Essential service.

We in Gairloch are used to the sound of low flying planes (NATO exercises) and helicopters (mountain & sea rescue).

When one flew over the school today while I was out walking Dimairt, I didn't really think about it. Then, I realised it was landing at the medical centre and I then heard the ambulance siren on its way to the helicopter. I realised that someone was going to be on their way to Raigmore in Inverness.

My first thought was "God, I hope it isn't anyone I know". The next thought is always to feel guilty; it shouldn't matter whether I know the person or not.

Then, I went to the staffroom for coffee - only to discover that Hugh, our Business Studies teacher, was the one on the air ambulance - suspected heart attack. He has been under a lot of pressure of late, because his department was closed (budget cuts), and he was also told that he is under continuous threat of transfer.

The news is encouraging, however. He is in the coronary care ward, but is sitting up, and is receiving blood tests.

Nevertheless, the powers-that-be have something to answer for. When will they realise that it is not just someone's job that they are threatening, but someone's security and health?