Same Guy

... and this is the same guy (see yesterday's picture) from a more conventional angle, with houses in Parliament Square in the background.

Famous fireman

Dear all - I'm back!! For several weeks my (working) days have been completely taken over by conference organisation, but I'm pleased to report that all this is over now and I am back to my normal blogging self. Better still, I have a new camera - a Canon EOS 1000D. We're still getting used to each other but I have a feeling we'll be best friends before too long!

Anyway, this handsome fireman is James Braidwood (1800-1861) who founded the world's first municipal fire service in Edinburgh in 1824. He tragically died fighting a fire in London, and is commemorated with this statue in Edinburgh's Parliament Square.

Chris Hoy on the Royal Mile

Yesterday, we went and cheered for the Scottish Olympic medallists Chris Hoy (3x gold in cycling), fellow cyclist Ross Edgar, rower Katherine Grainger and canoeist David Florence (all silver), along with thousands of others who came to see them as they were carried down the Royal Mile on an open-top bus.

Incidentally, Chris Hoy got tangled up in the debate about whether or not Scotland should have a separate Olympic team (yes, say the SNP and Sean Connery - not necessarily, say most others including Hoy). After some heated debates in the media, a big Saltire (Scottish flag) was prominently displayed on the front of the bus. Coincidence? I think not! Still it's a shame that even sport can become so politicised in today's brave new world of Scottish politics.

For a few more pictures of the parade, have a look at my photo report.

Tavish in Murrayfield

Yesterday was a big day for the Scottish LibDems as they celebrated the election of their new leader, Tavish Scott. The press conference and photo shoots took place in Murrayfield, the big rugby stadium to the west of the city centre.

Royal Mile 9 - Our Lord Provost

This is the city's Lord Provost (kind of like a ceremonial mayor) George Grubb being interviewed opposite the City Chambers. Note the well-dressed council official keeping an eye on the questions!

Come back tomorrow for the next instalment of the Royal Mile tour (I am still away).