To all ex pat west coasters (central belt Scots.) Next time in London, I recommend a breakfast establishment that does a fantastic well fired roll n square (if you need to ask you dinae hae ta ken). www.auldhag.co.uk/location

Huge thrill to meet NAM Rodger, such a privilege of being in Oxford. He was kind enough to sign my copy of his book (third in the trilogy). His trilogy on the British Royal Navy is an extraordinary achievement; it’s a fantastic read. @richove.bsky.social

Professor Stephen Smartt FRS from Oxford and I had great day at UK Astronomy Technology Centre hosted by Prof Christophe Dumas (Director). I had a superb visit to the library.

It was one of the best professional decisions of my career. @uniofstandrews.bsky.social was perfect for me and I grew to love it deeply. So much so that I produced a DSc thesis so I could be a graduate & remain part of it.

As I sit at work, I am reminded that 30 years ago yesterday, I was employed by @uniofstandrews.bsky.social as a lecturer and that tomorrow would be the first day in work. (Scotland being more civilised takes the 2nd Jan as a holiday).

A fond farewell. An end to an old song. I stepped down as Vice-chair of European X-ray Free Electron Laser. It’s the first time in nearly 20 years that I have no involvement with an X-ray facility (Diamond and XFEL). XFEL gave me a lovely gift.

Cameras at ready, it’s Oxford snow scene time. Here is Jericho. Look past the bunnet at a jaunty angle and poor corporate discipline.