Neil Drysdale
@neildrysdale.bsky.social
Aberdeen-based author, ghostwriter and crossword compiler. “Simmy”, the autobiography of Neil Simpson, will be published on May 11, 2026. Now looking for other book projects. Neil694@btinternet.com
Scotland’s footballers are celebrating after qualifying for the World Cup for the first time this century. As somebody who followed the Scots through six campaigns from 1974 to 1998, I’ve taken a look back. Talk about an emotional roller-coaster! www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/689...
November 19, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Scotland’s footballers are celebrating after qualifying for the World Cup for the first time this century. As somebody who followed the Scots through six campaigns from 1974 to 1998, I’ve taken a look back. Talk about an emotional roller-coaster! www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/689...
I could moan about things. But look at these rainbows - there is a double one if you take a look!
November 14, 2025 at 11:41 PM
I could moan about things. But look at these rainbows - there is a double one if you take a look!
The US president sends out the message: “Let them eat urinal cake!”
October 31, 2025 at 9:57 PM
The US president sends out the message: “Let them eat urinal cake!”
Some good news. “Simmy”, the autobiography of Neil Simpson, will be published on May 11: a date close to the hearts of all Aberdeen supporters. With a foreword by Sir Alex Ferguson. More details to follow!
October 24, 2025 at 9:53 AM
Some good news. “Simmy”, the autobiography of Neil Simpson, will be published on May 11: a date close to the hearts of all Aberdeen supporters. With a foreword by Sir Alex Ferguson. More details to follow!
I try not to hate anybody. But….!
October 22, 2025 at 11:01 PM
I try not to hate anybody. But….!
The new series of “Shetland” begins on November 5 on BBC One and I hope it provides some fireworks after the damp squib of the last series. I’d actually look forward more to a TV adaptation of Ann Cleeves’ new book with Jimmy Perez, which is set in Orkney!
October 22, 2025 at 11:54 AM
The new series of “Shetland” begins on November 5 on BBC One and I hope it provides some fireworks after the damp squib of the last series. I’d actually look forward more to a TV adaptation of Ann Cleeves’ new book with Jimmy Perez, which is set in Orkney!
I remember the gasps in the cinema when the aliens destroyed the White House in “Independence Day.” I never thought it would be bulldozed by the US president himself, but that’s Trump for you. He destroyed a site of special scientific interest in Scotland to build a golf course. It’s what he does!
October 21, 2025 at 1:35 PM
I remember the gasps in the cinema when the aliens destroyed the White House in “Independence Day.” I never thought it would be bulldozed by the US president himself, but that’s Trump for you. He destroyed a site of special scientific interest in Scotland to build a golf course. It’s what he does!
I’ve just read “Driven”, the new autobiography by Oban-born Susie Wolff, nee Stoddart, which vividly relates her battle in the testosterone-laced world of motorsport. It’s published by Hodder & Stoughton and will attract plenty of headlines this week!
October 20, 2025 at 10:36 PM
I’ve just read “Driven”, the new autobiography by Oban-born Susie Wolff, nee Stoddart, which vividly relates her battle in the testosterone-laced world of motorsport. It’s published by Hodder & Stoughton and will attract plenty of headlines this week!
Autumn scenes in Aberdeen!
October 18, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Autumn scenes in Aberdeen!
We just finished the book and it’s an absolute belter. I cut it down to 90,000 words, but it’s going to be good. Coming next spring!
October 11, 2025 at 4:02 PM
We just finished the book and it’s an absolute belter. I cut it down to 90,000 words, but it’s going to be good. Coming next spring!
Oh dear. How sad. Never mind!
October 11, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Oh dear. How sad. Never mind!
As one of life’s nighthawks, I love watching the skies over Aberdeen and occasionally spying the Aurora. That’s not the only thing worth capturing, though. A couple of random pics from last week!
October 11, 2025 at 2:11 PM
As one of life’s nighthawks, I love watching the skies over Aberdeen and occasionally spying the Aurora. That’s not the only thing worth capturing, though. A couple of random pics from last week!
