Burns supper at The Mercat Bar , a braw night

Still recovering from the fabulous Burn's Supper at the mercat last night, a full house, a real friendly group of about forty five. The entertainment team was led by the lovely Kiera Murphy who we have not seen for some time, but she was back with a bang, in great form as were her fellow artists David Mclellan, Matt Davis and Marc Mowbry. Good music, excellent community singing ( after a few libations), and a really nice meal - cock a leekie soup, haggis neeps and tatties ; cranachan; cheese board, Port or Glayva, tea and coffee, etc - marvellous value .

I have just added a selection of photographs from the many which were taken, and in no particular order.

Linlithgow Lodge and OSM - and high blood pressure !!!

Well , Friday was quite busy, lots of plans which went awry, however, i eventually got out the house at 11 a.m. and popped in to check out on a complaint of vandalism at one of my clients sites -, big steel container allegedly damaged, BUT the lady who I spoke to told me it was youths with snowballs !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! , Need to be Goliath with solid lumps of ice,
then she went on to relate a couple of suspicious incidents she had witnessed. Asked if she had noted vehicle numbers or phoned the police , it was hands up - "sorry I ever spoke to you , do not want to discuss matter further , and get out you are not welcome" - this was to me, paid to do what I have done for them for the past 13 years. It was certainly a case of hold breath, bit tongue and count to ten, and backwards - several times.

On to the Mercat to give a wee hand over lunch - and we were busy again. Even had a team in from the "Cult" who arrived at 3 p.m. and were just leaving when I dropped back in at 10 p.m.

Off to Linlithgow for a meeting of st Michel's Chapter of the OSM, held within the Lodge of Linlithgow (Ancient Brazen No 17) - which was b****y freezing, however the meeting, which was well attended with a deputation from The Grand Chapter of the east of Scotland OSM, was very slick, superbly conducted by the Supreme Ruler who was absolutely brilliant, as were his office bearers, so the five candidates were well iniated.

There are several interesting plaques, etc around the walls, including the documents relating to an Iniation into Edinburgh no 1 St Mary's Chaper in 1654.

Had to head off as I had a little job to look at back at the Mercat before heading home - place was chock a block and people were being turned away as there was nowhere to sit them for meals - not a bad complaint. The private Burns supper was doing well, so hopefully ours will do likewise this evening.

Up and off to the plumbers merchants this morning and on to town - had to drop into the City Council Offices at Market Street where engineers were trying to sort a fancy moving ceiling in the entrance foyer - waste of ratepayers money !! Not that I had been sent for a "long stand" but that is what I had, along with another young lady as the front desk Security Officer was "in absentia".
On to the Mercat Bar and en route, in wonderful sunshine could not resist this photo of the Scott Monument and Princes Street.

Home, and in view of the lovely sunshine ( cold though - but no snow like they are having in other parts of the UK) I took myself out into the garden to commune with nature and as Sparky has said did an Alan Titmarsh BUT, I did fire up the mighty steed of steel which has been lying dormant in the garage, connected by its umbilical to a trickle charger, but it started first time , out into the sun and then i had a pleasant gentle run out to West Linton and back.

About to get all dressed up for tonight's Burns Supper at The Mercat Ba, so with camera at the ready there may be a few "bonnie chookies" smiling from the screen over the day or two.

Avatar - the movie

Having had the same contact details for the past twelve years I find it a bit of a nuisace when people keep changing their mobile phone numbers and E mail addresses, some on a surprisingly regular basis.
Having mentioned David Mackay a few days ago, I even had a comment from him on the blog - BUT he has changed his E mail !! nuff said.

Last night I ended up at the OES at Bonnyrigg, where, although there were fewer than normal due to a clash of meetings, it turned out to be a good evening.

Sleep seems to be a bad word, or verging on the impossible for me, into bed 10.45 p.m., wide awake at 11.58 p.m. - I think I need knocking out !!, Anyway, up early and off for a swim at 0830, next it was a session with the dreaded Cruella @ Sabrina , who was mega cruel this morning - brought tears to my eyes and and a smile to her lips, I think.

Mr Photogenix had some nice pictures for me to collect which went down a treat with Mrs B.

