Up North (East)

Last day at work for my temporary post and a lovely drive north to Camphill for a review. Fascinating history and site founded on the principles of Rudolph Steiner. Visited Blairs former seminary nearby then back home along the coast stopping at the castle of Dunnottar. When out at sea I've swum past but now, on land, this was my first visit. Probably the last also as the steps to it are so steep!
I first heard of the castle through reading Walter Scott's "Tales of a Grandfather" . Stirring stuff about Scots patriots hiding the Scottish Crown Jewels from the invading General Overton. What child would read such a book nowadays? Although the thought did cross my mind that my own paternal grandfather's tales would simply run to the events in Bennett's Bar, Morningside!
The castle is certainly ancient and is mentioned in the Annals of Ulster in the seventh century.
Ah well, back home now, very tired old seal.

Fighting Christians

Day off today. Weather beautiful so off for a nice walk. First to Bathgate's Subway sandwich shop for a Veggie Delight then to the ancient village of Torphichen in the lovely Bathgate Hills. I had , some time past, agreed to a charity walk around there but could not find the route today- memory problems strike again.
The area brims with history- with Iron Age hill forts and the burial site of Cairnpapple. On the triumph of Christianity the area in the 12th century came under the aegis of the Knights Hospitaller. The Preceptory still stands in the village and in now owned by the Church of Scotland. These mediaeval fighting Orders are fascinating and would have contained many an interesting character. The last preceptor Sir James Sandilands sold the land to the Crown at the Reformation and then bought it back. When the new local hospital was built in Livingston it was named after those knights whose land extended to what is now that new town. Odd though, in this multi-cultural age a hospital is named after a group intent on bashing Muslims!(although there were brothers simply tasked with looking after the sick)
All in all a happy day.

Jocky RIP

For those, I'm now sad to say, of a certain age, this picture will bring back happy memories. In the days prior to multi channel sports channels darts was very, very popular. And who was more popular than our own Jocky Wilson who passed away over the weekend? His antics, especially his alcohol intake were legendary and the drama of his games were mesmerising. He retreated into himself living alone in Kirkcaldy. I suspect he enjoyed the quiet life after all the stress of his life. A modern day Rama?

Thanks for the memories Jocky

Nefesh

Do animals have souls? With the decline of conventional Christian beliefs this question has been looked at again most notably by Andrew Linzey. I am a vegetarian and resile from Christianity now partly due to its relationship with animals. However I'm no follower of Peter Singer and his views as, to me, in some inchoate way, humans still have priority in moral decisions.
As the only "Son of God" Jesus clearly was no vegetarian and therefore as a template is, in this area at least, in my eyes not up to it, to put it in crude terms. However the Old Testament reveals a view where originally predation did not exist and Humans did not kill animals to eat- Adam and Eve were given fruits and plants only. The Fall put paid to that although the original intention echoes throughout the scriptures most notably in Isaiah's lion laying down with the lamb. However the New Covenant of Jesus( in him) does not restore the original vision and therefore as to him claiming to be a divine being( although I would feel this was a later projection tied into later theological difficulties with Pagan Gods being challenged in their status), this is entirely problematic. Perhaps further east should be looked at for more comfort although the attitudes to meat eating are more complex than first realised, even Jain saints ate meat for health reasons when required.
The Old Testament also mentions souls being breathed into all creation by God. The word used is "Nefesh" which, although contested, seems to suggest souls so perhaps we are one after all. Perhaps one day eating meat will be considered as abhorrant as slavery but, with established religions, this will never be.

Laoire High King of Ireland

St Patrick's Day has always been a bit of a mystery to me. Resplendent with people pretending to be Irish, celebrated by people who would never dream of living there intermixed with the sad politics of that beautiful island.
Modern research suggests Patrick was probably a tax collector, was the son of a deacon and grandson of a priest and, therefore by this status, would have owned at least one slave. The legends, his own writings and the Annals of Ulster obviously paint something more noble of course.
But in the stories a hero emerges totally forgotten in history. Laoire, High King of Ireland, was at Slane for the annual Pagan ceremony where fires were lit  then extinguished prior to the New Year( I think!). Patrick lit the Paschal Fire and the Pagan priests were not amused. However on outlining his beliefs Patrick so impressed Laoire that he allowed him to make converts throughout Ireland, unimpeded.
An ancient example of tolerance and even multi culturalism? We will never know the truth but I would suggest, looking at Ireland's subsequent experiment with Christianity, perhaps Laoire made the biggest mistake in history.

The Little Master

This seal has always loved your human game of cricket which is ironic being washed up in Scotland- although much more cricket is played up here, more than one may think.
So congratulations to Sachin Tendulkar on his 100th international century. However although delighted that such a gifted man, who has always competed with the highest degree of sportmanship, has achieved this my other side( there are many) is not happy that this is a record at all as it is manufactured. As a devotee of ESPN's Cricinfo stats website it is clear that test and one day stats are entirely separate. No listings of joint run scores/wicket scores etc are kept. But this is perhaps a sullen note on this day. Now, quit at the top is my advice.

