Summer Sun

Arrived in Stornoway to the most beautiful summer weather - clear blue skies and glorious sunshine. Much warmer than Glasgow! Did an interview for Isles FM with my old pal Iain X Maciver, then took in a preview of the live music content for tomorrow night's sellout Entry Island launch event in Stornoway's An Lanntair theatre. Four beautiful Celtic songs specially developed for the occasion by Anna Murray and Alex Tearse. Going to be fantastic!

Then had dinner with two old friends whom I had not seen for almost 30 years, Harvey and Marilyn Benson. They left Scotland in the 80s to go to Israel where they could get specialist care for their son who suffered from muscular dystrophy. Harvey reckons it extended the lad's life by ten years. A more devoted and selfless father it would be hard to imagine. He and I played in a band together as teenagers - the best drummer I ever played with! It was one of those totally absurd coincidences that brought us together again after all this time - he and M arriving in Stornoway for one night on a family holiday, on the day I flew in to prepare for tomorrow's launch event. It was an absolute joy to see them again!

Today was special for another reason. My publisher phoned to tell me that the first full week of sales of Entry Island had taken it to No. 3 in the Sunday Times bestseller chart. It is still No. 1 in Scotland.

My blip was taken looking across the inner harbour towards Lews Castle. In the foreground, the shape breaking the water is a basking seal. I love it here!