Pictured above and sharing weather wisdom and warm smiles are Steven Bond from the Met Office, Borve Lodge Estate owners Adam and Cathra Kelliher, and the legendary Tony Scherr of Borve Lodge Estate. Together, they celebrate 50 years of dedicated weather monitoring and the magic of the Outer Hebrides.
Weather Warriors: How Borve Lodge Estate Assists The Met Office in Forecasting
The abundance of rain does not surprise anyone who visits this gorgeous location. At Borve Lodge Estate, we have been monitoring the weather for almost 50 years. Let us look at the intriguing world of weather in the Outer Hebrides, from humble beginnings to key cooperation with The Met Office.
The Legacy of a Rainfall Record
Borve Lodge Estate’s weather monitoring story began in June 1971 under the cautious eye of Tony Scherr, the Estate Manager at the time. He recorded the rainfall and meteorological conditions while managing the fisheries and developing a hatchery. The measurements were initially gathered at the Borve valley dam, but the tipping point came when someone recommended formally sharing these statistics with The Met Office.
Collaboration with The Met Office
Tony Scherr’s decision to exchange rainfall records with The Met Office marked the start of a long-term collaboration. The data acquired at Borve Lodge Estate has been critical in feeding into The Met Office’s weather and climate models. Every piece of data adds to more accurate weather forecasts and climate predictions, making the Estate a critical component of the national weather monitoring network.
A Dedicated Tradition
Tony Scherr diligently took daily rainfall readings personally for 48 years. In 2019, he passed the torch to the Estate team, who embraced the responsibility with great pride and enthusiasm. Borve Lodge Estate now remains one of the UK’s last staffed rainfall recording stations, preserving the region’s weather monitoring tradition.
50th Anniversary
The Estate hosted Steven Bond from The Met Office to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of rainfall data collection. Borve Lodge Estate’s lengthy contribution to weather monitoring was recognised with a special recognition ceremony. Steven, for his part, was enthralled by Tony’s rich history and weather anecdotes recounted during a friendly gathering over tea and scones at the Lodge.
Looking Ahead
Weather monitoring evolves with technology. Although automated technologies have become more common, human-led data collection remains vital. Borve Lodge Estate embraces innovations while staying committed to providing dependable and accurate meteorological data to The Met Office for the next 50 years and beyond.
The Outer Hebrides is a place of breathtaking natural beauty. A subtle yet significant history of weather monitoring exists at Borve Lodge Estate amidst the rainbows and beautiful surroundings. This collaboration with The Met Office has altered weather forecasts and climate predictions for five decades, creating a significant difference in people’s lives. As we move forward, let us remember the Estate’s dedication to weather monitoring in the Outer Hebrides and its ongoing contribution to meteorological study and understanding.
More information on the Met Office’s work can be found at: