Pandas at Edinburgh Zoo

Tian Tian

The first giant pandas to live in the United Kingdom are residing at Edinburgh Zoo and they had not yet had the pleasure of a visit from myself. So I decided to rectify this, book a viewing spot, and take myself along to see them. There is something about these magnificently beautiful creatures that takes away our powers of speech, allowing only utterances of "oohs" and "aahs", and they have, as expected, provided a major attraction for the zoo. They are a potential breeding pair, although this in itself is a major undertaking. Female pandas can only conceive once a year, coming into heat for just two to four days, which can make any attempts at successful reproduction somewhat difficult. Should mating take place, job done, the male will leave the female to raise the cub by herself - ring a bell with anyone out there?

Yang Guang

All joking apart, I found the giant pandas quite breathtaking, one of the marvels of the natural world. They had arrived in Edinburgh from China in a specially chartered jet, and even had a tartan commissioned in their honour, giving them real VIP status. And according to their keepers, they each have their own very distinct personality. Tian Tian, the female - her name means sweet - was born in Beijing on 24th August 2003 and has already given birth to twins. Although she is very quiet and reserved, she has a mischievous side as well, sometimes agreeing to take part in her training, at others deciding today is not a day to participate. Ever the lady, she eats very slowly and delicately, and has a passion for panda cake and carrots. She is, by all accounts, a panda of great character and very smart - definitely female through and through!
Yang Guang, the gentleman of the pair, came into the world on 14th August 2003 in Wolong. His name translates as sunshine and, his keepers say, is an eager participant in his training, taking part every time. He shows no aggression towards them and will quite happily allow close contact. He loves his food - what man doesn't - favouring above all else large and thick bamboo canes. He loves the outdoors, even when the rain is pouring down. A patient, gentle giant who loves exploring, he likes nothing better than to climb into his basket for a snooze following a good old
bamboo feast. No comment is necessary here, ladies!
Pandas have no natural predators. Their decline in numbers is due purely to mankind's wanton destruction of lowland areas, forcing them to find new habitats in which to live. Breeding programmes are therefore of vital importance to ensure this wonderful species continues. But it all takes time, and we can only hope that time is on their side. We cannot, and must not, lose these cuddly giants, so majestic, so amusing, drawing you to them with their distinctive black and white colouring. They are spending ten years in total at Edinburgh Zoo, so fingers crossed that the breeding programme being undertaken here, and indeed any others, bear fruit and panda cubs are successfully reared to ensure future generations can be as smitten as we all were as we gazed at the antics of the giant pandas.  



Newhaven Harbour

The small harbour of Newhaven lies on the Firth of Forth, and I popped down there for a bracing walk along the shoreline. It was once a thriving fishing village, a major port for landing oysters, an important centre for shipbuilding, and in its time played a role in the whaling industry. Its old Victorian fishmarket has been converted into restaurants, although the fishmarket function itself has been revitalised and includes a publically accessible fishmonger. It is wonderful to see fresh fish and seafood laid out ready to pop into the pan ..... and nowhere else has an aroma quite like a shop selling fresh fish. Newhaven is very much a mix of the old and the new, with modern developments along the seafront towering over the quaint little fishermen's cottages very much a reminder of its industrious past. Fishing nets and baskets line the harbour wall, whilst within its sanctuary boats bob up and down and the lighthouse at its entrance stands tall and proud against the elements, a beacon that called seafarers safely home.  

Although the sea looked less than inviting at this particular time, I had managed to find a not-quite-so bitterly cold day amidst the arctic conditions that have beset us for what seems like an eternity. However, reminders that spring was still on hold were very much in evidence. The snow-covered hills of Fife, the majestic Pentlands blanketed in white, snow-lined hills stretching out beyond the ever-expanding harbour at Leith, and Salisburys Crags and Arthur's Seat with their icing sugar peppering of winter were all clearly visible. Yet above me, the sun had managed to push its way from behind the clouds and pockets of blue sky were very much in evidence. Take away that biting wind and it would have been very much a beautiful afternoon in March. It is difficult to believe you are only a short bus ride from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. And there are many more places like this, places overlooked by many of the tourists that head for Edinburgh and its major attractions. Maybe more should be done to highlight such places, to bring folk to these delightful villages dotted around the city centre, full of history, true relections of Scotland's past, and wonderful places to spend an hour wandering around soaking up the views and exploring.

