Abu Dhabi: a flying visit
Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to visit Abu Dhabi, a part of the world that was completely new to me. I’d be the …
14 Jan
Pictures at an Exhibition
Pictures at an Exhibition
I’d been listening this morning to Janice Forsyth’s show on Radio Scotland when she interviewed the articulate and entertaining Pauline Black, lead singer with ska …
06 Dec
Scotland the Best
Scotland the Best
Last night was the launch of the 2012 edition of Scotland the Best, ‘the only guide worth a damn’ as the review so eloquently puts …
24 Nov
Happy Thanksgiving, America!
Happy Thanksgiving, America!
Across the US today, it’s Thanksgiving, the start of a four-day holiday weekend where the focus is on families, turkey and some serious retail therapy when …
13 Nov
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day
I don’t normally attend Remembrance Day parades but this year I felt I should make the effort. I had been reading something earlier in the week …
29 Sep
Monet’s garden at Giverny
Monet’s garden at Giverny
Something to remember the summer by, such as it was. Here in Monet’s garden at Giverny in northern France, it’s easy to image it’s always …
23 Aug
All Ireland Fleadh 2011, Cavan
All Ireland Fleadh 2011, Cavan
I’m just back from an amazing long weekend at the All Ireland Fleadh. For the uninitiated, the Fleadh (or to give it its Sunday name, …
10 Aug
Lubo Moravcik – Celtic’s ‘Gift from God’
Lubo Moravcik – Celtic’s ‘Gift from God’
Last night was the Celtic vs Manchester United Legends match at Celtic Park and featured a mix of former stars and celebrity fans including Gerard …
06 Aug
Christopher Brookmyre
Christopher Brookmyre
Bio: Tartan noir novelist, unrepentant humanist and St Mirren FC supporter (not necessarily in that order). Oh, and he hates Aberdeen – the city not the …
11 Jul
Sea Dog
Sea Dog
Dalkey is one of Dublin’s prettier seaside suburbs, a half-hour’s ride on the DART from the city centre. Made famous by Flann O’Brien’s final novel, …