Headed for McArthur Glen at Livingston with Mrs B.and had a good wander around the shops, a bite to eat at The Wetherspoon's pub there and then headed into the Vue to see the much proclaimed movie, Avavtar. It is a brilliant film, with superb special effects and being in 3D had me ducking and diving in my seat. Amazing how much money it has taken already to become the biggest selling movie of all time - well worth a visit.

Five visiting Students from Belgium

Thought I might do a wee special about this group of students who appeared for breakfast today. Even had porridge which they enjoyed.

Doing my usual Basil Fawlty and chatty person thing I learned that they were students from a University in Belgium doing work on youth and crime and who were over on a social project and visiting four of Edinburgh's community drug projects, ie. Crew 2000; Underground: DTTO; and Fast Forward. As this had been one of my projects latterly while with the Lothian and Borders Police I found that this was a special course being run in Belgium and that on their return they would be working with 11 - 18 year olds. BUT surprisingly, they had not thought of trying to contact the Police to see what projects / proactive work is being done here. Unfortunately, I was not able to get in contact with the appropriate Officers this afternoon , and as they are off in the morning it is a bit late - however, I do now have someone who will communicate with them and perhaps give them a different perspective.


So to William Celis; Sally Van Reeth; Shana Millisen; Emmy Bormans and Esther Bierinckx, I wish them well and hopefully they will get keep in contact to get some more information in the future.

Bibendum and "The Best of Edinburgh"

Been a bit hectic since Monday night when I headed back into the Mercat to join in at the staff meeting and then meet up with Dan the Man and Alistair9 over from the Philippines) We had a very interesting chat about the influence of freemasonary in that part of the World. Made it in time to catch the rickety MacEwan's bus back to Penicuik.
Anzac Day Tuesday, but no rest for the wicked, so it was up with the birds again and back to town to open up again - just a bit subdued / tired and then home for 5 p.m to get changed and off to RA500 laird O Cockpen at Bonnyrigg where we had a new candidate.
Meeting was well attended, nice to see Berti Baaa out and about again, recovering after his illness.
Not a late night for us, so I was a bit brighter when I got back into work this morning - - not bad considering that I was not supposed to be working this week.

RGB was busy, chatting (networking) as usual, so when Neil Robertson, one of our wine suppliers from Bibebdum arrived, they decided to pose !!! also a bit promotion for "The best of Edinburgh" web site which has a link for us. Quite good if you want to know where to go and for things to do.

an Invitation by Robert Burns to a brother mason

A poem written by Robert Burn as an invitation to a Medical Gentleman, to attend a Masonic anniversary meeting.


Friday first's the day appointed,
By our Right Worshipful anointed,
To hold our grand procession!
to get a blade o Johnnie's morals,
and taste a awatch o Manson's barrels,
I ' the way of our profession,
Our Master and the Brotherhood,
Wad a' be glad to see you;
For me i would be mair than proud
To share the mercies wi' you.
If death, then, wi' scaith, then
Some mortal heart is hechtin,
Inform him, and storm him,,
That saturday ye'll fecht him.

Chris and Sophia

A wee surprise for me this morning when two young guests arrived for their breakfast rolls. I eventually discovered that it was Chris Boyd and his friend Sophia - charming young lady. BUT I then discovered that Chris is the brother of Conner, one of our team , whose happy smiling face was on the blog last week with Jamie. Chris is even taller than Conner !!!

Robert Burns - 251 years on

Cannot let this, the Birthday of our bard, Rabbie Burns, pass without mention . Born 251 years ago and certainly one of Scotland's most famous sons., writer of such songs as My Love is Like a Red Red Rose, and To a Louse, with lines like "fair faw yir honest sauncie face, great chieften of the puddin race" written about the famous haggis - which is a mixture of meat, offal, spices contained in a sheeps lung. The haggis is still currently banned by the U S Authorities following the BSE crisis in 1989 - but there are possible signs that the ban may be lifted soon. Our local producer, Macsween of Edinburgh report yet another increase in sales. producing 850 tons of haggis this year.

We will have our own Burns supper here in the Mercat on Saturday 30th , and even have a private one booked in on Friday night, 29th.

