Ice Land Ash

[steamboatmodel]

 Red_Hamish,
Hi Jim,
They were showing the path of the Ash from Ice Land and it looked like it was headed straight over you. How are you doing.
Regards,
Gerald. 

[Red_Hamish]

Hi Gerald, thaks for thinking about us over this side of the water. We did experience the ash and the sulfurous smell yesterday morning and into today too. The funny thing was on Wednesday I looked at my car and thought it was needing a wash. So on Thursday morning I was in work early and took the opportunity to use the Industrial Steam Pressure Washer and cleaned it really thoroughly at 07.30. When I went out of the office at 10.00 I noticed a film of ochre coloured dust over the car. Only later in the day did I hear about the possibility of ash being blown our way. Obviously I knew the airports were closed because we overlook the Sumburgh one and it was strange to see no activity at all down there. The high winds since lunchtime have cleared the air and the two grounded Saab 340's that wer there yesterday have gone. Still no incoming flights and what with one of the ferries being in dry dock it does make you feel slightly stranded, not that I was planning going anywhere 
I'll keep you up to date if the conditions prevail.

cheers

Jim

[Mercury]

Jim,

There was a slight smell of sulphur around in Aberdeenshire on Thursday evening. We spent a week last year staying in the lighthouse at Sumbourgh - lovely place to live.

Richard

[steamboatmodel]

There was one fellow being interviewed from the Airport upset that he could not get to London. He said "the airlines should have filters on the engines after all his car has filters." the young lady doing the interview tries to explain to him that it wasn't possible, but he went on how he was going to start a "Class Action Suit" against those responsible. She moved on to some one Else, but mutters that he should change his destination and talk to the Pope. This was first broadcast at noon and repeated at 6pm, at the later broadcast her muttering was cut out.
Maybe if this keeps up it may revive trans Atlantic ship travel.
Regards,
Gerald.

[Red_Hamish]

Hello all, thanks for the concerns. The smell has almost gone or is that the agricultural slurry that was then spread yesterday 

Gerald, that would be great to see the un-edited news clip. I bet the reporter was suitably admonished by the bosses. There is no way that the stupidity of the public in these situations can be reckoned on. If it does manage to get onto YouTube I think it'd be a hit. Coss Atlantic travel by ship or cuise liner would be a welcome refresher and put a proper perspective on the world. We don't have to live life at the frantic pace that jet travel allows, as we have to use the turbo props (1 hour to Aberdeen) to get off the islands or the ferry (12 to 14 hours) which can be a disadvantage at times. Especially if you miss it     

Richard, as you've experienced the beauty of Shetland please tell all your friends  The accommodation at the Lighthouse leaves a bit to be desired. One of our good friends is responsible for the changeover between visitors so you've probably met Raymond or his wife Dawn. My son has just come back from theirs where he shares a birthday with their son. There really isn't a place that compares to Shetland for diversity of nature, culture and is a fabulous holiday destination. I've also got to admit that it is a great place to live all year round too 

cheers

Jim