Great Scot's photo diary

View From The Top!

2011-08-09T16:41:00.000-07:00

I don't have to say anything about the view form the top of Ben Lomond.

One View From Edinburgh Castle.

2011-07-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

I was working recently in Edinburgh Castle and I think iconic views of it are instantly recognisable worldwide.

Like most world landmarks that you live near to or see frequently, you tend to take them for granted and wonder what all the fuss is about.

I forgot about the views that can be seen from the ramparts. This one of the Balmoral Hotel with Carlton Hill in the background is a cracker I have to say!

Scottish Weather!

2011-07-13T02:37:00.000-07:00

Ask any wedding photographer the thing that really gets them down when covering a wedding and I'll bet you that rain is top of their list. I know it is for me.

A few weeks ago, Lewis and Donna got married on the "Bonnie Banks" at the iconic Luss Church and went on to the fabulous Lodge on The Loch nearby for their reception.

When I arrived about an hour before the service was due to start, the rain was literally bouncing off the car and it was still that way when the groom and best man arrived. Just before three o clock, the sun came out for the brides arrival. During the service, you could hear the rain thumping off the church roof.

Out we all came to blazing sunshine and formal shots were taken down on the beach. I even managed to get the happy couple onto the pier and get the stunning back drop of Ben Lomond. Just as we got back into the Double Six Limousine, the heavens opened up again. Looking at these two photos, you would think it had been like that all day.

Under the circumstances, I was a very happy man.

Rare Shetland Bumble Bee.

2011-07-03T05:12:00.000-07:00

I have been reliably informed that the Shetland Bumble Bee is a rare wee beastie.

I spotted this one going about its business in Hillswick this morning.

UK's Most Northerly Fish and Chip Shop.

2011-07-02T13:40:00.000-07:00

Brae on Shetland is home to the most northerly fish and chip shop in the UK.

How do I know this?

I have just finished the best fish supper ever from Fankies that's how!

"The Bridge Over The Atlantic!"

2011-06-24T06:39:00.000-07:00

I have recently started up on twitter and have to admit, it is very interesting from both a social and business point of view.

A few days ago I spotted a tweet from a chauffeur company where I saw a mention of the Bridge Over The Atlantic which connects the magical Seil Island with the mainland.

It wasn't so much the bridge I remembered from my last visit when I was doing photos for a travel piece, it was this fantastic old BSA motorbike parked up opposite the restaurant on the other side of it.

Anyone out there know its model?

I think it's vintage is from the around 1920 but I couldn't find the owner to ask.

And by the way if you have never been to Seil Island, just go!

And Then There Were Three!

2011-06-20T13:01:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, one of my "Todays Photos" was my "urban fox" enjoying a bit of sunshine.

Well this afternoon I looked out of the window and saw this lot!

There is a lot debate about whether these creatures should be allowed in cities. Well I don't mind for a minute that they have set up home in my back garden. It's great fun watching them go about their business.

I don't bother them, they don't bother me.

Glasgow Mela.

2011-06-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

This years Mela in Kelvingrove Park proved to be a bit of a soggy affair.

There was a sea of umbrellas and something I have never seen in Glasgow, a beer garden with no one in it!

The hardy souls who did brave the elements all seemed to be having a great time despite the inclement weather.

As I overheard someone say " We are used to this kind of weather".

Fair comment but I still don't like it at this time of the year.

Name That Mouse And Go Down In History!

2011-06-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

I was in Glasgow's greatest cheese shop this afternoon and spotted a mouse!

Don't panic, owner George Mewes told me that he puts it on guard duty at night when when the shop closes. I asked what it was called.

"Doesn"t have a name" said George. "Well that's hopeless" I said.

So name that mouse, go down in history and win a £ 20.00 gift voucher to boot.

Contact George by the 4 rth of July and be that winner.

A Cross Between Moses And Billy Connolly.

2011-06-10T15:49:00.000-07:00

I was covering a wedding at Luss Parish Church last weekend and shortly before the service started, the Beadle informed the minister, the Rev Dane Sherrard that a guest from a previous wedding had likened him to a cross between Moses and Billy Connolly.

When I asked him what he made of that, his reply, "I've no problem with that".

It then got me thinking what Billy Connolly's Ten Commandments might read like!

Chick Meets Crowe!

2011-06-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

I saw on the BBC news that one of my clients Charles "Chick" Allan, head of the Clanranald had been visited by his old mate Russell Crowe.

When I first met Chick back in 2002 I had been asked to recreate the famous Marylyn Monroe "skirt in the air" shot but using a bearded kilted Scotsman holding a broadsword with a castle in the background for a marketing pop up stand. No problem then!!!

Chick is standing above an industrial paint dryer which we had buried in the ground in order to get enough updraft to lift a heavy kilt.

The whole shoot was a hoot and I have snapped him many times since.

He met Russell Crowe on the set of the Ridley Scott film epic Gladiator where Chick playing a Barbarian is seen in the opening scene shouting obscenities at the assembled Roman troops waving a severed head of one of their comrades. This made them really mad and if memory serves me well, Chick didn't last very long after that.

I must get to have a look at his medieval village, it sounds fantastic.

I Knew It Wouldn't Be Long.

2011-06-02T12:04:00.000-07:00

Just over a month ago I posted up that for the first time in ages there was no road cone on the head of Wellington in Royal Exchange Square.

It has become one of Glasgow's iconic sights and it was recently reported that the authorities were going to try and stamp out the age old practice.

Well this morning it was not only Wellington that was wearing a cone, so was his faithful steed!

Severiano Ballasteros

2011-06-01T05:08:00.000-07:00

I was saddened to hear of the recent death of golfing legend Seve.

Over the years as a sports photographer, I have covered many championship golf tournaments involving many of the great golfers. I used to play when I was a teenager which allows me to tell how difficult a game it is.

I remember how effortless and elegant he made it look and he was the same age as me which I liked.

I have been asked to participate in several media training courses and when I was going through my archives looking for suitable material, I found a cutting using this photo I took of him at the Australian Masters way back in 1983.

