Late November in Plockton

Hello

A while ago I said that I would update you on the electrical surge which rather upset four households in our little corner of Plockton.
Today I had a letter from the head office of Scottish Power, apologising for the “interruption” in power - I never thought to call it such a gentle word! You can decide!!

Catriona, my 6 year old grand daughter, was here on holiday and we got up at just after 7.00am. I noticed that the clock on the microwave was black – not flashing as if there had been a temporary loss of power. All the room lights seemed unnaturally bright. Then the tube of the kitchen light went “bang”, followed by a pop from the bathroom! Early though it was I decided to phone the electrician as the 3 outdoor security lights were now far too bright. As I was being assured that he would come – I thought it was just Heron’s Flight that was affected – Richard from “Tigh an Fhaing” next door came in and said they were being blitzed too! And HE knew why!
As he walked up from the pier and turned in our drive, he had to walk over a large cable which had become severed from the hydro pole.

Richard told me to switch off the security lights but, before I took a step we watched them explode….. There being no more fireworks, Richard went home and we had breakfast in the semi dark. Catriona then went to do her teeth in the bathroom and found the carpet strewn with bits of bulb – and a neat little burn too.

The young electrician from beautiful Glenelg, 26 miles away did a thorough tour of Heron’s Flight and checked all the electrical appliances, etc. Off he went to the other 2 houses and the Post Office and, when he had four lists, he handed them into the Hydro shop in Kyle of Lochalsh. We were then told to replace everything, all expenses paid by Scottish Hydro Electric Power – I think that is their title!

For the first few days, this was good fun - but it is not any more. I know others are similarly fed up, finding replacements, getting equipment installed, etc. BUT we will never again be offered new for sometimes rather old, with no increase in our insurance premiums!! My list of replacements reads……

Complete desktop computer – I’ve lost all the data that I was careless enough not to copy…….
Microwave
Gas hob with electric ignition
Kitchen strip light and fitting
Phones
Fax/ansaphone
Digital TV and Sky connection
2 radios
Rechargeable fluorescent torch
Bathroom carpet
All three outdoor security lights
I think that is all……….

Heron’s Flight will soon be “restored” – all that should remain to be done shortly will be the carpet and it has been chosen.

My thoughts are now turning to Sam’s birthday on December 10th – he’ll be 14 and of course he has a very proud granny! We’ve always been on the same wave length – and we aim to keep it that way!

Yarrow and I shall spend Christmas in Edinburgh – amid the excitement of the children. We’ll stay with John, as usual. But we’ll be home for New Year.

The plan for 2006 was to have a Xmas list so I would email everyone festive greetings – well, the list is somewhat incomplete now, but hopefully some friends will have best wishes from Heron’s Flight at the press of a button! I shall be in touch before December 25th……

Best Wishes
Ann