A deep dive into why the aesthetics of a book cover shape our reading experience — and whether that judgement is fair.
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The Edinburgh Academy last week Picture the scene. A class of ten-year-old boys sit in their smart blue and grey uniforms at one of Scotland’s best-known private schools, the Edinburgh…
Artist Nicola Gear burns a Mandala in the Highlands, photo Rob Bruce Rishi Sunak told the Guardian yesterday that he is: “British, English and British Asian”. Of course he is…
We just returned from a visit to friends in the United Arab Emirates, passing through the busy gold souk of Dubai on the way back. There, at the junction of…
Glen Docherty looking towards Loch Maree, photo by Rob Bruce I wrote last month about Scotland’s million-deer problem and how that is affecting the Highlands. The animals crash onto the…
Statue of George Washington in Boston, photo Rob Bruce The shots that killed Renee Good last week in Minneapolis were heard around the world. Government agents meted out death on…
Winter sunset, photo by Rob Bruce A Happy New Year when it comes! Thank you very much for your interest in this blog in 2025. I enjoyed writing and sharing…
Doe on Maol Cheann-Dearg (bald red head), photo Rob Bruce Venison is cheaper than beef or lamb and makes a brilliant festive winter stew. I like to add mushrooms, red…
Dunottar Castle, Aberdeenshire, photo Rob Bruce. The childhood home of Elisabeth Keith. Mary Queen of Scots visited the castle on three occasions. Why is Scotland’s history so often presented to…
Aberdeen harbour, photo Rob Bruce I was in Aberdeen this week. It is reeling from the UK budget. The evidence of human and capital flight is all around: battered “for…
Arnold Kemp Last week the news that Donald Trump is suing the BBC for a billion pounds for defamation was widely discussed. This week, after consulting its American lawyers, the…
At Stirling Castle this week We had visitors to our Highland cottage last weekend and, apart from a wee dip in the cold blue sea, Saturday was dominated by sport…
Note: We have two events for “Take Me to the River” coming up – Thursday Nov 21, Kinlochewe village hall and Thursday Nov 27, Waterstones, Glasgow Xmas shopping event Photo…
As a young woman, I never really travelled alone – I didn’t have the nerve or the inclination. But in recent years, I have started to do this in a…
With Halloween – or Samhain, as we Celts apparently call it – approaching, Edinburgh city centre is still heaving with tourists. They’re not wrong to come at this time of…
Water in its natural state, Abhainn Coire Mhic Nobuil, photo by Rob Bruce Like every country, Scotland faces huge challenges when it comes to managing drinking water and sewage. But…
Robert Wedderburn came a long way to find out that his father was a bastard. Born in Jamaica, as a young man Robert made his way to London. He was…
October events Vicky and I will be discussing themes from Take Me to the River at: Body positivity: Soul Water Gathering, the Pitt, Newhaven, Saturday, October 18, 4.30 pm Is…
“Lord” Tiddles considers Scotland’s future – image by AI Last weekend, my tweets were grabbed and made into an article for the Daily Express – not with my consent. I…
Photo by Gillian M Robertson O wad this braw hie-heapit tounSail off like an enchanted ship,Drift owre the warld’s seas up and dounAnd kiss wi’ Venice lip to lip,Or anchor…
Rob Edwards, an environmental investigative journalist for 40 years Below is a look at the patient work that lay behind this investigation. On another note – I have tried to…