I remember at the press conference after the match he had nothing but praise for his opponent 'The White Shark' aka Greg Norman who beat him on that occasion.

Fun Portrait

2011-05-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

Young Rebecca paid a visit to the studio today for some portrait photography and she was great to work with.

It was a hoot!

Raptors

2011-05-23T10:40:00.000-07:00

I was covering an event on Saturday where part of the day was a close up display of various raptors in action.

I have seen displays of this nature many times but never tire of seeing these magnificent creatures.

Awesome!

Early Summer.

2011-05-20T04:48:00.001-07:00

I heard on the news this morning that nature had been fooled into thinking it was the middle of June due to the sunny weather that most of the UK has been having of late.

Apparently the lowest rainfall in decades has been recorded, well ask anyone here in Scotland if they would like to concur with that and you might get a different answer.

I have to say that a couple of weeks ago, we did have a fantastic week of sunshine but alas it was not to last and back came the rain.

The upside was that my back garden literally exploded with plants that I have to admit usually don't appear this early on. Climate change springs to mind.

Nature photography out of my office window, Scottish bluebell city!

Ignominious End.

2011-05-09T11:36:00.000-07:00

I have never claimed to be a musician, in fact, I can't play a note but I do like my music.

I spotted this old piano at the weekend and felt quite sad. It got me thinking of all the tunes that people would have played on it over its life and when you see the craftsmanship involved in its working parts you have to think it should have been saved.

I remember a strong man type TV show when I was a youngster where part of the act was smashing a piano with a sledgehammer into pieces small enough to fit through a small square opening. The winner was the guy who could do it the fastest. I always felt a bit uneasy at this as I couldn't see why anyone would want to do something like that to a musical instrument.

I wonder what the late great Ian Stewart would have thought.

For a guy who played on every album bar one that the Stones turned out between 1964-1986, I can imagine.

One Week Later.

2011-05-08T04:14:00.000-07:00

It has been reported that this April has been the warmest since records began.

Last Sunday the sun was splitting the skies and everyone was out and about. This Sunday, you guessed it...... it's freezing and wet.

I have posted up a wee reminder of what it was like and I think everyone here in Scotland at least, knew it was to good to be true.

Robert The Bruce Gets His Oats!

2011-05-06T11:18:00.001-07:00

The great thing about my job is that you never know what the day will bring.

I have been going all over the country of late to photograph the refurbishment, re branding and official openings of Scotmid stores.

Yesterday, on a rainy day in Renton, "Robert the Bruce" no less turned up to do the honours.

Astonishing!

May The 4 rth Be With You.

2011-05-05T07:05:00.000-07:00

Another milestone in life arrived yesterday as my younger son Andrew turned 18.

He decided to have his first legal drink with his old man and older brother.

What better than a pint of Glasgow brewed Tennent's lager in one of the cities oldest and most iconic pubs, Tennents Bar to do the deed and it was a scorcher of a day.

Can't beat a cold beer on a hot day!

Wallace Monument

2011-04-28T01:57:00.000-07:00

I was at Stirling University at the weekend and saw this shot of the famous Wallace Monument through the trees.

It's a wee bit different to the usual property shots I'm asked to take.

I think it looks much better in black and white.

Unusual Sight.

2011-04-24T10:10:00.000-07:00

It's not very often that you get to see this.

For as long as I can remember, there has always been a road cone on the head of the statue of Wellington.

It has become one of the iconic sights in Glasgow.

Not today.

Glad It's Not My Car!

2011-04-20T13:45:00.000-07:00

I am always telling people that every living thing on the planet has as much right to be here as us humans.

I'm not so sure that I would be too pleased to own this vehicle though. Seagulls are beautiful looking birds but do they make a mess and a whole lot of noise?

I've never had the patience for wildlife photography but when an opportunity like this presents itself, what are you supposed to do?

Q......Where Are We?

2011-04-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

A......Right in the middle of Glasgow.

Glasgow Green to be precise.

It's amazing the sights to see on a warm sunny day in the city centre.

Tales Of The Riverbank.

2011-04-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

I grew up in Clydebank.

I clearly remember the tram cars, cobbled streets, thick fog due to smoky chimneys but most vividly, skylines of swinging cranes loading and unloading goods on and off ships on the riverbanks and shipyards.

It was a great day on Sunday and I went for a cycle along what is now a great route alongside the river Clyde which passes right through the city centre. When I got to the site of the new futuristic transport museum, I spotted one on the last undeveloped stretches of the old quayside. You can still see the old rail lines that the gigantic cranes used to travel along. A pile of granite cobbles caught my eye and when I picked one up it was obvious why after all these years they were still as good as the day they were laid down.

These old B&W photos reminded me of when I was a wee boy and before you ask, no I didn't take them.

Flight Of Fancy.

2011-04-11T11:29:00.000-07:00

I spotted the sea plane getting ready to take off from the river Clyde on Sunday at the Glasgow Science Centre.

In order to get airborne, it has to pass close by the paddle steamer Waverley. I was curious to know how long it would take her to get to Oban. A quick phone call and all was revealed, thirteen hours.

It takes the sea plane twenty minutes.

Shangri-La On The Bonnie Banks!

2011-04-08T12:27:00.000-07:00

Having spent the last 35 years of my life working in media, I have seen many good and many bad things.

Today, I found a very good thing on my doorstep. I was invited to visit Ardoch House at Gartocharn overlooking the 'Bonnie Banks' of Loch Lomond and it is something else.

An old farmhouse has been cleverly spliced together using 21st century technology and modern building techniques and as you can see by the result, it is quite stunning.

It is a multi use building which can cater for under privileged youngsters one day and top end corporate conferences the next.
It's hard to believe that it is only half an hour from Glasgow.

But for all its sophistication, it can't beat the world famous view.

Social Media ?

2011-04-07T10:43:00.001-07:00

More and more, I am finding that a lot of new business is being generated on social media sites. The likes of Facebook, Twitter,
Linkedin and Blogging are very effective when they are all joined together.

