Sunset over Barra from Tiree

Our annual trip to Tiree came early this year because of various things happening during the summer. I was looking forward to seeing Tiree with different flowers and fauna earlier in the season. The sunsets were also different. I have photographed this at Balevullin beach many times but this time with my 400m lens, I could see the island of Barra as the sun set behind it. Another first, this time was getting so close to the seals on the beach. I watched this one for about an hour. It knew I was there and occasionally looked across.

What a View of Edinburgh

I had a trip through to the capital this month. I met with the two lovely guys from Lentitek Ltd, Leif Anderson and Adam Inche.  Lentitek Ltd is an Edinburgh-based company specialising in the development of innovative manufacturing technologies for cost-effective delivery of advanced cell and gene therapies. They were to announced the successful raising of £250,000 in investment. They took me up to Calton Hill overlooking the city. What a view! The picture looked great in The Scotsman.

Big Skies

I love big skies. I had the pleasure of photographing utility management experts Eyebright based at their base at the Forth & Clyde canal at Spiers Wharf. They were great fun and their serious image is not how they are in real life. They were really up for taking the pictures showing the Glasgow backdrop with the amazing big sky. I think the rain was not far away that day.

Adam Smith Tercentenary

I was covering some of the anniversary events of political thinker and economic revolutionary Adam Smith, considered to be the founder of modern economics. The university of Glasgow and its students were celebrating one of their most distinguished alumni. The week was called Tercentenary Week as part of the Adam Smith Tercentenary Year. I photographed  student Wendy Kwangsue holding the first edition copy of Adam Smith: The Theory of Moral Sentiments, London 1759.

A Wedding in Black & White Press Style

I was asked along to the City Chambers registry office to witness Al Stars, my old Picture Editor, and his wife Maggie renew their wedding vows. It was s good day and the couple looks fantastic. I loved the picture in black and white. A nod to the old press days. Congratulations Mr and Mrs Stars.

A Wee Picture

The Glasgow Contemporary Art Fair has been given a new name and a new venue this year. Reveal Glasgow (formerly Glasgow Contemporary Art Fair) was exhibiting at the SEC in Glasgow. I was meeting David Gilliver photographer, who specialises in long-exposure photography, the art of painting with light, as well as macro photography. It always makes me a bit nervous photographing another photographer but he was great. We spent more time talking than doing the picture.  He brought along one of his miniature photographs of his art called ‘7up’. He was exhibiting it as part of a GSA collective.

Science Up Ladders

I am not a scientist, even thought at college we were supposed to understand physics and chemistry for use in photography developing negatives and prints and understanding how light bends through a lens. I do enjoy science based photography assignments , so was pleased to visit the MiAlgae plant in Stirlingshire. MiAlgae recycles the co-products from the Scotch whisky industry, like pot ale, as a feedstock to grow omega-3-rich microalgae, which can then be used as a nutritious fish feed and pet food ingredient. This manufacturing process aims to reduce global reliance on wild-caught fish (the traditional source of omega-3), reduce carbon emissions and prevent the loss of ocean ecosystems. So all sounds good to me and I like a dram. They had new bioreactor towers on site and my challenge was to get the staff and the new bioreactors in the same shot. Thank goodness for the ladders up the side of the bioreactors and nothing next door  so I could get back far enough to get a good shot.

Art With The Mad Hatter

A regular trip for me is to the Briggait in Glasgow for the Wasps’ Markets.  They have a Spring, Summer and Winter markets. Hosting ninety stalls the artists welcome visitors to support local artists and creative businesses. I photographed artist’s rep, Margaret Archbold, at the category A-listed Briggait built in 1873, as she took a break from her stall to have a read at her 1897 copy of Alice In Wonderland dressed as the Mad Hatter.

