Some of you might remember the Fukushima nuclear disaster 14 years ago. The magnitude-9 earthquake off Japan’s east coast, considered one of the strongest ever recorded, triggered a massive 10-metre-high tsunami that in some areas travelled up to 6 miles inland. These natural events caused widespread destruction of infrastructure, businesses and homes. Nearly 20,000 lives were lost, and many more…

A son of two Irish immigrants, a firefighter and a nurse, Mike Lynch’s story is an almost perfect modern version of the’ rags to riches” tale. His first job was as a cleaner in the same hospital where his mother worked. Talented, intense, and driven, he sailed through his classes and went on to Cambridge, where he soon started his…

About ten years ago, I was asked to plan and lead a walking pilgrimage for a group of American students. The Speyside Way seemed an ideal choice. It would showcase various Scottish landscapes, from the mountains to the coast, and provide a lesson on the history of the Catholic faith in Scotland during and after the Reformation. However, on the…

You may still recall that just over a week ago, we experienced a mini heatwave in Aberdeenshire. It was hot enough and lasted long enough that I decided to buy a set of lighter clothing. Those who know me well would understand that it was a big deal – my fashion spending is so tight that if everyone followed suit,…

“An Englishman, an Irishman and a Scotsman…” It’s a classic opening for a British joke. It’s very common in various parts of the world as well; in my home country, it would usually feature a Pole, a German, and a Russian, with the latter often the butt of the joke. There are also versions with different professions, such as a…