A Day's Education

A strange, lowering day yesterday - this picture shows the sun rising and shining momentarily from under the cloud which then obscured it for the rest of the day. Long tendrils of mist wreathed Ben Hiant, and not a breath of wind disturbed the Sound of Mull. Even the wildlife seemed subdued - perhaps they knew an earthquake was on its way.

So.... an appropriate day for some education at that world-renowned institute, the University of Kilchoan, The Diary joining five other students for a course on marine engine maintenance. The Diary knows very little about such things but found the course excellent, supported, as it was, by two DVDs which showed the workings of diesel inboard and petrol outboard motors, using very clear animations, and a good selection of lumps of machinery, including this marine diesel which was developed from a Ford Fiesta engine.

It's always a great pleasure to be taught by someone who has genuine enthusiasm for his subject and a wide background knowledge. Our tutor, Pat MacLean (left), has a lifetime of experience in marine engineering, starting at sea as a deck officer in the merchant navy, followed by years in motor engineering and, latterly, as engineer coxswain of the Oban lifeboat.

Members of the course were, from left, Sue Jackson, Nan MacLachlan, Jordan Cameron, Jamie Santus and Peter Sinclair.