Here it is, and here I am - Orkney. I have been here seven times before now, but it's been about four years since my last visit.

After a short trip to Aberdeen from Birmingham this morning, I then sat on the small Saab turbo-prop affectionately named 'the islander', and with a single seat to myself, I watched out of the window as the islands loomed.

It's bleak here, but nonetheless nice, right now I have a view over the sea which can only be a good thing, and I have a small house to myself, which is even better! I can't say how Stoke got on, as match of the day hasn't started yet. Actually, I'm off as I don't want to miss it.