A Winter's Tale

I'll go for 7.7C please

There was a rainbow here about 5 mins ago. Lovely pale light blue sky overhead moving east and beautiful purple/pink colours reflecting off the back edge of the rain cloud to the east. Around an hour ago it was quite wild with heavy, driving rain and some fairly strong gusts of wind.

A much milder start to October compared to last year thus far but that's all about to change with cold fronts sweeping south and following behind should be the coldest upper air profiles since late May. It will be refreshing to have that autumn chill in the air once again and some of mountains in the Grampian region should see some snow in the showers above 600m. Further west and overnight into Thursday morning there could be a chance of a frost. After that and it's looking fairly settled but I'm sure looking forward to seeing this month unfold with stronger autumnal look and feel to things and hopefully some decent air frost opportunities or maybe a few pleasant shots of some early wintry showers at the end of the month just like last year. By then we should be nicely entering winter mode with the nights continuing to draw in and with November to look forward to with the first month of following winter synoptics. Fingers-crossed things in the NH tick-along nicely in the run-up to winter!

It was fantastic to have a return to summery weather today with a maximum of 20C. Tomorrow looks like being the same but it could also be the last of the proper summer weather for this year.

Steven Naismith: (8) [vs Denmark 11, vs Czech Republic 11, vs Lithuania 11, vs Serbia 12, Macedonia 12, vs Northern Ireland 15, Gibraltar 15*, vs Poland 15] James Morrison: (8) [vs NI 08, vs Denmark 11, vs Czech Republic 11, vs Lithuania 11, vs Serbia 12, vs Macedonia 12, vs Northern Ireland 15, vs Gibraltar 15] Scott Brown: (8) [vs Croatia 08, vs NI 08, vs Denmark 11, vs Czech Republic 11, vs Belgium 13, Gibraltar 15, Poland 15, Denmark 16] Alan Hutton (7): [vs Croatia 08, vs Czech Republic 11, vs Servia 12, vs Macedonia 12, Belgium 13, vs Gibraltar 15, Poland 15] Alan McGregor: (7) [vs NI 11, vs Denmark 11, vs Czech Republic 11, vs Lithuania 11, vs Serbia 12, vs Macedonia 12, vs NI 15] Shaun Maloney: (7) [vs Croatia 08, vs Macedonia 12, vs Belgium 13, vs NI 15, Gibraltar 15*, Poland 15, Denmark 16] Darren Fletcher: (6) [vs Croatia 08, vs NI 08, vs Czech Republic 11*, vs Lithuania 11, vs NI 15, Poland 15] Gary Caldwell: (6) [vs Croatia 08, vs Denmark 11, Czech Republic 11, vs Lithuania 11, vs Serbia 12, vs Macedonia 12] Kenny Miller: (6) [vs Croatia 08*, vs NI 08, vs Denmark 11, vs Czech Republic 11*, vs Serbia 12, vs Macedonia 12*] Jordan Rhodes: (6) [vs Serbia 12, vs Macedonia 12, vs Belgium 13, vs NI 15, vs Gibraltar 15 Christophe Berra: (6) [vs NI 08, vs Czech Republic 11, vs Lithuania 11, vs Servia 12, vs Macedonia 12, vs NI 15*] James Forrest: (5) [vs Denmark 11, vs Serbia 12, vs Macedonia 12, vs Belgium 13, vs Poland 15] Steven Fletcher: (5) [vs Croatia 08, vs NI 15, vs Gibraltar 15 ***, vs Poland 15*, Denmark 16] Steven Whittaker: (5) [vs Lithuania 11, vs Belgium 13, vs NI 15, vs Poland 15, Denmark 16] Robert Snodgrass: (4) [vs Denmark 11*, vs Lithuania 11, vs Serbia 12, vs Belgium 13] Charley Adam: (4) [vs Denmark 11, vs Czech Republic 11, vs Serbia 12, vs Macedonia 12] Russell Martin: (4) [vs Belgium 13, vs NI 15, vs Gibraltar 15, vs Poland 15] Matt Ritchie: (4) [vs NI 15, vs Gibraltar 15, vs Poland 15 *, Denmark 16] Ikechi Anya: (4) [vs Belgium 13, vs NI 15, Gibraltar 15, Denmark 16] Craig Gordon: (4) [vs Croatia 08, vs NI 08, vs NI 15, Denmark 16] Grant Hanley: (4) [vs Denmark 11, vs Belgium 13, vs Poland 15, Denmark 16] Barry Bannan: (3) [vs Denmark 11, vs Lithuania 11, vs Gibraltar 15] David Marshall: (3) [vs Begium 13, vs Gibraltar 15, vs Poland 15] Don Cowie: (3) [vs Denmark 11, vs Czech Republic 11, vs Lithuania 11] Phil Bardsley (3): [vs Denmark 11, Czech Republic 11, vs Lithuania 11] Gordon Greer: (3) [vs NI 15, vs Gibraltar 15, Denmark 16] James McArthur: (2) [ vs NI 15, Poland 15] Jamie Mackie: (2) [vs Servia 12, vs Macedonia 12] Paul Dixon: (2) [vs Servia 12, vs Macedonia 12] Graham Dorrans: (2) [vs Denmark 11, vs Lithuania 11] Stephen Crainey: (2) [vs Denmark 11, vs Lithuania 11] Danny Wilson: (2) [vs Denmark 11, vs Czech Republic 11] Barry Robson: (2) [vs NI 08, vs Czech Republic 11] Graham Alexander: (2) [vs Croatia 08, vs NI 08] Stephen McManus: (2) [vs Croatia 08, vs NI 08] Gary Naysmith: (2) [vs Croatia 08, vs NI 08] Andy Webster: (2) [vs Servia 12, vs Macedonia 12] Charlie Mulgrew: (2) [Belgium 13, Denmark 16] Leigh Griffiths: (2) [Belgium 13, Denmark 16] Liam Bridcutt: [vs Denmark 16] Chris Martin: [vs Denmark 16] Oliver Burke: [vs Denmark 16] John McGinn: [vs Denmark 16] Kieran Tierney: [vs Denmark 16] Craig Forsyth: [vs NI 15] Johnny Russell: [vs NI 15] Ross McCormack: [vs Belgium 13] David Goodwille: [vs Lithuania 11] Craig Mackail-Smith: [vs Denmark 11] Kris Commons: [vs NI 08] Michael Stewart: [vs NI 08] Darren Barr: [vs NI 08] David Weir; [vs NI 08] Kevin Thompson: [vs NI 08] James McFadden: [vs NI 08] Gavin Rae: [vs Croatia 08] James McEveley: [vs Croatia 08] Gary Teale: [vs Croatia 08] Russell Anderson: [vs Croatia Paul Hartley: [vs Croatia 08] Kris Boyd: [vs Croatia 08] Allan McGregor (6) Alan Hutton (5) Gary Caldwell (5) Cristophe Berra (5) Phil Bardsley 93) Scott Brown (5) James Morrison (5) James Forrest (4) Steven Naismith (5) Robert Snodgrass (4) Kenny Miller (6) Croatia 2007 Stipe pletikosa: Hajduk split 1996-2003 Shakhtar Donetsk 2003-2007 Hajduk split (loan) 2005-2006 Spartak Moscow 2007-2011 Tottenham Hotspur (loan) 2010-2011 Fc Rostov 2011- Honours: Hajduk split - Croatian premier league (1): 2000-2001; Croatian cup (2): 1999-2000, 2002-2003 Shakhtar Donetsk - Ukrainian premier league (1): 2004-2005; Ukrainian cup (1): 2003-2004; Ukrainian super cup (1): 2005 Fc Rostov - Russian cup (1): 2013-2014 Croatia 1999- 109 apps Robert kovac: Hertha zehlendorf 1991-1995 Fc nurnberg 1995-1996 Bayer Leverkusen 1996-2001 Bayern Munich 2001-2005 Juventus 2005-2007 Borussia Dortmund 2007-2008 Dinamo Zagreb 2009-2010 Honours: Bayern Munich - bundesliga (2): 2002-2003, 2004-2005; German cup (2): 2002-2003, 2004-2005; German league cup (1): 2004; intercontinental cup (1): 2001 Juventus - serie b (1): 2006-2007 Dinamo Zagreb - Croatian league (1): 2008-2009; Croatian cup (1): 2008-2009 Croatia 1999-2009 84 apps Vedran corluka: Dinamo zagreb 2003-2007 Inter zapresic (loan) 2004-2005 Manchester City 2007-2008 Tottenham Hotspur 2008-2012 Bayer Leverkusen (loan) 2012 Lokomotiv Moscow 2012- Honours: Dinamo Zagreb - Croatian league (2): 2005-2006, 2006-2007; Croatian cup (1): 2006-2007; Croatian super cup (1): 2006 Croatia 2006- 70 apps, 4 goals

A chilly night here with Glasgow airport recording 4C an hour ago. Down to 3C at Altnaharra so there is a chance of an air frost. Quite a contrast to the warmth in SE England with temperatures still close to 20C after highs up to 30C earlier today. We had our heat yesterday and the day before and tonight we have the return of the autumn chill so it's quite nice to have contrasting but fine autumnal characteristics coupled with some pleasant clear and bright conditions. Lovely!