Science Festival Under Way

The Edinburgh International Science Festival is well under way, so popping in and out of the National Museum of Scotland is a must. Away from the arctic conditions outside, spending an hour or so in the warm whilst broadening my horizons and topping up my virtually non-existent understanding of science and technology was an excellent idea. Amongst the exhibitions is one by MASTS - the Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland - an organisation I freely admit I have never heard of. They are a consortium of organisations engaged in marine science, representing the majority of

Scotland's marine research capacity, and have a wide-ranging remit. MASTS cover many topics, including energy and food security, marine biodiversity, marine energy, aquaculture, and understanding the current and future climate of the earth and how this will impact on the ocean's sustainable resources. They also have many physical assets, from large ocean-going research vessels to inshore craft, remotely operated vehicles, diving facilities and specialist equipment. So now you know, and I know, just how vital this organisation is to our planet. And two of their assets are on display in the Museum. 

ROV - or Remote Operated Vehicle (top pic) - is a clever chappie, having the capacity to undertake operations to a depth of 1,000 metres. It was designed to work in enclosed places such as tunnels as well as taking part in fly away operations in deeper offshore waters, places inaccessible to divers.The other remarkable piece of marine technology making a guest appearance at the Science Festival, is the Abyssal-Lander (bottom pic). This is a deep sea camera system that can operate to depths of 6,000 metres. It also has a crafty trick up its sleeve. By using bait, it lures deep-sea fish and crustaceans, allowing them to be photographed, taking a picture every sixty seconds. A heavy steel weight causes the Abyssal-Lander to sink to the seabed, floating back to the surface when the weight is released. Simple, really. So little is known about the diversity of life in the deepest seas, so equipment such as this can open our eyes to so much more. Cold water corals are just one recent discovery. And marine biotechnology - or the use of organisms found in the sea to provide useful materials such as medicines - can only benefit as well. Follow the Science Festival if you are able. There is so much to learn, so much to discover. And if I can understand it, anyone can.

Britain From the Air

Debate often rages as to whether we should charge to visit our museums and galleries, or whether there should be free access for all. Stroll around the streets of Edinburgh at the moment and you can enjoy an awe-inspiring exhibition in the fresh air - and I do mean fresh! - for absolutely nothing. Britain from the Air is a Street Gallery Exhibition, beautifully put together and developed jointly by wecommunic8 and the Royal Geographical Society. One hundred superb images of our country as we seldom see it, dot the streets of the city from Greyfriars to Princes Street, Rose Street, the Mound, St. Andrew's Square and more. You really must take the time to stop awhile and drink in the splendour

that is Britain from above. For a country the size of ours, the

landscapes we have, and the environments they contain, are amongst the most diverse across the planet. As you wander amongst the pictures you will become more and more aware of just how inspiring, how awesomely breath-taking and uplifting the beauty that is all around us can be.

So, which iconic landmarks have been selected to grace this exhibition with their presence. The mystery that is Stonehenge, the magnificence that is Buckingham Palace, the natural beauty that is Ullswater, Dartmoor and its Tors, Chesil Beach, and the Somerset Levels, and the mind-blowing creation that is the Giant's Causeway, they are all there. Man-made constructions such as the Angel of the North, the Forth Bridge, the Steel Industry, and the somewhat bizarre Portmeirion all pop up along the way. Fishing nets, pop festivals, oyster farms, big dippers, the London Eye, all help to give a wonderfully rounded picture of our nation. And of course for the Scots among us there are many of their favourite haunts. St. Kilda, Ben Nevis, Holyrood, and Edinburgh New Town to name but a few, ensure that every part of the United Kingdom is covered.

