#well today i caught a short flight up to glasgow by myself

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SXSW 2019

8 – 17 March 2019

Words and Photos: Elena Katrina

I didn’t think that I would ever go to SXSW. It seemed far away and I’m not just talking about geography. I have the bug though – in both ways – the way in which I don’t want to ever miss it ever again and also the actual SXSW Flu. I’m so sick I’m not allowed to fly and I’m on some crazy American drugs from the doctors. So, I’m reflective and impassioned and delirious. It all seems a good combination to get going on the review for 2019… at least a start…

I’m not really sure where to start with this one, to be honest. I had some idea of the crazy time that was going to hit me when I arrived in Austin but not the exact pull I was going to feel toward some bands over others.

There was one clear winner who was going to dominate my efforts and I’m going to be open about this from the get-go. When you do something like this…. the blog thing…. you do it because you are passionate, passionate and have taken leave of your senses. When you take unpaid leave and spend every penny of your very small savings to go to a festival an 11-hour flight away, you can be damn sure you are entitled to spend some of your time doing what the hell you want. As long as it’s legal anyway! And for me that would be going to see the same act play more than once.

Step forward Sam Fender. Knowing that he was back, I was back and that it had to be done. I couldn’t choose between one showcase and another. I did set off with a list of 3 and decided on one. I did go to another showcase so that I wouldn’t see him twice in one day but as I sat on the floor between bands editing photos I had this overwhelming urge to leave. I’d made sure the showcase I was at was a good distance away but it didn’t matter… turns out I might not even run for a bus but run for an artist… yup, you guessed it. I didn’t go to see him alone… oh no, everywhere I went I encouraged other people to pick that show over another. I don’t think I’ve ever done this before either. Vevo House. My main base for the first 3 days was host to Sam’s first live show and one I allowed Island to see me in “fan mode”  – I couldn’t hold back the squeal of delight at the opening chords of Hypersonic Missiles. The British Music Embassy the next on the list several hours later – where Sam himself declared he was beyond exhausted “we’ve been up since 6am. Thanks for coming to watch us die” he said, arms stretched as if expecting a hug to be forthcoming. He may have looked tired but that man keeps surplus energy in his little fingers because he sounded on fire. I just feel utterly exhilarated whenever I see him. I almost had to get someone to carry me out of there…. turns out running really isn’t for me. Anyway, to not spend the whole review on him, I saw Sam four times, including at Fender House “I’ve come to get my share of the family business”… the guy just cracks me up. But anyway, OK. Judge if you will but my time, my money, my blog….my faves.

Now that that is out the way time to give love to everyone else. And there really is loads of that left to go around. I had a list of 26 bands I wanted to see – more than double from last year. I managed to see 13 of them plus another 8 acts I hadn’t planned on, which is always a good thing! From the non-listed, I have to admit that I don’t know how Orchards have not been higher on my radar. They’re exactly the kind of thing I love – and my god their energy live is something else. I forgot that it was the middle of the day, the venue was hot and sticky with sweat and excitement and the band were nothing short of hypnotic.

It wasn’t just unexpected Brits that I saw, oh no. What would an international festival be without seeing some … well… at least one international act. Signed to Heavenly Records, Netherlands’ band Pip Blom were a band I didn’t think I liked. That was until I rocked up at Abbie McCarthey’s Good Karma Club showcase to see them and happily delved right in. Their set was tight but not overly polished. It felt organic and the connection between band members was shown in open smiles and those looks across the stage where only those two people understand. Shimmering shoegaze grunge that caught the affections of the crowd. I even overheard Annabel Allum exclaim they were the best thing she’d seen all SXSW. Now that’s something. It was also on this same line up where I got to catch up with Popped faves Bad Sounds. If you’ve not seen these guys yet, you really want to get a wriggle on. They’re great no matter where you see them but the closer you get the more involved in the craziness you can be. And that really is something you want to be up in the face of as the pair bounce around the stage- loving and living life to the fullest. Me? Oh I danced like I’d been drinking all day (I’m a sober person).

