I'm just worrying about your coffee intake!! :)

Interesting that they received more votes than thew Tories!

Hi Alastair, it has indeed. We're on Mull at the moment, overwintering on Neil Harvey's croft, and planning strategies for the rest of the year! Will keep you posted if down in Glasgow, and sending love to you both. Dx

I'm so glad you enjoyed the book; and am chuffed to be mentioned in such fine company!

I love that one, although it's also kind of terrifying – the anguished, severed head. It's like something out of ancient Egypt rather than Shetland. Human-heron psychopomps for sure! Hope you're well Gavin. Dx

Hi Kizzia, good to hear from you. Cailleach-Oidhche, 'old woman of the night' applies to any owl; but I tend to think of barn owl & its extremely witchy voice. In folklore, I don't know of specific link to any owl species. In fact, apart from name link with owls, she's most associated with heron.

Cheers Gregory!