Purple patch

Photographically, Autumn is a bit tricky within the environs of Tense Towers. We're not over-endowed with trees, in fact we're pretty under-dowed with anything taller than our low dry stone wall. So not for us the majesty of a vista aglow with red, yellow, orange and russet.

But there are compensations. The recent few days have been sunny and, whisper it quietly, calm. Still cold, mind you, but very pleasant, nonetheless.

Yesterday did present some photo opportunities, too.

Early morning, and the clear air produced excellent visibility.

In the afternoon, half a dozen Redwings were pootling around the garden.

And a casual glance towards mainland Scotland seemed to show we'd inherited an extra lighthouse! Further investigation revealed the drilling platform Stena Don out in the Pentland Firth.

After sunset, a thin crescent moon (all of 63 hours young) emerged against the darkening sky.

And the south western view delivered some lovely hues.