In Earshader, there is no BT-based broadband (the Bernera exchange, 2 miles away, hasn't been upgraded) and the wireless transmitter is blocked by large hills. So, I have gone back to a very slow dial-up account established at the rented house. To get in touch, use either bshelby@bshelby.demon.co.uk or barryshelby@mac.com. (No big attachments, though please. ) Wireless b-band will take a while. The company said another two or three months in January, but the last time I checked it's website, the news was less encouraging. It was in discussions with a property owner's lawyer over the Great Bernera site for a mast and relay site.

The good news is that the Crofter's Commission approved our application for the croft tenancy. In explaining the decision, the commission said : 'the application can be viewed as positive as it will bring a new young couple into the township, who are planning to settle long term and contribute to the crofting activity and local community.'

Aside from the dodgy grammar and dubious use of the word 'young', they got that right. The landowner is the Grimersta Estate (go to www.grimersta.com), which has a quite famous salmon run. Our rent is £7 per annum.

When not doing a bit of digging in preparation for at least some crops this year, I have been writing for a new start-up magazine called The Larder.

(PS--the view from the front door this morning)