To find out more about this new effective method and how to improve my own profile I went along this morning to the Corinthian
to hear from the industry experts in this field where Julian Westaby of Dunning Design told a packed house a few tricks of the trade.

It was very informative and clearly has to be looked at seriously by everyone in today's marketplace.

An interesting fact that Julian made was that everyone in attendance had found out about the presentation online only.

I will certainly be at their next monthly meeting.

Great Place To Get Married.

2011-03-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for the ultimate wedding venue then Fasque House is the answer.

The stately home once owned by the Gladstone family opened its doors for a wedding fayre on Sunday and it was all happening.
Exotic sports cars, helicopters, fine food, pipers, harpists, florists and a host of others.

Fantastic day!

First Of The Year.

2011-03-28T04:07:00.000-07:00

I spotted my first butterfly of the year at Fasque House yesterday.

I'm no expert but I think it was a Red Admiral.

Love Is On The Dance Floor!

2011-03-12T18:45:00.000-08:00

I have just got back in from an event at 29 Club in Royal Exchange Square, it is 2.49 am and I am wide awake.

I decided to do a wee bit of editing and this image caught my eye only because I now know what these bonnie lassies were on about when they shouted over the music for me to take this photo.

Do you think they were telling me something?

It's Not Over Yet!

2011-03-11T07:05:00.000-08:00

Last week I posted a blog about the crocuses being a sure sign that summer was on the way. I also remember saying I wasn't going to hold my breath either.

Well, looks like I was right.

I was doing some work in Balloch this morning and Ben Lomond has a very nice snowy hat back on and there are weather warnings of 50 cm of snow for the weekend.

Great if you like skiing!

Hair Raising!

2011-03-08T08:41:00.000-08:00

I was photographing a story telling work shop this morning at Europe's largest wind farm, Whitelee, this morning.

The event was organised by East Renfrew District Council and story teller Ron Fairweather was on hand to entertain everyone.

This place is well worth a visit, the food is fantastic as are the views and you can walk around and see the scale of the place close up.

I commented on another earlier blog my feelings on renewable energy as we simply cannot go on relying on fossil fuels that belief is just plain daft. Surely if we can get to the moon, land, pick up rocks and get back safely, we can work out a way to supply our energy needs without all the mess we are creating?

Young Maya Nyamakanga helped me illustrate the power of the wind and it was "blowing a hooley".

Alabama 3 At Oran Mor

2011-03-05T03:57:00.000-08:00

The last time I saw the Alabama 3 there were 16 of them performing. The time before about 10 and last night at Oran Mor there were 4, what's going on ?

They were none the less fantastic. I was lucky enough to be on the guest list so didn't take my cameras but as usual couldn't resist taking a few shots with my gilrfriends little Lumix.

It only reinforced the fact that most of these types of camera are brilliant in the daylight but are not very good at performing in low light conditions. Some of the effects are very nice but next time I'm lugging in the proper gear.

Shooting live band photography is trickier than it looks.

Tangled Tiaras !

2011-03-02T14:04:00.000-08:00

I am always on the look out for that spontaneous unusual moment when taking wedding photographs.

At every wedding there are always many but this one was a first for me.

The bride and her sister got in each others hair quite literally when their intricate tiaras became entangled. It took several minutes and a pair of keen eyes to get them separated.

It sure made for some great photos.

The Ultimate Wedding Venue.

2011-02-28T13:42:00.000-08:00

I have been working on this project for many months and can now start to spread the word about this utterly, magnificent venue.

Fasque House, just 25 minutes from Aberdeen, at Fettercairn is to open its doors for the first time by businessman Douglas Dick-Reid and his wife Heather who have created a spectacular wedding venue and conference centre.

The historic Georgian mansion, the former family home of William Gladstone - one of Britain's most famous Prime Ministers, is to host an exhibition of some of the best wedding service providers in the North East of Scotland in a bid to help brides plan their big day free from stress.

Everything from florists to photographers will be on hand on Sunday, March 27 at the first free exhibition of its kind to be held at Fasque House.

Fasque House is one of Scotland's most prestigious private stately homes boasting several reception rooms and bedrooms, including a self-contained three-bedroom bridal suite, over three floors and 33,500sq ft of elegant space.

Weddings and civil ceremonies can be held inside the magnificent entrance hall in front of an elegant double cantilevered staircase, believed to be the largest of its type in the UK, which is naturally lit by a giant ornate cupola.

Corinthian columns, arched doorways, decorative stucco cornices and ceiling roses adorn the reception rooms along with decorative marble or timber fireplaces and original cast-iron grates which provide a luxurious insight into the grandeur of a bygone age.

Outside the house acres of rolling lawns, peacocks, white deer and an abundance of wildlife provide an ideal romantic backdrop for wedding photographs.

This is going to be a very popular place for and it's only just over two hours drive from Glasgow and Edinburgh.

'Old Tom' Visits Golfing Heritage Site.

2011-02-25T05:29:00.000-08:00

Now I've never been much of a golfer but it was nice to meet 'Old Tom' Morris at Coodham House yesterday.

Tom was on hand to help present a plaque in honour of one of golf's heroes, James Ogilvy Fairlie, founder of the Open Golf Championship.

Scottish Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism Jim Mather was also there to oversee the event set up by the Links Association.

If you like your golf, this is the place to live.

At Last!

2011-02-24T09:23:00.000-08:00

I was out working today, wait for it............ in the sunshine!

For the first time in about five months it was nice to move about without a jacket on and when I got back to the office, the crocuses had appeared.

This made me happy as it is a sure sign that better and warmer weather is on the way.

After the winter we've just had, I hope it's a long hot summer.

But I won't be holding my breath on that happening.

Here is a wee reminder of the -16 C temperatures.

Transformation.

2011-02-20T06:06:00.000-08:00

I have always been amazed by the skill of the make up artist.

