Wednesday 10/01/07

Sunny day, although quite cold, with temperatures only at 4C. High cloud moves across after 2pm, and the wind picks up as I go to the shop by 3.30. A fishing-boat is in trouble off Cape Wrath. The coastguard helicopter has dropped off pumps, as she is taking on water. The lifeboat from Thurso is standing by, as is the coastguard team from Durness, ashore. The Molly Campbell case returns to the news, with the mother now giving up the battle to gain legal custody of her child. She wants access to the girl. One of Mrs B's kitchen walls is being tiled by her brother-in-law. He is a retired joiner, and slaps on 125 tiles within 4 hours. He'll finish the grouting tomorrow. Wind increases rapidly after 6pm. The wind increases to severe gale force by 9pm, with gusts in excess of 60mph - it could get up to force 10 or 11 in the night. Fishing boats are shown on AIS, sheltering off Tolsta Head. The Harvest Caroline, a wellboat for fishfarms, comes into port. A large oiltanker, measuring 64,000 tonnes, is seen moving northeast off Skye. The wind dies down after 11pm.