But this is not purely about visual imagery. There are wonderful snippets of information accompanying each picture, along with interesting, and often amusing, bits of trivia. Did you know that the Angel of the North is one of the most viewed pieces of art in the world. No? Well it is. More than one person every second, 100,000 every day, or around thirty three million every year, many from passing trains and cars, catch a glimpse of this amazing sculpture. And did you know that Ben Nevis is a favourite place for publicity stunts? A barrel of beer has been carried to the top, complete with wooden legs allowing it to be set down for a rest. A wheelbarrow has been pushed there and back, and in 2006 a piano mysteriously appeared at the summit. Why? Why not! You can learn about the tradition of Swan Upping, the courageous Briggers who constructed the Forth Bridge ....... the list is endless. And even the odd bit of controversy slips in. Wind Farms - a vision of the future or a blot on the landscape. Crop Circles - man-made deception or alien intervention ..... It's all there for you to see. Make sure that you finish your journey in the unique space that is Festival Square. A giant map of Great Britain has been laid out, you can walk your way around the images contained in the exhibition, and there are yet more interesting snippets of information for you to absorb. 

Britain from the Air has been brilliantly put together. The imagery is amazing, the information is short and easy to understand, the whole thing is inspirational. It celebrates, educates, leads you on a journey of exploration, and encourages you to see the world around you in a different light and develop a sense of pride in your landscapes and environments. So off you go, folks, wonder, learn, but most of all enjoy.

Snow over the Pentlands

Snow is no stranger to Scotland, often carpeting the country throughout the winter months. But maybe a little more unexpected are heavy falls of snow with Easter looming on the horizon. And so it is at the moment, with one week to go, bringing traffic chaos, power failures and the inevitable school closures. And yet many of us secretly admit to a sneaking love affair with this climatic inconvenience. There is a romantic feel about a fresh fall of snow, untouched by human footprint, pure, unblemished, peaceful. We reach for our cameras to capture nature at its most beautiful, trees edged in white, the landscape transformed into a wonderland of snowclad magic. 

Snow brings out the child in me, despite the problems that fall from the sky with each flake. Out come the welly boots, the scarves and the gloves - and today is no exception. Leaving the centre of Edinburgh behind, there is no better place to head for than the Pentland Hills Regional Park for a bracing walk and some snowy silliness.

The Pentland Hills lie to the south west of Edinburgh and are about twenty miles in length. A number of rivers rise in the hills, including the Waters of Leith, and the hilltops are scattered with archaeological remains. This is a beautifully wild area, its scenic upland sculpted by water and glaciers before being shaped by the interactions

of people over hundreds of years. Very much open to the elements, you are surrounded by nature as you wander in the fresh air wrapped in the tranquility of the landscape. Roaming hills, small pockets of woodland, heather moorland, and vast communities of wildlife including stoats and voles, make this a truly invigorating place to spend a few hours. Now, back to the present ......

Despite a biting wind, one that has no respect for however many layers of clothing you add to your body, people were out in force enjoying what many hope will be the final flourish of what has been a long winter. Children out with their sleighs showed their expertise on the slopes whilst their parents stood by and smiled, if not somewhat nervously at times. Some adults braved the slopes themselves, shreiking louder than the youngsters although appearing decidedly less in control than their much younger counterparts. Children came to a gentle stop - adults spilled somewhat unceremoniously into a crumpled heap. Dogs, too, joined in the fun, frolicking in the snow, seemingly oblivious to the cold. And me? I love jumping into patches of snow yet to be broken by human footprints. This is my snow, my snow to spoil as I think fit. There are occasions when crazy jumping results in my disappearing knee-deep in an unexpected snowdrift - producing a fit of the giggles before looking woefully around for a helping hand. There are times when grown up behaviour can be abandoned with relish. And this is one. Snow-clad stone walls, picnic tables clothed in cloths of white, pine trees laced with snowy fringes ...... so much beauty encompassing so much fun. Then heavy skies laden with the threat of yet more snow make the promise of a warm pub and a welcoming drink seem infinitely more preferable. Can you blame me for putting my childhood to rest once more and venturing back down the hill for a few home comforts? Certainly not .....

