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…

When I ask for help, I get two types of reactions. Primary school-age children instantly raise their hands up, and some enthusiastically try to draw my attention: “Choose me!” When a group of adults have been asked, everyone suddenly realises something is wrong with their footwear that requires their immediate attention and prolonged diligent visual inspection. I wonder what would…

Several weeks ago, the Western media widely reported on a celebrity-studded hen party. Usually, it’s the domain of the tabloid press, keen to report on the wealthy splashing cash on pre-wedding parties, which sometimes last many days in various locations around the world. However, this time, the unusual nature of the event captured the attention of more serious media outlets.…