful snaps of yours.Take Care God Bless Kath xx

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  2. Unbelievable and idiotic, is my response to that MP!

    I was so glad of a roof over my head last night Guido. It was blowing and raining a hoolie outside. Our Koi pond was full to overflowing this morning. It is still raining here in the Lakes.
    The poor cherry blossom trees are taking a hammering.
    Jeanie

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