Posts

Posted on

Gunner Graham

Gunner Graham in RGA uniform before he was mobilised

Gunner Graham was an extraordinary Scottish soldier in the Royal Garrison Artillery during WW1. He had just turned 20 years old when he was decorated for gallantry in 1918 with the Military Medal. The Medal represents a level of valour in combat only surpassed by that for the Victoria Cross. As an enlisted man Gunner Graham didn’t qualify for the Military Cross, which was reserved for officers at the time.  Listen to the story of his medal and how he overcame the endemic discrimination of the establishment.

PLAY THIS EPISODE NOW.

Continue reading “Gunner Graham”
Posted on

Arranach

Angus Adamson is an Arranach. He was born and brought-up on Arran. We recorded a conversation the last week I lived there and it was a delight to hear the story of his connection to the island, its people and how he’s served the community in one way or another all his working days. Angus has been a mechanic, a fire-fighter and a Church of Scotland Minister. There are only two characters in this story. You’ll hear only two voices – Angus and the island of Arran. Angus and I spoke in his front room, but the island speaks through the sounds of wild-track I’ve recorded in the environment over the years. 

PLAY THIS EPISODE NOW.

Continue reading “Arranach”
Posted on

AUOB Glasgow

80 thousand people braved torrential rain

Over 80 thousand people endured a downpour of biblical proportions when they attended the AUOB (All Under One Banner) procession in Glasgow on Saturday, 11 January (Please remember that date. It’s important at the end of the piece). It’s testament to their strength of feeling that so many walked happily from Kelvingrove to Glasgow Green to show their support for Scotland’s right to choose its own destiny. This is a soundscape of the day with a completely partisan collection of soundbites (well, they would be).

Posted on

By The Way

JB is an audio producer crafting narrative documentaries, audio drama and podcasts in the heart of Perthshire; Scotland’s Big Tree Country.

The By The Way podcast is a sound-rich blend of true stories, extra information and unsolicited opinion from around Scotland. JB also produces high quality audio drama, either alone or with writing partners. If you like what you hear, why not get JB to collaborate on your project?

Continue reading “By The Way”
Posted on

Dunkeld Handbell Ringers

It was a bleak day when I sought shelter in Dunkeld Cathedral only to come across the Dunkeld Handbell Ringers. The team play there every other Thursday afternoon during the summer season. I met some of the group before a practice session just across the river Tay in Birnam.

Posted on

Torylinn Creamery of Fond Memory

Toylinn Creamery, Isle of Arran is closed

Not only did Torylinn Creamery make outstanding cheese it also used milk from Arran’s dairy cows. Now the creamery is closed the jobs of those who worked there are gone, jobs have gone on farms, the very milk production of the island is collapsing and a great cheese is lost. Angus Adamson sees the effects first hand.

Posted on

Crofters’ Music Bar Bistro

Crofters' Music Bar Bistro is usually full in the evening.

Over the years since my old mum and her cronies used to get half price chips I’ve known the modern Crofters’ Music Bar Bistro through different incarnations and proprietors. Today’s custodians are father and daughter team Dónal and Ealána Boyle. As Crofters’ Music Bar Bistro has evolved they’ve embraced modern principles caring for their staff, sourcing local and sustainable produce and presenting musicians with personality. They believe they’ve got a winning formula.

Play this episode now:

Continue reading “Crofters’ Music Bar Bistro”
Posted on

Remedies

Remedies.

Whatever term we use to describe mental health issues; anxiety, depression, stress, low mood or lack of self esteem, remedies are available. There’s someone who can help.

Episode coming soon.

This is the story of four compassionate and empathetic people working on Arran. They use a variety of techniques from talking therapies and counselling to art therapy and eco-therapy to help clients deal with their issues. One essential of their qualification is to have done the therapy themselves. Counselling helped me overcome some of my issues, which is why the subject piqued my interest.

In the beginning.

I spoke to Andrew the farmer recently and it turns out he had a previous career as a qualified mental health nurse. Our conversation turned to the benefits of working outside and Jenny, his wife, spoke passionately about the benefits of community, exercise and good food. My own counsellor contributes and I talked with an art therapist, who helps people of school age and older. This episode takes a sympathetic look at these remedies.