Scottish Skies

15/06/2026

Ok, today’s peregrinations were as pleasant as yesterday’s and I found my shop of dreams.

The kind of shop it takes YEARS to become itself … and a very wise and mysterious shopkeeper to boot.

I found a stone idol * which I had my heart set on but the very real possibility that it could be cursed swayed my mind.

The last time I messed with powers I could not possibly comprehend caused a bit of a sticky situation … and not one I’d care to repeat.

So I bought a small o***m scale case instead.

It may also be cursed … but if it is the demon will likely be gowched oot his nut and fairly easy to despatch back through the mouth of hell into a hideous and deserved perdition.

*I did take pictures of the idol but none of them saved to my phone. Not a single one.

14/06/2026

So, I disembarked from the ferry in George Town just after midday and made my way to the hotel … I seem to have lucked out there. More later, perhaps.

Initial thoughts on George Town are limited to an evening walk, as I really had to have a wee rest, especially in the heat of the afternoon.

I like it. I think I really do … only a couple of hours in, but all of them with a hint that it’s a place I’ll enjoy.

I’m based in — and will remain in — the older part of town, which, if years of touring taught me anything, is where all the good things happen.

First thing: the old town is the main tourist area, but there’s a really healthy mix of older businesses, with no obvious incursion of chains or outside money pushing them out.

Now, this area is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so if that’s what’s helping maintain its character, then it’s a tip of the bunnet from me.

The area is far from manicured, though. It still maintains the elegant decrepitude of the best old towns.

There’s plenty of street art and graffiti too … a lot of it clearly commissioned or sanctioned, but in a good way. Some really quite inventive stuff as well. I’ll maybe take some snaps, but many have before me, and undoubtedly better than me, so just Google it if interested.

One of my favourite parts — and maybe an insight into how this place maintains itself — is that the local businesses clearly don’t just open here. They live here.

Many towns drove that out years ago. I know where I’d rather hang out, though.

Anyway … a quick first impression as I shelter from the rain with a beer.

01/06/2026

Bangsaray anchorsmiths …

28/05/2026

Gourock sunrise …

11/05/2026

I went for a daytime version in the end. I really wanted to capture the lady who runs the shop. She appears to know everyone in the village … always cheerful and kind.

A copy of the pic is en route to her via mutual friends. I hope she likes it.

11/05/2026

Umala and I had a trip to the steelyard again today … new trellis incoming.

Found some lovely looking stuff in the fabrication yard.

08/05/2026

https://youtu.be/LkVGfVXPy18?si=9Ua1Nqx8uq5DoYAw

3.3K likes, 203 comments. "Lalo Schifrin - Danube Incident"

02/05/2026

Test shot of the beer store ...

30/04/2026

Temple Bells ...

08/04/2026

At last … they’ve declared victory, for the moment. A victory for locker-room diplomacy. Can we all get on with our lives now … and can someone recommend this plum a tailor?