Much is made of the many affairs Burns had with the ladies, sometimes taking away from his poetic genius - however, a wee story :-
On one occasion while Burns was living in Edinburgh he had a bit of an inkling for the company of a woman , so sought the services of one of the "ladies" frequenting the pubs in the the High Street / Grassmarket. Once within her rooms and undressing he was in a contented mood and whistling away to himself. The lady is reputed to have said to him " Hud yir wheesh man, I'l no fornicate with a man who whistles on the Lord's day ( Sunday being the sabbath).

I am sure someone has attempted to make haggis flavoured ice cream, BUT not quite my taste. I much prefer my haggis "au natural" along with a nice healthy dram.

Gladsmuir Parish Church and village

Gladsmuir Parish Church, scene of today's christening - some notes.
The original church was built in 1695, and eventually having fallen into disrepair was replaced by a new church in 18939, which was damaged by fire in 1886 and subsequently repaired and renovated over the years.
Inside the church are two beautiful stained glass windows which were gifted to the church by the Ainslie family in memory of Col. James Ainslie who died on 9th April 1876 aged 46 while a serving officer with the 1st Royal Dragoons. I believe that the two banners hanging beside the windows were also donated by the family and may well be Regimental banners.

The old schoolhouse in Gladsmuir village was at one time the centre of a massive thunder storm with a thunder bold striking the school which was demolished with the pupils inside. Two were killed in the event and the majority of the remainder were found stunned under their desks amid the rubble.
There was also a small colliery in the village, but the coal seam was only three feet high which made extraction a hard and slow job. In one document, following an official visit by a local Inspector to the village it was written that the locals would benefit by a change in the licensing laws to allow them to drink ale which would be better for their health than whisky and other spirits !! Now they do not even have a pub!!

The Christening

Sunday, all dressed up with somewhere to go, namely a christening, but one with a difference - three cousins.

So it was off with Mrs B., Go Jo and RGB to Gladsmuir Parish Church for a Maynard family event.
The church was obviously busy with friends and family of the three children, baby Daniel ; his cousins Aaron (20 months) and young Amy (5).
The ceremony was very nice with two ministers and an assistant taking the service.
There
was even a "conga" type parade around the inside of the church after the baptism ceremony.
After the service everyone headed off to the Tranmere Hotel in Tranent where there was a buffet, drinkies, and a photo session with two professional photographers. With their presence I did not do my usual job - so that is why there is no picture of the baby, only of Amy with Go Jo and her Grandad, and Aaron.
A memorable day for all.

Highland Park and Edinburgh Crystal - a memory.

Last night I ended up having myself a wee tipple at the whisky bottle which sort of brought back a memory or two, so I thought a comment or two might be right.

There are possible a couple of rules when drinking whisky,
a) choose a nice whisky, preferably a single malt, do not add ice, but perhaps just a spot of water to open the bouquet. I have been tippling at Highland Park, a 12 year old single malt, distilled in Kirkwall on the island of Orkney, the most northerly distillery in the UK, which has been in production since 1798 when Magnus Eunson, a local smuggler began with an illegal distillery.
b) use a nice glass, one which you enjoy holding and drinking from - I use either of the two in the photo, both original Edinburgh Crystal, a nice chunky glass or my thistle goblet, both suited to those who prefer a substantial dram !! as a 25ml measure hardly wets the glass.
c) if you have an amicable friend who appreciates such simple pleasures, remove the top and throw it away !! - kind of makes a mockery of the current guidelines on sensible drinking.

It reminded me of a very pleasant morning spent with my friend David McKay ( now living up near the Black Isle), and a colleague, Andrew Stewart, many years ago - ( about 1973).
It was Christmas Eve, and Andrew and I had gone to see David at his home in Hartington Gds.? in Edinburgh to collect some of David's Pentland Copper Craft tableware for a friends x-mas present.
David offered us a whisky and produced a crystal decanter full, and three large thistle goblets, which were filled up to the base of the flute, and duly consumed. He then refilled the three glasses, by which time the decanter was 2/3 empty !! so David suggested that we empty the decanter just to prove that nine glasses were all that it held (approx one litre).
To date I have never repeated the exercise.

Fridays findings - holes, cars, sky and all.

