At the start of our journey to France, nearly a month ago now, we stayed for a few nights with my eldest daughter, who lives in mid-Wales. Sophie is a silversmith, a celebrant, and a healer who works mainly with … Continue reading
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For the next five-plus weeks, this is my office. We got here at the end of last week after an exhausting ten days packing up the house for AirBnB guests, followed immediately by a two-week, 2,000-mile road trip, visiting family … Continue reading
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Although we leave for France today, I had intended to write something yesterday, come what may. The habit has become strong since I started these regular posts again. Missing a week feels not only like a dereliction of duty, but … Continue reading
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This is a moment of limbo. We are in the countdown to departure for a two-month break, six weeks of which will be spent in south-west France. While we are there, there will be AirBnB guests in our home. Today, … Continue reading
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In the centre of our village of Birnam stands the Birnam Hotel, a large Victorian hotel. It was built in 1850 at a time when, following the queen’s example, tourists were starting to discover the majesty of the Highlands. When … Continue reading
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Sometimes it feels too difficult to write this blog. I am tired and over-stretched. Events, major and minor, have been piling in over the last few weeks. Right now I have a swarm of half-formed thoughts buzzing at the edge … Continue reading
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Orkney is a gentle, green time machine. While the waters around it carry stories of sea-faring and exploration and the drama of two world wars, the land – low-lying pasture pocked with shallow scoops of water – tells a much … Continue reading
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Back in March I wrote about our sister city Asheville, North Carolina (here), and the bestselling American novelist and Asheville resident, Elizabeth Kostova, who was here in Birnam and Dunkeld on a two-month writing residency. Last week, before she returned … Continue reading
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Next Thursday, 7th May, is Scottish parliamentary election day. In discussion with the publishers, Scotland Street Press, it seemed a fitting day to publish the paperback edition of my biography of my great-great-uncle, Don Roberto: the Adventure of Being Cunninghame … Continue reading
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Stromness on Sunday is quiet. Very quiet. In another era one might imagine the whole town to be at prayer. The cobbled main steet is deserted. We glimpse the harbour in splashes of vivid blue at the bottom of wynds … Continue reading
The extraordinary story of Jamie's great-great-uncle: politician, horseman, writer, adventurer, visionary and humanitarian
Making a deeper connection with words - the acclaimed creative writing programme
12 chapters, 12 authors, the collective wisdom from 15 years of running courses around the world
A masterclass in business writing and communication from John Simmons and Jamie Jauncey.
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A Few Kind Words 