Rare Bird Alert News
AMERICAN COOT still in NE corner of Loch of Spiggie.
Siberian Chiffchaff in crop at Loch of Spiggie.
Bufflehead ad. drk still at Ham Voe, Isle of Foula.
Rod from Shetland Fireplaces completed the job this evening. My fireplace is not compliant, as the wood on the fire surround is too close (not a serious issue as far as I'm concerned, as its only me living here), but I could spend some more dosh for Rod to fit heat shields around the wood of the frame to make it compliant. The door has the wrong rope behind the glass, which is why it doesn't fit flush and has air gaps, which means the wood is burning quicker, apart from that everything is fine! 😩 I need the correct rope for the fire which is a "Stovax" – I may get this done at a later date, when I have more funds. I didn't win a thing on the premium bonds today.
The other chimney does have the proper closed cap on it as it should have, there was a small area which needed filling around the cap (which Rod filled), but he said that would not have caused my closed up fire place and wall to be as wet as it is, he thinks it has to be water coming up from the burn that runs down Gallow Hill and under my house – oh dear! I will have to sort that out next year, meanwhile my temporary fix of polystyrene against the wall will have to suffice for this Winter/Spring. Rod gave me some useful advice on how to clean the rusty top of my fire, so I did that later this evening – sandpapered the rust off, cleaned with white spirit, washed off with washing up liquid and water and then need to polish with Zebrite Restorer, which I will buy tomorrow after work. Very pleased with Rod's work and all the advice he gave me.
Then my builder popped round to look at another issue I was worried about and also had another look at the leaking door he repaired recently which is still isn't right, he's hoping to fix this on Saturday. Ideally I need a new door, but after he told me how much that would cost, it will just have to be repaired as best as possible for now.
Big storms here tomorrow night and ferry sailings may be cancelled Wednesday and Thursday.
Posts
