Gales

It has blown a gale all day today, starting as a southerly, then going round into the west, and we have a similar forecast for tomorrow. It doesn't prevent us going out - we're now equipped with the latest in waterproof, breathable coats and over-trousers - but footwear is a problem. Unless one wears Wellingtons or proper walking boots, neither of which are comfortable for walking any distance on tarmac, anything lighter tends to leak. Shoe manufacturers seem to tailor their wares for the south of England and its light showers.

We've seen some cracking gales in the fourteen years we've lived in the village, winds with power that was elemental, and rainfall that filled the burns with dangerous, swirling floods. The greatest was the storm of January 2005, which coincided with an exceptionally high spring tide. The road to Salen - our only land route out of the village - was cut in six places by the sea. Considering the severity of the storm, there was remarkably little damage - but then, this place is accustomed to such extremes. The big, plastic recycling containers which, at that time, were below the road near The Ferry Stores, were picked up by the waves and washed onto the road, the roof of the church tower was removed and blown into a field, and a caravan was comprehensively demolished at Sanna. At home, we had the pleasure of watching the wind strip the metal from our roof ridge and tear away precious Ballachulish slates, sending them spinning away down the road.