Saturday 8 March

Galeforce winds are keeping all ferries in Lewis, Harris and North Uist in port today. Gusts across the Outer Hebrides reach 55 mph, with the more exposed station at Eoropie, near the Butt of Lewis, peaking at 70 mph. It is a lot milder than yesterday, 9C / 48F, reflecting the influx of milder air from the south. I am watching angry white riders marching across the harbour, under a dull, grey sky. Wind is increasing, official readings 52 mph, top end of force 9, with gusts of 68 mph. In contrast, Eoropie is doing 64 mph, gusting to 80 mph. In the evening, the wind abated, from force 9 through much of the afternoon to force 7. Over the next 24 hours, the wind will drop further. It's been a lively day, but not one for being outside. I went outside at lunchtime for the purpose of taking pics, but at one or two points I was nearly blown off my feet by the strong gusts.