Saturday 10/09/05

Perfect morning with only high cloud about. The Irishmen leave on the ferry at 7.15. I rise 45 minutes later, just as the Muirneag is tying up. Head out after lunch for a stint in the library. Whilst waiting for computer to become available, I discover 3 volumes of "Songs of the Hebrides", by Kenneth MacLeod and Marjery Kennedy-Fraser. MacLeod was a minister of the Church of Scotland around the turn of the 19th/20th century and collected songs in the islands. His companion adapted them for piano &c. The volumes are available through Birchwood Books for £50. Disappear up Bayhead for a walk round the Castle Grounds, to Creed Island and the Iron Fountain, back to the Castle. Encounter blackberries, a lady with purplish red hair, several dogs and lots of midges. As I sit on the seat just before the Creed River, one nips me in the finger. The little blighter. Although it's sunny, it is cool today. The weather is better than further south, where massive thunderstorms are coming through. Return to town at 5pm for shopping. The moon sets behind the hills again, at 8.33 pm - two minutes earlier than yesterday.