Saturday a.m., now raining which is slowly clearing away the snow lying in the back garden and in the road at the back of the house.
Friday was a bit of a long day , up before any sensible person should have been , along with RGB who was off to his usual Friday dawn meeting of "The Cult" !! and off into town.

Managed to get my new "free space" to park in once again , but it an awful job you have to sleep in the car to get these spaces !! and even at 6.45 a.m. some "dozy" lady driver did her best to block me in.
Anyway - The Mercat Bar beckoned and after a nice wee walk along Haymarket it was into the fold once more. Not much Chance to have a quiet morning as I had a young lady knocking on the door at 8.30 looking for a breakfast !! End result was that both Claire and I were busy so unfortunately I was unable to get way to pay my respects to the late Michael Lynch at Warriston Crematorium.

Very busy through lunch time with a group of twenty one to start me off, so we ( RGB, Sir Christopher, Fiona, Claire and Jamie) were well and truly kept on our toes.

Managed to get away sharp at 3 p.m. with RGB but we had a detour via Bookers to collect a few odds and ends for Sunday buffet. Next stop was a quick one for me, but a job I had to check out , and in doing so snapped this very inconsiderate driver taking up two parking spaces - not really what you want to do top attract attention, especially when your road tax is well out of date !!!
Homewards, to find that after three days digging the gas men still have not found what they were looking for, BUT I do have a new meter installed.

The sky was really unusual hence the photos, mass of cloud turning red above and near Penicuik, however to the west bright blue skies beneath it. My neighbour was also fascinated and she headed off to find her camera also.

Free parking on the M6, southbound lane !!!!

Thursday morning, after a reasonable sleep, I popped down for my continental breakfast. Seriously amazed at one "guest" who had his cereal, several glasses of juice, six slices of toast, three rolls, croissants, etc - a big pile and everyone was agag at his antics - however, it looks as though was was either his "piece" for the day or he had several friends up in his room !!

Over to the office where the Security Staff and one of the receptionists told me that the area around the office, Gooch Street and Kent Street were notorious and used by the gay fraternity or pick ups, the car park opposite was raided by the Police regularly to move on "courting couples" - so I will not be stopping there again at night.

Soon out and onto the Queensway heading out of the town - oh my God - how do folks cope with the traffic, there was a breakdown in the southbound tunnel and the traffic jam stretched out onto the M6. The M6, southbound from Spaghetti Junction northwards for about seven miles was nearly stationary turning it into the biggest car park in the UK !!

When I was at Police College there was only one place in Scotland with a minimum speed limit , The Clyde Tunnel, however from what I have seen today I think that there is an English version of the Highway Code, as the 50 - 60 and 70 signs at the side of the road appeared to be the minimum speeds that drivers travelled at around Birmingham.

I was again into the never ending stretches of roadworks controlled by the "average speed" cameras, and once again, they were ignored by many. The Government must be ploughing millions into the upgrade and maintenance of the M6.

About two hours later I arrived at Runcorn and was delighted to see the welcoming faces of Jill and Christine - did the business, had a cuppa ad headed off northwards once again to Glasgow.

I think the Traffic Police were on a bonus trying to make up for lost revenue while the motorway was affected by snow - there were plenty in evidence and all appeared to have a capture !!

The weather all the way north as far as Moffat was really nice so it was a very pleasant run, road quiet all the way to Glasgow, very little snow left on the hills, in fact the worst was in Lowries Den as I approached home.

Nice wee round trip - next please, and it looks as though that will be at the behest of Night Owl and Brown Owl who have just sent me my tickets for the next training job in London, on 8th/ 9th Feb.

Funeral of Micheal Lynch takes place tomorrow at Warriston, no black ties by request, but not sure if I will get there as I am back in the Mercat once again. Find out tomorrow how the numbers are doing for the Burn's Supper on the 30th, next big bash

A long day - and NOT TONIGHT sweetie pie

Wednesday, the start of a long , long day.

Just as Mrs B was leaving the Gas Men arrived to do a bit of landscape gardening for me - or dig for coal, by the looks of things. I had no say in the matter, they just sent a letter saying that my gas pipes were to be renewed and the gas meter moved onto the outside wall of the house. Bit of a problem for them as they could not follow the existing piping and could also not find the gas mains in the street - so two days later there are still holes and the main road outside is also the scene of major digging.

