February is a strange month. At once still in the depths of Winter, the days are becoming noticably longer, tempting us with thoughts of Spring. There was a fresh snowfall during the night over the low hills and Paps of Jura. None here by the coast; not even a shimmer of ice. I should probably be thankful.The snowdrops are out and the sheep are looking heavy with lambs.

“Ceum coileach air an latha”. An old Gaelic expression meaning each day is lengthening by a cockerel’s step. Not long til Spring now.