It became evident when I picked up my pass that the best way forward with getting to see bands was going to be to pick some showcases and stay there ….. that and to let other people take me off and away. It’s almost impossible to make a schedule. Especially when there are unofficial showcases as well as the packed official schedule. I love to see the unofficial shows – ones where the general public come out to play and spend hours in line to catch bands.

Glasgow’s Fatherson, were one of the bands I managed to see play a few times. Firstly their official showcase for our pals at Killing Moon and then secondly a free show at a rooftop bar in glorious sunshine to a roar of applause. It was something else to see them play outside in the middle of the afternoon. Their chilled out alternative sounds brought both the calm and chaos. An absolute treat. Boy Azooga and Thyla also played open shows. Both of whom I saw play out at Lazarus Brewing for our new US friends Music For Listeners. Bringing his own personal ray of sunshine Boy Azooga was an act I’ve listened to at home but never seen live. I wasn’t prepared for the joy that was going to hit me. He delighted everyone around him with the upbeat tunes and quirky lyrics. In contrast, Thyla were cool calm and collected with a subtle rock goddess as their front person, it was hard not to feel somewhat intimidated as I watched on in awe. Now I’ve seen Thyla play before and I am always blown away by them. They manage to do this in a way that always leaves me feeling a little confused. They’re not in my face yet they capture my attention and every single time leave me wanting more.

Another band who leave me feeling exactly the same are Lucia. I saw them last year for the first time and thought Lucia herself was going to jump off the stage and rip my head off. That right there is one intense performer. I was so scared of her that when I was told she was just across the crowd from me I said “ok!” And tentatively waved across the room. The next thing I knew this Glaswegian Glamazon was stood next to me wanting to say hi. “Uh…ok”. Turns out, it’s all an act. PHEW! She means what she says though, don’t be getting me wrong, but I enjoyed every moment in Lucia’s company over the festival, it just so happens I turn into jelly when they’re on stage. Not to be messed with this lot. So enthralled by their performance I made a point to see them twice.

There was a great box of Brits out en mass for this year’s SXSW. Some bands such as Island, Fatherson and The Amazons who have all got albums under their belts and a solid touring schedule, and then there are the super newbies; the likes of Cassia, Larkins, Lucia and The Ninth Wave. All still relatively new to the UK crowds and without a debut album under their belt, but bringing their A-Game to SXSW. I’ll tell you something for nothing too, it didn’t matter newer to the game or not, not a single band gave a bad performance. Not a single band played like they’d never played here before. The Amazons delivered their first ever SXSW show as if it was just something they’d thought they’d do that day when they woke up, as did The Ninth Wave – who, incidentally terrified me so much with their performance that I ran straight to their booking agent (figuratively anyway). Their single Sometimes The Silence Is Sweeter definitely isn’t a sentiment I’ll agree with when it comes to seeing them, but live it’s a punchy

The Distiller and Scruff Of The Neck teams were out to play every day too, with shows all over the place as well as their own showcase – smartly advertised by way of the bags (I’m still repping mine today, eager to continue to spread the good word despite the party being very much over). Lit up like the batman sign in the night sky, on a rooftop somewhere in downtown Austin, I watched Larkins. A band I’d never seen before and a band I’m entirely convinced I’ll see again. Nothing to do with how they threw down the challenge to Cassia in our bean bag tournament – nope, just on the standard of show. Energetic and assured, these guys enjoyed the show as much as the crowd that gathered to witness. I count myself amounts the new fans they made. I’m hoping they’ll think that’s a good thing.

Anteros were rightfully excited to be at this year’s SXSW – with just shy of two weeks to go until their debut album dropped, it was the perfect opportunity to show the world just what they were made of and why the likes of us have been shouting about them for years. Their live set is polished to perfection, it shines just as much as any glittery outfit Laura can find. And she can find them. Their set at The British Music Embassy was packed with music fans and industry (sometimes we are even the same thing) and you could see there were nerves but by the time Laura was grabbing at the hands of the female audience members to get them up on stage, you just knew there was more to this than just doing a good show.

An unexpected highlight of my week was an incredibly emotional set from Grace Carter. Not only does she command the stage like she was born to be on it but she has a tone of vocal that really hits me. She has some range on her too, I tell you that for nothing. While she might be more on the urban side of new music for us I will wholeheartedly tell you to check her out. Her single Why Her Not Me came with an explanation that you could see was hard and I caught her eye during a moment and all of a sudden tears just streamed down her face but she carried on, pausing for a big breath to control and control she did – delivering what was one of the single most emotional performances I’ve seen, ever.. not just at SXSW, but in over twenty years of going to shows.

Now I want to talk to you about a serious hidden gem that really is worth uncovering and in my opinion one of the UK’s most underrated talents; Eliza Shaddad. Watching her live is always a pleasurable experience. It had been a long time since I saw her play solo but bringing a band along to international showcases is an expensive business so for some shows she played solo and others she borrowed label brother’s Island. This tiny and unassuming person steps onto the stage and somehow just grows. Like a small bud, she nurtures the song and before your eyes and ears, everything just blooms. I can’t for the life of me understand why more people aren’t shouting about Eliza.

Island are a band I’ve been somewhat passionate about for a good few years; their music makes me sooo incredibly happy so you can imagine the grin on my face when they boarded my flight to Austin. It was a pretty stupid grin again as I watched their gear go round and round at the airport. I did let them travel in peace though – I waited until they were drunk on free margaritas before deciding I should interview them. With a host of shows to chose from it was a midnight show for Killing Moon that I plumped for, knowing the venue was reasonably intimate and moody. I get the distinct feeling that seeing this band in smaller venues is very soon to be a thing of the past. They certainly have the talent and the set to bring in much larger crowds. For a band who make pretty melodic laid-back vibes, to watch them is something else. The energy is that of a much heavier band – they bounce around the stage feeling every beat. Newer songs like She sit happily alongside older tracks and although before they went on I felt like I needed toothpicks to keep my eyes open (jet lag), I felt entirely (if only momentarily) rejuvenated.

The craziest night I had was all thanks to End Of The Trail who amongst their lineup had managed to bag both Avalanche Party and The Blinders. Nestled in the back of a dark and dank dive bar was where I found myself surrounded by people hidden in the shadows, it really was a throng of people but it was so dark you could struggle to see the whites of peoples eyes unless they were stood right by you. I was kindly taken side of the stage so I could try and shoot but as any gig photog knows; red light and nothing but red light is never going to turn out well. It can be forgiven though because really the show was so electric it was hard to want to take photos. For those of you who like Your music to have a garage-punk rock out then, you need to get onto Avalanche Party. They do not stop, it’s fast, furious and sweaty as hell. Their lead singer has a presence that belies any kind of self-confidence issues and he roams the stage, he’s up, he’s down, he’s on the stage, off the stage. My camera could hardly get a focus on him. It was a sweaty ride and seemed to be over in a flash. The crowd wanted to get closer and I was glad I was safe at the side not being battered like everyone else.

  After just enough time for me to catch my breath, The Blinders took to the stage. There was a whole other feel to this show than the last time I saw them (Kendal Calling’s NYE party – Victoria Warehouse) – there’s always going to be a slightly different presentation of music in a smaller venue and for me The Blinders are lucky in that they work both ways. Here there was a real tension in the air, it was thick and heavy and as their set went on the crowd and band felt as though they were one. I can’t say I know what happened toward the end of the set but as Tom climbed a speaker stack all of a sudden things started to go a little bit wrong – the lights went, the mic went… all hell let loose. The thing is, for some bands this would be a problem (don’t get me wrong there was some slight panic going on) but here it felt like it made the show – the darkness, the chaos all fed into the rawness of their set. The music never stopped by the way – the drums kept a pounding, the bass kept a thudding. It wasn’t until I stepped out into the street that I realised that The Blinders‘ weren’t even the headline act. They were mine that’s for sure – they delivered as though they were.

