Tomorrow sees the launch of the Yes for Scotland campaign, the cross party grouping urging a yes vote in the 2014 referendum, to enable Scotland to take its place as any other modern country does in speaking for itself and determining its own way of dealing with its neighbours. As... Continue reading

As the wheel of life slowly revolves, around comes Buggins turn in the small wierd world that is the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, but not for long it appears. My successor in the Scottish Parliament, Murdo Fraser, for so long the bridesmaid to the ever unwedded Miss Goldie is... Continue reading

It was a question on twitter from @Skelptarse that led my mind to wander. She asked if people agreed with the sentence passed on Jim Devine for fiddling his Parliamentary expenses. As usual I dashed off an answer without thought, and then like wisps of mist on a summers morn... Continue reading

Fresh News from Damongo Hi Friends, now we have a Bishop ordained on 25th March 2011. I will attach his picture in a mail to you as soon as I can discipline myself to edit the pictures I made for the occasion. When we met casually last Sunday, he immediately... Continue reading

The only luxury I need today is the one I already have, the feeling of absolute glowing warmth from having the love of my kids. Continue reading

My luxury today is a brank or scolds bridle. Thought to have been first used around the 1560's they were kept by the town jailer for use on women who persistently nagged. On my island it would comfort me to know that should a dusky maiden from a neighbouring lagoon... Continue reading

To be played on Sept 11th every year, to celebrate my wedding, not twin towers. Continue reading

Saturday's Luxury is a Fridge door. Since we have no electricity then a complete fridge is a waste of time, but will need somewhere to stick fridge magnets. No matter where you stow them away, a new crop appear overnight. So a door to display would be the ultimate treat... Continue reading

via www.youtube.com For someone very special, never forgotten. Continue reading

My luxury this morning would be a copious supply of theatrical makeup and costumes. In my time on the Island I could design, produce, direct and perform a plethora of one man shows, rekindling my memories of childhood and the sonorous tones of Michael McLiammor, the voice of Gigli, and... Continue reading

Emerging from a background of shouted Arabic demands for various despots to remove themselves, Scotland's minor political stramashes seem of little consequence this week, but the two phenomena are not unconnected. We have Jim Devine who is about to be removed from our political ambit because of misuse of the... Continue reading

To remind me of the fun and laughter that my Dad brought with him into life. via www.youtube.com Continue reading

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Have now had Kenwood Major for four weeks and am slowly getting to grips. Major successes : White rolls, very light and tasty, do increase salt slightly as need bit more flavour bringing out. Brownies, delicious ,followed Jamie Oliver recipe sort of. Lentil, tomato and cabbage soup , very good... Continue reading

My luxury this morning is a darning mushroom, it will be so comforting to know that on the occasions on the island when formal dress is required, one will not be let down by holey socks. Continue reading

Baron Sandstone drew in a deep breath and addressed the four contenders “ You have been invited here today because you have emerged as the successful candidates following many hours of debate and deliberation and scrutiny by the members of our party at numerous meetings from Alness to Arrocher, Bettyhill... Continue reading

May 10th 2012, Chapel Street Leith The lowering clouds grimly oppressed the small band of people scurrying along Chapel Street in Leith, making their way to the Scottish International Headquarters of the Conservative and Unionist Party of The United Kingdom (Northern Ireland excepted). The gloomy Tuesday evening, grey and dank... Continue reading

My habitual pre Christmas visit to Scotland is primarily to stock up on books, which are available in Spain in English but prohibitively expensive, and items for Christmas which are hard to find in Catalonia. So it seemed prudent to pre book a 20kg bag on Ryanair at the not... Continue reading

@tartancat , liked your experience in NY, I was there two years ago. People were universally kind, especially when they found I was from Scotland, with the exception of one fast food worker who became abusive cos I couldn't understand what he was asking me, I walked out of the place leaving him with a half completed wrap and a disbelieving look on his face. As to Scotland, I felt like a prince in Edinburgh yesterday, good experiences in everywhere from M&S to first Bus. Train conductor from Prestwick was a gem and spent ages making sure I had the cheapest ticket, and taxi driver actually got out of cab and opened the door for me. However I may be just over critical because in Spain we have the shop assistants from hell, rude, uncaring, slow and generally pig ignorant. In my view it is all to do with paying rubbish wages and total lack of training. I am praying for Tesco or someone to open up and wipe the floor with The local shops. Continue reading

Typically in the world of entrepreneurship, the failure of an enterprise is considered harmless, sometimes necessary and always educational. An experience to be shaken off as the budding millionaire moves on to the next bright idea and new dawn. However, things are not always so neat and tidy, as the... Continue reading

David Camerons decision to appoint his personal photographer to a civil service position is: a) Just another example of the attitude of all politicians that the public purse is their own personal piggy bank ? b) A further demonstration of ego rules OK ? c) Acceptable because he needs to... Continue reading

Lesley Riddoch wrote in the Scotsman this morning, on a subject well covered in the weekend press, the tendency of bosses of large organisations to award themselves stonking great pay rises whilst presiding over job cuts, redundancies and reductions in working hours. She contrasts this with the small business world... Continue reading

The first cooperative production and consumption of green energy in Catalonia Som Energia are scheduled to start selling renewable energy in September 2011, the goal is to do so at the same price as conventional electricity rates. The cooperative is currently in the process of legal implementation, to comply with... Continue reading

Actualitat Dilluns, 18 d'octubre del 2010 És perfila la primera cooperativa de producció i consum d'energia verda de Catalunya Som Energia te previst començar a vendre energia renovable el proper mes de Setembre de 2011, l'objectiu es fer-ho al mateix preu que l'electricitat convencional (Tarifa d'Últim Recurs) La cooperativa es... Continue reading