Concrete steps to the beach at Rosemarkie, from the shore... until some Winter storms came by.

There were Little Auks and other unusual birds about, in profusion - Arctic Skuas at this time of year aren't the norm. They may well have been forced here tired and weary like those Little Auks, looking for shelter. Unfortunately, knowing their (the Skuas) nature, more likely taking advantage of the easy pickings, as were several Gulls, and attacking the tired and weary Little Auks. Those Auks don't come ashore at this time of year without very good reason - they're usually on their last legs if they do. The one in the extra died a short while later. The tough wee characters must have just had too many storms hitting them lately.

Have only ever seen a live Little Auk once before, and have a poor (film) photo of it sheltering in North Berwick harbour one evening. Similar circumstances, many years ago.

Nasty car crash, with an unfortunate fatality, meant the main Munlochy to Avoch road was closed for hours. Long delays on the wee windy backroads, with some dangerous driving by frustrated numpties, made me glad I hadn't cycled...