Thursday 14 February

Valentine's Day it seems to be today. Well, the weather was determined to make it as unromantic as possible, but those so inclined would not have been put off, I'm sure. Tipping it down all day as a pesky weather system slowly edged east. Not much rain falling in total, but enough to make you wet.

Our regular ferry boat, the MV Isle of Lewis, return to Stornoway this afternoon at 4.30. She had been away for refit at Leith for nearly 3 weeks, and I eagerly awaited her return, glued to the AIS screen. Although the IoL is much maligned (all Calmac's boats are much maligned by the way), she is our boat. The people in Harris and Uist continue to be long-faced as their regular boat is on relief duty this winter.

Two people have died after being caught by an avalanche in the Cairngorm mountains near Aviemore. They were in a group of 8, who were surprised by the cascade just after midday today. Some were dug out from under 13 feet of snow.