Another lovely September's day with fine, light blue skies and some scattered white clouds and high cirrus clouds. An autumnal evening just now with Glasgow airport recording 4C not too long ago - coldest temperature since June 1st. It's good to have that autumn chill back after a pretty decent summer.

[b]SEPTEMBER...[/b]An above average month overall with some periods of warm weather (mainly in the first half) with some more autumnal and changeable spells inbetween and for longer periods at times in the latter half. Temperatures 0.0C to 1.25C above average. CET 14.1C. Rainfall 75-95% of the average (likelyhood of more rain in NW) with dry weather likely; seasonal rainfall bringing the total closer to average. Sunsine 0-10% above average. [b]OCTOBER...[/b]A slightly above average month with some warm periods possible at stages of the first half but some more average, and at times chilly autumnal weather for spells throughout the month should keep the overall temperature closer to average. Rainfall should vary with alternating settled/unsettled spells - frequent frontal activity likely in the second half. CET 10.8C. Rainfall 85-100% of the average, seasonal rainfall but not too excessive nor persistent. Sunshine 0-5% above average. [b]NOVEMBER...[/b]Changeable with temperatures close to average, generally unsettled throughout the month other than some quieter/settled days spells from time to time. A possibility for mild spells at times in the first half in and amongst the changeable but normal frontal activity.Potentially a chilly and quieter period during the latter part of November. CET 7.2C. Rainfall 90-105% - most of the rain in the NW but everywhere should see a fair amount of rain off the atlantic. Sunshine 0-5% above average. SEPTEMBER - MORE DETAILED FORECAST First week: A warm/hot start to the month - especially in the south - but becoming more unsettled from the north with more rainfall. Second week: A continued influence with low pressure, temperatures close to average - sometimes warm in a few regions - and some spells of wet weather coming and going. Third week: High pressure may start to build from the south to bring drier and maybe warmer weather to southern regions whilst changeable conditions remain further north. A return to unsettled weather later with a chilly and showery NWly. Final week: Starting changeable with spells of wet weather, temperatures close to average/or occasionally chilly. Becoming quieter later with some warmth possible in the south. OCTOBER Second week: After a mild start it should turn considerably colder with fresh northerly winds bringing mostly dry but chilly conditions. Frosts likely in places for a few nights and the first chance of high ground snow in NE Scotland. Turning more settled - especially in the north - whilst the south remains vulnerable to precipitation. Third week: Starting with high pressure close to northern areas whilst some wetter or potentially windier and mild conditions affect southern areas. Becoming unsettled across the British Isles with wet, windy and mild and fairly changeable weather. Final week: Alternating periods of some quieter, settled spells with a chance of frosts in places and some unsettled spells bringing periods of rainfall and wind. A chance of the odd northerly toppler. NOVEMBER First week: Fairy typical early November conditions with fairly chilly temperatures for many away from the far south - some spells of sunshine aswell as showers and some frontal rainfall. Quite windy at times, frost overnight and snow at times on the high ground in Scotland. Second week: Continuing unsettled, autumnal conditions with spells of rain in the form of both fronts and showers. Some sunny interludes aswell as frosts on some nights and some further hill snow in Scotland. Third week: Turning a bit more settled from the south - always a greater risk of rain further NW but it should become quieter, drier but some fog patches and frosty nights. Final week: Starting settled before unsettled weather arrives from the west. This should be followed by a cool showery NWly flow.

14.4C

I am in Arisaig. Since I've been up here on Saturday it has been changeable with rain being on and off - mostly cloudy but changeable and mixed skies. There is currently thin, high-level cloud cover but there is some sunshine coming through making for bright conditions. The scenery up here is amazing and it would be even better in clearer conditions. Having said that, I've never seen Glencoe look as atmospheric in the driving rain on Saturday.

