Thursday 1 August

At time of posting, 11pm, it has been raining non-stop all evening. Half an inch has fallen since about 6pm, and there is no sign of it stopping. Conversely, a blast of heat has come into the south of England, with London reporting 34C. Near continent will see 36C tomorrow, for only a day.

I have been writing a couple of short stories along the lines of local themes. One of them tells the story of a young woman being seized by a kelpie (or waterhorse), the other about two lovers wishing to elope, but missing each other through misfortune.

Wednesday 31 July

Thought to head out of town for the afternoon, particularly as the sun was shining brightly and it got quite warm. Well, it started to rain at Achmore, it was sluicing down at Loch Ganvich and only at Callanish village did it more or less dry up. Got into the visitor centre at 3pm, when it was relatively quiet. Two coaches pulled up, disgorging some of their passengers into the restaurant, so I headed up to the Stones. It was drizzly and cool up there, but as impressive as ever. Returned to Stornoway the long way round, via Carloway and Barvas - and the sun promptly returned in town. Where not a drop of rain had fallen in the meantime. Had a look round the European market before heading for a bite to eat in one of the local restaurants.

Leaving town

Threatening near Achmore

Ruined house near Callanish

Callanish Stones

Dalbeg

And back into sunshine near SY