All in all it was an incredible year for the Brits at this year’s SXSW and one I’ll never forget – as I’m sure neither will everyone else who went. I went feeling sure I wasn’t going to go again next year and so make the most of it…. and now I’m already thinking… hmmm SXSW 2020 has a certain ring to it… so watch this space!

Catch up with our SXSW insta stories here.

Check out our photo diary here:

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This review is dedicated to HER’S. RIP.

      Festival Review: SXSW 2019 SXSW 2019 8 - 17 March 2019 Words and Photos: Elena Katrina I didn’t think that I would ever go to…

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The Daily Thistle

The Daily Thistle – News From Scotland

Wednesday 11th October 2017

"Madainn Mhath” …Fellow Scot, I hope the day brings joy to you…. Well the surgery went well yesterday and they removed the cataract in my right eye and inserted a replacement lens after a couple of hours I started to feel back to normal and will be glad when the left eye has been operated on and the cataract there has been removed also…. As I only have effectively one eye until a week from today.. so the morning chat will be a little short…until I get used to it…

DRUGS MONEY OF £40,000 FOUND IN ABERDEEN 'WAS FOR SNAKES'…. A man caught with almost £40,000 of drugs money in a shoebox in Aberdeen told police he was a snake breeder and it was for pythons he had sold. However, when Ian Austin's box was analysed, fingerprints linked him to co-accused Daniel Adams, who was caught with cannabis resin with a maximum street value of more than £300,000. Adams was caught with 97kg of drugs on the M74 near Bothwell, Lanarkshire. Both men admitted being concerned in the supply of drugs. Sentence at the High Court in Glasgow was deferred. 'I breed snakes' Adams, 24, from Aberdeen, was seen leaving a flat in September last year in the city's Balgownie Court carrying a rucksack and giving it to Austin, 38, from Liverpool, who drove off. Austin's car was stopped and searched and £39,920 in cash was found in a shoebox inside the rucksack. During a police interview, Austin initially told police: "I breed snakes and came from Liverpool to Aberdeen to supply a man with snakes." He said in exchange he received the shoebox which he "assumed" contained £40,000. Adams was caught on the M74. When the car in which he was a passenger was searched the cannabis resin was discovered. Both men were remanded in custody and will be sentenced later this month. Det Insp Robin Sim, from Police Scotland, said: "This was a co-ordinated covert operation between specialist teams based throughout Scotland. "The ability to deploy specialist resources throughout Scotland means that we can successfully target those involved in the supply of illegal drugs, no matter the location. "This successful operation has resulted in a significant quantity of illegal drugs being taken off the streets and kept away from our communities and we welcome these convictions."

BRITISH AIRWAYS TO EXPAND INVERNESS TO HEATHROW SERVICE…. British Airways is to increase the number of flights it operates between Inverness and London Heathrow from next year. The airline said it would expand its service from seven flights per week to 10 from 25 March. The flights will operate on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Local business leaders described the announcement as "excellent news" for the Highlands economy, with more visitors expected in the region. Inglis Lyon, managing director of Inverness Airport operator Hial, said: "We have worked closely with British Airways to further improve connectivity and the new schedule provides additional two-way connectivity with destinations such as Atlanta, San Diego, Phoenix, Berlin and Mexico City. "We can also anticipate more than 10% additional inbound passengers to the Highlands and Islands to experience all the north of Scotland has to offer."

