History

Article — 20 October 2020 — 559 words

James Middlemass & Co — Boys’ Outfitters — found under the floorboards

During our kitchen renovation, we found this under the floorboards. It is a “Boys’ Outfitters” catalogue for James Middlemass & Co. We think it dates from around the 1880s.

Article — 12 March 2019 — 754 words

30 years of the world wide web

Current affairs — Web

Today the world marks the 30th birthday of the web. I could have said ‘celebrates’ instead of ‘marks’. But despite — or perhaps because of — the fact that it’s the most revolutionary advance in communications of our lifetime, the mood seems reflective rather than celebratory.

Article — 27 December 2017 — 381 words

40 years of the Voyager golden record

Culture — Music

The 40th anniversary of the launch of Voyager has created renewed interest in the two gold-plated phonograph records that are on board.

Article — 28 December 2015 — 465 words

Check out this amazing film of Kirkcaldy in 1975

Personal

A fascinating and honest snapshot of Kirkcaldy — good and bad — from 40 years ago.

Article — 14 May 2013 — 563 words

Dundee Law sculpture

Walking

The new sculpture at Dundee Law initially served to confuse me rather than amuse me. But hopefully it is the first of many improvements needed in the area.