View across the Outer Harbour of Stornoway

Friday 6 January 2012

Friday 6 January

A mainly overcast day, with the odd brighter interval. Today is the Epiphany, Twelfth Night, so Christmas trees should be taken down today. The Orthodox Christian churches (Greece, Russia &c) do not celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ until today, as they did not implement the calendar shift that Pope Gregory ordained in 1582. Because of the inaccuracies of time-keeping, the calendar was a mere 12 days out of sync so he told people to jump 12 days. Not everybody has recognised this change. At any rate, the Xmas tree and its decorations have been packed away for another 11 months. On 6 December this year, it will make another appearance.

Over the Christmas period, this island raised its eyebrows when a car was removed without its owner's consent and chased down the A858 at Bragar by police. The driver promptly lost control of his vehicle and ended up in the ditch. He was arrested. Crime-levels here are mercifully low, which explains why the murder of Liam Aitchison in November was such a shock. This poor 16-year old was buried at Daliburgh's Hallan Cemetery last week. One of his alleged assailants was released on bail to a Highland address; the other was remanded in custody.

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