Wedding Fever

I do not usually photograph weddings. Too much stress for me on the big day and as a press an PR photographer I usually leave it to the experts. However I am sometimes asked and take a deep breath deeply and say yes. My friends, who live nearby, were getting married at Knockraich Farm in Fintry. It is the same location as the Courtyard Cafe where we go for coffee and at the age of 57 I discovered chutney. I did a feature on the farm years ago for The Herald where they have their own eggs, their own milk , make their one honey amongst other things. The wedding was in the old barn and the reception was in the old Tin Shed and the ceremony was in an old pig old barn. You may now be recoiling in horror, but this was one of the loveliest venues I have ever been in. It was superb. It was beautifully decked out with flowers and lots of lovely natural light.

Framing up an Idea

I had another great trip to the Huntarian Art Gallery at The University of Glasgow this month. It was for the ‘Reframing The Huntarian” press call at the much-loved venue in the west end of Glasgow. Staff member Esme was helping by showing me the best parts of the gallery to work on and the special blank frame was to signify the ‘reframe’.

From April, visitors will be able to see over 200 artworks spanning seven centuries in the revamped main gallery. Many of the works have never been on show before or have been hidden from view for a number of years.

I was a bit creative with my second picture as Esme does not sweep the floor.

Al Fleming’s Wartime History over the The Campsie Fells

Happy 100th BBC Scotland

I had the pleasure of being a part of the BBC 100 years of broadcasting this month. 

From an attic in Bath Street, Glasgow, on 6 March, 1923, John Reith, the general manager of the British Broadcasting Company announced that “5SC was calling”. That was the callsign for listeners to Station 5SC – a radio service which launched the BBC’s programming in Scotland.

To celebrate the anniversary, the BBC Amateur Radio Group and West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society were running an event, which features the original callsign for that first audience who were listening on their crystal radio sets. More than 300 fellow radio enthusiasts from 37 different countries as far afield as India, China and Brazil had made contact through the special event callsign of GB5SC.

They were running from a temporary radio base on the fifth floor of BBC Scotland’s Pacific Quay HQ. It was great fun to hear the reply when BBC Direct General was on the headset making the GB5SC call.

It made  publication in the Radio Society of Great Britain magazine 

Another part of the celebration was presenter Sophie Raworth at BBC Scotland in Pacific Quay, where she was presenting the BBC One network 6pm and 10pm news programmes.

A Very Old Book

The Tall Ship Glenlee

A Trip to the Borders

Music In Motherwell

The Glasgow Taxis Cup

Recording in the Studio

I met the super talented Ukrainian pianist Svetlana Andreeva and her husband, conductor Sergey Neller who were recording her new CD with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra orchestra at The New Auditorium in Glasgow. They were recording AIR Piano concerto N°4 & “DAWN” Symphonic poem. It is a World premiere recording by the composer Christian Schittenhelm. You can find the new CD at Sfumato Records soon. Here is the link – https://sfumatorecords.com/

I was there to document the day. The experience was amazing. What a sound. Thank goodness for my silent shutter on my Canon R5 when the red light came on during the recording.

Watching the Orchestra

I found myself back in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall with Royal Scottish National Orchestra not long after my experience of the recording with Svetlana.  It was for the performance of the Beethoven Emperor Concerto with pianist Francesco Piemontesi,  conducted by Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård . Once again the music was superb.

Who Wants to go Into Space ?

This month I met the world’s first female private space explorer  XPRIZE Foundation CEO, Anousheh Ansari. She was inspirational talking to the youngsters from local schools at the Glasgow Science Centre . It was great watching the reaction of this Springburn Academy pupil as she was trying on a space helmet. Anousheh met with the school children before attending a showcase of Scottish space companies organised by Scottish Enterprise. 

Glasgow’s Hospice Takes to the Airwaves

I have had many assignments at the Price & Princess of Wales hospice however this was my first photo call that involved recording a podcast. I met Pauline Moore, host and producer of ‘Dear Green Place’ podcast with Rhona Baillie, Chief Executive of The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice in the hospice grounds. I wanted to show the lovely winter scene while they recorded the everyday things happening in the hospice. The lake in front of the building  looked lovely in the winter sun. 

