Ben More and Stob Beinein

Grabbed a days holiday on the back of a favourable weather forecast and headed out towards Crianlarich for a bit of Munro bagging. The weather was nice at the foot of the hill but turned cold and windy from around 1000 m upwards. It was a bit of a long hard slog straight up the 16th largest hill in Scotland but I seemed to make pretty good speed with it. Very nice day out.

Richard Thompson

Last event of the Festival this year was another trip to the Queens hall to watch guitar legend Richard Thompson. I've a few of his records but none of the songs played this evening. Overall a little disappointing.

Pentland Hill Walk

A practice walk for Les in preparation for his 60th birthday walk in October. It didn't start well with two major road diversions meaning we couldn't get to our planned start point. After a major rethink of walk we started at a new location for me and enjoyed a fairly flat path and trail on the Northern flanks of the hills. It turned out quite a pleasant route of around 5.6 miles in 2 hours that was pretty comfortable going or everyone.

Feral & Lands of Glass

Cherry and Hannah went to see Feral which was very good and Colin, Cherry and Hannah went to see Lands of Glass later in the day. This was not so good!

Carnethy Red Moss Handicap Race

My second outing at a handicap race and it quickly clear that the handicapper had been less than kind with a number of runners passing me in the first mile. Later on there appeared to be many shortcuts taken by other runners whilst I stuck firmly to the proper course. Came in very near the back but enjoyed the pleasant run and at least it should help with the handicap for next time.

Rachel Sermani

Thursday night at the Queens Hall for a a show by Rachel Sermani playing thoughtful Scottish Folk Music. Good show and a talent that should develop over the years to come.

Philiphaugh Hill Race

A trek down to Selkirk for another race by the team who put on a similar but longer event in January. Once again a fabulously well organised event with ample marshals along a route that might otherwise have lost quite a few runners. No big climbs in this just a steady ascent over 3 miles and then gently down over the next 6. Form wasn't great but really enjoyable race.

Went out for a couple of hours on the mountain bike afterwards. Very heavy rain meant this wasn't much fun!

Alba Flamenca and Alex Horne (Monsieur Butterfly)

First two shows in the Festival this year.

Alba Flamenca was trying something a bit different this year with a blend of dancing styles with a bit of Flamenco, Belly Dancing and Indian dance with a taped story setting the context. It didn't quite work but some very impressive dancing nevertheless.

Alex Horne was good fun with a show build around the creation of a Rube Goldberg style machine.

North Berwick Law Hill Race

A beautiful summer evening for this fantastic little race from the harbour of North Berwick to the top of the Law and back. Great crowds cheering you into the finish.

Ran reasonably well but quite a lot slower than my last effort at the race.