Monday 6 February

A sunny and nearly cloudless day, which saw the mercury soaring to 9C/ 48F. It tempted me out for a walk of just over 4 miles to the Iolaire Memorial, outside Lower Sandwick. Recent heavy rainfalls have left the ground sodden, but otherwise it was fairly easy going. I'm uploading pictures as I type this entry, but will post a selection in a later entry.

It would appear that Syria's president has taken heart from the veto at the UN Security Council from Russia and China, against a motion of censure against his regime. His forces have been shelling civilian areas of several cities in his country. I really wonder what the difference is between Muammar Gadaffi and Hafez al-Assad. Why could Gadaffi be bombed out, and Assad cannot?

The disused water tower at Knockaird in Ness (here in Lewis) has been offered for sale for a bargain price of £19k. All services will have to be laid into the edifice, and it is an extremely exposed location, on the top of the hill above Port of Ness.