In the Scottish Highlands, the autumnal equinox marks a significant shift in the balance of light and darkness. As the Earth tilts away from the sun, the days grow shorter, and the nights grow longer. This change is particularly pronounced in the Highlands, where the landscape is already rugged and unforgiving. The author, Merryn Glover, has lived in Scotland for three decades and has grown accustomed to the darkness of this time of year. However, she finds solace in the brief moments of clear weather, when the light is at its most precious. On such days, she makes the most of the opportunity to bask in the sun's rays and store up the light for the weeks ahead. The author's appreciation for the fleeting nature of this light is a testament to the beauty and fragility of the natural world. As the clocks change and the evenings grow darker, the author's words serve as a reminder to cherish the moments of clarity and light in the midst of autumn's shortening days.