Among my many flaws and vices is a particular one that I can do nothing about: I tend to look down on people. Literally. With my 6 foot 4 inches I tower above many. It gives an awful sense of inequality. On the other hand, I feel a bit envious of those having much more hair on their heads than…

I love science. When I read books, magazines or watch TV and have to make a choice between entertainment and scientific documentaries, I always choose the latter. In my humble opinion we live in a sort of scientific Golden Age, with our collective knowledge expanding at a mind-blowing rate, accompanied by incredible technological development in virtually every aspect and area…

The outcome of the recent Synod of Bishops became a short-lived talking point in the media last week. Their general common perception of the final document was of a blow dealt to Pope Francis’ plans, mainly regarding the divorced and homosexuals. The main problem with the media is that they consider the Church to be in the same category as…

In the 21st century we might think that religious wars are a thing of the distant past. Since the 18th century all conflicts have been fought for political, nationalistic or for ideological reasons – though I’m not sure that ‘reasons’ is the right word for such a horrific thing as war. All of a sudden the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York…

This year I’ve already broken two of my personal records: I’ve conducted three weddings in Fochabers – more than in any year previously – and I’ve taken part in two of the wedding receptions that followed. To my regret I’ve missed most of the other functions I’ve been invited to over my years in this parish, and some of you…