Another side of Lesley Riddoch

Highland Book Tour Is this work?

It really doesn’t feel like it -- roaming the Highlands talking about all matters Gaelic and Hebridean. And wondering how many folk will turn up to events. Waterstones in Inverness had to cancel their event-- so after finally meeting Morag MacDonald on Radio Scotland's Highland Café in the very cramped BBC Inverness (it's being revamped)I headed west to Gairloch. Two Lochs Radio is a fab wee community station serving the Gairloch and Lochewe areas and run by the dedicated Alex Gray. Somehow a wee interview, a very active grapevine, and some phonecalls from my friend Tash MacLeod produced almost a full house at the community centre annexe.

The next day it was Helmsdale and its museum/arts gallery Timespan -- undergoing a massive refurbishment including a balcony with glass wall overlooking the Helmsdale River for food and coffees. Just for once, the weather was great--  this is me trying out the new GPS storytelling system devised by Timsepan at Helmsdale harbour after an epic cycle up the Glen to Kildonan and then round and UP 2000 feet to Glen Loth. After four hours solid in the saddle I had terrible foot cramp -- but soldiered on to get up to Lyth near Wick sawee bit late. It was another great evening and many thanks to Willie Wilsonthere, to Rachel at Timespan and Alex at Two Lochs.

That was the week that was...

Just back from holiday and things have not been quiet. The film opened in Dundee to appreciative audiences and the feedback was great. We hope to do additional screenings of "Whodunnnit?" - so watch this space.

On the book front, the tour continues and I have been delighted to meet so many people. The feedback taken many forms, including an entry on this blog...from a fellow cyclist! Check out the dates and come along !

Grilled by Tommy Sheridan ! Last night, I was a guest on the "Tommy Sheridan Chat Show" at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It was the last show and Tommy was in fine form. It was a strange sensation to be at the business end of an interview. And yes, I would do it again.

Laura MacIver review in the Stornoway Gazette

I was delighted to recieve a copy of the book review section of the Stornoway Gazette. Laura MacIver concludes her review with these words;

Provocative and inspired, ‘Riddoch on the Outer Hebrides' is a must read, especially for those that think they know the islands inside out. You won’t find a more stimulating or relevant read around.

If you would like to read the whole review, Download lesley_riddoch_book_review.pdf  here.

It's always good to get your legs over...as cyclists say

Was the way this interesting email started from Stan. Inspired to get his bike out and on to the Outer Hebrides. This is his story ;

Cycled to the station for the 0630 train to Glasgow 20mins wait, then train to Oban.

2hrs wait for the Cal-Mac ferry to Barra, 5hrs45mins on board. Now 18:30 hrs , dumped my gear at B&B and off for dinner.

Next morning after b'fast I cycled down to Vatersay, the island has two beautiful bays, water crystal clear, only one family on the beach ! Then back up to Barra, Cycled round the island and up to the ferry and across to Eriskay (50mins) This is the famous island that the SS Politician ran aground during the war with a cargo of whisky (film Whisky Galore). Then on up to Lochboisdale !

Camped that night and went down to the beach to wash frrrrrrrrrrrrr eeeeeee zzzzing it's the Atlantic!.

We are ready to roll

Charlie and I have been working flat out to finish and finesse the film "Whodunnit ? " - it's ready  to roll.

The first screenings are in Dundee at the DCA at 6pm on Saturday 18 August, Sunday 19 August and Monday 20 August. The tickets cost £3 and the Saturday screening is followed by a panel discussion including Mike Galloway - Head of Planning at Dundee City. You can book tickets through the DCA Box Office  on 01382 909900

More details here....DCA listings information

My short film premieres in Dundee - Saturday August 18

After a wee while shooting with a cast of characters about Dundee, the film "Whodunnit" will play to its first audience at DCA in Dundee on Saturday 18 August.

It's a short film and the Saturday showing is followed by a discussion. For more details of showings and a wee poster....click here to Download film-poster.jpg

Back in September on the wireless

Just to be clear with everyone, the current run of Riddoch Questions, 12 in the can, is in recess for August. Whilst, there will be some lounging by pools, I have a fairly busy schedule for the month of August....books, films and festivals. Watch this space for my up to date schedule.

And yes, we will be back on the wireless on September 7 !