Roger the Weaver

Sometimes a touch of inclemency can actually lead to a rather good day.

Fortunately I managed to get out on the bike (including a 500ft ascent in a little over a mile, on the wrong bike) fetch the car, left at the Three Chimneys after lunch yesterday, before the rain started. But then it did. With a passion.

Granted that had been the forecast, so we'd already planned a 'crafts' morning. Edinbane pottery first, which is a regular visit, before Skye Silver. We always go past this place, but we've never gone in. Rectified today, and a lovely wee place it is, as I parted with some cash for a small silver thingy with gannets on.

But the photo above is of Roger. A one-time farmer down south, but with long links to Skye, he's actually come here via Mull, where a total career change saw him the up weaving. The set-up for Skye Weavers is fantastic, especially given they've only been open to the public for about 18 months. They have their loom (in the pic) which is pedal powered (and which, naturally, I had a shot on); and their warping and winding room with a remarkable self-made winder, made out of an old tractor chassis, reclaimed floor panels and rescued thresher wheels (not to mention dishwasher door hinges). Speaking to Roger (and his partner Andrea) was a joy - 45 minutes past in moments as we got onto sheep and crofting and holiday homes and setting yourself up on Skye. An entertaining and informative way to spend time (culminating in some very reasonably priced purchases) that built up an appetite for lunch at the Red Roof Gallery (another relative newcomer on the Skye scene).

With no let up from the rain there was a relaxed afternoon spent reading and writing and plotting. And now? The tortillas are made for fajitas, and the dough is rising for rolls; the rain has stopped, the sunset has begun, and thoughts turn to more walking tomorrow.