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...
An Unlikely Start to a Love of Film
I grew up in a small and unremarkable council flat in Edinburgh. I was lucky enough to go to University so, when I was 17, I headed to Glasgow and a new rainy life. As soon as I did, I didn't have a bedroom at home any more. Not going to go all Four Yorkshiremen, but...
Independence Is A Stupid Idea
Independence is a stupid idea. Firstly, we are all delightfully mongrel. Sure, I cried when we lost to Peru in 1978, I identify as Scottish but also realise that that has no absolute meaning. In fact, my DNA suggests I’m at least 1% Finnish and that I am conclusively...
Ritornando
If you are self-taught at photography like me you might eventually notice that, over time, you seem to be getting better. It's not immediately obvious but a look back of old stuff can illicit some eye-rolls and "what was I thinking?". While doing all this...
We Used To Drive To The Castle
2020 will doubtless spawn any number of opinion pieces and spraff, would be remiss of me not to join in in some fashion. That said, I'm not really trying to make a point. This is simply to record 2020 through more recent eyes rather than let it drift off into a bokeh...
I am a student again
My last day as a student was 11th July 1991. Almost 30 years later, I am a student again, this time with the Open University. A few years ago my friend from University, Gordon McNeilly, suddenly and sadly died. Gordon was, in my life, unique. An incredible brain...
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 sitting...
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
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 on. People...
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,...
Favourite New Music of 2017
There is a realisation. It doesn't come on right away, it approaches slowly - like a ferry. The wonders of blogging, there's no one around to complain about my similes. The realisation is most evident if you use something like last.fm. You notice that your "Top...
Favourite Photos of 2017
2017 was generally a fairly busy year, certainly the busiest work year I can remember and, with the addition of the daily commute, I had assumed that I would have taken far fewer photos in 2017. Turns out, I still managed quite a few photos - I know this because I...
A Day in Glasgow with Fuji X100S
Night in Dubrovnik with the Fuji X100S
I've had the Fuji X100S for a few years now and, for the kind of pictures I like to take, it still doesn't disappoint. As I've done a good few times now, I wandered round a European city in the dark and new the camera would do exactly what I wanted. Once you get used...
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...
Walking in Pollok Park with a Fuji X100S
For the last year or so, I've been spending most Saturday afternoons in the south side of Glasgow and, with a dog to walk, usually end up in Pollok Park. There is much to see and do - even with the Burrell Collection being closed for refurbishment - and it is always a...
A Tour of Copenhagen with the Fuji X100S
As Björk once delightfully said "Ever since, I'm completely addicted to cities." ( you can hear he say this at about 17 minutes of this ). For her, reflecting on arriving in London when she was 18, it was greasy chips that did it. I, too, am addicted to cities, which...
A Brief Trip to Barcelona with the Fuji X100S
I didn't go to Barcelona to take photographs. I went for the Mobile World Congress. But I did take my constant companion, the Fuji X100S. So, without really setting out to take any pictures, I came back with quite a few. Barcelona is like that, you just need to walk...
Favourite Photos of 2016
According to the Chinese, 2016 was the year of the monkey. Well, in our house, it was the year of the dog. So, not entirely surprising to see a couple of dog pics turn up in the review of the year. There are lots of dog pics on his Facebook page. Always good fun to...
Moments In Music
Music has many uses. It fills your head with stimulus that can be used to stuff many a void. But, more often that not, music is about the setting or alteration of mood. Calming when you need to feel calm, uplifting when you're down. Reminiscing when you need to...