Another bright and fairly sunny day, but remaining cold. I should not complain, as the 5C on the thermometer is probably above average for the country. As I type, Altnaharra, on the north coast of mainland Scotland, is rapidly approaching -8C. However, eastern Europe would find that positively balmy, as their daily max is well below -10C. Reports from Serbia speak of 11,000 people cut off in their remote villages by snow. Our forecast, here in the islands, speak of the mercury going back up to 9C in a few days' time.
Thirty years ago, Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands. They were expelled after a brief but bitter war, which claimed several hundred lives on both sides. The Argentinians continue to claim sovereignty over the islands, a claim augmented by the presence of oil reserves under the South Atlantic seafloor. Prince William is currently on a tour of duty in the Falklands, something the Argentinians have taken quite badly. I don't think it serves any constructive purpose to be antagonistic from either side.