When I visited my Dad in Ireland two weeks ago it was the first time I had been there since January 2020. Although only two and a half years ago, it feels like a lifetime ago. I vividly remember wandering around Dublin’s many city centre streets for the first time. I remember being fascinated byContinue reading “Learning to stop always running from the places where bad things happen”
Neil Stewart: “Everybody’s Welcome I’m afraid and that’s the bottom line”
The founder of Running the Highlands discusses running across Scotland, the birth of the Lumphanan Detox and the importance of inclusivity. (Click on Link) https://express.adobe.com/page/TyzTJTbOVGyPJ/
Marilyn Monologues – Meall Alvie and Creag Ghiubhais
There was some mild confusion followed by a simultaneous cry of joy with the realisation that Callum McGregor’s shot had tickled the back of Croatia’s net. Rory and I even thought the Croatians had doubled their lead. Driving back down Deeside, it was sometimes difficult to take in…
Morrone Hill Race 2021 – Race Report
Legs bloodied and chest pounding I descended tentatively into the Gathering Arena for one final lap in front of the spectators. The last 35 minutes had been a rare lesson in pain. This largely offset by the thrill of being able to race again for the first time since September 2019. Saturday morning was spentContinue reading “Morrone Hill Race 2021 – Race Report”
Marilyn Monologues – Hill of Founland and Hill of Tillymorgan
Colossal lorries whizzed past at an alarming proximity and velocity as we marched down one of the A96’s soggy verges. We had began our first Marilyn bagging adventure in a layby about halfway between Inverurie and Huntly in rural Aberdeenshire. Following directions extracted from…
Marilyn Monologues – Introduction
It was a particularly dreary February evening when I first started mapping out Aberdeenshire’s Sub-2000 feet Marilyns. I wanted something out with my journalistic development to look forward to when the Summer months finally arrived. This involved peering at my laptop screen…
The Alternative Eurovision Review
I could have spent Saturday night washing my hair, but I thought I’d be better providing an irrelevant and ill-informed insight into Eurovision 2021 which literally no one asked for. Broadcast live into my sitting room where I’m spending a Saturday evening in my own company, the following lays out my live reactions to allContinue reading “The Alternative Eurovision Review”
Embracing my Inner Aberdonian
“Ye hiv tae ken faar tae look. Ye need tae ken a the different places tae actually see the good characteristics o Aiberdeen.” This was Leah’s wonderfully positive reply to a pretty negative question which I had tasked her with. It had come towards the end of a practice interview as part of my placementContinue reading “Embracing my Inner Aberdonian”
Pounding Aberdeen’s Pavements with Purpose
Bringing in the distant bells of 2021 atop Creag Choinnich, I felt truly hopeful. I didn’t know what the start of this year would bring, but I did have one definite purpose: To cycle, run and walk 300 miles between New Year’s Day and the 6th February. It had all started with a message intoContinue reading “Pounding Aberdeen’s Pavements with Purpose”
Running Diaries – The River Don Trail
On an afternoon of icy rain in Aberdeen I found temporary shelter under the arching Diamond Bridge. This is the third Don crossing, a structure completed in 2016 which connects the housing estates of Danestone and Middleton Park with the city centre. Five miles into a nine mile run and the bridge was offering littleContinue reading “Running Diaries – The River Don Trail”
Six Festive Strolls
Cora pants with unstoppable enthusiasm as she drags me up the side of Carn na Drochaide with ease. Mum follows on behind as we struggle to navigate the slippery path in search of a good viewpoint. As humans we are unable to depend on the natural four-wheel system which dogs have at their disposal. EventuallyContinue reading “Six Festive Strolls”
Social Media and Me
Wednesday 11 November 2020 On Tuesday I watched The Social Dilemma on Netflix. A docudrama which I would recommend spending 125 minutes of your life watching and by watching, I mean with no social media apps open and no laptop screen blocking your view of your television. As someone who is likely balancing on theContinue reading “Social Media and Me”
A Glen for the Less Cynical
I’m no dentist but as I face Shrek and Donkey with their, bulbous wide open eyes I can’t help but notice their truly terrifying teeth. Fiona is nowhere to be seen and nearby Barney the purple dinosaur looks like he’s been out on the town the night before. His mouth agape in a twisted smileContinue reading “A Glen for the Less Cynical”
Martians, Millennium & Maitlis: Nine Novels of Lockown
On entering lockdown in March my catalogue of recently read novels was looking pretty sparse. My last fray into fiction being the completion of George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four, arguably best read onboard a ferry to Shetland. For the first two months of 2020 I’d been too distracted by Netflix and an unhealthy addiction to RugbyContinue reading “Martians, Millennium & Maitlis: Nine Novels of Lockown”
Running is Badass. Period.
