View across the Outer Harbour of Stornoway

Monday 8 August 2011

Monday 8 August

Today was cold, windy and showery. We only briefly managed 15C, the average was more like 12C / 54F. The showers were mercifully brief, but it was not very pleasant.

Less than pleasant is the situation in London, which has once more erupted into violence, and this time without pretext. Gangs of hooded thugs roam the streets, destroying or looting property, police seem to be on the backfoot. And tonight, it's not just London - Birmingham is also the scene of riots. Prime Minister David Cameron, the London Mayor Boris Johnston are hurrying back from their summer hols. I am very glad that I'm 600 miles away in this quiet corner of the land.

I have posted 6 Postcrossing cards, and need to wait for those to reach their destination before I can send more. That could be a while; one was bound for China, and the one going to Portugal had (by my estimation) an incomplete address, as no name was included.

I have transcribed several more WW2 tributes, unearthed a story about a reverend minister in Nova Scotia whose ancestors had roots in the Isle of Rum, 60 miles south of Stornoway. I'm awaiting the NS archivists to get back to me with further details. I have also been transcribing more evidence from the Napier Commission's visit to Balmacara, a dozen miles east of Kyle of Lochalsh. The estate manager wishes that his tenants would stop slushing tea and start eating solid, healthy food. Dear me. The natives need educating, eh?