Edinburgh Festival Fringe - On The Royal Mile

If you have never been to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe before, there are two ways to work out what's best to see. The first is of course the Fringe brochure. This is filled with every bit of information on the act, concert, dance, drama and musical entertainment that is available during the Fringe.

Sometimes the prospect of wading through this tome can be quite daunting, after all, I have seen thinner telephone directories, but once you understand how to use it, it is a mine of information just waiting for you to dig up a nugget of gold. In this brochure there is a list of venues, location of venues, the times and prices of each performance. Some of them are free, so it's best to check them out before heading out. Sometimes it can be like organising a military organisation, but it is worth it in the end.

However, if you don't feel like working your way through the brochure I would strongly recommend going to the free street events that take place on The Royal Mile. This is a great showcase  for the artists to perform 20 minutes or so of their work to the general public. This year it began about 11am and finished in the early evening, although times may vary. There were three main stages placed at the bottom, middle and top of the pedestrianized area between the Tron Kirk and St Giles Cathedral, for the performers and additional stages for other acts to perform at the same time. There were also 'marked' areas for street performers to show off their talents. 

And its free.

As you can imagine, if it starts at 11am and finishes in the evening, and there are a handful of stages, and each performance lasts about 20 minutes each, there is a lot, a lot, of entertainment going on. The great thing is it gives you a chance to see some of the stuff mentioned in the Fringe reviews and you a chance to judge for yourself if you want to go and spend your hard end cash.

No matter what you decide to do in Edinburgh between July and the start of September, just go and enjoy yourself.

All I have to do is dream... dream, dream, dream

We all dream. We go to bed, we go to sleep and we dream.

Sometimes, probably most of the time we do not remember our dreams, but when we do they can be odd. 

As I say we don’t always remember our dreams, but when we do we sometimes wonder what they are all about. This was the case of a dream I had a few nights ago.

My dream begins with me walking up an elegant staircase, with a think carpet under foot. I know it is thick because I am barefoot. I am also wearing a nightshirt and a nightcap in the style of Ebenezer Scrooge in the Charles Dickens story, A Christmas Carol. Do not ask me why. I have absolutely no idea.

I walk up the stairs, past the golden handrails and reach the landing. From there I walk towards a lift (elevator) and press the one massive button on the wall. The doors open, and I walk inside to see the walls and the ceiling covered in mirrors.

You may be pleased to know that the floor has a carpet; at least my dignity is safe.

Another feature of the lift (elevator) is the other occupant. It is Adele. Yes. The singer famed for her fantastic voice and albums 19 and 21 and more recently as the singer of the James Bond theme Skyfall. 

I then press another massive button inside the lift (elevator) and we move up to the next floor. As we reach it the doors open and... and... we see a troupe of mime artists. Actually, this seems to be the most disturbing part of the entire thing. Mime artists like clowns are the spawn of evil.

As the troupe of mime artists begin their ‘act’ I see they are dressed as characters from Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales”. This is strange. Why is it strange? Because I have never read, this particular work and know nothing about it. So how do I know what they are?

As three of the troupe move forward, they move into the lift (elevator) the doors close. Both Adele and I are now “surrounded”, courtesy of the mirrored walls, by multiple mime artists dressed as characters from Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tale”.

Now, can anyone tell me what that is all about?

Just to be the man who walked...

Last Friday morning started cold, wet and miserable with a light fluttering of snow.

It did not hold any promise whatsoever and I was not sure if I would actually get the walk I had planned. However, plans sometimes need changing. Therefore, instead of the walk from home to the town of Linlithgow, I decided that I would walk around Linlithgow.

For anyone that does not know Linlithgow and I am sure there are many outside of and maybe some in Scotland, The Royal Burgh of Linlithgow dates back to medieval times and has a good mix of architecture and styles when it comes to buildings. It was heavily redeveloped between the 1950s and the 1960s, but it retains a lot of the charm it use to have. You could say it was a mini version of Edinburgh. It has no castle, but it does have a small loch and a Royal Palace.

It has a main street with some very narrow and sometimes tall buildings. There are a number of alleyways leading off the street into back gardens of joy and wonder and colour, most of these are private but the main one, which is open to the public is the town museum, Annet House, which I will talk about later.

Rather than walking to Linlithgow and getting wetter than I needed to, I drove and parked near the Loch. I then walked the short distance to the Palace to begin the walk to the West Port area and back. It’s not a massive journey, but it is a rather enjoyable one.

I parked my car in the car park near the loch. As I got out, there was a fine rain that threatened to turn into a heavier fall as the day went on. I walked to the water’s edge and watched as people threw bread towards the swans and the ducks. You’re not supposed to feed them, but it doesn’t stop people from doing it. I made my way towards the Palace in order to follow one of the historic routes through the town.

