It pains me to admit it as a confirmed Weegie but Edinburgh is a stunning city with architecture, monuments, beauty spots and a castle to rival any capital city in the world. Sure I love Glasgow to bits and will always defend her but Edinburgh’s beauty is undeniable. When the madness and creativity of the Festival Fringe is added it acts like a magnet. We are going to an interactive chat show where the host films proceedings from her attached helmet. The sketch show involving three creative comedians and is guaranteed to produce laughter and shrieks of joy. Well at least that's what is says on the publicity blurb. These are free children’s shows but apparently they keep us adults entertained as well.

Gabrielle and her wee cousin Abigail are also demanding we again visit the Edinburgh Dungeons, for the fifth time. No matter their familiarity with the bumps, screams and artificial blood-soaked actors who imitate historical tragedies and murders with aplomb they still insist on visiting again. The mixture of interesting story telling, gory make-up and pitch dark environment never fails to both excite and frighten them. It is a winning combination and if truth be told my sister and I are truly feart because it’s dead scary!!!!

I keep hoping Tommy will get lost down there and never be seen again but every year he manages to find his way out. Or at the very least, surely he could get a wee joab as one of the scary monsters!

School holidays over for another year

Is it relief or regret? The school holidays come to an end on Thursday and thousands of children will return to the classroom or begin their junior school journey. Others will begin the even more daunting journey to high school.

Even now I can recall the fear and trepidation I felt when I entered Lourdes Secondary to begin my secondary school education. From Lourdes Primary where I knew everyone to Glasgow’s second biggest school and hundreds of new faces. As it happens my school experience was almost wholly positive. The classroom banter, playground chat and school trip adventures were all positive. Surprise, surprise the only rows I ever got were from teachers fed up with my constant talking.

Those memories are good but I recognise for some, especially those subjected to bullying, it can be a horrible experience. I support pro-active measures within all schools to prevent bullying and address it when it happens. All children deserve a positive and safe environment to learn in.

As a parent the truth is I view the return to school with regret now as it means my wee angel is another year older, and the child I love and adore is fast growing up. I know they all grow up but I cherish the childhood memories and hanker for them to grow up a lot more slowly.

Glasgow Times:

Council gets silly over indy rally

My laptop keyboard was hot yesterday as Tommy vented his outrage at Glasgow City Council’s attempt to undermine the Hope Over Fear anniversary rally on September 19 in George Square. The request to use the Square was submitted away back on May 13 but the council waited until Saturday to refuse permission without a single explanation why.

After threatening legal action to challenge the decision they now say it is because a group who oppose independence has also requested use of the square. But that application was received after the one from Hope Over Fear so what is the problem? Surely in a democracy permission is granted to the group who applied first and the other group is allowed to use the square on another day? That is democracy and freedom of speech and expression.

To try and effectively ban the independence movement from assembling in George Square on September 19, one year after the historic referendum, is surely undemocratic and stupid, especially in a city which actually voted YES.

Hopefully common sense will prevail. Tens of thousands of YES supporters will converge on George Square on September 19 to declare their continued support for independence. Those who don’t share that aim can legitimately assemble on another day. That is democracy. The September 19 Hope Over Fear rally will definitely proceed and it will be another great day of live music and inspiring speeches.