HISTORIC SITES IN SCOTLAND SEE BUSIEST SUMMER SEASON…. Scotland's historic sites have set record-breaking summer visitor numbers, with Edinburgh Castle topping the list. The period from April to September 2017 saw a 20% increase in footfall on the same period last year, making it the busiest season on record. Historic Environment Scotland (HES) said the busiest month was August, with more than 870,000 visitors recorded. Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle were the three most popular paid-for attractions. The visitor numbers of more than 70 ticketed Historic Scotland sites were recorded - giving a total of 3.8 million.

WINDSCREEN SMASHED AS ITEM DROPPED FROM BRIDGE ON M9…. A car's occupants had a narrow escape after an item was thrown from a bridge on the M9, smashing their windscreen and scattering glass over them. The Vauxhall Astra was targeted as it travelled on the motorway going towards Grangemouth, on 29 September. Police said the item was thrown from the Moss Road overbridge at Stenhousmuir at about 19:45. The driver managed to steer the car to safety and was uninjured. Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward. PC Ray Crossan said offers were still trying to determine what had been thrown from the bridge. He added: "Whoever was responsible for this serious and reckless act could have caused serious injury to the persons within the vehicle below and other motorists and we are keen to hear from anyone who can help us identify those responsible."

FAKE BANKNOTE MAN FLIES HOME FOR FAMILY REUNION 'AND SOME GOOD FOOD'…. An Edinburgh man who was held in a jail in Dubai for three days over a forged banknote has flown home for a family reunion. William Barclay had been accused of trying to exchange a fake £20 note during a family holiday. Although the incident happened last September and was resolved, he was arrested again over the matter during another holiday to the area last month. He arrived in Glasgow at 20:00 to be met by his partner Monique. Mr Barclay then travelled to his home in Edinburgh to see his children "and have some good food". He said: "It's a massive relief. I'm stuck over there running out of money, just worrying about looking at potentially a year in prison for a being a victim of something that should never have happened. "My main focus now is just to get back to my two kids and my partner Monique, who's fought hard to get me home, along with all my family. "The worst part was obviously prison, being locked up and away from your family. "I couldn't go back to that country, not after the way they've treated me. After the second time, what they've done to me is horrendous." The charity Detained in Dubai, who fought for Mr Barclay's release, escorted to his Emirates flight late on Wednesday.

On that “Not Fake” note I will say that I hope you have enjoyed the news from Scotland today,

Our look at Scotland today is of Auchinstarry Marina, Kilsyth and looking grand.....

A Sincere Thank You for your company and Thank You for your likes and comments I love them and always try to reply, so please keep them coming, it's always good fun, As is my custom, I will go and get myself another mug of "Colombian" Coffee and wish you a safe Wednesday 11th October 2017 from my home on the southern coast of Spain, where the blue waters of the Alboran Sea washes the coast of Africa and Europe and the smell of the night blooming Jasmine and Honeysuckle fills the air…and a crazy old guy and his dog Bella go out for a walk at 4:00 am…on the streets of Estepona…

All good stuff....But remember it’s a dangerous world we live in

Be safe out there…

Robert McAngus

[robertmcangusgroup]

The Daily Thistle

The Daily Thistle – News From Scotland

Wednesday 13th September 2017

"Madainn Mhath” …Fellow Scot, I hope the day brings joy to you…. This morning, unlike most morning’s it was a struggle to get up, Yes, I woke at the normal time, it was just difficult to get out of bed and walk Bella, Bella seemed to sense that all is not right with the world and me.. we did our usual walk, but on arriving back at the house I was greeted with the onset of a pounding headache, no drink was involved just bloody old age I think….

‘SUPERGRAN’, 76, BAGS EVERY MUNRO - FOR THE THIRD TIME…. A super-fit gran has climbed all 282 of Scotland’s highest hills at the age of 76 – for the third time. Munro-bagger Elsa Yates started with late husband Bobby in 1988 when they scaled Ben Lomond. She and Bobby completed their first round of Munros - mountains over 3,000ft - within four years. The couple, from Edinburgh, went on to complete all 282 for a second time by 1996. Bobby passed away in 2005, but Elsa’s love of hillwalking continued. She became a “triple Munroist” in June this year. She finished with two peaks in the Big Six at Fisherfield in the north-west of the country. And while Elsa says she cannot imagine life without the hills, she does not think she will make it up and down them all again for a fourth time.