What a resplendent day in Aberdeen. It’s warm, there’s not a cloud in the sky, I’ve seen a few butterflies today and it could pass for May or August rather than the second week in October. Grab it while you can!
October 10, 2025 at 3:20 PM
What a resplendent day in Aberdeen. It’s warm, there’s not a cloud in the sky, I’ve seen a few butterflies today and it could pass for May or August rather than the second week in October. Grab it while you can!
It was a privilege to tell the story of three generations of a Highland family who joined forces to take part in a epic charity challenge, both to honour Donna Macdonald and raise money for Kayleigh's Wee Stars! #CommunityMatters #KayleighsWeeStars
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/lifestyle...
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/lifestyle...
October 8, 2025 at 7:45 PM
It was a privilege to tell the story of three generations of a Highland family who joined forces to take part in a epic charity challenge, both to honour Donna Macdonald and raise money for Kayleigh's Wee Stars! #CommunityMatters #KayleighsWeeStars
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/lifestyle...
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/lifestyle...
Doug Kyle is the visitor centre manager at Crathes Castle. But he has recently become an on-call firefighter with the SFRS in Banchory. It's good to highlight people who make the time and the effort to help others in their community! #NTS #Aberdeenshire
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/lifestyle...
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/lifestyle...
October 8, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Doug Kyle is the visitor centre manager at Crathes Castle. But he has recently become an on-call firefighter with the SFRS in Banchory. It's good to highlight people who make the time and the effort to help others in their community! #NTS #Aberdeenshire
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/lifestyle...
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/lifestyle...
I talked to former STV North chief David McKeith about joining "Our Union Street" to boost Aberden's city centre. I used to work with David and he's a smashing chap. Understandably, he's concerned about STV's plans to axe the North news programmes!
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/6864...
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/6864...
October 6, 2025 at 3:24 PM
I talked to former STV North chief David McKeith about joining "Our Union Street" to boost Aberden's city centre. I used to work with David and he's a smashing chap. Understandably, he's concerned about STV's plans to axe the North news programmes!
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/6864...
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/6864...
Sad news about Lewis Moody. Sport has suffered too many losses to this horrible disease. Let’s hope somebody, somewhere finds a cure for MND!
October 6, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Sad news about Lewis Moody. Sport has suffered too many losses to this horrible disease. Let’s hope somebody, somewhere finds a cure for MND!
This was the Daily Mail in 1934. I was offered a job with them and told my mum. She said: “Okay Neil, but I am
never EVER buying that rag!” She was right. I might be poorer now, but I’m so glad I made that decision!
never EVER buying that rag!” She was right. I might be poorer now, but I’m so glad I made that decision!
October 4, 2025 at 5:23 PM
This was the Daily Mail in 1934. I was offered a job with them and told my mum. She said: “Okay Neil, but I am
never EVER buying that rag!” She was right. I might be poorer now, but I’m so glad I made that decision!
never EVER buying that rag!” She was right. I might be poorer now, but I’m so glad I made that decision!
I love the James Hutton Institute forest in Aberdeen’s Airyhall. It’s a haven for Nature and red squirrels in particular. They had vanished from the city in 2019, but are thriving again! The institute is opening a new immersive theatre and cafe this month! www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/lifestyle...
October 4, 2025 at 9:27 AM
I love the James Hutton Institute forest in Aberdeen’s Airyhall. It’s a haven for Nature and red squirrels in particular. They had vanished from the city in 2019, but are thriving again! The institute is opening a new immersive theatre and cafe this month! www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/lifestyle...
Are there any decent Republicans who realise Trump wants to be the American Putin? This country used to be byword for democracy. Trump doesn’t want that - not all that boring truth nonsense. He aims to be a dictator like his pal Vlad!!!
October 3, 2025 at 1:51 AM
Are there any decent Republicans who realise Trump wants to be the American Putin? This country used to be byword for democracy. Trump doesn’t want that - not all that boring truth nonsense. He aims to be a dictator like his pal Vlad!!!
