SOB (Save Our Botanics) Protest.

Sunday afternoon in Glasgow's world famous Botanic Gardens saw a gathering of people
protesting about proposed new developments in the park. According to the literature being handed out, several new types of facility were being sought. Their protestations seemed to be firmly placed at the door of a well known Glasgow entrepreneur's "proposed" plans to develop a "nightclub" in the park.

The said literature didn't make it clear where the development would be but the old Botanics Railway Station seemed to be the possible venue. On looking into the old station from above, I would think it would cost a fortune to even draw up viable plans. There has been a nightclub on the site before ( see railway link ) so who can tell what might happen.

Everyone was buying a small protest flag to plant but don't worry, they will all be gathered up after a week.

Personally, I am all for constructive change but can't see anyone getting permission to go ahead with the suggested proposals within the park. Byres Road is no more than 200 meters away and must have 50 pubs and restaurants within a five minute walk away.

I'll keep you posted with any further developments.

And All On The Doorstep.

All the photos on this post were taken on Easter Monday and all are within an hour's drive from Glasgow City Centre. I even managed to get a quick shot of some elusive feral goats that live around Loch Lomondside.

It's easy to forget what is on your doorstep.

Mango Magic.

I got into a right mess the other afternoon with a very ripe mango. It was all over the place. What to do? Well, I e-mailed my old pal Tom Morton and he asked if any of his BBC radio listeners could help out.

He was inundated with advice not only locally but from all over the world. He told me that someone contacted the show from, wait for it..... Nigeria. I can only thank Jenny Seymour who sent me a link to video of how to skin a mango.

I am now very proficient in this art, the problem now..... I might be addicted to the things. Could I become a Mangoholic ?

Ruaraidh's Memorial, Ardlui 15 March 2008.

Old friends are always the best you have.

Last Saturday, the Ardlui Hotel was packed with relatives and friends of the late Ruaraidh Johnstone. They were there to celebrate his life and pay their respects to an absolutely lovely guy.

I was honoured to be asked by his family to say a few words about him.

After the service, his daughters and son, scattered his ashes, from a boat on his beloved Loch Lomond watched by relatives and close friends. It was a truly moving experience.

My best friend, as well as one of Ruaraidh's, Alastair, talked about his gentle nature and zest for life and we finished by having a dram in his honour. He would have approved of that.

He may be gone from us, but never forgotten.

May your song always be sung.
May you stay forever young.

Summer's On It's way !

I get all sorts of interesting assignments coming in. Photographing some new additions to the Rayzor International range of sunnies was very interesting. Slight changes in lighting had a dramatic effect on the lenses.

For all you sporty folk out there I recommend you have look at their on line web site as they have sunnies for sailors, runners, cyclists, skiers, well just about every sport. Or if you just want to look cool, look no further.

Skye's Progress.

I was working on the Royal Yacht Britannia last Monday night and after the job I headed up to my best pal Alastair's daughters 17th Birthday tea. It was a great night.

Skye, so Alastair tells me, has now taken a liking to chewing socks but still the odd bit of furniture as well. Here are the happy family, Alice, Sascha and Alastair with the said mutt.

As you can see, she is getting bigger by the minute.

The Telephone- What An Invention.

It's amazing how one phone call can change your day.

Last Thursday I was doing some serious editing when off it went. " Can you get to Parkhead ASAP" ? asked my client. An hour later and there I was, standing in the middle of the pitch at Celtic Park in the pouring rain.


The occasion, "International Womens Day" which was culminating with the release of 2,000 balloons with both male and female Celtic captains helping out.

You never know what's around the corner in this job!

Singing For Their Supper !

I have always maintained that if you can play a musical instrument well, you will never starve.

I have also always admired buskers. They go out in all weathers, usually on their own
and try their best to entertain people rushing past.

I was in Buchanan Street in Glasgow on Sunday and wafting its way down the precinct was a nice cover version of Gerry Rafferty's Baker Street. I had to investigate and sure enough, half way up these guys were in full flow. They were great. The saxophonist
was really enjoying himself and so was the gathering crowd. I stayed for a couple of tunes but it started to rain really heavily. I dropped a few quid in their drum box and headed off to Sloan's Bar for a heat and some lunch. You had to admire them.

New Gallery.

I am in the middle of taking down my darkroom. This has been a hard thing for me to do
but you have to move on. Digital photography is now at a level where shooting film is
almost non existent. There were literally thousands of old negatives and prints in cupboards and drawers to sift through.

I found an old sheet of B&W negatives from 1994 that I remember going to print from at the time. They must have gotten buried and here they were again. Over the years I have taken quite literally thousands of shots of my sons but it is always great to find ones I forgot to print. Here they are in the snow. They both had a laugh when they saw it.

I am turning the old darkroom into a gallery as to many clients and friends have been telling me to sell my
prints directly. Over the last 32 years, I have accumulated over 500,000 images so maybe it's time to give it a go. Should be open for business in about two weeks.