£5M SPEYSIDE DISTILLERY TO CELEBRATE ILLICIT WHISKY HISTORY…. Work is expected to start next year on a new Speyside distillery which uses historical methods of distilling and bottling, after plans were approved by the Moray Council this week. The £5.3million visitor attraction will celebrate Scotland’s illicit whisky history, while creating new jobs and training opportunities. The distillery will be located in the wild and remote Cabrach area on the southern edge of Moray, said to be one of the birthplaces of the Scotch whisky industry and famed for illicit stills and smuggling in years gone by. Research is well underway into the distilling, maturation and bottling of a unique whisky, using the blueprint of an early 19th-century distillery with traditional methods. Construction work is set to begin next summer, with production getting underway in 2019 and the first bottling of mature whisky from the historic distillery made in 2024, with 150,000 bottles expected to be produced each year. A share offer will be announced next year, giving supporters the chance to get involved at an early stage and own a small piece of whisky history. The distillery and heritage centre, shop and cafe will be run by the Cabrach Trust, transforming the existing Inverharroch Farm into the visitor attraction with the aim of putting the Cabrach on the tourist map and marking its place in the story of Scotch whisky.

AIRMAN’S MONSTER SWIM ON LOCH NESS IN MEMORY OF MUM…. FLIGHT Lieutenant Ian Smith, the media and communications Officer at RAF Lossiemouth, has completed a monster of a challenge when he swam the 23 mile length of Loch Ness. Ian is raising money for the charity Ovarian Cancer Action after his mother, Kathleen Smith, passed away in February this year after a brave battle with the disease. Ian swimming past Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness. Picture: Contributed Ian had been training regularly for the 23 mile challenge with lengthy swims in the River Spey as well as the Moray Firth. But the distance wasn’t the major challenge for Ian, he had to overcome an almost phobic fear of dark water. Before stepping in to the loch Ian said: “I know the distance is more than I’ve ever swum before, but the depth of the water, and not being able to see what’s in the water, means this is more of a ‘mind over matter’ challenge for me.” The challenge began at Fort Augustus when the water was calm and the sun was just beginning to rise. A two man support team kept an eye on Ian’s route and health during the swim across the UK’s largest lake by volume – Loch Ness contains more fresh water than all of the lakes in England and Wales combined. Ian took regular food and drink stops to keep up his energy-sapping effort. By mid-day he was passing Urquhart Castle, where tourists no doubt wondered if they were witnessing an appearance by Nessie. After around 14,000 strokes, at 6 o’clock in the evening, Ian reached the north end of the loch where he was met by his wife Helen and daughter Amelia, as well as his sister Alison. Despite swimming for 13 hours Ian was able to gingerly walk out of the loch on to the pebbly beach alone. After recovering from the epic event, he said: “I’m feeling not too bad, but I’m so glad it’s done. Getting in to the loch before sunrise and getting under the water for the first time really was one of the hardest parts of the swim. A lot of it came down to mind over matter and just having a conversation with myself about what isn’t in the water. There were a few times when the water magnified leaves and bubbles in the murky water and that really focused my thoughts for a little while.

