View across the Outer Harbour of Stornoway

Friday 24 August 2012

Friday 24 August

Another day of sunshine and showers, and a tad cooler.


The building shown above dates back to 1849. It was established by the wife of former landowner Sir James Matheson as the Lady Matheson Seminary, which has fallen into disuse. Following a spat between the local council and a preservation trust, it now looks likely that this ancient edifice will fall into ruins.

I sent off another four cards for postcrossing, which has now seen me sending and receiving 120 cards over the past 18 months. Three cards were never registered by their recipients - maybe the cards did not reach their destinations.

Anders Breivik has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for the murder of 77 people in and around Oslo in July 2011. He was declared sane, which the man appeared to regard as a triumph. However, having to spend your life in solitary confinement would not exactly be a triumph. It certainly won't bring back the dead, but is a degree of justice for those left behind.

3 comments:

  1. What a shame to see that building go to waste, it looks as though it could be nice. 21 years for 77 murders? Certainly doesn't sound like just punishment to me.

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    1. 21 years is the maximum sentence that you can receive in Norway, they don't have a "life" sentence as such (complex reasons behind this). The sentence can be extended in the future though so it's doubtful he'll ever be released.

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  2. Just spotted your title picture - always amazes me that so few people know the story of the Iolaire.
    Breivik - well I can't see him ever expressing any regret over what he has done, so almost certainly he will end his days behind bars. Shame it's solitary though, I suspect the other prisoners would have had all manner of fun with him.

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