In the closing year of the 20th Century, finally, Scotland had its own devolved parliament in the wake of a referendum in 1997. In just thirteen years, Holyrood had performed tremendously to boost life for Scottish citizens including: the introduction of the smoking ban, abolition of tuition fees and the provision for free prescriptions. These stupendous decisions made by MSP’s have exhibited how taking responsibility for the decisions of your own land, economy and people is essential in enabling a country to prosper. Now, we have been blessed with a once in a lifetime opportunity - to build on the benefits that devolution has brought to Scotland with an independence referendum due in 2014. Scotland has a unique and diverse culture famed for innovation, creativity and artistry, inspired from a dynamic and awe-inspiring landscape which is rich in beauty and potential: renewable energy; oil and gas resources; thriving cities; landscapes that boasts renowned habitats, scenery and industry; its intelligent and famous people from Burns to Bell to Fleming and Ferguson. Scotland has the fertile soil to sow the seeds for a healthy economy with unparalleled industry that could deliver an egalitarian society and present our own innovations to the world. It is outrageous that this dynamic country is ultimately restrained by a UK government that imposes bedroom tax, austerity cuts but backs bonuses for the rich. In the 2010 UK general election, the Conservatives won one seat in Scotland, yet we end up with a Tory Prime minister because of the right-wing consensus south of the border. With 83.9% of the UK population living in England, Westminster politicians are elected from an English consensus and focus primarily on English matters. Scottish consensus (staying in the EU and opposition to trident) are not well represented in the UK. The Westminster system only benefits London (ONS revealed that Scotland had 6% growth in output between 2007-2011 but London had 12.4%). It is time to accept that Westminster is not serving Scotland. An independent Scotland would make decisions for Scotland by introducing policies and make good use of our assets and revenues to enhance Scotland. It is time to say yes. However, saying yes to independence is not based on our wish to present romantic stereotypes but to recognise that we are a vibrant and modern nation that no longer needs to rely on the union to survive. Scottish independence is about the centralisation of our resources, power and decisions to take responsibility for ourselves. By saying yes, we would break free from the external factors, ideologies and circumstances influencing government decisions. Scotland would no longer fight wars that we disagree with, obey politicians we did not vote for and tolerate tough decisions from Westminster. By voting yes, we can cultivate our aspirations, set our own targets and make policies that are in the best interests of the people of Scotland. In Europe, there are examples of the benefits of independence. [color=#000000]The population of the Baltic Nations in total is 6 million people and Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are not well-known nations. However, independent, the Baltic nations had the highest growth rates in Europe between 2000 and 2006 as unemployment fell below the EU average. Furthermore, Estonia was among the top ten most liberal economies in the world. The success in the Baltic States derives from taking responsibility for the unique set of demographic, economic and geographic circumstances of a country which results in the right decisions being made. The concept of responsibility, in essence, is paramount to how self-sufficient a country is. The resources behind the decisions are important in mapping out the potential an independent country has. Scotland is bursting with a rich and wide-array of primary resources that would make Scotland a very self-sufficient country. [/color] [color=#000000] [/color] [color=#000000]Scotland[/color][color=#000000] is also the oil capital of Europe. Since the discovery of North Sea oil, Aberdeen became the centre of Europe’s petroleum industry which created half a million jobs in the Aberdeen energy industry. Scotland produces more oil than Kuwait according to the BBC and the Scottish government says that North Sea oil and gas is an asset worth £1 trillion and North Sea oil revenues of £54 billion are due in the next 5 years. The Scottish government is confident that North Sea oil should provide a safety net for at least another 40 years. The OECD suggested that oil prices could be $150-a-barrel by 2020. This suggests a bright future for the oil and gas industry in Scotland. However, the Scottish parliament obtains no revenue from oil and gas; an independent Scotland would receive all the revenue from oil and gas within Scottish waters. In 36 years the UK government has raised around £180 billion from oil and gas production. The Norwegian government revealed that in just under twenty years, it had used its oil revenue to build a pension fund of £450 billion: this shows how a relatively small nation had used its own oil wealth very wisely. It has been suggested that Scottish oil and gas could produce more revenues, and it is imperative to have an independent parliament receiving all the revenue. In an independent Scotland, we would be able use our oil wealth to improve life across the nation and to ensure that oil wealth will be passed onto future generations. As much as Scotland’s oil supply is a massive factor for our industry and economy, an independent Scotland would also need to invest in other industrial sectors as our oil supply cannot last forever. [/color] [color=#000000] [/color] [color=#000000]Oil is not the only substantial asset Scotland has. We have unsurpassed offshore wind and tidal energy potential. According to the Met Office, Scotland is the windiest place in Europe. The combination of strong winds and the exposure to the elements makes for an ideal place for offshore wind and tidal energy. As Scotland has over 790 islands, most of which uninhabited, it is vital we locate wind turbines in the most exposed and inhospitable of locations without spoiling natural beauty. Scotland’s offshore wind and tidal energy combined would produce 25% of the EU’s potential – an asset worth billions each year. The renewable industries would generate further jobs and supply Scotland with more capital for the economy. An economically and industrially stronger Scotland would be able to build stronger trading links with the rest of the British Isles and other nations. A wealthier Scotland should make it a better place to work and live in, but an independent Scotland would also take responsibility for its own landscapes and environments which have made our nation a very special place for Scots and people from all around to globe to live in and visit. [/color] [color=#000000]Scotland[/color][color=#000000] has earned its right to control its own destiny, to break free from the inequality of the Union and to develop qualities to enhance our communities and our environment. We have got the character, the inspiration and the industry to be a country with a strong and stable economy. By having our own parliament for thirteen years, we have gone a long way from the days of Margaret Thatcher, but to progress even further, Scotland needs to be independent from a government that has made the wrong decisions for our country. Cabinet after cabinet, budget after budget, Westminster continues to serve London above the rest of the UK. [/color]Do we need a family in another household to determine how we run our own house? I think not. [color=#000000]It is time to look at the reality that Scotland is self-sufficient with oil and renewable energies and by going it alone, we can cultivate our supplies sensibly and take responsibility for ourselves to be in control of our own destiny. Let’s say yes to a brighter future. Let’s say yes to independence. [/color]

