More Storms...

 Well it's only a week or so since the North was battered by storm Arwen, and now we are suffering from storm Barra !

I hadn't thought about Barra for quite a few years.  I have never visited...If you're not sure what I'm wittering about, one of the outer Hebrides Islands off the NW coast of Scotland is called Barra.  It is one of the southernmost islands I think only Mingulay is to the South. 

Many years ago whilst at sea, I sailed with a steward called Barra John.  For the life of me I can't remember his real family name.  It was one of the Mc or Macs but can't bring it to mind.  He was a real character was Barra John.  A typical Western Islander, he was fond of a glass or two of alcafrolics.  One fine morning I was privileged to see him preparing his own breakfast.

Believe it or not He ladelled a portion of Porage  (Notice I have used the scottish spelling here, NOT porridge) into a Pint glass.  He then topped that up with a half pint of Tennants lager, stirred it, and downed it in one.  I only realised that he was a drinker when one day I saw him sober.  Regardless, he never missed his work, was always busy, cheerful and in possession of a great sense of humour.

I believe that when on leave and at home in Barra, he volunteered to work on the Island's airport.  Small aircraft land and take off from the local beach.  I think it was John's job to shoo away the grey seals and move any large bits of driftwood off the "Runway"

GTV ASIALINER  -  The ship, or one of the sister ships I shared with Barra John.