October 2022
Mary Queen of Scots
Mary Queen of Scots is definitely one of the most talked about figures from Scottish History. I met the Director of Artemis Scotland, Jackie Lee, who was dressed as Mary Queen of Scots in the Huntarian Art Gallery for the latest exhibition The Afterlife of Mary Queen of Scots from 14th October 2022 to the 5th February 2023. This new exhibition explores the legend of Mary and her cultural afterlife. Admission is free which is always a good thing.
Oh Yes We Are !
With Christmas coming up the theatres are now start going into Panto mode. The Kings, The Pavilion, etc all are all warming up with photo calls. I was visiting Pollok House for the photo call for the King’s Theatre production of Beauty and the Beast.
We had Johnny Mac, Rachel Flynn and Blyth Dandoo with Elaine C Smith in the library at Pollok House. It was great fun as always. It has been ages since visiting Pollok House. The last time was a few years ago to see Harry Benson at his exhibition there.
Music to My Ears
I had another lovely day with the BBC Young traditional musicians for the Young Trad awards. What a pleasure it is listening to them playing and singing. The program was written by Joy Dunlop, who is lovely. Its times like these I feel like giving away my guitar.
It was nice to see the picture on the BBC iPlayer too.
Back To School
When you look at old buildings there has always been the temptation to demolish them and build new. I have always thought that was such a mistake seeing some of the lovely old buildings that have fallen to the bulldozer over the last few decades. I had the pleasure of visiting my dad’s old primary school recently. Drumoyne Primary has now been developed into flats and houses called Cromdale Square. The new housing development by Linthouse Housing Association is a development of 49 affordable homes and was opened by first minister Nicola Sturgeon. When you look at the old falling down school building and then see the newly designed flats. It really is keeping the best of the old with the new.
What a Difference a bit of thought and good planning can make. Look at the change in the collect picture taken my my good friend Ross to the new up to date image of 2022.
Two retired lollipop ladies came along to the opening to see the spot they spent so many years getting the kids safely across the busy road.
Mary Livingstone (76) and Anne Harley (68) were back on patrol to see the former Drumoyne Primary in Govan turned into new homes for rent by Linthouse Housing Association. They even helped the first minister crossing the road which created smiles all around.
Martin Shields Photography 