This Wednesday the mome of football, Wembley Stadium, will host the first meeting between the English and Scottish national football teams since a Euro 2000 paly-off between the two countries at the Old Wembley on the 17th November 1999 when Scotland won 1-0 but went out 2-1 in the tie thanks to two Paul Scholes goals in Glasgow. England and Scotland represent the two oldest national sides in World football with Hamilton Crescent in Glasgow being the home of the first international football match on the 30th November 1872. The game finished 0-0, the next game in March 1873 saw England win on home soil at the Oval but the Scots would dominate the next 11 fixtures with 9 victories including a 7-2 win at Hampdem Park in 1878. Despite considerable differences in size and population between the two countries, both Scotland and England have contributed to World football. With England inventing the rules of the game, Scotland invented the passing game, free-kicks and set up the English league aswell as bringing football to South America. At club level, England have 5 clubs who have won the European Cup, whilst Scotland had the first club in Britain to win the European Cup and the first club in Europe to win the treble. There is a very big difference between the two leagues with England's Premier League claiming to be the best in the world, whilst Scotland's top flight has been dominated by the Old Firm but uniquely Dundee joins Glasgow for being one of three British cities to have produced two European Cup semi-finalists. The Celtic side of 1967, Manchester United in 1968, 1999 and Liverpool in the late 70s and 80s are considered to be some of the best club sides the game has seen whilst Scotland has produced some of the top managers including Sir Alex Ferguson. England have always had top players and Charlton and Bobby Moore are just two of many English players who are considered greats in the game. During Scotland's heyday in the 1960s-1980s Dennis Law, Jim Baxter, Kenny Dalglish and Jimmy Johnstone also make up some of the finest players to have graced the sport. Hampden Park and Wembley Stadium made for great sporting arenas, the former holds the record for the highest international, club and European attendances. England also have a FIFA World Cup victory their name with a 4-2 victory against West Germany in 1966. Scotland have qualified for 8 World Cups but the side in 1974 and 1978 was the only British representative and we were 8/1 to win it. Since the 1870s, the two nations have meet 110 times. England have been victorious 45 times, Scotland 41 times and there have been 24 draws. During the long history of this great footballing rivalry, there have been some iconic matches and moments. For England, Paul Gascoigne's goal at the 1996 European Championships in a 2-0 victory was fine moment as he flicked the ball over the head of Colin Hendry. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8OlfG1dF3w"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8OlfG1dF3w[/url] A great day for England was the 15th April 1961 with a 9-3 victory. Jimmy Greaves scoring a hat-trick. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFqrBatm8No"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFqrBatm8No[/url] Scotland have also had their moments with the 'Wembley Wizards' of 1928 in a 5-1 away victory. But one of Scotland's greatest footballing moments came in 1967. Despite Scotland having a team made up of 4 of the Lisbon Lions and the likes of Jim Baxter and Dennis Law (who was the first British player to win the Ballon d'or) they were underdogs against the World Champions who were undefeated in 19 games. Scotland won in spectacular fashion in a 3-2 victory, but most memorably was how Scotland toyed with the World Champions including keepie-uppy. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqhNqNtCinM"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqhNqNtCinM[/url] Another memorable moment was the Tartan Army pitch invasion at Wembley after a 2-1 win for the Scots. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGLrfSn4dvc"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGLrfSn4dvc[/url] The heyday for this great rivalry was during the annual British home championships and it was undoubtably one of the great fixtures in world football. Nowadays, one would imagine that the rivalry may not stand out as well as it used to but there is still an element of footballing history and tradition to this fixture. The last time the two sides met England had the likes of Alan Shearer, Paul Scholes, Michael Owen, David Beckham and David Seamen. Scotland had been at the World Cup in France the previous year and had only missed one World Cup since the 1970s. So how have things changed since then? During the 2000s, England have progressed no further than the last 16 in major international tournament. England achieved the highest ranking last year at #3 in the World. Some great players such as Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have played for the country but have failed to go far in a major Championship. The English Premier League has grown with more foreign players and fewer British players in the top teams. In the latter half of the 2000s, the English sides dominated the UEFA Champions League. There have been some negatives, last season Arsenal and Manchester United performed the best out of the English teams in the Champions League, finishing