Tuesday 5 April

An overcast and cold day, with plenty of rain and wind. The overnight gales subsided well before daybreak, but otherwise, there was little temptation to venture out. I did go to the shop for a few bits and pieces. I spent most of today transcribing censuses for the islands of Berneray (Barra), Mingulay, Pabbay and Sandray. I have outlined the purpose for this exercise on my Pentland Road blog.

The typhoon season in the Pacific Ocean is trying to get off the ground, but the season has not advanced far enough. The northeast monsoon is still active near East Asia, which brings atmospheric conditions that are not conducive for tropical cyclones to form. But I will keep an eye open over the weeks and months to come. It is two months until the Atlantic hurricane season kicks off, not that far away. Winter is over, spring is progressing. Be aware.

I heard on the grapevine that a selection of the Lewis Chessmen have arrived in the island, to be exhibited at Museum nan Eilean on Francis Street here in Stornoway. An opening night will be held on April 14th, with the exhibition running from 15th April until 12th September. The same source also advises that some of the chessmen could come to the Uig Museum, a mile or so from the location where they were first unearthed from the dunes at Ardroil, 35 miles west of Stornoway.

(Image courtesy National Museums for Scotland).