August 2008

Spies. I’ve met people who claimed they once were (usually drunk or, in one case, clearly demented, but in a thoroughly John Le Carre way)or insisted they weren’t. Presumably, if they were, you’d never know. Or at least, gossipy gobs-on-sticks like me, with radio programmes,blogs and occasional pieces of published paper, never would. William Gibson’s…

Four days this week have been spent cutting grass. This picture was taken 24 hours after I mowed this truly horrible, industrial strength, sheep-feeding hill grass. It’s not a lawn, it’s a field…

The weather at Belladrum was a classically Highland mixture of sunshine and downpour; fortunately the dry spells co-incided with most of the performances. The Malt and Barley Revue at the excellent and extremely well-run Co-op Verb Garden Tent, went down well and attracted a fair crowd of round about 100. Considering the competition included The…

In time to see Justin Currie.

…as far as Aberdeen beach, anyway. A beautiful day here in Castle Greyskull, and a fine crossing from Shetland. Unfortunately, ever since the legendary bus station cafe (which used to open at 6.00am) shut, there’s nowhere to go in the city at de-boating time. Except the beach, where I planned to make a cup of…

After a very short and hectic stay at home (cut the ludicrously fast-sprouting grass, but it already needs done again) it’s off on the boat tonight, heading for the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival. I’m performing the Malt and Barley Revue at 9.15pm on Saturday in the Co-op Verb Garden Tent, if you happen to be…

Heading home to Shetland on tonight’s boat for less than a week, before having to go south again for the Belladrum festival. It’s a dreich old day in Castle Greyskull, but yesterday and the day before were nice…and on a hot day, Aberdeen’s beachfront really comes into its own. Down to the King’s Links for…