Dr George McKay, the island's doctor, is still looking for another doctor to help out and share his duties (even if it's only for a few weeks at a time). Please pass the word around (ask your own GP to ask his friends!) and if you have any ideas please let me know by placing an entry in my guestbook or you canphone Dr McKay direct on 01857 616321. It is a wonderful opportunity for a doctor who fancies trying his/her hand at a single-handed medical practice and/or sampling the island life for a few weeks - and there are less than 400 patients on the island!

Earlier this month we had a visit from a pair of 3 year old wolfhounds. They were rescued from the Middlesbrough (England) area and are owned by a family on the south of Stronsay. The dogs are such lovely, huge, gentle creatures which just stood there quietly while Maureen and I stroked and patted them whilst we spoke with their owner and her daughter.

Sad news on 15 March - an air ambulance of the same type used in Orkney crashed into the sea on the West Coast of Scotland as it prepared to land at Macrahanish to collect a sick child. The pilot and on-board paramedic both lost their lives.

March brought a mixed bag of weather. The ferry from Kirkwall back to Stronsay on Friday evening (11 Mar) was cancelled because of the combination of low tides with high winds and on Sunday 12 Mar we had a snow whiteout which caused a power cut to part of island (not us) for two hours. Yesterday (Good Friday) I drove through thick mist to the 7:30 pm service in the kirk, it was even worse driving back at 8:30 pm. However, we have had some lovely days when it has been quite warm and sunny. The daffodils in the back garden are now out in full bloom.

Surrey, our cat, has taken to drinking tea as Maureen found out when she left her cup unattended one day. However, just to be different Surrey does not drink the tea but dips her paw in and licks it clean. Surrey now has brown paws.

Last updated 26 March 2005