in the Last 16 along with Celtic. The national team have had some low points most notably failing to qualify for Euro 2008. It's been up and down for Scottish football but generally a downward trend. Scotland has failed to qualify for any tournament despite coming so close in a group wit the two 2006 World Cup Finalists aswell as quarter-finalists Ukraine. The best moment was reching #13 in the World rankings in 2007 and there have been some great results againt the Netherlands, France, Italy and Croatia. Some of the worst moments have been fall-outs in the squad during the 2010 World Cup qualification, a low ranking at #88 in 2005. The quality of team and players has degraded in comparison to the past and the league has also gone downwards in quality. Some of the club highlights have been Rangers and Celtic reaching the UEFA Cup Final and last 16 of Champions League. Uniquely, none of the players in the England and Scotland squad have played in an England-Scotland match and that includes the likes of Gerrard, Lampard and Miller. It will also be the first time this fixture has been played at the New Wembley. The differences in quality has increased between the two sides and this match will be played almost exactly a year ahead of the Scottish referendum on independence. So this will certainly be an England v Scotland game of a different kind. The youngest player in the England squad is Manchester United's Wilfired Zaha who would have been 7 years old and Scotland's James Forrest would have been 8 years old during the last encounter in 1999. Both squads are not full strength with Scotland missing captain and Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher. Under Roy Hodgson, England have drawn their last three matches against Brazil, Ireland and Montenegro. Gordon Strachan was appointed after the sacking of Craig Levein in November. He won his first game 1-0 against Estonia, lost back to back qualifiers against Wales and Serbia. But perhaps the turning point came in June when Scotland was without their first, second, third and fourth captain and travelled to face the 4th best team inthe World Croatia in a World Cup qualifier in Zagreb. Scotland played well, and won 1-0 to join England and become only the second team ever to beat Croatia on their own turf. A victory against England would be the perfect way to buld on the confidence, but a heavy defeat would be very damaging. It's unclear how England will approch the game. Roy Hodgson will take this very seriously ahead of very important WC qualifiers. There is a mixture of experience (Lampard), top class talent (Rooney), bright young talent aswell as the inclusion of Lambert. With the Premier League season starting later this month, some of the top players may not take part for the full 90 minutes. Gordon Strachan has insisted that Scotland will attack. We have a decent goalkeeper in Alan McGregor but our defence is our weakest area and the players are probably not good enough for International football despite experience in the Premier League, Championship, La Liga and Champions League. Our strongest area is midfield - particulary in the attacking areas - and this is the biggest selection dilema for Strachan. Celtic's Scott Brown will probably sit in midfield. He is a tough character and has experience in Champions League and has had some first team action already this season. I think we'll have 5 players in midfield with two holding midfielders - WBA's James Morrison and Graham Dorrans, AV's Bannan, Wigan's McArthur and Stoke's Adam could join Brown in the centre. James Morrison probably should play in the centre but Strachan will have McArthur in mind as he played very well in Zagreb and won the FA Cup with Wigan on that pitch. There are options for the attacking midfielders: Shaun Maloney (Wigan) and Robert Snodgrass (Norwich) were the best players for their clubs in the Premier League last season. Steven Naismith was a striker when he was at Rangers, but now plays behind the main striker for Scotland. But I wouldn't play him because of a lack of first team action - despite his experience in the CL and PL. The other two main options are Scottish Premiership wingers Gary Mackay-Steven (Dundee United) and James Forrest (Celtic). Both are exciting, talented young prospects. Mackay-Steven has very tidy footwork but has never played for Scotland or in Europe so I wouldn't start him. I would certainly start James Forrest who is a very fast winger. He has started all of Celtic's league and European games this season and he could give Ashley Cole a problem with his pace. He's also has experience in the Champions League and in 2012 was listed by FIFA as one of the 12 up and coming footballers. A victory for Scotland would be unexpected and it would really build on the confidence from beating Croatia. I suspect that it'll be a game that could go either way but if England really turn it on then it could be a comfortable victory for the home-side. The Tartan Army should be down south in their numbers and that could make a difference, although I'd be very surprised if we see another pitch-invasion this time. It'll be interesting to see how the day turns out. Should there be a return to more regular fixtures between the two-sides or does England have more important fixtures to play? Have the two nation's missed out on the rivalry in the past 14 years? Does the rivalry still have the same meaning for the fans?

