Pianos and Flowers
On the day that I retired from the NHS, after more than 25 years as a doctor, our postwoman delivered a present. It was from Alexander McCall Smith and included … Continue reading Pianos and Flowers
Category: Two cultures
a circle with teeth
I recently went to collect the disused circular saw blade from the abandoned and derelict Lanrick saw mill. My understanding is that the whole site of Upper Lanrick is soon … Continue reading a circle with teeth
Edwin Morgan steps
I made the ‘Edwin Morgan steps’ the best part of 15 years ago. Last week I repainted the inscribed words. On the steps I also carved this: This was how … Continue reading Edwin Morgan steps
I do want my ice-cream
This is an edit of a family film from 2008. It carries the opening and closing sequences. The full film, unedited and 12 years old: You can hear the dew … Continue reading I do want my ice-cream
Spout of Buchanty
On the 20th September 1869, George Patton, Lord Advocate and Solicitor-General for Scotland [who a few weeks before had appointed himself as Lord Justice Clerk], took his life. He did … Continue reading Spout of Buchanty
the light always comes back
This island, which takes its name from one of the saints bearing the Irish name Finan, is situated about 200m from both the N and S banks of Loch Shiel. … Continue reading the light always comes back
Scottish Gardener
With the Covid-19 pandemic and ‘lock down’ I have been retreating into the garden where I need not distance myself from the emerging green shoots of life. I have recently … Continue reading Scottish Gardener
‘So humble, so lacking in egotism’
I recently suggested to my friend Ian that I would like to find a gate that I had come across a photograph of in the Canmore archive. To me the … Continue reading ‘So humble, so lacking in egotism’
Language is leaving me
A film about Blackadder in the Borders. This film is for my mother, mother-in-law, my wife, and my daughter. It is also for Ella, Ena and Alice [Mrs Picken] Music … Continue reading Language is leaving me