Batten down the hatches

I was asked by several commentators how people here cope with the current stormy conditions in the islands. Well: they do what it says in the header: batten down the hatches.

The islands are used to storms in winter. You make sure (in advance) that you have stocked up on food and essentials, as the ferry may well be cancelled for days on end. You also prepare for the possibility of a powercut. So, candles, oil-lamps and gas- heaters are on stand-by. Or you use a coal- or wood fuelled fireplace to keep warm.

There is no fear of the weather, just a healthy respect. If Mother Nature decides to throw a tantrum, like she is doing this week, the only thing you can do is sit tight and sit it out. Fishermen stay in port, and you only go outside if it's necessary. Farmers may have to tend to their animals, people have to go to work or to shops.

When I heard of the missing climbers in the Cairngorms, I wondered if those guys had checked a weatherforecast before they headed for the mountains. It was known in advance that those storms and blizzards would strike.