"One may have a blazing hearth in one's soul and yet no one ever came to sit by it. Passers-by see only a wisp of smoke from the chimney and continue on their way." Vincent Van Gogh

Many of the island's inhabitants possess experience, talents and qualities you could never imagine. When it came to fitting the flue liner for the log burner, Brian - the plumber- suggested asking Dean - the Forestry man cum coastguard - to help.

Why? Well, not only has Dean a good head for heights, it transpires he is a mountaineer of some note with many first ascents in South America to his name. He climbed the north face of the Manse attached to a primitive breathing device.

He inserted it down the chimney to provide a speaking tube

through which we were able to communicate.

 Whilst at the summit, he straddled the treacherous north ridge

to repair some flashing.

Meanwhile, back at base camp, Brian connected the speaking tube to the stove.

I lit a fire

and VOILA!

Observers from the tearoom were convinced a new Pontiff had been elected!