Captain Oates weather

Amazing weather here – Perth has been sub-zero for days. The Independent writes with ever greater fervour about global warming and the risk that the ice cap may melt. They could tow it down here. Thought about that as I fumbled my way past Scott’s ‘Discovery’ at Dundee in the fog yesterday – and about Captain Oates who stepped outside the tent where the temperature was -40C with the immortant words, ‘I am just going outside and I may be some time.’

I’ve been in sole charge of Poppy these past few days. I note with some alarm that the Scottish Executive is preparing to introduce a Charter of Rights for pets. Better hurry home from Edinburgh tomorrow in case she rings her legal adviser and sues me for neglect.