The Big Studio at the Kelvin Hall

A few months ago I was in the new BBC Studios in the Kelvin Hall in Glasgow. I was photographing all the state of the art facilities in the building in the space that I used to go and see the circus at when I was young. The studio was not quite ready that time and I finally got access this month. I have actually photographed the Frankie Boyle new World Order show in the space but this was my first time seeing it empty and realising just how big it is. It is huge and with all the studio lights reflecting on the lovely clean floor it looked massive. The following day was the official opening with First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon. It would have been hard to keep the floor clean with all the photographers and press in.

All The Best for 2023

Finally a happy new year to everyone. I really hope we have put the last few covid years behind us. I have put together a slide show of some of my favourite assignments over 2022. 

Winter Wonderland

The cold snap during the middle of December made for some truly magical views. The trees were thick with frost and with the – 9 degree cold and mist it gave the landscape a surreal look. I had a lovely walk around Loch Ardinning on the edge of Mugdock County Park. One of the comments on Instagram said “the trees looked like waves”.

The Snowman with the RSNO and Aled Jones

I had a lovely festive time at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Star of radio and television Aled Jones joined the Royal Scottish National Orchestra for special performances of The Snowman, marking 40 years of the iconic film. He did make a joke about the Irn Blu advert too and it made everyone laugh. There was a great atmosphere in the hall. The music was magnificent and the junior chorus were sublime. There was some great banter with Aled and conductor Neil Ferris. The show played Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh too.

The Wasps’ Studio Artists Christmas Market

The Briggait in Glasgow is a magnificent building.  Originally built in 1873, the Briggait was the city’s fish market for over 100 years. I love going along to see the Wasp’s studio artists at work on their stalls. After the last years of covid restrictions this years the market comfortably beat the previous market’s attendance, with over 2,200 visitors on the first day alone. My picture of artist Margaret Archbald, as the Christmas grinch, holding the mistletoe over ‘Jimmy the dog’ was the press picture that gave everyone a smile. 

Christmas Dinner

I am no cook but I would love to learn, so its always nice to photograph a chef and see if I can get any tips. I had a morning with Masterchef winner Gary Maclean. He was promoting the Mary’s Meal’s Big Family Christmas. Gary, a  long time supporter of Mary’s Meals, was at the photo call on Buchanan Street in the pouring rain to raise awareness of the event to feed children in the worlds poorest countries. He was truly a great sport. 

Pantomime Fun with Aladdin

Christmas would not be Christmas without the pantomime season. I always cover The Pavilion panto. It’s always great fun to go in and get to see the show before anyone else during the final dress rehearsal. The show this year, The Magical Adventures of Aladdin, was brilliant . My picture shows Stephen Purdon (Shellsuit Bob from River City), Grado (from Scotsquad) and panto favourite Nicola Park.

Another newcomer to panto is wrestler Jack Jester who was great as the baddie Abanazer. In fact the whole cast were fantastic.

Anyone For Tennis

Everyone that knows me knows I am a real tennis fan and try to play a few times a week. I have photographed the lovely Judy Murray more than a few times and I am always up for listening to her coaching in case I pick up any tips. I was delighted to be asked by charity Mary’s Meals to cover the launch of their Double the Love Campaign. Judy was joined by Mary’s Meals care manager, Suzy Harley at the tennis court at Caledonian University. We had a few hits up and down and then the challenge to see how many tennis balls we could get in the air at the one time. The only thing we were not up for was jumping over the net at the end of the match.

A Trip to the V&A in Dundee

I had my first visit to the V&A in Dundee this month. What an amazing building inside and out. I was invited along by a group of amazing people from the charity Housing Options Scotland.  They provide information, advice and support to help people find the right home, in the right place. I have been working with them over many years and have seen at first hand the difference they make to people’s lives. The event was for their 25th Anniversary celebration. The ministerial address was given by Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice. The event was really terrific with lots of fascinating talks and speakers. There even was a cake to cut ,which tasted brilliant.

Pride & Prejudice (Sort of) out on Bath Street

I joined Scotland’s favourite actress, Elaine C Smith, who welcomed the cast of Pride & Prejudice *(*sort of) back to Glasgow. The show was first performed here in the summer of 2018.  The show, a unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s classic love story. We decided to take the cast outside onto Bath Street right outside the theatre and joining us was the Duke of Wellington’s horse complete with a traffic cone on its head. The cast and Elaine were really up for the picture. Fortunately for us the rain that had been chucking it down all day had stopped for our picture, which was good as we had the chaise lounge sofa. Fortunately someone brought a brolly, which added to the picture too.

