snowing in Inverness

We arrived at 8.30 am yesterday in Inverness, the snow was whistling around the door as my partner made her way off the Caledonia Sleeper.

It has been an epic number of joyous partying for the Jocks who have made it to the World Cup across the pond. I predict a migration (for a few weeks)!

No sooner had we forsaken the luxury of the sleeper than we were on a day return to Kyle of Localsh – from east to west banks of Scotland.

My father had told me that we might never travel this cross Scotland line back in the 1970s when I travelled it as a young teenager, but it has survived and what a thing the line is. The driver ans the assistant driver were clearly a little weary from the night before but we had no problems.

There was plenty of snow on the higher stages , once we had got past Dingwall – saluting Ross County who like St Johnstone , had lost their place in the Premiership last year.

The guard announced to us we’d need to sit tight as the driver was going to test emergency braking as the trains hadn’t had to face snow on the line for a few months!

It was like only us and the deer were on the mountain- we were the only passengers in our coach – almost in the train!

If you look through the window, you can see a white cape on the hills, It was awe inspiringly beautiful. The deer were easy to see – brown against white!

And so home

As I write , we are passing through Crewe, expecting to be in London shortly after 8 am. We will bring back to London the high spirits in Scotland. The trip to the north , then the trip west and east and the return home all within business day!

We live in a United Kingdom, not forgetting Wales and Northern Ireland. But it is London that we live in and England that I call my home. Here is a sight that appeared outside our flat as we set out – may it make you happy!

The next stop is Christmas, this time last year I was in a sorry state, my partner kept me going and many of you know who she is. There is nothing as strong as love!