Went over to the Gyle Shopping Centre at lunchtime where I witnesses the security guards trying to cope with a persistent nuisance. This was a young man , with obvious learning problems whose mother just put him out and sent him along to the complex, where he was barred because of his behaviour. He was continually barging into shoppers and then making complaints that he was being assaulted - while the evidence of the CCTV showed otherwise - not an easy task.

I had arranged to go to both Birmingham and Runcorn, so for a change, rather than leave very early a.m. I decided to take an overnight run - so at 6.30 p.m. I left and headed south. What a change to drive on quiet motorways, far from the maddening crowd, well that was the plan !!

Superb run as far as J 20 with little hold ups, just took it steady, however, south of the Thelmell Viaduct and most of the way to Birmingham there are major roadworks with massive projects underway. At J15 the motorway was closed completely and I headed off on about a 20 mile diversion, following a Nightfreight wagon, and I have never seen so many speed cameras !!

NEXT - and wait for this - I eventually arrived at Gooch Street, Birmingham, at 12 mn and was content to have a quick cuppa before finding a hotel for the night. WELL, I was sitting there and saw that there were numerous cars on the go, but soon realised that several were actually circling the block, stopping and apparently chatting to each other. In addition there were several black males walking up and down the street. A Police van passed but ignored my attempt to get him to stop - then a silver Civic ?? regd No. V221SOB, who had passed several times, stopped and reversed back up to me - I then decided that it was not a CID car, and it was time for me to move - so whoever the gent was in the car, I was not up for his kind of fun !!!

Managed to get room and breakfast at the nearby Hotel, so it was a bit safer there than spending the night in the car. Next episode.

Fragrant (not smelly) girls.

Over the past months I have often referred to the "smelly girls" and have even been asked who they are.

WELL, Mrs. B. , camera to the fore was in to see them today ( Thursday) and took their photo, so here are Gillian and Suzanne , the charming and fragrant ladies who can be found fronting the Guerlain and YSL counters. Both are always helpful, friendly and a credit to their respective companies.

Bit chilly and ever so silly

This morning it was the opposite to the sound of silence - lots of cars passing. It transpired that the A702 Biggar Road had been closed at nine Mile Burn due to severe icing and all cars were being diverted through Penicuik
Last night was an astronomers delight, the sky was totally clear and all the Northern constellations were startlingly clear. Pity it was so cold otherwise I could have taken some time to do some star spotting.

This morning, after my wee jobs were completed i headed off into Penicuik. parked up in The High Street and I heard some tooting - then saw Miss "eejit" in her red BMW, she was driving with one hand, phone in the other and with her pet pooch on the knee, she had tooted at someone to get out the way, then stopped in the next junction talking on the phone and in turn held up following traffic. When she stopped opposite me I could not resist having a word with her so when she told her friend to hold a minute, I had a word, but she was more concerned about the fact that her dog needed a pee - brain dead !!

Anyway, having calmed down I went and let off steam in the local swimming pool, nice and relaxing with a steamy session afterwards. Got home and found the garden full of barriers belonging to the Gas Board, seems that they are going to dig up my garden tomorrow, might get them to pop in some bedding plants while they are here.

Off to Lodge 720 Dalhousie Bonnyrigg tonight to see RWM Craig Gordon in action.

Late call from Fraser so it looks like I am off to Birmingham and Runcorn on Thursday, so that will keep me out of mischief for the day.

Yet more news about the Human Rights legislation, looks like our terrorists are going to have a hey day, Criminals now have the ball firmly in their court.

Yet more words, etc

Back to restless nights and severe cramps, but whether the china man's ministrations had anything to do with that I do not know ?

But headed into town and found another parking place, thought I was fine, not on the pavement, however some bright person had a better idea and parked so close that , (Slim as I am !!!) there was no way I was getting in by the drivers door. I had to release the handbrake and push the car out before i could get the door open.

We were quiet enough for Jamie and Connor to do a little posing instead of working , which suited them.