Frankie Boyle at The Kelvin Hall

Another Assignment that made it to the BBC iPlayer was covering Frankie Boyle’s New World Order that was filmed at the new BBC Studios set at the Kelvin Hall. I have covered the show before and it’s always hilarious. One of the shows was on the day Liz Truss had left number 10 Downing Street and the jokes were bang up to date. I imagine there had been a lot of last minute script changes that day. It was nice to be covering the show this time with no Covid masks on.

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

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.

Hello Halloween

I love halloween, not the scary movie part but the dooking for apples, getting dressed up and pumpkins. Every year I look forward to a trip to Arnprior Farm, Scotland’s premier pumpkin patch. All geared up for  Halloween 2022 they had a new a one of a kind new addition. As well as the usual bumper crop of over 15,000 pumpkins, this year, the team unveilied Scotland’s only pumpkin vending machine. Farmer Rebecca McEwen showed me how easy it is to use and the hot chocolate and coffee machine just as the side of it. It’s ideal for someone like me who doesn’t want to get all muddy. I know the kids love mud but not me so much.

The View From Space

Another great attraction for Halloween is super show from Space Invasion from Childrens Classic Concerts. I had a great visit to the Glasgow Science Centre with presenter Owen Gunnell who was joined by RSNO musicians Luis Eisen on bassoon and Janet Richardson on flute. The trio in their space suits really made me smile. The shows are playing the the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and Usher Hall in Edinburgh.

Having a Drink with Cher

The Kelvin Hall and no Elephants.

The Scale of the Glasgow Cathedral

Time For a coffee

And Finally…The Last of the Summer Wine

Singin’ in the Rain Even When the Sun is Out

I had a lovely afternoon with the cast of  Singin’ in the Rain as they made a splash at Doulton Fountain in Glasgow Green leading up to their performance at the Kings Theatre.

A favourite in musical theatre, the show came to Glasgow for a week’s run. The colours in the costumes were magnificent and really took me on journey to the glamour of Hollywood in the roaring 20s. These shows always look great and the cast can hold the pose to make a terrific picture.

A Big Daffodil

I love all the huge murals that are dotted around Glasgow City centre. I had an assignment to photograph striking new artwork celebrating life in Glasgow’s Govan area. It had been commissioned to mark the 50th anniversary of Govan Housing Association. The fantastic tenement mural on the city’s Govan Road was created by celebrated street artist Sam Bates , better known as “smug”. The artwork shows  a young girl bending down to pick a daffodil. We had local youngster Annie who posed with her own daffodils to mimic the giant artwork. The mural has now been named Georgie in a tribute to one of the Govan Housing Association’s long serving management committee members Georgie Hay. Sometimes photographing artwork in this scale is not as straightforward as you would think. A very wide angle lens is needed and a small aperture to get the subject in front in focus as well as the building.

Wasps Summer Artist & Makers Market

I wish I was more creative with arts, crafts etc. I love seeing artists at work and their finished results. I was covering the Wasps Summer 2022 Artist & Makers Market at at The Briggait in Glasgow. The crafts, art and textiles on show were amazing. My eye this time as really taken with the textiles. 

Tori Meads really made an impression with her Harris tweed Cushions. The bright colours really stood out for me with the lovely texture of the Harris tweed. I also liked the work of Jolene Guthrie whose brand is Jo AMI. Here knitwear was quite special. She was good in posing with her mannequin decked in one of her lovely creations for my picture.

Pizza Pizza Pizza

I love pizza and this month I was asked to photograph the new Nostrana Bar Restaurant on Hyndland Road. I met Marco Stevenson owner with his team. What a great bunch. So enthusiastic. They do loads of different types of pasta and other favourites but for me its pizza every time. Sadly I was driving so I couldn’t sample any of the cool looking cocktails.