Prior to the release of 'Love Over Gold', the British rock band Dire Straits had acclaimed recognition and mainstream success with their self-titled debut in 1978 (an album which included the classic Sultans of Swing) followed by Communique in 1979. Their first two albums had unqiue country/jazz/pub-rock/folk/rock and roll sound with Mark Knopfler delivering excellent melodic lead guitaring aswell as his unmistakable husky voice and his poetic, story-telling lyrics. The rest of the band included Pick Withers as drummer, David Knopfler on rhythm guitar and John Illsley on bass. Their third release 'Making Movies', released in 1980, was a turning point. As ever, Mark Knopfler was the dominant member (his brother David left the group during the recording of the album) but the inclusion of some keyboards/piano (notably on the classic track 'Tunnel of Love') saw the group expand on their style/sound from their first two releases to their later work - in my opinion, Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler and his songwriting had achieved a greater range. 'Love Over Gold' was recorded between March and June in 1982. Hal Lindes (guitar) and Alan Clak (keyboards) joined the group. The album was a success, reaching no.1 in UK and the single 'Private Investigations' reached no.2 aswell. The album begins with the amazing 14: 18 long 'Telegraph Road'. This track is possibly Dire Straits' greatest recording and I'd say this is one of the greatest pieces of music of the 20th Century. The song tells a story one person's struggle with unemployment in a city. It starts with a faint note on the keyboard which gradually builds for around 55 seconds - a very atmospheric start which sets the scene for the start of a long, emotional story about a man who is lost in the struggles of his life. 55 seconds in and the texture of the atmosphere and story builds further with the introduction of acoustic guitar and piano which leads to the introduction of the drums and the musical tension around 1:30. Knopfler's trademark electric guitar enters at 1:50. The tension halts between 2;10 and 2:15 with nice piano work being the precursor to Mark Knopfler's wounderful story-telling lyrics and singing - "A long time ago came a man on a track, walking thirty miles with a sack on his back - And he put down his load where he thought it was the best...made a home in the wilderness" - this is accompanied with gentle piano work. At 2:35, his story continues further with the addition with an upbeat tempo - including drums, bass, acoustic and melodic electric guitar - "built a cabin in a winter storm...". Following this at 2:55 is the chorus "then came the churches, the came the school, then came the lawyers..." with an upbeat tempo aswell as piano and organ. The beat stops for Knopfler to say "the dirty old track...was the Telegraph road" and the tense music returns. 3:35, Knopfler returns to telling the story of the town/city ("then there was a hard times, then there was a war/Telegraph road sang a song about the world outside, telegraph road got so deep...and so wide"). This is followed by a sublime and emotional musical passage with Alan Clark on piano from 3.35 and a fantastic guitar solo from 4:10-4.45 - his solo escalates the emotion of the song. The music starts to slow down as Knopfler sings "my radio says tonight it's going to freeze - people coming home from the factories". At 5.15 the music dies down to organ followed by slow and sad piano at 5.25. The drums and guitar return at 5.50 to accompany the mood of the piano and the music continues to build up to 6.40. There is some fine atmospheric music from 6.40 to 7.15 with keyboards, light piano and guitar work punctuated by a bell or some similar percussive instrument. At 7.00, the guitar sounds very similar to the slide guitar at the end of the Queen song Radio Ga Ga. "I used to like to go to work but they shut it down" - the struggle becomes more apparent and dramatic. The music, lyrics and singing becomes even more emotive from 8.20 with some fantastic lines such as "You know I'd sooner forget but I remember those nights when life was just a bet on a race between the lights". The drama of the music escalates up to 9.05 with the line "and I don't want to see it again. . ." The sorrow of the tale is just about complete with line "from all of these signs saying sorry but we're closed/all the way down the telegraph road". 9.36 is the beginning of one of the greatest guitar solos and 5 minutes in the history of rock music. The tempo and the intensity of music builds into the most stunning ending to the track as the song fades into 'Private Investigations'. Like the opening track, 'Private Investigations' builds the atmosphere and in doing so includes different passages of music. The track begins with a sinister mood from the synthesizer. This is a slow track and is driven accompanied Spannish-style classical guitar and piano. Knopfler's lyrics describes the emotions akin to a Private Investigater, but in this case it is the bitter feeling resulting from being betrayed by a lover. The song around 3.55 moves into a slow, bass driven sequence - accompanied by acoustic guitar and marimba. The tension builds, there is some fantastic electric guitar chords around 4.50. The musical drama continues with effective piano playing around 5.10. This returns at 5.45 after a sinister passage. The music slowly fades with deep notes from the synthesizer. Industrial Disease is an up-beat rock and roll trick driven by drums, guitar and keyboards. The song focuses on the decline the manufacturing industry in Britain during the early 1980s but Knopfler does seem to approach the song with a tounge-in-cheek attitude in some ways. Love over Gold is a fine, romantic Dire Straits song. The song is driven by gentle piano and acoustic guitar. Quite slow in tempo and quiet in nature but the music builds from 1.20 with the inclusion of the drums and the music finds a beat. From 4.00 the song enters a nice instrumental passage - with nice flourishes on the piano, acoustic guitar and marimba driven by the drum beat. The beat ends at 5.20 and the song fades with gentle touches on the marimba. It Never Rains is a fantastic track to end the album. The song starts with soft, friendly keyboards followed by a steady rhythm, gentle use of the piano and guitar. The song builds and gets heavier. There is some excellent music from 4.45 with a solo from Knopfler, on top of the heavy rythm and keyboards. This intsrumental passage continues to build and twist before fading into its ending. I would assume that a lot of people would say that the 1985 release Brothers in Arms is Dire Straits 'definitive' record but I personally think that Love Over Gold is Dire Straits finest in terms of musical structure, texture, sequences and atmosphere. The opening track is a stunning musical/dramatic/emotional epic and the ending is one of the finest in music. All of the other tracks are solid, well-crafted and consistent. Certainly, Dire Straits as a band, and Knopfler as individual song-writer, singer and guitarist made for a high standard of music but no album in Dire Straits' or Knopfler's catalouge displays music any better than their 1982 release 'Love Over Gold'.