While flicking through an issue of Runners World recently I came across images of toned athletic specimens in perfect fitting gear. Beside the images of barely sweating bodies are finely tuned weight loss regimes, 10K training plans and endless lists of foods to avoid. Although I often envy the kitted out gentlemen in these publicationsContinue reading “Running is Badass. Period.”
Birthday Adventures
In past years I’ve often awoken on New Year Day around midday, slightly dazed but with a vague feeling that I want to do things differently in the year to come. Unfortunately, the lazy and dare I say slightly dull resolutions that many of us make at Hogmanay have often failed to come to fruitionContinue reading “Birthday Adventures”
Granite City Getaways
There was some faint hope yesterday on a sad day for the North-East that Nicola Sturgeon would announce a lifting in lockdown restrictions for Aberdeen. Alas there was understandably no change in the five mile travel restrictions currently imposed on Aberdeen’s 205,000 odd residents. August is of course a time of the year when manyContinue reading “Granite City Getaways”
The Spookiest Castle you’ve never heard about
It was a particularly gloomy evening as we made our way towards Dufftown in Leah’s yellow corsa. The bright colours of the car contrasted with the dull greys of the sky above Speyside as we navigated the wet roads. This was a perfect example of a cheaper and shortened version of a good old roadContinue reading “The Spookiest Castle you’ve never heard about”
Searching for Dracula
In the midst of an overcast Scottish summer there are wonderful days where this country is literally shown in it’s best light. I think us Scots quite often deliberately forget about these days, feigning for some average conversation starter about how the weather is always rubbish. Thursday was definitely one of those days, the typeContinue reading “Searching for Dracula”
A Crash Related Ramble
Never do I feel so confident as when I’m going great guns on a bike or tearing down a technical hill side like an ungraceful mountain goat, just about managing to keep my balance. Those moments are blissfully rare insights into a fantasy life which could resemble total self-belief while anxiety remains absent. Reality doesContinue reading “A Crash Related Ramble”
Weekly Ramblings
Issue 9 – Wednesday 10th June The Good A slightly late Weekly Ramblings comes to you from a fifth week of lockdown spent in a slightly colder and cloudier Braemar. Later this morning I’ll be leaving the village to perform a socially distant visit of my Granny with my brother. Armed with muffins, I’ll beContinue reading “Weekly Ramblings”
Like Riding Through Treacle
It’s always difficult to get out of bed when you can actually hear the rain and wind battering your bedroom windows. Friday morning was no exception to this rule. Awaking early for my planned ride I thought, ‘it’s June, it can’t be that cold outside.’ Spoiler alert: it was pretty cold. Not only was itContinue reading “Like Riding Through Treacle”
Weekly Ramblings Returns
Issue 8 – Tuesday 2 June 2020 Introduction Its been a long time since I tried to keep a weekly blog and in hindsight its confusing why I didn’t start my ramblings back up earlier in this long-lasting lockdown. Maybe I naively considered the comings and goings of life at home to be uninteresting orContinue reading “Weekly Ramblings Returns”
Up eh Road
Before setting out on my long-suffering Cannondale bicycle last week I first delved into my inconsistent Strava history. Strava for those unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately out of the loop, is an app which provides a relatively detailed account of how far or fast you have gone on a ride or a run. According to myContinue reading “Up eh Road”
Two Different Types of Lockdown
It was 17 days ago that I dragged the last item of my student belongings through the door of my Aberdeen flat. My mood was rather sombre as I carried my annoying elephant costume, which I regret ever purchasing, and placed it beside the dusty staircase. Having said my final goodbyes to my Jamaica StreetContinue reading “Two Different Types of Lockdown”
A Granite Paradise
The sand is warm between your toes as you stroll across a beach sipping a cocktail while lounging around in your swimsuit. The location is undisclosed as the waves lap the shore. You could be in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean or somewhere else warm. That doesn’t matter. The sun is shining and you’re at peaceContinue reading “A Granite Paradise”
French Flair, Irish Intelligence and Scotland’s Silly Errors
This weekend was always going to be just that little better than usual as the crème la crème of sporting events got underway in Cardiff. I speak not of the Super Bowl in Miami, but instead of the Northern Hemisphere’s rugby showpiece where long-time supporters and long-suffering girlfriends (or boyfriends) alike were treated to twoContinue reading “French Flair, Irish Intelligence and Scotland’s Silly Errors”