Sarah is currently on a course on the craft at Clydebank College and needed some photographs to illustrate her work. The model for the shoot was Lauren who reminded me a bit of Ena Sharples when I first saw her coming through the door.

It was only the hair net now !

Glasgow Architecture.

2011-02-08T13:55:00.000-08:00

Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery is a truly magnificent structure.

On a stormy day last week I took this photo.

Later on this year it will be 'Thunderstruck' again as the boys will be Back In Black.

Changing City.

2011-01-27T05:21:00.000-08:00

I was in St Enoch Square, Glasgow this morning and this view caught my eye. Glasgow was known as the second city of the empire and had striking architecture to match.

But as I'm always saying, nothing is forever and things move on but I'm glad there are still plenty of the old buildings blending in with the new.

Mae West goes to Church!

2011-01-27T04:55:00.000-08:00

I met 'Mae West' aka Pene Herman-Smith on Queen Margaret Drive yesterday.

Before Madonna, before Monroe there was Mae. If you would like an evening with the great lady then get along to Oran Mor on 22&23 February tickets £ 10.00 from ticket web and from the main bar and you'll be helping the RNLI in the process.

Birds Of Paradise.

2011-01-16T06:16:00.000-08:00

For some strange reason, I had associated Peacocks as birds that would only do well in tropical climates.

These two were doing very nicely in the snow at -10C in the grounds of Fasque House.

They are quite stunning.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T02:31:00.000-08:00

I thought you might like to see my first photo of 2011.

Taken right on the stroke of midnight.

Happy New everyone and as they say here in Scotland, " Lang may yer lum reek " !

Jagger's Jukebox

2010-12-30T15:42:00.000-08:00

I was listening to Sir Michael in conversation with Paul Sexton yesterday.

Mick was talking about the music that had influenced him and forged the Stones unique sound.

It was brilliant. There was everything from The Staple Singers, Toots and the Maytals, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, Credence Clearwater Revival, Peter Tosh, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Curtis Mayfield, Ray Davies, Sly & The Family Stone, Eric Clapton Donny Hathaway and Peggy Lee.

No wonder they are the greatest rock and roll band on the planet.

But then I would say that.

Tattoo You.

2010-12-21T17:59:00.000-08:00

Not to be confused with the brilliant Tattoo You, written up by some halfwit as the "last great" album by the Stones. It has the masterpiece "Slave" on it, have a listen.

Who are these people?

On Saturday night, I was doing event photography at a mega Christmas party at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow and spotted a couple sporting a startling array of tattoos. I got them to pose for a portrait and no, they had never met before.

I like tattoos as long as they are on other people.

The Arctic Pays A Visit.

2010-12-07T12:43:00.000-08:00

I can't remember weather this cold in Glasgow in my lifetime.

The forecast is for -12C tonight.

What Was I Doing?

2010-12-07T11:31:00.001-08:00

Over the years, I have been on and off the ciggies many times and finally managed to give them up totally over five years ago.

I was listening to my old pal Tom's radio show the other day and he was talking about those wall mounted ash trays outside pubs and restaurants that have sprung up since the smoking ban. He was describing in graphic detail one that had been overflowing
and had horrible black icicles hanging down, it sounded disgusting. I then spotted this bin with frozen dog ends stuck to the top.

I often wonder what I was doing.

Hattie.

2010-12-02T09:06:00.000-08:00

I was at the Bafta screening of Hattie by Stephen Russell last Sunday. It is the true story about Hattie Jacques secret affair with a younger man in the sixties while she was married to John Le Mesurier.

Hattie is played by Ruth Jones and her young lover, John Schofield, is played by Aiden Turne r.

I remember Hattie Jacques well from the classic Carry On films and working with the likes of Eric Sykes and Norman Wisdom.

We were invited to the newly refurbished and luxurious Blythswood Hotel after where I managed to get a couple of portrait shots of Ruth and Aiden.

It was a lot more risque than you may imagine.

Cold Comfort.

2010-11-27T11:05:00.000-08:00

For you bloggers in sunnier climates, here's what I woke up to this morning.

Last night there wasn't a cloud in the sky.

Winter has arrived!

Grand Central.

2010-11-27T05:48:00.000-08:00

I was attending an event by the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce which was being held in the newly refurbished and iconic, Grand Central Hotel.

£20,000,000 has been spent on the upgrade and I have to say it is now back to its former glory and some.

I slipped off for a look at the grand ballroom and a member of staff gave me a demonstration of the new lighting effects that are now available i couldn't resist taking a few interior photographs.

Magnificant.

Eye,Eye.

2010-11-18T02:30:00.000-08:00

I spotted this big eye in the Kelingrove Art Gallery and noticed people waving their arms around in front of it as it winked away.

Yes, curiosity got the better of me and I joined in with a self portrait.

Great place to go and it's free!

Zombies On The Move.

2010-11-17T13:14:00.000-08:00

Recently that great phenomenon of being a zombie for the day came to Glasgow.

There were bunny ones, polis ones, scary ones, Mexican ones, young ones, psychedelic ones, Lara Croft ones, walking wounded ones and all sorts of other ones. The scope for news photographs was endless.

It was all completely bonkers but great fun.

Cheesy Or What!

2010-11-17T12:20:00.000-08:00

A few months ago I told you about George Mewes cheese shop on Byres Road.

Well, I was in on Sunday morning before the shop opened to get some shots for his new web site. I love doing food photography as I normally get a few samples to try out.

It was all to much!

Swanning Around.

2010-11-17T08:11:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday at Rouken Glen Park on Glasgow's south side I spotted this beautiful swan just soaking up the autumn sunshine by the side of the pond. It is amazing the amount of wildlife photography available in the city.

Fantastic.

Scooting About.

2010-11-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

It was like a scene from a movie.

I spotted these guys a few days ago in the west end of Glasgow.

I remember when there were loads of scooters on the roads but you don't see many today and the modern ones just don't have the class looks of the vintage ones.

Great to see.

Two Guitar Greats In One Week.

2010-10-25T12:07:00.000-07:00

What a great week I've had.

On Monday night the utterly brilliant Joe Bonamassa played to a sell out Glasgow Concert Hall and last night I had a front row seat for a very intimate but also sold out and equally brilliant Nils Lofgren.

I'm not going to try and tell you how good both gigs were as I don't have the ability.

I used my girlfriends wee digital camera to get a few images of Nils in action. It was a bit naughty as photography was strictly banned.......... but I couldn't help myself!

Winter Is Not Far Away.

2010-10-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

I like this time of year as some of the colours to be seen are spectacular as nature takes its annual cycle into winter.

Yesterday afternoon in the Botanic Gardens as the sun was setting was the place to be.

Landscape photography is on hand even in the city.

Couldn't Resist This.

2010-10-17T04:09:00.002-07:00

I spotted this old LP in the window of a second hand vinyl record shop in Byres Road yesterday called The Great Scots Arrive.

I say "old" as it was a mono recording and features a band resplendent in full kilt outfits playing electric guitars. I'll bet that went down really well with the traditionalists from the mid sixties. Check out the link as they were written up as "Canada's answer to the Beatles" ........ honest!

Now I feel really old!

Commonwealth Games Handover Spectacular.

2010-10-14T12:28:00.000-07:00

I watched the official handover of the Commonwealth games from Delhi to Glasgow today with great interest as a couple of weeks ago I had been commissioned to photograph much of the preparation and choreography for the ceremony here in Glasgow. In the past, I have covered three Commonwealth Games as a sports photographer so it was interesting for me to see all the hard work and preparation that goes into the closing ceremonies.

Until today I had been sworn to keep it all under wraps. Over 350 people from all over the country took part and I witnessed the first inflation of the giant "Armadillo". It was astonishing to see such a huge structure taking shape so quickly and all done by leaf blowers. All in all, about two weeks of hard work went into the rehearsals all of which was done well out of sight from everyone not involved.

What can I say ?

It was a very spectacular display by everyone concerned and I'm sure it has gone a long way to showcase Glasgow on the world map.

The Games will be here in four years.

The Tartan Army.

2010-10-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

The city centre was awash with soccer fans today.

The reason.... well, the world champions Spain are in town and are playing Scotland at Hampden Park this evening.

Scottish fans are collectively known as the "Tartan Army" and are known worldwide for their friendly demeanor. Our history on the pitch of late has been a bit ropey, a far cry from when I was a wee boy in the sixties. Back in those days we had legendary players like, Jim Baxter and Jimmy Johnstone. These guys were fierce rivals when playing for their respective clubs Rangers and Celtic but when they pulled on the Scottish jersey, they were poetry in motion. I took a shot of them back in 1992 after they had both long been retired from the game and it was good to see that they were still full of life.

I not a great football fan and to be honest I could hardly name anyone playing in today's team.

I hope they do well tonight.

News update....... We came back from 0-2 down to 2-2 but in the closing minutes the world champs scored a winning goal. As we say here in Scotland, " Nae Luck"!

Sir Norman Wisdom 1915-2010.

2010-10-06T04:30:00.000-07:00

As a news photographer, I have photographed many famous people from the world of show business over the years.

Back in 1993 I was sent out to photograph Norman Wisdom and we had a milk float as a prop. I think he had played a hapless milkman in a much earlier film and we were recreating some type of anniversary of its first screening. I'm just not sure as it was so long ago.

He would have been 78 years old at the time and I remember being totally amazed at the ease with which he jumped on and off the float. He was a very fit man for his age.

He asked me if I could send on some photos which I did. A few weeks later, a very nice thank you letter arrived at the office.

Showbiz characters are always larger than life. Some take themselves too seriously. He certainly didn't.

My very brief encounter with him was very enjoyable.

Robyn's Return Visit.

2010-10-02T07:10:00.000-07:00

After her first studio shoot last year which lead to her winning the "Face of Sophie Teenware", young Robyn came back to update her portfolio recently.

She has decided to pursue a career in the beauty business and in the meantime, she is on the books of several agencies and is still modeling.

Jake's Journey Begins.

2010-10-02T06:31:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago, Jake's dad was having photographs taken in the studio for his web site. After the session, he saw a photo of my son at a few days old and intimated that when he became a dad, he would get a similar shot taken.

Well guess what?

He got in touch a few days ago as his day had come and here are some of the images.

You have to do this type of shot in the first week of life. If you leave it any longer, the newborn baby features are lost forever.

New Energy.

2010-09-22T02:52:00.000-07:00

I have been acutely aware of wind farms appearing out of nowhere over the past few years. Up above the city of Glasgow on the way to the Campsie Hills, I noticed a line of conventional pylons feeding the city with power. On the horizon there was yet another skyline of wind turbines. A couple of miles further on and up popped another.

I remember my grandfather telling me that there was a lot of controversy when the original pylons were erected across the country as they were also seen by some as a blight on the landscape.

Our dependency on energy is at an all time high and getting more and more by the day. In my opinion it is inevitable that we have to look at alternative sources or more catastrophic events as happened recently in the Gulf of Mexico will happen again.

We are funny about what is good and bad but I have never met anyone who has admitted they could get through life without electricity. Objectors argue that wind power is inefficient, well surely if we can get to the moon and back we are capable technologically of making it viable in the near future.

Taking the above into account, I don't mind them at all. I would put one in my garden like a shot but I have no doubt there would be a planning issue.

Now That's What I Call A Green Car!

2010-08-31T09:29:00.000-07:00

I try and keep my blog free of any trace of blatant commercialism but I had a good laugh at the "eco car" parked over at Cathcart this afternoon.

Innocent fruit drinks have to be the yummiest on the planet and they are additive free with all their products. I have been drinking them for years.

My only complaint, "Why do they not do a big carton of their yoghurt and vanilla drink"?

Come on Innocent, give me the answer. The wee ones are too wee and don't tell me that you can't because you used to do it.

Now, Those Were The Days!

2010-08-29T12:24:00.000-07:00

It could have been a scene from a 50's movie.

