Another side of Lesley Riddoch

Wallacey

Stirling Castle. I was there at the launch of Scotland's History this October and realised I'd never been before. How did that (not) happen? So the Smithmeister and I had a (not) school visit today and found a really magical place. The high gardens, hill-top trees and flying views of the Forth gave me a different impression of the Stuart monarchs. An other-worldly family. Fun-loving hill-top dwellers. Scottish castles are usually so drab and empty – and the restoration of Stirling has created a very different version of reality. The cream-coloured exterior of the Great Hall makes antiquity appear pretty. Ancient and pretty. In our macho wee country, that's an important combination to acknowledge. Mind you, Niall Campbell wants to restore Rowallan Castle in Ayrshire in much the same way... but Historic Scotland object. The result of a third public enquiry is due in 2009. I'd say the more inhabited homes in Scotland, the better.

 

Stirling Day Trip

Stirling Castle. I was there at the launch of Scotland's History this October and realised I'd never been before. How did that (not) happen? So the Smithmeister and I had a (not) school visit today and found a really magical place. The high gardens, hill-top trees and flying views of the Forth gave me a different impression of the Stuart monarchs. An other-worldly family. Fun-loving hill-top dwellers. Scottish castles are usually so drab and empty – and the restoration of Stirling has created a very different version of reality. The cream-coloured exterior of the Great Hall makes antiquity appear pretty. Ancient and pretty. In our macho wee country, that's an important combination to acknowledge. Mind you, Niall Campbell wants to restore Rowallan Castle in Ayrshire in much the same way... but Historic Scotland object. The result of a third public enquiry is due in 2009. I'd say the more inhabited homes in Scotland, the better.

 

An Icelandic Saga for Christmas 2008

As we all depart for a festive Christmas and jolly Hogmanay, I thought I would pass on some thoughts about my continuing fascination with all things Nordic, Scandic, Viking and Baltic. I went to Iceland on a number of occasions this year and took my recorder and my camera to record . Here are the results.

Christmas Greetings

This is a short show of some of the things I have been up in the last year. It's a way of saying 'seasons greetings' and thanks to everyone !

CHEERIO 2008 AND SORRY TO TODAY’S EMAILERS

A grovel to end 2008! In today's Riddoch Questions programme with Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray we had another attack of an intermittent gremlin that stops us receiving texts and emails. It's maddening. When we test emails before the programme, the systems are tickety boo. And then, the second we are on air, the system seems to freeze. But of course we're never sure the audience isn't out jogging until it's too late to fix. Anyway, today we had about 40 emails – all of which popped up in the last five minutes of the programme. I'm so sorry cos it must have seemed like I was thundering on ignoring everyone (which isn't entirely unthinkable when I get engrossed in an obscure point of policy!)

The BBC and Feisty are determined to get this sorted by Jan 9^th when John Swinney will be in the hot seat. If you've a point for him already – or want to book a call that day just email me via this site. Finally a big thanks to all the Feisty staff – here's a few wee pics from our Festive swally in Dundee's DCA. You'll notice IT guru Roger and Webmeister Chris completely pre-occupied with a Xmas cracker puzzle....leaving Feisty gals Laura and Karen soooooooooo impressed. Not. There's a moral in there somewhere – but sadly not in the crackers! Happy Festives and we'll be back in 2009 with the Finance Secretary on Jan 9^th and an audience programme about the Environment (and particularly his Forestry proposals) with Minister Mike Russell at Pitlochry Theatre (recording at 6pm on the 19th) with transmission on Friday 23th at the usual time, 1.15 on Radio Scotland. Email us if you want to come along.

 

There is a new Aftermath available and it's not a Christmas Special

The new Woolies Aftermath touches all the hot topics; benefits and pick'n'mix. Check it out whilst it's still available.