An Irish Guinness Please
With a sense of intrepidation, I climbed the narrow steps leading to the small Aer Lingus flight which would be taking my Dad and I to Dublin. I’d describe it as smaller than a small plane. The mini bus of planes if you like. Boarding the propeller plane, I rembered I’d previously convinced myself thatContinue reading “An Irish Guinness Please”
Man Up – Re-post
I originally posted this on the 15th May during Mental Health Awareness week. I thought I would re-write in for World Mental Health Day which was on the 10th October. Reading the previous post I thought my writing could have been more concise and less sweary, so I decided to implement these changes. It wasContinue reading “Man Up – Re-post”
Away Days – Taking the Ferry to Shetland
As I left my flat on a grey Aberdeen afternoon, my legs decided they wanted to take me on a long, winding route to the harbour. It was a Thursday and I should have been attending a lecture like a good student does. However, there was a good reason for my absence as the timeContinue reading “Away Days – Taking the Ferry to Shetland”
That Road Trip Kind of Weekend
Last weekend was both enjoyable and surreal in equal measure. Over two days my girlfriend and I spent a huge amount of time traversing the North-East. We were able to show each other our local haunts from before we moved to the big city in search of fame of fortune. Well, to the moderately sizedContinue reading “That Road Trip Kind of Weekend”
The Maddest of Rugby Matches
What. A. Test. Match. On Saturday England and Scotland met in the last round of the 2019 Six Nations to compete for the annual Calcutta Cup. From a Scottish perspective the outlook leading up to this final competitive game before the world cup wasn’t looking too bright. A Scottish team savaged by injuries and comingContinue reading “The Maddest of Rugby Matches”
A Very Late Tribute to Big Ben
I can’t remember the exact date when Mum texted me the news that my Grandmother’s dog had been put down, but I remember it flooring me. This sounds silly. I mean I’m referring to a huge fluffy golden retriever. The thing is that dumb dog was my best friend. The reason I write about itContinue reading “A Very Late Tribute to Big Ben”
Weekly Rambling
Issue 7 – Monday 4 March 2019 The Good As the days gradually get longer and 2019 continues to speed past at lightening pace, the last days of the month felt very unlike February. With temperatures hitting 16 degrees in the Granite City it felt more like June at times this week. However, despite theContinue reading “Weekly Rambling”
Weekly Rambling
Issue 6 – Monday 25 February 2019 The Good The last week seems to have gone past very quickly so maybe this will be a slightly shorter weekly update. Here’s hoping it is less of a rambling mess than usual. So once again the last seven days have been pretty good. Not as good asContinue reading “Weekly Rambling”
Race Report: Kinloss to Lossiemouth HM
Location: Kinloss & Lossiemouth, Moray Time: 11:00, 17 February 2019 Distance: 13 miles (approx. 21km) On Sunday I ran my second half marathon race and was pleased to come away with a Personal Best, running the 13 mile road race in 1:32:35. Achieving this time was especially pleasing because I had failed to PB in the Lumphanan DetoxContinue reading “Race Report: Kinloss to Lossiemouth HM”
Weekly Rambling
Issue 5 – Tuesday 19 February 2019 The Good I am pleased to report that last week was a pretty good week overall, those concerned by the slightly moody nature of my previous weekly updates will be glad to hear. And no it isn’t just because Scotland weren’t playing rugby, though it may have helped. ToContinue reading “Weekly Rambling”
Weekly Rambling
Issue 4 – Monday 11 February 2019 The Good In all honesty I’m struggling to remember what happened in the last week that was particularly exciting. I mean I went running a lot. That’s not news. I went to university. That’s not news either is it but life isn’t always exciting so here’s what’s beenContinue reading “Weekly Rambling”
Weekly Rambling
Issue 3 – Monday 4th February 2019 The Good Its that time of the week again. That’s right its a Monday which means its time for me to write a long sugar induced account in the middle of the night about the last week in my life. I therefore apologise if this drops off in theContinue reading “Weekly Rambling”
Weekly Rambling
What’s this I hear you ask? Well its an idea which includes telling whoever is unfortunate enough to have stumbled across this, some random thoughts on a weekly basis.
These thoughts will attempt to correspond with the previous week and will be posted every Monday. Also a quick warning this is likely to contain a significant amount of rambling which will hopefully make some sense.
