Currently reading

Posted on February 22, 2007
Filed Under Life, Work |

‘Kidnapped’ by Robert Louis Stevenson. I’ve always found Stevenson a fascinating individual for many reasons. His sickness in life, his family history of lighthouse building and his desire to rebel against it, his burial by natives on a mountain in the south pacific all blend with an Edinburgh and East Lothian background with which I can identify.

I was always fascinated by the fact that Fidra was his inspiration for the island in treasure Island. Fidra is one of my favourite places in the world, or to be more accurate, anywhere with a view of Fidra is my favourite place as the island is largely inaccessible.

Anyway, Kidnapped is great. A good old fashioned boys own yarn, set in various places around Scotland in the years following the Jacobite Rebellion. To add to the list of connections, the pub next door to our flat used to be called the ‘Alan Breck’ after one of the main characters in the novel. Inspirational stuff and well worth a read although some of the old Scots words might bugger up your understanding of what’s going on from time to time.

I’ve now handed in my notice at work, which is nice. Only 5 weeks until I start my new job. My Grandfather is still clinging on to life by his fingertips, even though they expect him to die any time. He’s a tough old bloke. Funnily enough, even though I know it’s not going to happen, I wouldn’t be surprised if he just swung his legs round the edge of the bed, stood up and asked what was for dinner. He has an incredible knack for pulling one out of the bag when required.

I suppose I’d best be off now and do some work.

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