I’M up early and get out and inflate the paddle board. This is the first calm day in three weeks, so I’ve been planning a paddle in the morning.

There’s a quick radio interview with Stephen Jardine on BBC Radio Scotland at 10.30am…and I have a Zoom Musicians’ Union (MU) meeting all afternoon so my options are to go early – or prepare early and go after the interview.

I decide to go early and make sure I’m back before 10am. Turns out to be a good decision – the loch is calm and quite and although it’s below freezing, it’s a beautiful morning.

I’m back home in good time for a shower before the interview. it goes good then I hit the studio.

After prawn gyoza for lunch I join the MU meeting – the national Live Performance section committee. A lot of business is Brexit-related and we have a productive and informative session.

There’s only just enough time to get ready to meet some local pals in the village pub/restaurant to surprise Maggi for her 70th birthday. She thinks she’s going for a meal with Joel, but he’s had more adventurous plans. We have a great evening…including dinner which Joel hadn’t mentioned. A great night all round!