Parked up in the west end of Glasgow, I spotted this fantastic old Vauxhall Velox in mint condition.

All that chromium shining in the sun, utterly brilliant.

They just don't make em like that anymore.

A Hidden Gem.

2010-08-19T04:03:00.000-07:00

I was asked along to an art exhibition at the Panopticon Music Hall in Glasgow's Trongate
recently to view the work of artist Ryan Muttar.

I've lived in Glasgow most of my life and had only just heard of this fantastic old venue. It opened its doors in 1857 and such luminaries as Dan Leno, Harry Lauder and a sixteen year old Stan Laurel have all tread the boards during a somewhat colourful past.

It was quite an experience, you could feel the atmosphere and easily imagine the noise of the crowd.

Quite unexpectedly, we were treated to an act of bygone times involving a young lady covered in balloons brandishing a long pin. As this is a family blog, I'll leave the rest up to your imagination.

This is undoubtedly one of Glasgow's best kept secrets.

"The Pipes, The Pipes Are Calling".

2010-08-19T01:01:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, the annual World Pipe Championships took place on Glasgow Green.

Now the pipes are a bit like Marmite, you either love them or hate them. With over 55,000
people turning out to witness this spectacular, there can be no doubt they are a huge tourist draw. Bands from all over the world compete for the coveted trophy and in this 100th anniversary year, the St Laurence O'Toole pipe band from Dublin picked up the top award.

I caught up with Craig Muirhead and Jonathan Graham during the day to take a photograph of them in their capacity as the "Hero Pipers of Delhi". They have the honour of playing the pipes during the official handover of the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow for 2014 in
Delhi later in October. One small fact, the audience watching is estimated to be around a billion.

No pressure then!

Bygone Days.

2010-08-07T03:10:00.000-07:00

It is always a great sight to see the Waverley at sea. Last Sunday I took this shot at Largs on the Clyde Coast.

The Annual Glasgow Show.

2010-08-02T04:11:00.000-07:00

It was all happening on Saturday at Glasgow Green, the annual show got off to a rather damp start but it didn't seem to dampen the spirits of the gathered masses.

I have covered thousands of similar things in my career so far but the ingenuity of the human race never ceases to amaze me.

There were phenomenal stunts on horses, motorbikes, one guy even set himself on fire and jumped from a platform for our entertainment while the compere announced "Don't try this at home".

The birds of prey were great to see but one of the handlers told me that one of them had got spooked and had taken to the trees. He told me that it had an electronic tag and could be detected and it would come back when it got hungry.

Up at the main stage, there was a Michael Jackson tribute act which drew in thousands of people and then I heard a another famous voice in the background. It was my old friend Mark Wylie. Now Mark has an amazing act consisting of highly trained stunt ducks
appropriately called "The Drakes of Hazard" who perform death defying stunts which leave can leave an audience speechless.

And finally, from a galaxy far, far, away, even Darth Vadar dropped in for a look.

All this for £4.00, a bargain.

Merchant City Festival.

2010-07-28T07:29:00.000-07:00

Every year in Glasgow's Merchant City, there is an annual festival of the weird and wonderful. If you missed it this year, don't miss out next time round as nearly all of it is free.

I spotted this rather surreal "Alice In Wonderlandish" musical dance troupe performing in George Square. When one of the dancers up ended herself, it was all to much for one spectator.

In a word, bizarre!

The Worlds Best Cheese Shop.

2010-07-23T06:15:00.000-07:00

Recently opened on Byres Road, Glasgow, is George Mewes Cheese.

Now the word passionate is much banded about, usually alongside some footballer or other. Well, in George's case it is totally justified. What this man doesn't know about cheese doesn't matter.

One visit and you're hooked!

A White Heilan Coo!

2010-07-21T03:21:00.000-07:00

I don't think I had ever seen a white highland cow until last Monday.

They are very rare but look great amongst the red hairy herd.

It's A Jungle Out There!

2010-07-13T07:03:00.000-07:00

At six thirty this morning, I heard my resident magpies making much more noise than usual. This is usually a sign that some other poor animal is being hounded out of their territory.

What I saw next was quite astonishing as the recipient of their angst was none other than one of my resident foxes who had the temerity to enjoy a spot of early morning sun bathing.

The aggressive creatures were pecking away at its tail and other parts of its body and in the end foxy decided after a quick scratch, on an ignominious retreat back into the bushes.

Bully boy magpies rule the roost here in Clydebank.

This Was A Ruff Job.

2010-07-01T01:41:00.000-07:00

Meet Buzz.

Buzz is a one year old Border Terrier and was he full of beans.

Once he had disgraced himself and calmed down, I managed to get him to sit still long enough to grab a couple of portraits.

I would love a dog but due to the nature of my work, it's not a practical idea.

Human Statue's.

2010-06-30T06:53:00.000-07:00

Now I think we have all seen them, human statue's that is! In my experience that is what they do with only slight movements every so often to give it all away.

I was covering a very prestigious event at the weekend and couldn't believe the skill of the artists performing.

During the meal, they put on a show which made it look like gravity didn't effect them. It was all done in extreme slow motion. You know that saying, "You would have to see it to believe it". Well, this one one of those occasions.

Almost unbelievable !

I'm Glad I Gave Up !

2010-06-21T13:34:00.000-07:00

I cycled from Bowling to Balloch on Sunday along the custom built path which takes you through Dumbarton, along the banks of the Leven and finally to the pier at the bottom end of Loch Lomond.

It was fantastic looking over the Loch up towards the Ben and then to my horror, I spotted a tub full of dog ends. Now being an ex smoker, I'm not doing any preaching here but surely amid all this natural beauty, there must be a better way for smokers to dispose of their used cigs.

If this isn't enough to make you want to quit, I give up!

Hard To Beat.

2010-06-19T01:31:00.000-07:00

Having lunch is usually a fairly uneventful experience.

Well, in less than an hour from the centre of Glasgow, you can be sitting on the shore at the Lake of Meteith enjoying a bowl of Cullen Skink and watching the world go by.

