Sunset notes

The sun set five minutes ago, after a bright afternoon. The clouds have slowly moved away south, and we're all set for a cold night. Over on the Scottish mainland, the overnight low is expected to be about -9C. Further east, heavy snow is once more on its way into Aberdeenshire. The winter is by no means over, although I'd like to think that the Western Isles is having the best of the weather.

Here in the island of Lewis, planning permission has been granted for an electricity converter station at Gravir, 27 miles south of Stornoway by road (15 by sea). It will be the exit-point for all power generated by windfarms in the island. The electricity plant is expected to be huge, and a colossal blot on the landscape. The vote in the local council was not unanimous, with concerns raised over the impact on roads and landscape.

Gravir in July 2007

Remembering Today - 10 February

On this day in the First World War, this man from the Isle of Lewis lost his life in the service of King and Country. RIP.

Private MALCOLM MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 17 Knock, Point,
Son of John Macleod, of 17, Knock Point, Stornoway, Scotland. Also served in R.N.R.
Regiment or division: 15th Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment)
Service number: 447137
Date of death: 10 February 1919 at the age of 28
Died of pneumonia in Belgium
Interred: Huy (La Sarte) Communal Cemetery
Memorial reference: I. B. 19.
Lewis Memorial: Point (Garrabost)

Tuesday 10 February

Bright and sunny with some (rain) showers. The remnants of snow that were lying around since the weekend have melted, as temperatures have risen slightly. +4C is still no great shakes though. Further south, rain and snow are wreaking havoc in England as a winterstorm moves across. I am not very pleased with the BBC who are relaying coverage of bankers being grilled by members of parliament on the reasons for the current financial crisis in the UK in particular. However topical that may be, I do grudge being denied television coverage of other major news events, such as the Australian bushfires, and having to watch City fatcats making excuses to cover their greed.