ABERDEEN LADIES LUNCH RAISES £57K FOR CHILDREN’S HOSPICES…. LADIES of Aberdeen dug deep to raise an incredible £56,971 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) at the city’s annual Ladies Lunch. Scots singer Michelle McManus hosted the fifth annual event at the city’s Marcliffe Hotel where guests enjoyed a two-course meal and fizz reception, live music from Feeva, fundraising games and the hotly anticipated silent auction. The live auction, compered by radio broadcaster, Steve McKenna, sent the ladies pulses racing as they bided for prizes such as a Maserati for the weekend, Pittodrie Private Box and a money can’t buy CHAS canvas, donated by the Veitchi Group to Robin House and lovingly decorated by the children using the hospices services. Guest speaker of the night, Bruce Edmond, made an emotional speech about his two year old son, Jack, who will always be remembered as a happy, playful boy with a beaming smile. Jack and his family used CHAS at Home and Rachel House in Kinross and credit CHAS for helping them during the most traumatic time possible, to make every moment count for Jack’s short life. Diane Alton, Events Co-ordinator at CHAS said: “Aberdeen folk are notoriously fantastic supporters of CHAS and always get fully behind our fundraising efforts. “We’re so grateful for their generosity and without them, we could not raise the vital funds needed to provide these hospice services, which children and families across Scotland rely so heavily on.

METHADONE MICK’S DENTURE MAKER CONVICTED OF BEING UNREGISTERED DENTIST…. THE man who made the famous teeth donned by Still Game’s Methadone Mick has been found guilty of working as an unregistered dentist. John Nicol, 73, owner of Speedy Dentures, known locally as Glamorous Geggies, has made false teeth for other Craiglang characters customers over five decades. But, he was caught practising as a dentist in March 2015 when a private investigator arranged for a woman to carry out detective work. Lyndsay Grant, 46, took her mum who had a problem with her plate to see Nicol who suggested he could fix it or give her a new one - for a cost and offered to “impression her up”. After a trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court, Nicol from Johnstone, was convicted of breaching the Dentist Act 1984 by holding himself out to be a dentist while not registered as a dentist or dental care professional. Nicol - who was registered with the General Dental Council until 2011 - was fined £1800 for his crime.

On that note I will say that I hope you have enjoyed the news from Scotland today,

Our look at Scotland today is of Still Game’s Methadone Mick….

A Sincere Thank You for your company and Thank You for your likes and comments I love them and always try to reply, so please keep them coming, it's always good fun, As is my custom, I will go and get myself another mug of "Colombian" Coffee and wish you a safe Wednesday 13th September 2017 from my home on the southern coast of Spain, where the blue waters of the Alboran Sea washes the coast of Africa and Europe and the smell of the night blooming Jasmine and Honeysuckle fills the air…and a crazy old guy and his dog Bella go out for a walk at 4:00 am…on the streets of Estepona…

All good stuff....But remember it’s a dangerous world we live in

Be safe out there…

Robert McAngus

[robertmcangusgroup]

