Monday 7 April

Good morning from northern Scotland, where the fun has just resumed after a nice start. A heavy snow and rain shower is clattering down. The severe weather conditions are playing havoc with our ferry service. I am just reading that the afternoon sailings have been cancelled; the MV Isle of Lewis is in Ullapool, and won't come across until 4pm. Conditions will improve slightly through the afternoon.

The case of Shannon Matthews, 9, from Dewsbury, who was abducted a number of weeks ago, is turning into ever murkier waters. Her mother has now been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. The man accused of her abduction was taken to hospital in Leeds after he harmed himself. I don't think I'll make any further attempt to understand this situation until the trial commences on November 11th.

Down in Wales, a horse has been injured in an alleged anti-English attack on a stables, run by a woman of English origin. An anti-English slogan was daubed on the walls of the stables. Some years ago, a militant group went round Wales setting fire to second homes, owned by people living in England. I vividly remember staying in self-catering accommodation just east of Aberdyfi on the west coast in 1984. The cottages were on the top of a hill, and the access road started by the fire-gutted ruin of a house.