There was something rather annoying about Storm Dave apart from the fact that it wreaked havoc across the north-east and Highlands.

Two things struck me immediately.

One comical, the other deadly serious, because so many people lost power in freezing conditions.

And the upshot of it all was that it also made me think of another type of storm which comes to pass with depressing regularity.

Man-made commercial chaos also leaves long-term damage in its wake, which is even harder to mend – and lasts for years.

With cavernous empty buildings abandoned and neglected as major businesses or institutions move out, Aberdeen has its fair share.

On a lighter note, amid the misery of Storm Dave, I have to confess that I was a bit miffed about its name.

Storm Dave made it sound a little on the common side, don’t you think? Why not something with a little more solemnity and gravitas – like Storm David?

Obviously, I have more than a passing interest as a reluctant member of the Dave fraternity.

There was an element of the absurd about officially calling a serious storm Dave – as though the plumber had turned up.

It was put forward by a woman “in honour” of her husband’s snoring, but don’t worry – Stevie, Eddie and Wubbo........

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