The Daily Thistle

The Daily Thistle – News From Scotland Tuesday 11th July 2017 "Madainn Mhath” …Fellow Scot, I hope the day brings joy to you…. Where ever you are on our little blue planet that seems to get smaller every day, with increase in the ability to travel, SMS, Internet, Twitter Skype etc., from a warm and dry Estepona that hugs the Mediterranean close by Gibraltar, The walk with Bella was pleasurable as always, the town has gone back to normal, the carnival packed up and moved on, so the morning quiet has returned… but it did give the time to think about the cup of coffee sat next to the keyboard, and about the news I have just read, so let’s take a look together and see what we think Ok? MAN WEARING BOW TIE FLASHES TEENAGERS…. Police are hunting a man wearing a bow tie who indecently exposed himself to two teenagers near Perth. The man approached the 18-year-old women and made a lewd comment towards them during the incident on the B9112 road at Aberdargie. The incident took place at about 16:30 on Wednesday. The suspect was described as of dark-skinned Asian appearance, about 30 years old, with short dark hair, and stubble. He was formally dressed, wearing a baggy white shirt, bow tie and dark dress trousers…. Police say he was according to the teenagers, physically small but well dressed… Having difficulty holding my coffee I’m laughing that much…. POLICE INSPECTOR ACQUITTED OF WIFE ABUSE…. The case against a police inspector who was accused of abusing his new bride has been dropped after his plea of not guilty was accepted by the court. William Shields, who is 52 and from South Lanarkshire, was accused of shouting and swearing at wife Michelle at Green's Hotel in Gretna on Hogmanay. Prosecutors accepted his plea, which came part way through a trial at Dumfries Sheriff Court. Mr Shields has also been cleared of two other charges of assaulting his wife. He had denied charges alleging that he dragged Michelle Shields off a stool in the lounge area of the hotel, pushed her on the back and caused her to stumble on the night of their wedding. He was also cleared of pushing her onto a bed and striking her on the head as well as covering her mouth and nose with his hand. The trial had been due to continue on the charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner towards Mrs Shields, but fiscal depute Jennifer McGill told the court: "I am accepting a plea of not guilty to that remaining charge." The Strathclyde inspector was not present when the acquittal was announced. PRICE WAR BREAKS OUT ON SCOTTISH ISLANDS FLIGHTS…. A price war has broken out on some air services to the Northern and the Western Isles. As Flybe prepares to go head to head with Loganair from the beginning of September, some flights from Stornoway to Glasgow are on sale for just £50. The airlines have jointly operated routes across the Highlands and islands under a franchise agreement since 2008. But last year Flybe announced that it was terminating its contract with the Scottish airline from 31 August. It has formed an alliance with Eastern Airways to operate busy routes between the Northern and Western Isles and the mainland. Loganair has said it will operate in "its own right" in direct competition with its former partner. Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, economist Tony Mackay predicted that one of the airlines would be a casualty of the price war. "I think that one of them will stop because they'll be losing money," he said. "I don't see there being enough people to justify competition on these routes for more than a few months." INVERNESS POLICE SEARCH FOR DEER POACHING SUSPECTS…. Police have appealed for information after reports of two people poaching deer in woodland near Inverness. The incident happened in the Black Wood of Leys and Tomfat Wood area south of the city overnight on Saturday or Sunday. Officers believe that the suspects were disturbed before they could recover the deer carcass. Wildlife crime officer Daniel Sutherland urged anyone who saw anything suspicious to contact police. He added: "We will continue to work with land owners, members of the public and partners to identify and disrupt poaching activity." MECHANIC JAILED OVER £1.2M DRUG HAUL…. A mechanic who was caught with amphetamine worth £1.2m in the boot of his car has been jailed for four years. Christopher Torrance, 35, from Hamilton, was stopped by police on the M74 near Larkhall, South Lanarkshire, last August. The class B drugs were found in a cardboard box in his silver Honda. Torrance was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow after admitting being concerned in the supply of amphetamine. Louise Arrol, defending, said Torrance was "highly respected" in his job. "He was asked to uplift items which turned out to be illegal substances," she told the court. "He is, by definition, a courier. He was not aware of the value of the drugs. "The item was put in the boot and Mr Torrance drove away." Passing sentence, Lord Burns said: "For someone who had a job and carried it out with some skill, it is puzzling that you would look to make financial gain out of this illegal enterprise. "It is disappointing that you should make such a catastrophic decision." On that note I will say that I hope you have enjoyed the news from Scotland today, Our look at Scotland today is of Dalmeny, but not the one in Scotland this is in New South Wales Australia and was taken by the fantastic Australian Photographer Roy Torkington.. 

A Sincere Thank You for your company and Thank You for your likes and comments I love them and always try to reply, so please keep them coming, it's always good fun, As is my custom, I will go and get myself another mug of "Colombian" Coffee and wish you a safe Tuesday 11th July 2017 from my home on the southern coast of Spain, where the blue waters of the Alboran Sea washes the coast of Africa and Europe and the smell of the night blooming Jasmine and Honeysuckle fills the air…and a crazy old guy and his dog Bella go out for a walk at 4:00 am…on the streets of Estepona… All good stuff....But remember it’s a dangerous world we live in Be safe out there… Robert McAngus