 

The Burns Monument, Edinburgh

Robert Burns is without doubt one of the most famous gentlemen in Scotland's cultural history. Both a farmer and an excise officer during his short lifetime, dying at the tender age of thirty seven from a weak heart, he was well acquainted with the difficulties of poverty and deprivation. Despite his fame, he never reaped any financial rewards whilst he lived. A somewhat gregarious gentlemen, he was attractive to the ladies and indeed fathered fourteen children to six different mothers. Nine of these were to one particular woman, a lady called Jean Armour. This leads a person to wonder when on earth did he find the time to write over five hundred and fifty songs and poems - and write so well! I guess there were plenty of places from which inspiration could spring forth. One can well understand why there are so many memorials to this canny Scottish laddie.
On a wonderful March afternoon, one with no rain and no snow (and yes there were some as the picture shows) I passed Edinburgh's Burns Monument on my travels between the two parts of the Old Calton Cemetery. And this is far more than a simple monument, although no more than one would expect to a Scotsman of such stature. Designed by one Thomas Hamilton, this
impressive creation consists of a small, circular temple in the Neo-Greek style and very much typical of Georgian era Edinburgh (eyes right!). For all you architectural types out there, this temple consists of a central drum structure, or a cella, surrounded by twelve columns known as a peri style, as I am very reliably informed. Built in Ravelston sandstone, the whole structure is capped with a dome roof boasting intricate stone carvings and winged lion sculptures. In the shadow of the temple is Canongate graveyard, where lies a close friend of the poet, a lady by the name of Agnes MacLehose, often referred to in his letters and poems as Clarinda. From this amazing vantage point you can also see Arthur's Seat, Salisbury Crags, and Holyrood Park stretching out before you, a wonderful view on an equally wonderful day. There was at one time a white marble statue of Robert Burns within the temple, but this is now resides safely in the National Portrait Gallery. The monument was subject to extensive restoration in recent years, re-opening in 2009.
As I walked away I could not but wonder what Robert Burns may have achieved had he lived beyond his thirty seven years. Hopefully not too many more offspring, but I am sure his talents in other directions would have given us countless works to rival, and maybe outdo, those we are left with today. Fourteen children, five hundred and fifty songs and poems ....... I need to sit down just thinking about it! And did I mention the haggis. How could I be here and not mention the haggis! Address to a Haggis is one of Burns most famous pieces, and led to the haggis becoming equally as well-known. It is read every Burns Night in homage to the humble haggis. How could I not mention the haggis. Shame on me.

Old Calton Cemetery

Overshadowed by Calton Hill, one of Edinburgh's most famous landmarks, Old Calton Cemetery should be on everyone's "must visit" list if they find themselves in this wonderful city. Wandering amongst the monuments and gravestones, you are immediately surrounded by the very essence of the capital's history. Opened in 1718, the graveyard boasts the final resting place of many notable Edinburgh folk - merchants, tradesmen, writers, philosophers, members of the clergy, and many, many more. Extended in 1767, it became divided in 1818 by the construction of Waterloo Place, and both areas are well worth exploring. The larger area lies to the south of Waterloo Place, and encompasses a number of interesting and almost majestic memorials. Feast your eyes upon the commanding Scottish-American Soldiers Monument, or Emancipation Monument. A bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln rises above a grateful freed slave who clasps a book in one hand, indicating not only that he has gained his liberty but also that he is now educated. A bronze shield bears the old United States flag, and is wreathed in cotton to the right hand side and thistles to the left. Two regimental flags lay furled, symbolic of the battle being over. Erected at American expense, it pays tribute to a small group of Scotsmen who had taken up arms for the Union during the American Civil War.   

