Snowed under

Arran, our near neighbour, has been in the news for the past few days. We look over to it from ThisOldHouse - just a 15 mile ferry crossing from the Ayrshire coast. It's our holiday isle, so-called 'Scotland in miniature' with its hills and mountains, forests and glens, beaches and wilderness, offering lots for everyone. We have often cycled round the island's 60 mile coastal route. Its main holiday season starts at Easter, just three days from now. And yet today it is in a state of near paralysis, thanks to last weekend's unprecedented snowfall. Roads are still being cleared, remote cottages still cut off and 1000 homes still without electricity after 5 days!

This shot, taken overlooking Troon, shows the contrast between the green fields here and snow-covered Arran. The island is only 8 miles wide And it's even worse on the far side. Our hearts go out to the community there.