Sunday scenes

A morning in Stornoway before heading home. After a hearty breakfast I needed some exercise so went for an hour or so’s walk round the town before leaving for the airport.

Compared to the buzz and constant flow of traffic on Saturday with the car parks overflowing, this morning was eerily quiet. Edinburgh on a Sunday is also quieter – but does not have the same feel of emptiness.

Of course, until fairly recently little happened on a Sunday here other than church. Even today, most shops (and many petrol stations) are closed. And several taxi firms do not operate on Sunday. The fact that my flight back to Edinburgh was today, and that the Calmac ferry would be sailing later would have been unheard of a few years ago. But times change.

The choice of blip today was very difficult. I opted for this if the ferry and riding sun but it was tough as the two extras nearly also made it. Indeed as the day progressed and the sun shone even more there were some spectacular views over Scotland as we flew back.

It's often difficult taking photos out of a plane window. Today even more so as I was by the emergency exit over the wing. But by twisting back I could get the occasional shot through the window behind. So here is one of Stornoway from the air; and one, into the sun, of the 3 Forth crossings, each built in a different century. There’s a far more professional one of the bridges doing the rounds: but this is mine and as I may never get a similar view again it has to go as an extra.

Then back to the routine of shopping and visits and am now spending the evening fighting what feels like a good going cold!