Clearly visible from many Edinburgh viewpoints, and maybe the focal point of the cemetery, is the huge obelisk that is the Political Martyrs Monument. Designed by Thomas Hamilton, it commemorates five political martyrs, members of the Friends of the People, who were brought to trial, found guilty, and deported to Botany Bay for treason. And their crime? Attempting to correspond with the French. More literally? Striving for universal suffrage and the rights of the common man to control his own destiny. Known as the Chartist Martyrs, they were sentenced on 30th August 1793, although later pardoned in 1838. To a lassie from Dorset, this very much brought to mind our very own Tolpuddle Martyrs, brave men again fighting for the rights of others.
There is so much to see, so much to take in as you peruse the many gravestones. The lives of so many former residents of Edinburgh laid bare - when they were born, when they died, how they made their mark on history albeit often in some small way. The weather is taking its toll on some of the stones, erasing the stories of those buried beneath, leaving our imaginations to unravel their secrets and guess at their colourful lives. So quiet, so peaceful, you sit upon the steps and cast your eyes upon the past of this noble city. If only these gravestones could talk, these chiselled mouths speak for just a moment, oh what tales they would tell, what adventures they could relate.

   

Many folk pass graveyards without a second glance. Sombre places, full of the dead, places inhabited by those with a morbid curiosity. But they are not. They are alive with history, our past laid out before us, the names of our ancestors carved out in timeless fashion, held within the stone until wind and rain banish them to the depths of our memories. Graveyards have always been a source of inspiration to me, a place to wander in quiet contemplation. But every now and them, I come across something that completely baffles me. Why, in Old Calton Cemetery are there so many socks! On the day of my last visit, there they were - on the gravestones, behind the gravestones, hanging from the railings. Is this all part of some bizarre ritual that has passed me by, slipped off my radar? Is there a great sock hunt going on that I am unaware of? Or do the ghosts that frequent the graveyard suffer from cold feet? So many possibilities, I guess, but so few answers .......... 

How Do You Do, Hamish

A bitter north wind, the kind that chills every ounce of your being, was whistling through the trees as I popped back to the Botanics to see how Sammy the Squirrel and his family were faring. Knowing he and Mrs Squirrel would almost certainly have their hands full with the new arrivals, I was somewhat surprised to see Sammy sat high on the branch of a tree, nibbling on a nut without a care in the world. I politely enquired after his offspring, wondering where he found the time to sit around and let life pass him by. Three youngsters, he advised me, leaning back on his tail and twitching his nose, and all girls. "Two weeks old, and already I'm feeling very much outnumbered. Sharing a drey with four women is almost more than any respectable squirrel can bear." This last comment was accompanied by a mischievous grin, so I

continued our conversation by asking whether they had been given names. Pulling a piece of bark from beneath his tam o' shanter he read: "Flossy, Flora and Fauna." Replacing the bark from whence it came, and muttering something about having very little imput into this decision, he sat bolt upright as the sound of Mrs Squirrel's voice reverberated through the branches. Bidding me "Good Day" he scuttled off to put right whatever it was he had done - or no doubt not done.  

From the reeds around the pond, the solitary figure of Hamish the Heron stretched out his neck and added his comments to the proceedings. "Under the paw, that one" he said disdainfully. "No late night nutting for him now. She'll have him chasing his tail, you wait and see." Hamish is a handsome chap, with his long elegant legs, long beak, and black, grey and white feathers. Having made his feelings known, he returned to the job in hand, the devouring of a fresh, crunchy frog. Herons possess incredible patience, standing motionless for long periods of time whilst stalking their prey, and Hamish was no exception. Frog suitably demolished, he took a few leisurely strides, nodded his goodbyes, and took up the stance once again. Fish, frogs, toads, small mammals, all in danger of becoming dessert for Hamish, as I watched him for a few moments more before heading off for a welcome cuppa. The wind was now so strong, I wondered how such slender legs could hold him so still. Why did he not blow over? Stupid question, really, I thought, as I battled up the hill to the cafe .......  

