3 September 2026

En route to Edinburgh today these were some of the views from my favourite stretch - the east coast of Northumberland, approaching the Scottish border -

It's hit and miss when you're moving at 200kms an hour on a swaying train - the odds of capturing any decent picture are low. But some, by fluke, turn out wonderfully.

I'm reminded of why I always, always, only and ever, book a window seat on trains, buses and planes. Why would anyone choose an aisle seat and miss out on seeing the world?

At Waverley station the wee boy was waiting for me to arrive -

Later we walked in the rain along the Water of Leith because, even through his transparent rain protector, the boy is totally fascinated by trees and moving leaves. 

Here as we stopped to look at one of Anthony Gormley's men in the water 

At dinner later he slept briefly next to us -

- before waking up to join us at the table. 

Babbling and experimenting with consonants is his latest skill, and it's fascinating to see how intentional his communication has become -

There is focus and meaning, purpose and connection. Just as it should be.