The Mull in March

In early March my mother and I visited my father's grave on the anniversary of his death 2 years ago. As we drove to Keil Cemetery near Southend, Kintyre, the rain was battering down - wintery and dark. Then, suddenly, it cleared and although it remained cold, the sun burst through the clouds.

The Island of Sanda is completely obscured by icy rain

February Sun

We do get sun in February - really!

Taking our dog for a walk a couple of days ago, I loved the winter light at North Lodge (Poltalloch), near Slockavullin. See my blog 'From Dove Cottage' for more pictures.

Moine Mhor - The Great Moss in January

Notice the strange wolf-like wildlife

These photographs were taken on one of my regular walks at Moine Mhor - The Great Moss. It is one of the many unique areas of Argyll. Check it out at www.nnr-scotland.org.uk.

This place is a regular haunt, and an inspiration for some upcoming artworks. I urge you to seek it out if you visit this very special area - Kilmartin Glen.

Emma and Craig's Wedding Reception

My younger daughter Emma married Craig Bellingham on the Isle of Mull in September, and held their wedding reception at Airth Castle Hotel on 29th October 2011. It was a splendid evening.

The bride and groom made a beautiful couple in the evening light.

...and a beautiful bouquet!

The cake was attacked with a basket-hilt sword reserved especially for the occasion, as wedding photographs played on a screen in the background.

Laura, Jonnie, Emma and Melanie together... and Louise too!

St Pancras

Our trip in May to London was a real thrill - at last I got to visit many of the superb places I had only heard about. First among these was St Pancras railway station - a fantastic Victorian gothic confection in red, which [now it has been restored to its original grandeur] entranced me daily.

Glorious red temple to the age of the train

Part of the frieze around the base of a huge statue dedicated to the human dramas enacted in St Pancras over its many years

Station detail and a statue of Sir John Betjemen, the poet and 'saviour of St Pancras', who campaigned for many years to save the station from demolition.