Monday 05/03/07

Winds reach 48 mph at Stornoway overnight, which is force 9, severe gale force. Eoropie saw winds of 56 mph, gusting to 77 mph. A near-gale, force 7, persists through the day. The Braighe road, linking Point to mainland Lewis, was closed because of flying debris on the roadway. Today, the First Minister for Scotland, Jack McConnell, visits Lewis. He will open the Creed Park recycling facility. The afternoon ferry from Ullapool is cancelled due to the high winds. A large fishing boat, the Libas, is docked alongside no 3 pier. Have trouble understanding the newsreader on Isles FM who cannot pronounce the word ‘protection’. The wind makes it feel very cold outside.