Monday 11 June

A cold day with a chilly northeast breeze. The day started early for some in Stornoway, as the Olympic Torch passed through between 6.30 and 7.30 am. I was still asleep at that time. At 10.10, I took the bus west to Great Bernera, an island just off the west coast of Lewis. Visited the Norse Mill east of Breacleit, then returned to that village for a cup of soup in the community centre. Proceeded to go on a walk to Valasay, Tobson and Bosta. It was there that the sun came out, making it a pleasant 15 minutes on the beach there. On the way back, we were kindly given a lift from Croir to Breacleit. We settled down for a cuppa and some cakes, chatting to the staff who were very friendly and welcoming. A coach party also turned up from one of the two cruiseliners in today, the Minerva and the Expedition. It was on their behalf that the lady who usually guides people round the Iron Age House at Bosta had to stay on an hour or so longer than usual. Nonetheless, the cruise ships provide quite a bit of business in this island.