St John's Toun

I see that Perth has been made a city- although it was one until local government reorganisation in 1975.  I have fond memories of swimming up there and have visited many times. A work colleague lives there, although she is originally from Inverness. Each summer we head up there for a Bluegrass festival in the nearby village of Guildtown. Don't suppose it will make a great deal of difference to its people- its provost will now be a Lord Provost though. It is interesting how settlements get city status, until medieval times a cathedral was the sole criterion but since then it is in the gift of the Crown.
So small places like Dunblane, Dunkeld, Brechin, Dornoch,St Andrews still call themselves cities and why not? Will look forward to my next trip and entering a place with an enhanced status.
Meanwhile today I visited, with my human parents, the National Museum of Scotland and the Royal College of Surgeons' Museum on the Bridges. Very impressed, particularly with the former, which will require a return visit. Of note were the growing number of consulates. Edinburgh is beginning to look and feel like a European capital. Perth you will never be a capital city again( I know you once were!) But well done anyway.

Breaking Up Britain

On glancing today at the newspaper stand the Daily Mail noted that the SNP is to set "attack dog Cybernats" off the leash. I wonder if I am one of these? Despite being a seal, preferring cats and not being in the SNP I suppose I could come under the umbrella. Now being vilified by the Daily Mail may count as a badge of honour- by the way, the upcoming referendum debate will have Labour people side by side with the Daily Mail and even the BNP, perhaps it may make them think.
However the phrase "breaking up Britain" has an interesting ring. Obviously post independence Britain will still be there physically but the political entity will be much altered and will have been delivered a fatal blow. Whilst fully in favour of Scottish Independence one by-product for me will be the freedom to call myself British again. I've touched on this before but the current political set up puts off so many from feeling British( more so in Ireland). The end of the UK state will result, I believe, in a positive revaluation of our identity on these islands which will result in a warmer, more respectful relationship from Cork to Kent, St Ives to Shetland. Far from breaking up we will form closer ties which will include Ireland, North and South. Perhaps I'm being too positive but the future looks good to me.

Malta

One of the funnier sideshows in our Independence debate, other than the No side's constant use of the word "separation"( Should we now rename the conflict which led to Bannockburn as the War of Separation?) are the comparisons made as to which country Scotland would be like should the vote be positive. Albania was the choice of old(been there, interesting would be the politest thing to say) but there have been others more and more hysterical now being listed, South Sudan being the latest. However the other day Malta was given its chance as Scotland would be seen as having its influence in the EU if independent.
Must say I love Malta. In 1975 our family's first holiday abroad was there. A long journey to Heathrow from the old Turnhouse Airport, then on to Gatwick waiting 6 hours on the plane. We got free tickets as my dad was a BEA/British Airways employee. What a great experience for an 11 year old. The island was sunny, full of great historical sights and had that wonderful outdoors Med life which is so affirming. Lots of half built houses and old BMC Green buses with religious pictures abounding. Never been back since but maybe I should.. to see what life may be like post 2014.

Tonight was going to feature an erudite analysis of an aspect of the Independence debate but that would be boring( or to be honest, beyond me). So this little flag message will do.

China

After starting this blog my mind became curious as to its readers. To the loyal band I say thank you! The stats showed an early visitor from China which surprised me on a few levels not least of which was the government there banning internet access to any sites which it deems unhealthy. The record on Human Rights of that government is horrible but am I paranoid in thinking its government was monitoring me? The stats are available to me but, on looking today, I see that the visit from China has been deleted, no other visits from anywhere else in the world were deleted. Anyone know what could be going on?

Paul McBride RIP

Perhaps this is a post is one I should not make. Just heard the news of the death of Paul McBride a brilliant Scottish lawyer. Although he was a member of both the Labour then Conservative parties( perhaps they should merge) I sensed an active questioning mind never at home with labels, although his accusation of supporters of my team, Hibs, singing pro IRA songs was risible,. But why, in all the media comment over his views, was there no comment on his partner being another man. Like David Cairns the former Greenock MP, the truth is only available following a tragic death, although I presume well known to those who knew him. For anyone who knows me, my former partner was a man. Why, oh why, is it only cancer or a sudden death which reveals the truth- what is wrong with honesty. Paul: I don't blame you. Your cultural background made this difficult and I honestly mourn your passing- I sense a fellow soul unhappy with labels.
Cardinal O'Brien, I'm sure you will lead the tributes but will you address the issues you raised today with reference to Paul.
Rest in Peace Paul.

Engine Oil

My apologies for the lack of postings over the last few days. The reason may be found entirely in the picture. I was persuaded to attend a Wetherspoons Pub in Livingston on Thursday with the incentive being a pub quiz. Well it was a quiz  but its content was entirely pop music from the past couple of years and the result for our team was poor. However such pubs offer beer at good prices and., as a lover of dark beers, I thought the above may be of interest, Only four were taken and I have been ill ever since. And my mobile was lost resulting in a friend( named Seal Pup) being roused at an ungodly hour( do atheists have Godly hours?)To be logical, for once, I suppose diabetes is not a friend of such consumption but, even so, its impact was disproportional. However I've now recovered and have noted a local Labour MP has been headbutting other MPs and behaving in a boorish matter. Quel surprise! Off now to relax- with more beers.