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  It’s been sitting untouched for three months, but the Suzuki GS1000G (shaft drive: I fear chains)complete with new, self-fitted exhaust system, burst into lumpy life quite the thing this afternoon. In the 1980s, this would have been a great big huge monster of a muscle bike; now it feels, compared the the Triumph Trophy,…

I’m not sure about local book signings. On the one hand, you get a chance to meet fine folk who like you. Or the idea of you. Or the idea of your book. On the other hand, nobody may turn up. Or even worse, you can have competitive book signings with other authors, at festivals,…

All three of the participants (Rob, Ken and me) have been working furiously on the text for a planned book about the trip. Have to say that so far I think it’s absolutely hilarious. Working title is Journey’s Blend: Towards A New Theory Of Motorcycling, Malt Whisky, Scotland And Everything There’s a Flickr set of…

Truly wonderful Radio Four documentary today on the legendary, subterranean-voiced Bill Mitchell, the voiceover artist behind Denim aftershave, and (after Orson Welles pulled out) Carlsberg. Also a great picture of bohemian Soho in the 60s. You’ve got seven days to listen to it here. Probably.

I’ve known for several months that a major on-air discussion about the proposed Viking Energy windfarm project in Shetland was likely to take place on the BBC local radio station, Radio Shetland, and that I’d be hosting it. So I’ve been extremely careful to avoid making any public comment on the issue. Feelings have been…

Ahem…It’s the biggest issue facing Shetland, and tonight, for two hours, live, the main players for and against Viking Energy are available to you for questions and comment. A special two hour Speakeasy on BBC Radio Shetland tonight from 10 past six, hosted by me, Tom Morton. Viking Energy – yes or no? Phone your…

This track by Glasgow (and environs) band/collective Trembling Bells is on the Uncut free CD this month, which features acts signed to Damon Albarn’s boutique label Honest John’s Records. It has taken over my life. Lavinia Blackwall has a unique voice, one that combines trained operatic range with effortless folk intonation and occasional rock raunch.…

Many thanks to Shetland Times reporter Laura Friedlander for a lengthy and enthusiastic review which reflects almost exactly my wife’s opinion of the book. Can’t, alas, find it online so you’ll have to trust my ability to extract the most flattering bits! Headlined “adventure story will be summer’s top read in the genre”, I suppose…

I’m in the Mcdonalds at Kirriemuir, heading north on the A90 to get the boat home tonight. And it’s done! The Journey’s Blend blend is complete, expertly put together by Edrington’s head of all things blendiferous, John Ramsay, at the Glenturret distillery just outside Crieff. Also the site of the Famous Grouse Experience, hence the…

A few snapshots: The Kilchoman cross on Islay, and the very first cask of Kilchoman whisky – now, at more than three years old, legally Scotch whisky. The bikes, first at 6.15am waiting for the ferry from Port Askaig to Kennacraig, and then including a yellow interloper, Dave’s Triumph Sprint, outside Bladnoch Distillery at Wigtown.…