In a word, idyllic.

And Only 21!

2010-06-11T05:26:00.000-07:00

I was asked to photograph the opening of the latest Fragrance House in Glasgow's Sauchiehall Street recently.

Doing the honours was Stephanie Willems, Miss Scotland 2008.

I asked her what she had been up to since her year in the spotlight. Many trips to Tokyo, Paris, Milan, New York etc, she told me.

At the tender age of 21, she is a veteran having started at 14.

She was very professional and great to work with and is going back to Japan very shortly.

Maybe I should take up modeling ?

Welcome To Edinburgh!

2010-06-07T03:19:00.000-07:00

Most of us here in Scotland are aware of how ruthless traffic wardens are in the Capital city. They are collectively known as the "Blue Meanies".

On Saturday, I saw first hand, one of them in action. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not for anyone parking in places that cause danger or inconvenience but I couldn't believe that they would order three wedding Chauffeur's to move the limo's outside the Cathedral in Edinburgh's west end during the service. Well they did.

At this point I'm going to stop in case I go off on a rant. In my past life, I would have made a few bob selling the story to a Sunday paper as the groom tying the knot was a well known "Auld Firm" Scottish footballer and the fact that they are now known as 'Blue Meanies" but used to known as "Green Meanies", would have been manner from heaven for the caption writers.

I can see the headlines now!

Somthing Familiar.

2010-06-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

I was given a card shaped memory stick at an event I was covering last week.

Since then, I have used it a couple of times and just a few minutes ago I noticed that the images being used on it, I took back in May.

I have had thousands of photographs published over the years but this was a first for me.

Nae Respect For The Bard!

2010-06-02T08:44:00.000-07:00

I was showing friends from down under around Glasgow at the weekend and in George Square we spotted a seagull perched on the head of our national bard, Robert Burns.

It looks a favourite resting spot for these noisy creatures.

A Messenger From The Afterlife ?

2010-05-21T12:31:00.000-07:00

It has been written up in Scottish folklore that a white deer is a messenger from the afterlife. Well, I was back up at the Scottish stately home I mentioned in an earlier
blog and spotted a herd of them no less.

They are very rare, so I suppose it must be even rarer to find a herd of them.

Poor Old Pigeon.

2010-05-17T14:22:00.000-07:00

I went to close my window tonight and found a dead pigeon lying on the sill.

The poor old thing must have flown into the window.

Exile Is Back.

2010-05-17T07:19:00.000-07:00

Today saw the release of newly remastered Rolling Stones masterpiece, Exile on Main Street, complete with 10 previously unreleased tracks. Some are saying it is a deliberate ploy to extract money from those of us who already have it in our collection. Well, considering that I bought it on vinyl back in 1972, then on tape, then on CD and finally as part of a boxed set of CD's, I for one couldn't care less. Yes, I have bought it again and here is the proof.

First thing this morning!

Now some say that I am obsessed with the Stones and want to debate who actually is the greatest R&R band ever, to me that's like debating if the sun rises and sets every day.

There is no debate.

How The Other Half Lived.

2010-05-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

Last week, I was taking some photographs at one of Scotland's finest stately homes. In the library I spotted an original 1935 copy of The Field magazine. Can you imagine the furore the tobacco advert would cause nowadays. I did like the style of the whisky one though.

Up in the attic, I opened a door and found a belter of an old toilet. They don't make em like that anymore!

On the way out I spotted a pair of nesting swans on the private lake.

In a word, idyllic.

A Slower Pace.

2010-05-05T01:43:00.000-07:00

I spotted this barge on the Forth & Clyde Canal at the weekend.

The canal used to be one of the busiest waterways in the country and I remember "puffers" like the Vital Spark, which I spotted is now berthed at Inverary Pier, passing through the swing bridge on Kilbowie Road. The Vital Spark was a fictional Clyde puffer created by Neil Munro and later turned into a very funny TV show.

This barge is Dutch and at some point must have made the journey across the North Sea.

A rare sight by today's standards.

Urban Art ?

2010-05-04T06:31:00.000-07:00

I was cycling along a track underneath the Erskine Bridge on the River Clyde recently when these here 'swans' caught my eye.

In the middle of nowhere, someone had sculpted them from what looked like reeds.

I liked them.

Scary Stuff !

2010-04-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

I spotted this insect at the weekend.

It had just landed onto a hand rail and therefore gave away the fact that it's of the flying kind.

Last summer, I spotted an even bigger one ( same species ) in the garden and asked if anyone knew what is was, no reply to that, so here goes again. The reason I'm curious is because it looks like something that should be in a jungle, not Clydebank.

It looks really menacing taken at a jaunty angle close up.

Is this why most of us are usually scared of insects ?

End Of An Era.

2010-04-19T10:06:00.001-07:00

Nothing is forever, I must stop saying that but it is true.

On Sunday, the Glasgow Transport Museum at the Kelvin Hall shut its doors for the last time before the big relocation to the new state of the art premises next year on the banks of the Clyde. It looks good to me

I don't know how many times I visited the place when my boys were growing up as they never tired of going and it was a great escape on a wet weekend. I can even remember going to the original transport museum on the south side which is now the Tramway.

On Sunday there was an emotional gathering rounded off with speeches and at 5.00 pm, a piper played everyone out and the doors were shut for the last time. It was a fantastic city attraction but I'm sure the new one will be just as good.

It'll be interesting to see if there will be a charge to get in. One of the things that visitors to the city can never understand is why the museums and art galleries are free to enter.

Another Great Debate.

2010-04-19T07:02:00.000-07:00

When I first started listening to music seriously in the 60's, you had the The Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

No contest !!!

Then along came the 70's. You had Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty. Now this was a lot more difficult for me never having seen 'The Boss' live. On the other hand, after queuing all night to get tickets for Nils Lofgren at the Apollo in 1977, I was completely blown away by his support band yes, one
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. What a night that was! Maybe that has swayed me ever since over to Tom's tunes. I still have the original ticket stub. By the way, check out the Apollo web site, it is absolutely phenomenal.

