This the ninth my occasional series of “Books on the Horizon” – travelogues I dream of researching and writing, though probably never will. It’s the first in a new batch of titles, and imagines journeys to places that have been literally or figuratively bypassed by otherwise positive developments.
A review of the truly extraordinary historical novel The Wake, by Paul Kingsnorth, a book set in a little-known era and written in its very own language.
In which I share my rambling and angry thoughts on the EU referendum.
A weekend in Glenesk, featuring the two highlights of a climb up Mount Keen and a visit to the interesting folk museum.
In which I declare my hand for the Scottish Parliament elections next month (spoiler: constituency vote SNP, list vote Green. There, I’ve saved you the effort of reading the whole post).
A report of a trip to well-known beer bar The Anderson, in Fortrose, a little north of Inverness.
In which I take advantage of the UK’s “visit my mosque” day to go and see what lies behind the doors of the home of Inverness’s Muslim community.
A series of posts from three trips to Armenia – a tiny land on the edge of Europe where a tragic and devastating history and a rich, deep cultural heritage all somehow lay the foundation for a dynamic, welcoming and thoroughly engaging country.
A visit to surely Yerevan’s most unusual tourist attraction – the amazing testament to one man’s determination that is Levon’s Divine Underground.
A visit to Yerevan’s Iranian-funded Blue Mosque, the only mosque in Armenia.
In my time in Armenia I only headed out of Yerevan twice. Here’s a bit of what I found in Armenia’s beautiful countryside.
A further look at Yerevan through a handful of photos I took around the city.
A look at the beautiful, centuries-old Armenian language, and Yerevan’s fascinating manuscript museum.
A portrait of some of the key parts of the Armenian capital Yerevan and the story of the country they tell – especially through the revealing walk up the Cascade to Mother Armenia.
Reflections on the significance of the Armenian genocide, and the magnificent and moving genocide memorial museum in Yerevan.
Out of curiosity I spurned a night in Paris for a night at Charles de Gaulle airport. It was a surprisingly interesting experience.
Two days in Cork on a work trip left me little time to see this major Irish city. So I was more or less entirely dependent on taxi drivers for my impressions.
In which I finally get to visit the famously beautiful Pass of Killiecrankie, rather than whoosh by it on the train.
A quick visit to the surprisingly interesting Rannoch station, on the West Highland Line.
A wander around Nigg Old Church and the haunting walk that runs from its graveyard to the shores of the Cromarty Firth.