I really enjoy finding time to read, particularly when it’s about local places, people or historical events. One of the reasons moving to Skye excited me so much was the chance to get to discover the history of our new home location.

Hailing from the Outer Hebrides I knew that my Inner cousins had fascinating stories and histories that would keep me occupied in such a manner for many a wild winter’s night.

This afternoon a large black van trundled up our long drive and I must admit, I got a little excited thinking the bricklayer was turning up earlier than expected.

The man who got out was dressed in all black too.  And when I opened the door his first words in a rather gruff voice were not 'hello' or 'hi, how you doing?', but "What's your problem?"

I have to put my hands up from the start and admit that I can't recall if I have ever watched a full episode of The Good Life. It aired originally on the BBC before I even went to school, but it’s been repeated that often, I’m sure at some point I must have.

I do recall that my mother was fond of this show and maybe while watching by her side I got to understand what Tom and Barbara Good were attempting to achieve. Or maybe it was one of the few elements of popular entertainment that penetrated my brain