Big Sky - Orkney Mainland, Evening

This was the sky, just now, looking west from our holiday cottage at East Heddle. Glorious.

We're just back from having a cup of tea with the artist Diana Leslie whose painting and print-making encapsulates the atmosphere of these islands wonderfully well. Some of her paintings are included in a forthcoming exhibition at Edinburgh's Scottish Gallery, should you like to see them in the flesh.

Today was also my Dad's 85th birthday. He celebrated in style surrounded by good friends at Lairg's brilliant Pier Restaurant. What a landmark, what a man. Seeing him and mum on our way back on Saturday.

And now, a G&T while enjoying the aroma of a roasting Orkney born and bred chicken from the award-winning Dounby Butcher. Ahhhhhhh. This is the life!