A few months ago there was a hot discussion on one of my favourite radio shows about the words used by farmers to call up their sheep. It turned out that they were distinctively different in different regions of Scotland, though working well for those using them. My personal experience is that, everywhere I come across sheep while walking, they…

On 1 April this year an item of news was circulated in the media, that eating seven portions of fruit and veg a day can prolong human life. This item was yet another in an ever-rising tidal wave of health advice flooding newspapers, radio and TV shows. Avoiding some food and eating more of another should prolong our lives, although…

A relatively small screen locked in a relatively big case, showing only one channel, and only in black and white. That’s my childhood memory of our first telly. Then a revolution happened: a second channel became available. In order to switch between them we had to buy a set top box. Children were very useful to have around, as remote…

At a recent meeting I was asked why I came to Scotland. Because such a question has been cropping up many times on many an occasion, I had my points ready to present. But – to be absolutely honest – every time I struggle a bit, because all the reasons I give – all true – are rather the results…

The Little Prince, in the book by Saint-Exupéry, is concerned about baobabs growing on his tiny planet. If the Prince were to allow the baobab trees to grow, they would eventually split it open and destroy it with their roots. But he must be careful not to dig out the good plants – just the dangerous baobab shoots. Today’s first…