Thought for the Week

Today at Glenbarr school, a well as having a great time with the children, I was fascinated to see their frog spawn already developed into tadpoles.

Amid the storms and the awful weather which seems to go on and on, there are intimations of spring. In the midst of the gales and the wildest of storms, symbols of new life arise.

The snowdrops bring that first sign of hope, then the tiniest of daffodils emerge to brave the storms. New growth appears on bushes and trees, birds find their voice and life begins to emerge from the darkness of winter.

Someone told us that: ‘A farmer would rather have a wolf in the sheepfold than a dry February’ … as a dry February heralds an awful summer.

Well, by this wonderful reckoning we should be experiencing a veritable heatwave this summer.

Here in Argyll, we are close to the elements: we can watch for a space in the storm to walk the dogs; we can wait for the rain to pass before we venture to the shops; we can watch the skies and judge the tides.

We watch for amber or red lights to chart the progress of the ferries. We are an island people and we respect the weather.

And what beauty in these storms. The sea changes from blue to green to ultramarine and the waves chase each other on the crest of a rainbow.

Yet it will be good when the storms pass, when the sea is calm, when the sand returns to rock ravaged beaches, and when we can walk erect again.

It will be good when nature is at peace and the winter struggles are over.

‘For if winter comes, can spring be far behind?’