Author Archives: davidsberry

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About davidsberry

Local ex-councillor, tour guide and database designer. Keen on wildlife, history, boats and music. Retired in 2017.

Dead Fish Swim with the Stream

Posted on July 18, 2011 by davidsberry

Ever since I overcame my mother’s Blitz-begotten mistrust of the Germans, I have been a Europhile. But sometimes, they really don’t make it easy. Their latest unpalatable tranche of Eurotrash was served up this week by Maria Damanaki in her role … Continue reading →

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Puffin Farewell Party

Posted on July 16, 2011 by davidsberry

I had originally intended to simply post the photo above to show how serene and restful the May was yesterday with many of their 45,000 inhabitants out socialising, as they do. With their ‘pufflings’ now grown and departing daily, this … Continue reading →

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Furth of Forth

Posted on July 15, 2011 by davidsberry

The other sea-boot dropped today as UK Transport Minister Philip Hammond re-thought draconian plans to cut 18 coastguard stations to 3. The revision restores both Stornoway and Lerwick to the roster, along with Aberdeen and has caused much relief and … Continue reading →

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The Press—Trusted;Investigative;Profitable: Pick Two

Posted on July 14, 2011 by davidsberry

A boatload of pious claptrap has been written and broadcast over the last few weeks as the rest of the media has been circling the wounded News Corp like sharks homing in on an enfeebled killer whale. I am no … Continue reading →

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Minnesota Ice Tea Party

Posted on July 13, 2011 by davidsberry

While Scotland does not follow American politics closely, most will recall Sarah Palin as the ‘running mate’ of John McCain, Republican candidate defeated by Barack Obama in 2008. They may not recall the Alaska governor’s right-wing agenda and therefore won’t … Continue reading →

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Christie Eleison VI

Posted on July 8, 2011 by davidsberry

What with Harry Potter’s latest wheeze or Kate wowing the Canadians or News of the Screws screwing itself, it’s been an packed week in the normally slack ‘silly season’. Long gone from anyone’s radar is the Christie report, about which … Continue reading →

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Crueller Even Than the Sea

Posted on July 6, 2011 by davidsberry

I had been convinced that my second guide trip this season to the Isle of May would be cancelled today. The Met Office inshore forecast for Forth was Southeasterly force 5 or 6 wind, moderate to rough sea state, poor … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Transport | Tagged | 1 Comment

We’re Number (Fifty-) One!

Posted on July 4, 2011 by davidsberry

We are always being told how, being a part of Britain, Scotland derives major benefits from “being at the top table” or “punching far above our weight”. Let’s assume such logic isn’t mince. Well, why mess about with the has-beens … Continue reading →

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Christie Eleison V

Posted on July 4, 2011 by davidsberry

From blog hits, it’s clear that dissection of the Christie Report makes less than riveting reading for our readers. But we make no apology for this instalment—nor for one more to come (anorak it may be, but it matters, guys). … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | Tagged , | 2 Comments

No’ Awa’ Tae Bide Awa’?

Posted on July 3, 2011 by davidsberry

As part of her visit to open wur pairliament, this weekend, Queen Elizabeth presented new colours to six of the seven battalions of the Royal Regiment of Scotland (RRS: the 4th  Bn is absent, serving in Helmand). Those with little … Continue reading →

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