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Nothing To See Here: A Guide to the Hidden Joys of Scotland out now

Book plug alert. The new Nothing To See Here book: a guide to the hidden joys of Scotland is out just in time for Christmas. Published by great small publisher Pocket Mountains it's a neat volume of 144 pages containing some articles from the website plus some new pieces, all with lots of photos. The list of contents are on Nothing To See Here.

The book will be in bookshops over the next few weeks, but if you'd like one for Christmas please order direct from the Pocket Mountains website. Type NTSH into the discount box to get 20% off. Thanks and happy travels.

Posted on December 15, 2011 | Filed under: Books | Permalink | Comments (2)

The summer of Instagram

Oh dear, it hasn't been a good summer for blogging, but it was a good one for photos. Here it is briefly, via Instagram.

Llandudno

Southport

Blackpool

Crosby

Posted on October 17, 2011 | Filed under: Photography Travel | Permalink | Comments (2)

World War Z

For the past week or so Glasgow city centre has been turned into Philadelphia for the filming of World War Z, starring Brad Pitt.

It's strange to see Glasgow's streets full of yellow taxis, newstands and even a hot dog vendor in George Square.

It has been causing a lot of excitement (not every day Brad comes to town) and lots of people are around to have a look and take photos. There's a Flickr group collecting them.

According to the steward I was speaking to, not every is happy about the disruption it's causing, but I thought it was great. It's funny how a single sign can make you feel like you're in another country.

Brad has finished his bit now but filming is carrying on until Wednesday next week. It's definitely worth going in for a look if you haven't seen it already.

Posted on August 28, 2011 | Filed under: Glasgow | Permalink | Comments (2)

Herb does Glasgow

Herb Lester, makers of the coolest maps around have come up trumps again with their guide to Glasgow. In one beautifully-designed sheet, Glasgow's best bits, well-known and hidden, are picked out by Glaswegian connoisseurs. I suggested a few of my favourite places for it and can vouch for it being a very valuable asset for anyone visiting this fine city.

The maps are available from the Herb Lester website and in Glasgow, from the Maisonette and Monorail among others. In the time it has taken to write this they're on to their next map - a beautiful guide to Untamed London in partnership with Caught By The River . Like the others it's a breath of fresh air.

Posted on July 25, 2011 | Filed under: Glasgow Maps | Permalink

Spot the difference

Dodgems by Leigh Mulley

This is a new painting by Leigh Mulley, a contemporary realist painter based in Folkestone.

And this is the original photo that I took in Scarborough a few years ago. Good likeness, huh?

Dodgems by Leigh Mulley

After discovering that we share a number of interests like the seaside, fairgrounds, ice cream vans and Tunnock's, Leigh asked if she could turn one of my photos into a painting. What an honour, to contribute to this amazing collection of work.

If you're in the area, Leigh has a show on at the Space Gallery in Folkestone until 10 July, and will be exhibiting at Canterbury's Lilford Gallery in August.

Posted on July 3, 2011 | Filed under: Art | Permalink

You're gonna need a bigger couch

These amazing Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Cushions are new from Nikki McWilliams. They're available for £27 from Folksy.

Nikki also makes great Tunnock's Tea Cakes cushions. I'm the proud owner of some and they're great. Really good quality and always a talking point.

Posted on June 4, 2011 | Filed under: Tunnock's | Permalink

Two wheels good

The Scottish Cycle Museum at Drumlanrig Castle has had a makeover. It was good before, but now it's even better.

Drumlanrig is close to Keir Mill, where Kirkpatrick Macmillan invented the first pedal-driven bicycle in 1842. This small museum in the stableyard celebrates everything that's good on two wheels.

Drumlanrig has beautiful gardens, a great adventure playground and a good cafe. The cycle museum is an added bonus and if that wasn't enough, there are some Andy Goldsworthy sculptures around the grounds which we've never yet managed to find. There's always a good reason to go back for another look.

Posted on June 2, 2011 | Filed under: Museums | Permalink

Quarrelling is taboo

This is The Boy's Club building in Stirling."Quarrelling is taboo" is such a good motto.

The building was remodelled in 1929 as a base for boys' associations like the Scouts and the Boys Brigade. It has these great inscriptions above the door and windows.

Designed by Eric Bell, it's at 39 John Street, close to the Old Town Jail and just down the hill from the castle.

Posted on May 28, 2011 | Filed under: Advertising | Permalink | Comments (2)

Happy Easter

Happy Easter everyone (chick from Fisher & Donaldson in Cupar - yum).

Posted on April 24, 2011 | Filed under: Life | Permalink

Herb Lester's East London Companion

Here's another cartographical delight from Herb Lester. This time it's a comprehensive guide to the delights of east London from Old Street to Hackney Wick. There's a lovely map on one side and 99 things to do and see listed on the other.

This is going to be so handy next time I'm down at the Newspaper Club HQ. It's available from the Herb Lester shop for £4. Their last release Where The Sidewalk Ends: How To Find Old New York is similarly wonderful.

Posted on April 14, 2011 | Filed under: Maps Shopping Shops | Permalink

Nothing To See Here: A Guide to the Hidden Joys of Scotland out now

The summer of Instagram

World War Z

Herb does Glasgow

Spot the difference

You're gonna need a bigger couch

Two wheels good

Quarrelling is taboo

Happy Easter

Herb Lester's East London Companion

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