I had a phone call from Dan the Man , whose friend Alistair Kane ( also a former telegraph boy with the Post Office) is over visiting his parents from his new home in the Philippines. He is a member of the masonic fraternity, his Grandfather Walter Kerr was a member of No 1 in 1947 but went on to become a founder member of the Rifle Lodge. Alistair joined in Tasmania, the Roland Lodge and is now a member of the Jose Abat Santos Lodge in the Philippines, where incidentally freemasonary is very much on the increase, so hopefully we will meet up before he goes home.

The funeral of the late Michael Lynch is on Friday 22nd at 10 a.m. in Warriston Crematorium.

I see that young Andy Murray hammered his way though the first round of the Australian open Tennis, well done - but it will not get any easier.

Susan Boyle was at the pantomine in edinburgh on Sunday night , where she bought sixty tickets and treated a bus load of her friends, she even ended up on stage when alan Stewart the panto dame was taking the micky out of her, but she took it in good form and gave him a big hug. Shame she is not cool enough to be considered for the Brit Awards.

f

A few lines and the late Michael Lynch

Sunday PM - how time flies, etc.
Friday a.m. I was in the Mercat Bar at 06.50 a.m. , why , just could not sleep. Anyway , little did we realise how busy it was about to get , just amazing , folks kept coming and coming and coming , with the end result being that this had to be the busiest Friday lunch time ever, and I was fair jiggered by the time I got home.

Saturday we had arranged to meet up with Colin and Nicola ( birthday girl) at the Standing Order, which we did at 2.30 when they all arrived to keep me company. The S O was fairly busy , so seats were at a premium , even had a bit of excitement when a man started to choke on his dinner and the ambulance / paramedics had to be called. Give then their due they worked away on him for ages outside in the ambulance, presumably he was OK.

After a few beers we headed off to the Mercat to meet up with Jo Jo and RGB , before going on a walkabout following RGB until we ended up at Santini's, the Italian Restaurant which is in the Sheraton Hotel complex . The place is lovely, very well laid out , comfortable and quiet, but very expensive considering what we had to eat., and sadly, bearing in mind it was not busy, the service was a bit slow. Perhaps I am biased but I prefer my steak done Mercat style.

We then headed off on a further walkabout before ending up back at The Mercat for a nightcap, a good day was had by all.

Sunday a.m., still got a sore back from last Sunday antics in the car, so I managed to get a session organised with my wee Chinese chappie at Ocean terminal, so it was back to the needles, pummelling and cupping, which hopefully will put things right again.

Nice and mild here today , temperature was up to 8.5 c. (a real heatwave - just about had to strip off), however according to the weather folks, it will not last for long , and then we will have crappy crappy weather till April. No doubt, by then our Indian Summer will have passed and we will be thinking about next x mas once again.

A late Edit, having received an E mail from Bill Annand to let the friends, bretheren and companions of Michael Lynch know that he passed away at 3.30 p.m on Saturday following a long struggle with cancer. There are no details available yet of the funeral arrangements. MICHAEL, R I P., you will be missed.

Nicola - 21 again, and the Ambleside Girls

In the course of my travels I bumped into Nicola , who was 21 again yesterday - looks like we are all meeting up for "something" on Saturday to celebrate.

The Mercat Bar was busy again at lunchtime and the eight young ladies from Ambleside reappeared for a bite.
I have to apologise to them, having got "Jazz" to write down all their details etc I mislaid the paper in my travels between lunchtime and now. But the eight of them, from England, Poland, Australia and New Zealand are all friends of Jazz, several work in a big hotel in Ambleside and they had come up to Edinburgh on a three day break, staying in a hostel near to the bar. Enjoying the City lights, late disco's and tonight were off on the Witchery Tour. Heading home a.m. - but if one of them gets back in touch I will update the entry.

Home, via Booker, changed and collected Sparky Mark and off we headed to the airport as he is away for a weeks walking tour in the mountains of Andalusia, south east Spain. Hot off the press - he has just called from London - managed an earlier flight and is sitting imbibing in the T5 bar waiting on his friends.

On my way from the airport into the Mercat with the goodies from Bookers I was held up on the A8 Glasgow Road, near to Taggarts Jaguar garage as there had been an accident involving a bus - lots and lots of Police on the scene and massive diversions, etc.

Anyway, home in one piece, up up and away early a.m. for my designated day at The Mercat Bar.