North Winds Do Blow

03/02/2005

Snow on the ground this morning, strong northerly breeze and it is pretty nippy. However, the clouds are whizzing overhead and sunshine touches the Tower of Glen Trollaigh by 9.15. Today I am up in good time, with a list of tasks to perform in a full programme. Good news from Oban that my mechanical plant man has found a three-ton excavator in Carlisle, which he thinks is just the thing we need to progress dearest Dotty’s garden plan, without the baronial back giving way. I trust Alan’s judgement in such matters and look forward to sorting this out. A phone call to Glen Orchy finds the Kerr’s in a panic because they are to give a presentation on Diana Drummond and Seaweed to the Dunblane Horticultural Society today. First, they have not prepared, despite knowing about this for months and second, an overturned Tesco lorry blocks the A85 and they will have to find an extra 45 minutes to drive round by Balloch and Drymen. I enjoy a day of striding round the policies and the Home Farm, well wrapped against the chill making plans with Lachie for the springtime labours ahead of us. Of course, we are rustling sheaves of paper to make sure that we are carrying out risk assessment and COHSS checks on every possible activity that could even remotely take place on our premises. An extra filing cabinet in the office is already groaning under the weight of new regulations. Half a drawer is devoted to the matter of disabled access to the byre, although every detail of size, shape and gradient is specified, the rule does not indicate whether this provision is for visitors or the livestock. It is all very worthy, but I know in my heart of hearts that most member states in the EU will be ignoring it. At least we can produce whisky better than any country, anywhere, and a good measure of Ardbeg; with my family around me in front of the great fire does much to restore my good humour. Yours Aye, Archie, The Baron Trollaigh.