I've noticed that: the sky isn't as light in the late evening; a shorter duration between sunset and dusk; it is certainly darker at 10pm on clear nights, and earlier when it's overcast; the night sky is much darker around midnight. The early mornings don't seem to be as light aswell. Glasgow for tomorrow; Dawn 0446, Sunrise 0532, Sunset 2113, Dusk 2158 - Dawn and sunset is similar to 1st May, sunset/dusk more like 9th May. Hottest day (19th July): Dawn 0407, Sunrise 0500, Sunset 2146, Dusk 2239 - this far north, the light lasts longer in the evening which was really enjoyable last month. This time next month: Dawn 0532, Sunrise 0630, Sunset 2000, Dusk 2038 21st June Glasgow: Dawn 0329, Sunsrise 0431, Sunset 2206, Dusk 2308 21st June London: Dawn 0335, Sunrise 0443, Sunset 2121, Dusk 2209 21st June Lerwick: Dawn 0146, Sunrise 0338, Sunset 2234, Dusk 0026 I really enjoyed the long days during the heatwave and on the clear and bright days in late May and June. The late light was great to make use of the garden until 10pm, and the late sunset and dusk was spectacular with with great views towards Highlands. There's still a fair amount of light to enjoy this month but it is nothing compared to a month or so ago. On the plus-side, it's also nice to see the nights drawing in again.

16.8C please

That black sky to the SE is coming right towards us.