View across the Outer Harbour of Stornoway

Friday 22 March 2013

Friday 22 March

Yesterday, the First Minister for Scotland, Alex Salmond MSP, announced that the day for the independence referendum for Scotland is to be Thursday 18 September 2013. At least we can start to count down to the day that we'll finally be rid of all this politicking on the issue, to the detriment of all the other important stuff that is needing to be addressed. If I get round to voting on the day, I'll be voting against. I'm shocked at the lack of preparedness for the eventuality of independence as shown by Mr Salmond's Scottish National Party, who appear to have to think on the hoof whenever an issue is raised. Independence may be a good idea on its own, but I shudder to think at the state the country will be in by 2016, if Scots vote for independence. 2016 is the year that Scotland would be on its own two feet - or flat on its face.

Today is seeing massive disruption due to snow in England and southern Scotland. Snow depth of up to 40 cm / 16 inches are being forecast. Here in northern Scotland, strong easterly winds are wreaking havoc with the ferry services; the Calmac boats are mostly stormbound in port. The Outer Hebrides are completely without any ferry service at all, including inter-island ferries.

I am reducing my activity on Atlantic Lines. I shall be posting pictures and specific posts on current events, such as above. I don't think there is much point in posting just for the sake of it.