With my teenage daughter, on the second day of January 2025. We arrive at Southerness lighthouse, on the Solway shore. The tide is just on the ebb. To our right we can paddle through lapping waters and reach the track beyond. Here we pass huge boulders of white granite, barricaded to protect the properties above.Continue reading “A walk by the Solway Firth”
Category Archives: Galloway
An A-Z of 2024 in the garden: Xanthocyparis Vietnamensis
This letter of the alphabet was causing me a problem with my A-Z of the Dumfriesshire Garden in 2024. Then I realised the solution was right in front of me. One day this summer, my neighbour rang to say that the owner of a large specialist plant nursery in Galloway had called to say helloContinue reading “An A-Z of 2024 in the garden: Xanthocyparis Vietnamensis”
Epiphanies and Robberies Chapter 8: Lammas
Andrew stirs DC Harris to make contact following a letter about the art robberies, in the Dumfries Weekly. They are now cautious allies in sharing information and hunches, not least the possibility of a double strike occurring in the near future at Kirkcudbright. Anne-Marie, and her mother, along with Caitlin experience the curiosities of theContinue reading “Epiphanies and Robberies Chapter 8: Lammas”
Epiphanies and Robberies Chapter 7: Lament for Sarah
His grant application complete, Michael goes camping near Kirkcudbright and thinks he might have bumped into the art robbers. Andrew is facing the first anniversary of Sarah’s death and talks at length to Anne-Marie about the whole story. DC Harris has a disarming conversation with Machars Gordon that chimes with a mysterious camper van, leftContinue reading “Epiphanies and Robberies Chapter 7: Lament for Sarah”
What’s in a place-name? An interview with Colin Mackenzie
This latest interview in my series about creative and inspiring people living in Dumfries and Galloway, is someone I have never met. Indeed, when I contacted him earlier this year, he informed me that he was about to leave his home region and relocate to Orkney. So I’m looking forward to meeting with him inContinue reading “What’s in a place-name? An interview with Colin Mackenzie”
Alan McClure: creator of songs and wielder of words
I first met Alan McClure over 10 years ago when I read a review of a CD from an upcoming trio called The Geese. I quickly bought a copy and was rewarded with a selection of songs that combined wit, insight and enthusiasm with great tunes and memorable choruses. The acoustic band was quickly bookedContinue reading “Alan McClure: creator of songs and wielder of words”
Hazel Campbell: at the stroke of a brush
The year was 2010. Heading to our favourite cafe/gallery in Castle Douglas one gloomy Saturday, we paused at the front window. A large watercolour painting was mounted on an easel and seemed to be lighting up the whole High Street. Electric blues and vibrant greens shone out around a quirky white cottage. In the foreground,Continue reading “Hazel Campbell: at the stroke of a brush”
Quotidian 