Reminders of former grandeur
Woodbank Hotel, once a home, now a ruin, still looks out upon Loch Lomond:
Tag: Richard Holloway
the art of departing from
Yesterday I was in Edinburgh. Footnote: Quotes come from (or are about) the following authors: Albert Camus, Yann Martel, Jessie Burton, Richard Holmes Kazuo Ishiguro, and Richard Holloway
grave full of years
Here in Radical Park where the unemployed were once employed: semi-circular panels in spandrels still rise up into an arch. Father-to-son, until 1902 ballads foretold that the Celtic Graemes would ‘never … Continue reading grave full of years
ASTROV
This film is an ‘attack’ on biomedical determinism. This film voices others. Roy Porter Sylvia Plath Matt Haig Ian Hamilton Finlay Anthony Doerr Anton Chekhov Tomasi di Lampedusa Albert Camus … Continue reading ASTROV
The Rebel Antiquary
I write and make films in my study or sanctum sanctorum. This is the comfy domain of ‘The Antiquary’. This film is inspired by others and by their wonder. It … Continue reading The Rebel Antiquary
‘The rules of science’
How many of us, like Dr Jauhar, are today guided by “the rules of science”? This short film is based on an edit of this interview and debate, aired on ‘All … Continue reading ‘The rules of science’
I wonder who will be the last . . .
We came across the ruined farmhouse of Stronhavie, near Moulin, whilst exploring Perthshire on Saturday 15th September 2018. The upper floors have now collapsed but there is still some glass … Continue reading I wonder who will be the last . . .
Becoming a film of sorts
This film begins with the sign outside Carubber’s Manse, Edinburgh. The opening voice is that of Ben Okri. The song is ‘My True Country’ by Paul Buchanan.
Antiquary Gardens
Alexander McCall Smith sent me some of his poems earlier this year and this was how the envelope was addressed: Alexander McCall Smith is aware of my fascination with Walter … Continue reading Antiquary Gardens
The road, not the signs
Today I travelled through to Edinburgh to meet with someone who had a professional interest in my medical writings. The above poem, inscribed in steel is to be found by … Continue reading The road, not the signs
You get to see the cosmic blaze
Andrew Robert Gordon was born when the comet Hale Bopp was shining brightly in the night sky. What follows are quotes from some of my favourite writers and poets. … Continue reading You get to see the cosmic blaze
It was the singing
One of my favourite poems is ‘Two Girls Singing’ by Iain Crichton Smith: I have wondered if Julian Barnes had read this poem before writing ‘Metroland’? Here the poet Tomas Tranströmer … Continue reading It was the singing