This Is The Worst Time In History

This Is The Worst Time In History

This is the worst time in history. Allow me to explain. Yes, I know, there is much to celebrate. As I type, a space telescope is following a trail of 18th century maths and 21st century science to unlock the origins of the Universe with the most complete answer to...
Moments of Joy

Moments of Joy

3rd June 1978. I am eight years old. I’m about to watch my first World Cup game live. This was a big enough occasion that exciting things happen. Furniture is moved for optimum viewing, curtains are closed to block out the late summer sun, big game atmosphere...
Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Burning Blood

Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Burning Blood

In July, I was on holiday in Greece. The sun was blue and the world was quiet. I decided to write a Sherlock Holmes story. By the end of the day, I had this. It is far from a good Sherlock Holmes story but I enjoyed writing it. I have massively increased respect for...
Trainspotting

Trainspotting

I remember the day Donna Crichton’s Mum threw herself out a top floor window. News always travelled fast. We were always outside so you were only ever a short sprint from knowing what was going on. Gathering at the corner, we couldn’t see what was going...
I Produced A Riot

I Produced A Riot

Approach Edinburgh from the West and you will typically take one of two routes. Pass the airport and keep going and you will breeze into town through Corstorphine. It will all look lovely, nice houses, a zoo, it doesn’t even smell of hops any more. The other route,...
At Orašac

At Orašac

“194,194, 194…” In the heat your brain slows down to the point where it struggles to remember numbers. Even important ones like the page of the book you stopped at to hobble across the lava floor to the loo. The temporary rural existence leaves you with enough...