Two slates, another slate, a slate and a half and half a slate.
I didn't know until today that there does exist such a thing as a 'slate and a half' - which makes slates far superior to beans. The 'slate and a half' is, perhaps obviously, 50% wider than all the standard slates on the roof. Every other row starts with one of these to get the required overlaps. I'm told that on a second rate roof, the slater just cuts a slate in half and starts the row with that, as in a brick wall. Armed with this new knowledge we are now examining other peoples roofs with interest...
Anyway, with just one person on site, today's progress includes the fitting of the first roof window (with reassuring dangling electric cables!), the chasing-in of the lead flashing that will stop the elements getting between the old gable and the new roof, and the nailing on the first of the slates.
The Skye forecast for tomorrow reads: Winds southeasterly; 40 to 55mph gusts in excess of 60mph at low levels and 90mph on higher areas. Severe gales or storm force winds will make mobility almost impossible on higher areas. Ferocious gusts will will run down into many valleys. Severe wind chill.
Wish the roofers luck...
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