Foreign affairs, what are they?

Scotlands' First Minister is a liability for Scotland. Boom. Who, in his right mind, even before the Crimean crisis, would express admiration for Vladimir Putin and the way he has "brought his country together"? If Scotland becomes independent under Alex Salmond's aegis, god help us all. He is devoid of any sense in diplomacy, security or foreign affairs, showing a lamentable lack of knowledge or insight in these matters. Whoever advised him that such utterances were acceptable in mid March, let alone late April 2014 really should be considering their position. An independent Scotland will now be regarded as a liability by NATO, the USA and the remnant UK, easy pickings for Putin, the extent of whose dangerous machinations have been put on full display these last 6 weeks.

Monday 28 April

Morning all from a sunny Stornoway, where the mercury is already at 14C / 57F. There is a fair amount of loose cumulus clouds about, but that (as yet) is not amounting to anything. Over on the mainland, 50 miles east of here, the mercury is expected to top 21C / 70F, giving rise to a few thunderstorms.

No, you can't call a sailor a soldier, and the Stornoway Gazette really should have checked the facts. Having done so, they should have pointed out the error in Mr Salmond's statement. I'll refrain from making further political statement, as such is inappropriate in the context of remembrance.

In the afternoon, I went on a walk of in total nearly 7 miles, into the Arnish Moor. For the first 4 km, I followed the well-trodden route to the Arnish Road, then dived off into the open moorland. I am badly out of shape and out of practice, and the tussock-hopping is proving demanding. However, delights like Loch Mor a'Chrotaich, Loch Beag a'Chrotaich, Loch Airigh an Sgairbh and Loch a'Chrotaich more than make up for that. It was very warm, but after 5 pm, it suddenly got quite cold, and I was glad I was able to put my coat back on.

Sunday 27 April

Bright and sunny to start the day, but the easterly wind is now picking up. The high-level cloud is indicative of the low pressure system over southern England, which brings us easterly winds - and rain to the south of the UK. Lovely evening here, hardly any wind - once more allowing for some nice reflective images in the sea.

Saturday 26 April

Afternoon all from Stornoway, where it was very wet to start with. It is trying to clear up, which would be nice for the re-dedication service of the Eye Church at Aignish. I won't be there, but trust there will be loads of folk in attendance.

The starlings are busy. Following a session of hows yer father outside the kitchen window yesterday morning, they are now maniacally assembling their nest in the eaves of one of the houses nearby. Will now be keeping my ears peeled for the loud chirpings of wee ones in the next couple of weeks.

We had the second cruiseliner of the season in port today, in the shape of Norwegian vessel MV Fram.

Friday 25 April

Afternoon all from a now overcast Stornoway. The day started totally windless, resulting in some stunning pictures, which I shall post shortly. The wind has gotten up, the cloud is now obscuring the sun - but it should stay dry.

Thursday 24 April

Afternoon all from a brilliantly sunny Stornoway. The day started positively wet, but rain and clouds soon rolled away. Just back from a 3 mile walk to Sandwick and Plasterfield. The lambs are popping up fast and loose, as do the dandelions. Huge clumps of yellow, a different hue from that of the gorse, which is ever-present in these parts. At the moment, the mercury is just nudging 60F (around 14-15C), so quite pleasant.

Wednesday 23 April

Evening all from Stornoway, where our sunny spell has ended. Had a brief shower a little while ago, as well as overnight. Been busy with photos, looking up WW1 information and nipping into town to look at the harbour works. Shoveling stones around, is all I can see. I'm sure it'll all be magnificent in a few months' time. On St George's Day, our temperature rose to 16C / 59F. Now that the wind has shifted from southeast to the southwest and the mercury has receded to 12C / 54F.

A holidaymaker was saved from the tide at Steinish, a few miles northeast of here. Steinish lies at the mouth of the Laxdale River, a major river estuary, where tides and riverflow combine to cause a dangerous place to be - if you don't keep an eye on the tide table. Advice duly relayed.

The MV Clipper Ranger has been anchored in Glumag Harbour all day, but when she got up steam to return to her berth, it got rather smoky.

Tuesday 22 April

Afternoon all from a once more sunny Stornoway. However, high-level cloud is creeping up from the south, and the northeast wind has grown very keen.