Bees Cafe/bar

It was whilst leaving the mysteries of Greyfriars Kirkyard behind that I stumbled upon one of Edinburgh's hidden gems - Bees bar and cafe. Tucked away on Candlemaker Row, this delightful and rather quaint resting place offered some much needed sustenance on what had been a somewhat warming wander around the Kirkyard. The atmosphere inside Bees is both friendly and welcoming, equalled only by the genuine smiles of its staff. One cannot fail to be tempted by the mouthwatering display of homemade cakes, and I have to admit to falling under the spell of a more than delicious chocolate cake. Feeling I should maybe go all the way and accompany this with a Hendricks gin and tonic, I felt somewhat decadent sitting back and surveying the world as it passed by the window. And pass by the window it certainly did!! Hurtling down the hill in a rickshaw driven by a rather manic-looking gentleman, were a bride and groom, resplendent in their wedding regalia, veil billowing behind in the wind amid shrieks of laughter. Following in hot pursuit were three bridesmaids in another rickshaw, looking somewhat more tentative but nonetheless obviously enjoying what can only be described as an exhilarating experience in the early spring sunshine. No, this actually happened - it was not the gin taking over. A steady stream of wedding guests sauntered down the hill at a more sedentary pace, amongst them some incredibly handsome gentlemen complete with the obligatory kilt. Almost as pleasing as the chocolate cake, one was almost praying for a sudden gust of wind to lend a hand and give a quick glimpse of manly nakedness. Oh what naughty thoughts on a lovely afternoon. Maybe the gin was having an effect after all! If you find yourself in this part of the city, call in for a drink and a bite to eat. They have a lovely range of snacks, teas, coffee, a good selection of whisky, and all their beers
are brewed in Edinburgh. There are plenty of board games on hand to help while away a lazy hour or two. Unless, of course, you prefer to keep your eyes firmly fixed on the window and all that goes on outside. And if you have children with you, they will no doubt be attracted to the wonderful shark cave where they can transport themselves to their very own undersea world. Another very good reason to stop and take the weight off your feet ......

Greyfriars Kirkyard

 Greyfriars Kirkyard, hauntingly mysterious, one of the most peaceful places in Edinburgh during the day yet at night taking on an almost supernatural atmosphere, encompasses Greyfriars Kirk and is the former site of a Franciscan friary. Burials have been taking place here for hundreds of years, and has a history played out amongst the vaults and tombs that have stood for centuries, silently revealing the stories of those buried beneath. Very much tied up with its past is the involvement of the Kirkyard with the history of the Covenanters. This movement began with the signing of the National Covenant in Greyfriars Kirk on 28th February 1638.

Following the defeat of the militant Covenanters at Bothwell Brig in 1679, some 1200 Covenanters were imprisoned in a field to the south of the kirkyard. In the 18th century part of this field was amalgamated into the kirkyard as vaulted tombs, and the area became known as the "Covenanters Prison."