I took these photos at a 1992 Heartbreakers gig at SECC.

Both of them have written many classics but I never really felt the urge to buy any Springsteen albums whereas not only did I start with vinyl, I then went onto tape and finally (so far) CD's of Tom's recordings.

Yesterday I heard a tune by 'The Boss' called Girls In Their Summer Clothes, it is fantastic.

I don't think I'll ever get a definitive answer to this personal dilemma.

Festival Of Visual Art.

2010-04-19T06:28:00.001-07:00

Running until the 18th of July, is the festival of visual art at Glasgow's Tramway.

You can see Douglas Gordon's 24 hour Psycho which has been described as 'one of the defining icons of contemporary art'..... I didn't get it. A huge space screening B&W split projection of the film in slow motion accompanied by crows squawking and you could watch them as well on three TV's stacked as a pyramid.

However, next door there is a nugget by way of an installation by Swiss artist Christopher Buchel. I'm not going to try and explain the experience as it is far to complex. Just get to see it.

"Fitba Crazy"

2010-04-17T06:29:00.000-07:00

Over the past two days,I have been shooting stills for a promotional film about Glasgow.

On Friday afternoon during the lunchtime break, I was doing some editing on the laptop in Buchanan Street when I saw this young guy performing.

He was a genius with a football.

Bygone Days.

2010-04-12T04:25:00.000-07:00

You know that line about steam trains "being alive".....it's true!

When my boys were wee, we used to go and visit them at Bo'Ness. I hadn't been back for about fourteen years and the whole experience is much better. We used to take the train to the old lead mine and explore it.

The station is like a time warp and all the enthusiasts dress in uniforms from the 40's & 50's. Also on show is a class 27 diesel locomotive, even it had it's own charisma and I think there were loads of them around way into the 80's.

Even if you think you don't like steam trains, visit this place before you make your mind up. You'll be converted.

What Goes Round...As They Say.

2010-04-09T01:53:00.000-07:00

On breakfast news this morning it was reported that the updated version the 60's musical Hair had opened in London's West End to huge acclaim.

I was only about twelve or thirteen when the original show hit the stage to huge controversy and outrage and I remember the iconic "big hair" psychedelic poster which I believe was modelled by Marsha Hunt.

She later admitted that Brown Sugar was written about her but had earlier turned down the offer to advertise Honky Tonk Woman. ( My favourite tune ever )

Now you are probably thinking where the link is here but it is quite simple. On Easter Sunday, I spotted this young lady on Byres Road with "big hair", the rest is total coincidence.

Easter Sunday In The Trossachs.

2010-04-08T06:53:00.000-07:00

When I was in my early teens, my best friends mother was the headteacher at Brig O Turk primary school in the Trossachs.

I remember the first time travelling up the winding and narrow "Dukes Pass" from Aberfoyole, getting to the top and looking down over Loch Achray and the then, Trossachs Hotel. It was a magical place with so many great spots that I'm not going to try and explain them.

I'll let these photos set the scene for you.

One thing though, if you are ever travelling along beside Loch Venachar, stop at The Harbour Cafe. It has the best food and the best views in the area. In a word........spectacular.

April 1 1985.

2010-04-01T13:52:00.000-07:00

Since it is "April Fool's Day", I thought it would be interesting to see what I was doing a quarter of a century ago today.

According to my photographic negative archive, this was it. Scotland were being defeated by Canada at the "Silver Broom", better known as the World Curling Championships. I remember that the Kelvin Hall in Glasgow was turned into a temporary ice rink and the whole affair was spectacular. Teams from all over the world arrived in the city and competition was fierce for the coveted title.

It was a very busy time for me as I was operating my photo wire service to sports desks on newspapers in Canada, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Switzerland where curling is a huge participant sport. Canada beat Sweden in the final and I recall that the Canadian skip Al Hackner, had the nickname "The Iceman". He was the the man to beat but no one did that year.

Curling is a sport that most people have never tried and I liken to snooker in the sense that you tend to only see it on TV and the people playing, make it look easy as they are the best in the world. I have only tried it once and believe me it is extremely difficult but great fun at the same time.

I thought you might like a look at a wire machine. It is astonishing how easy it has become to send photos around the world today. Back in those days you had to carry around a portable darkroom with trays of chemicals, tongs, hairdryers, photo paper and all the paraphernalia needed to produce a 10x8 inch print which was then strapped onto a drum and each B&W transmission took 7.5 minutes per photo. It was not a cheap piece of kit either costing over £3,500 back then. As you can see, by today's standards, it looks and is a museum piece but thousands of news photos were sent worldwide to newspapers from this very machine.

Now you send high quality colour images from your phone and computer in seconds but sorry folks, all the fun has gone.

The Sands Of Troon.

2010-03-30T05:23:00.000-07:00

Scotland has some great beaches, if it only had the weather to go with them.

Troon in Aryshire, has miles of beach and last Sunday all sorts of things were happening.
Dog walkers, strollers, picnickers and kite flyers to mention but a few. There are also some lovely old sea front houses which must have great views over the Irish Sea.

Now here comes the moan....... I spotted a raft like device which had obviously taken great effort to build and transport onto the beach for whatever reason. It was now totally unseaworthy, abandoned and a terrible eyesore. The blue barrel's were heavy duty polypropylene and according to technical specification, will not degrade by any significance for at least two hundred years. So that's alright then!

On a lighter note, at the end of the harbour road, there is MacCallum's, now this has to be the best fish and chip shop ever.

Promotional Photos.

2010-03-30T05:11:00.000-07:00

Over the years I have done loads of studio sets for people of all ages who are looking to get into acting, modeling, hairdressing or any other industry which requires a portfolio of photos for self promotion.

There is an old saying in this game, "the camera loves you", OK, I know it's a bit hackneyed but it's none the less true. Young Stephanie here had never been in a studio before.

She was great and I'll be surprised if she doesn't get snapped up by one of the agencies.