Six Nations 2019 Preview
With the Six Nations only a week away we interviewed armchair expert and former Deeside RFC Under 8’s legend Finn Nixon… What is the Six Nations? The Six Nations is an annual rugby tournament contested between the best international sides in the Northern Hemisphere and Wales. Who are the Six Nations? England, France, Ireland, Italy,Continue reading “Six Nations 2019 Preview”
Weekly Rambling
What’s this I hear you ask? Well its an idea which includes telling whoever is unfortunate enough to have stumbled across this, some random thoughts on a weekly basis.
These thoughts will attempt to correspond with the previous week and will be posted every Monday. Also a quick warning this is likely to contain a significant amount of rambling which will hopefully make some sense.
Race Report: The Lumphanan Detox
Location: Lumphanan, Aberdeenshire Time: 11:30, 2nd January 2019 Distance: 10K Usually I stand at the start line of the Lumphanan Detox feeling a few pounds heavier perhaps, but confident and feeling physically fit all the same. This year was slightly different. Yes, I still a good level of fitness, safe in the knowledge that myContinue reading “Race Report: The Lumphanan Detox”
Nightclubbing – what’s it all about then?
My first experience with drinking was three years ago and I can remember it vividly. I was 16 and most of my schoolmates had already had a taste of the ‘naughty juice’. I remember stumbling around a friend’s field, being an utter and total lightweight, a category I would likely still firmly place myself in.Continue reading “Nightclubbing – what’s it all about then?”
A Half to Celebrate Freshers’ Please
The day before Kenyan super human Eliud Kipchoge claimed a new world record by a whole minute and 18 seconds at the Berlin Marathon, 369 runners gathered to participate in the annual Crathes Half Marathon on a sunny September day. These runners gathering on the beautiful grounds of Crathes Castle weren’t going to come away fromContinue reading “A Half to Celebrate Freshers’ Please”
Away Days – NE England
Having been working (and cycling) away since I came home from my Fijian adventure, I was keen to get away for a while. A change of scene was needed and just about anywhere would do. I had thought about going abroad, but decided to leave that until the end of the month instead – I’llContinue reading “Away Days – NE England”
Daydreaming
Is daydreaming good, bad for you or a little bit of both? This is a question I have been pondering over recently, often when I’m actually daydreaming. Yes, some parts of my life are seemingly similar to the 2010 film “Inception”, though perhaps a little less complex and thrilling. Which is a relief because I’veContinue reading “Daydreaming”
“Braemar Folk” – Doreen Wood
It isn’t difficult for Doreen Wood to reminisce about her happiest memories in Braemar as she has so many of them. Growing up in Braemar in the 1950’s and 1960’s, she loved the freedom that she and her friends had in the village. She describes how they treated it as a “playground” and is quickContinue reading ““Braemar Folk” – Doreen Wood”
What is This All About?
This is the post excerpt.
The Adjustment Excuse | My Week in Running
November 22, 2021 (This is part of a series for Grampian Runs, detailing four weeks in my life as a runner.) Winter is here and I’m still in that period of adjustment to the cooler temperatures. This admission of weakness comes on the back of a week of plummeting temperatures, culminating in Storm Arwen’s arrivalContinue reading “The Adjustment Excuse | My Week in Running”
Stuck at Procrastination Station | My Week in Running
November 8, 2021 (This is part of a series for Grampian Runs, detailing four weeks in my life as a runner.) Two runs logged, and half last week’s mileage covered over the last seven days. It’s been a coffee fuelled anxiety disrupted week where running has taken the back seat. Nonetheless, there’s been some importantContinue reading “Stuck at Procrastination Station | My Week in Running”
Embracing My Inner Vampire | My Week in Running
November 15, 2021 (This is part of a series for Grampian Runs, detailing four weeks in my life as a runner.) I’ve always loved running in the dark, whether that be by headtorch on a spooky rural trail or by streetlight on Aberdeen’s unforgiving pavements. Most recently its been the latter and I’ve seemingly takenContinue reading “Embracing My Inner Vampire | My Week in Running”
Be Running up that Hill | My Week in Running
(This is part of a series for Grampian Runs, detailing four weeks in my life as a runner.) This week started and ended with hills. Gladly, I reached the top of them all, but not without some seemingly interminable struggle first. Is this relatable to a student embarking on his fourth year of studies? Perhaps.Continue reading “Be Running up that Hill | My Week in Running”
Marilyn Monologues – Hill of Founland an Hill of Tillymorgan
Lairge lorries whizzed past at an alarmin proximity an velocity as we marched doon een o the A96’s soakit verges. We hid stairted oor first Marilyn baggin adventure in a laybi aroon haulfwiy atween Inverurie an Huntly in rural Aiberdeenshire. Followin directions extracted fae…
Some Very Scottish Adventures 