Today, the ferry terminal was taken into use today after being out of commission since last May for the refurbishment. MV Loch Seaforth is now taking up the sailings to Ullapool, with MV Isle of Arran in reserve. Ferry traffic queues on Shell Street, before allowed to proceed to the marshalling area. Some finishing work is currently undertaken by the workboat C-Salvor. It has been a long, long wait, but we're finally back to normal. For now.
Following the appalling attack in Copenhagen last night, the Israeli prime minister has called on all Jews to come home to Israel. I'm not happy with that statement. If Mr Netanyahu wants to help in the fight against islamist extremists, he should place his country's considerable expertise in the field at the disposal of the world community. Calling on all Jews to come home will only fuel the flames of the evil that is anti-semitism. I took exception to the events in the aftermath of the Paris attacks last month, when the four dead from the supermarket attack were whisked away to Israel for burial - because they were Jews. I am also not happy with those who will not accept criticism of the Israeli PM. He is a man who should be severely censured for several of his policies, some of which indirectly exacerbate the problem of islamist extremism. If Barack Obama has leverage with Mr Netanyahu, he should use it. Extremism (justified through religion) should be rooted out - now.
Today, the new ferry Loch Seaforth had an open day. Three thousand people thronged down the linkspan and explored her passenger accommodation. Car parking in the town was at a premium. I'll reserve my final judgment on the ship for after I've made a crossing in her.