The Black Mausoleum

Perhaps one of the tales that most attracts visitors to this part of Edinburgh is that of Greyfriars Bobby, who allegedly guarded the grave of his master, police officer John Gray, famously sleeping there for thirteen years. The headstone of this devoted dog lies at the entrance to the kirkyard. Erected by the Dog Aid Society in 1981, it marks the actual burial place of Bobby in an unconsecrated patch of grass, a peculiarity which has led to more than a few misunderstandings and fictions surrounding his burial. Indeed, newer research suggests the whole story is a myth. So did Bobby the Skye terrier exist? Of course he did. And did he spend 13 years sleeping alongside his master's grave in the ultimate display of loyalty? I guess we may never, truly know, but it's a great story and one which I am sure will
continue to be debated for years to come.
Greyfriars Kirkyard is a macabre mix of enclosed vaults, tombstones and final resting places watched over by high stone walls and crumbling arches. Carvings straight out of a Hammer horror film look down from vantage points across this bewitching cemetery, carvings of skeletons, skull and
crossbones, and more than a few rather sinister-looking cherubs, casting a chill that at times cuts through the tranquility of the day. Two low ironwork cages, or mortsafes, can still be seen, recently restored, in the grass alongside the main path. These mortsafes were leased, protecting bodies long enough to deter the unwanted attentions of early 19th century "Resurrection Men" who supplied corpses to Edinburgh Medical College for dissection.  
And so to ghosts and ghoulies. Greyfriars Kirkyard is one of the most haunted areas of Edinburgh, an achievement in itself in a city boasting countless spooks and spectres. Completely believable if you stand here when the mist is swirling around the gravestones, or darkness begins to cast its blanket of eerie silence. Perhaps the most renowned ghostly apparition is that of the infamous "Bloody" George Mackenzie, put to rest here in 1691. George Mackenzie was notorious for carrying out the policies of Charles II against the Covenanters. Ruthless to the end, he took an almost perverse delight in sentencing these people, and an even greater delight in their subsequent demise. The lucky were executed immediately, their heads displayed on the prison walls, whilst others were purely incarcerated and left to die in the Covenanters Prison. One of the more sinister buildings in the Kirkyard, the tomb of George Mackenzie, the Black Mausoleum, still stands today. In the late 1990's, a homeless gentleman suffering from overindulgence in a spirit of a different kind, is said to have disturbed and desecrated this tomb. His actions appear to have disturbed the spirit of "Bloody" Mackenzie from its slumber, and attacks on visitors have been reported ever since. He has never been seen, hence his labelling as a poltergeist, but his presence can be felt within the confines of the Covenanters Prison, where he no doubt feels anyone to be a valid target for his wrath. People have emerged with injuries they have no recollection of sustaining, including bruises, bites and scratches, as well as feeling strange sensations and sudden chills. The Prison is now only open to guided tours - safety in numbers, I guess. So do I believe in the Mackenzie Poltergeist? The whole kirkyard is often enveloped in patches of hot and cold air, eerie knocking noises can be heard, and there is without doubt a feeling of the unnatural and the unexplained. You can feel both a sense of calm and yet a sense of unease at the same time, but ghosts and poltergeists? Yes, why not ....... unless you can prove me wrong.  



Patterns in Nature

Thought I would pop into St. Andrew's Square at the weekend and take a look at the incredible Patterns in Nature exhibition produced by the Edinburgh International Science Festival. This festival is regarded as one of Europe's biggest and best celebrations of science and technology, running from 23rd March until 7th April, and this is a wonderful precursor to the main programme. Hundreds of events take place in venues across the city, featuring exhibitions, talks, and interactive activities for folk of all ages and abilities.

Surrounded by nature, we sometimes fail to see the glorious patterns that make up our world. Many, indeed, such as the delicate symmetry of

the snowflake, are not visible to the naked eye. They are, nonetheless, quite exquisite in their construction and a true wonder to behold when seen in exhibitions such as this. Images for Patterns in Nature were carefully selected from a range of world-class collections and photographers, and demonstrate the mind-blowing visual formations that colour and pattern the world around us. These intriguing patterns can be seen in a fragile spider's web, the stripes of a zebra, the endless spirals of sunflower heads, and the intricacies of the coral reef.

But this exhibition is not purely about the complexity of nature's patterns, their intriguing designs, and their remarkable formations. It gives an insight into the role that physics and maths play in their creation, and explains the role that the laws of physics, biology and chemistry play in their underlying form and structure. What is their secret? Where, indeed does their order and regularity come from? This exhibition is a fascinating insight into the world of nature, beautifully put together and a wonder to behold. The images are stunning, the information accompanying each image easy to understand. St Andrew's Square is an ideal space in which to house it, and this is a truly delightful way to spend time looking, learning, and absorbing all that is on offer. So pop along, and the next time you see nature at work in the patterns of clouds clinging to the sky or the dramatic ripping of the same sky by a sudden flash of lightning, you can say to yourself, "Yes, I know a bit about that!"