If you go to the palace just take a moment to enjoy the view. Even when it’s cold, wet and miserable. I didn’t go into the palace, that wasn’t the point of the day, but I did admire it. I always do. As you leave the grounds of the palace, you walk through the “Kirkgate” of St. Michaels Parish Church. The road is inclined, but not too steeply and leads down to the main street. Before this I passed by the Burgh Hall, which has been recently renovated. This was built in 1668-70 by John Smith, reputedly based on original designs by John Mylne, Master Mason to Charles I and Charles II.

As you I walked down the road towards the main street I always look at the plaques that list the line of kings and queens of Scotland and Great Britain staring with Mary, Queen of Scots and ending with Elizabeth the Second.

If you have very keen eyes, you may remember this scene from the BBC Television historical legal drama Garrow’s Law starring Andrew Buchan and Alun Armstrong. Some of the buildings doubled for parts of Georgian London and the palace doubled for a prison. I was actually there when they completed certain scenes and it was strange to watch it back later. My wife actually got an apple from one of the prop people. The apple was real by the way. No stunt apples on that day.

At the bottom of the road is the old town well, now no longer in use but spectacular artisanship from the stonemasons who made it. The main street is modern and at after passing a couple of shops I turn to my right, cross the main road and head along the main street.

On my left hand side, I pass the County Buildings, next to this the old sheriff court. The main sheriff court for the region has now moved to the new town of Livingston.

The weather turned slightly worse as I walked, but my heavy jacket, gloves and woolly hat keep out some of the cold.

The houses and some of the shops on this side of the road are nice. Some of the houses have were renovated but some still have their 18^th and 19^th century façades. I try to avoid the 20^th century ones, due to their lack of class, but it’s not easy.

Not far along the road is the local museum Annet House, originally an 18th-century merchant’s house. If you’re ever in Linlithgow I would recommend it. It’s a great look back into the town’s history and it’s free. Another great thing about Annet House is the decorative garden at the rear of the building. The title deeds of this building date back to 1610. Let’s face it, that’s actually older than some countries.

Again, not far along the street is St Peter’s Episcopal Church built in 1928. Churches have a great look about them. Old ones that is, modern ones just do not do it for me. It’s rather narrow in appearance, but nice to look at. This was designed by Dick, Peddie and Todd in a Byzantine style, this architectural treasure of 1928 is tucked behind the tenement façades on the right. It looks slightly out of place, but that makes it even more interesting to look at.

West Port House was on my left and can be seen above a retaining wall created when the road was lowered two centuries years ago. It’s a laird’s (lord of the manor) house dating from 1600, and was built by the Hamilton family. The Hamilton’s were very well connected and owned many houses in many different parts of the country.

I had now reached my turn around point. I kept walking, getting very damp due to the rain. I was enjoying myself, but was now heading back. My in-bound journey was a repeat of the out-bound journey, so I pulled my woolly hat down, zipped my jacket tighter and stuffed my hands into pockets.

I hope I’ve managed to make the walk sound interesting. Maybe on my next day off I’ll try and do something else.

Until then, I bid you farewell.

And I would walk 500 more...

I know that the weather is really terrible at the moment. It's actually snowing heavily outside, but if all goes to plan and the weather is decent, I will start one of the walks I have planned for this year on Friday.

Friday is one of my standard days off work and I really want to get into the walking habit again before the end of the month.

This walk is not particularly long, neither in distance nor in time, but I am not going on a marathon nor trekking across Europe.

This walk is simply a little journey from my home to the town of Linlithgow. All in all a round trip of approximately 6 miles. The good thing about it is not all gradients but not all flat either. 

It begins with a bit of an incline, actually quite a steep incline, until I reach the road that leads off to the local golf course, after that it’s all downhill for a bit. Then it flattens out and the road to Linlithgow is before me. Coming back, the way is just a reverse. I may spend a bit of time in Linlithgow being a tourist.

If my plan does come to fruition, I will let you know. 

In the meantime, I hope you get a chance to get out and enjoy the fresh air and the scenery.

I would walk 500 miles...

It is that time of year again when we make decisions about how we are going to improve or change our lives.

We can think of so many ways in which to do this, but one of the best ways in my opinion is to go walking.

The weather is improving. The days are getting longer. Why not take advantage of these things and get out-and-about, and at the same time get a bit healthier.

When I go walking, whether it is on my own, with a friend or in a group I always enjoy it. I like the peace and tranquillity, I like the fresh air and I like the scenery.

A great thing about where I live is the fact that there are many places to go and many things to see, all within a ten-mile radius.

I have a number of plans for this year when it comes to walking. Some of the walks are short some are long, some on my own and some with friends. I hope I manage to achieve all of my targets when it comes to these walks, and if you have similar plans I hope you succeed. If you do go walking, can I ask you to do something? Can you please take responsibility for your actions?

Now that sounds a bit strong, but when you go outside into the countryside, up a hill, up a mountain or down a valley or glen you can impact what’s around you in ways you may not realise. Another thing is your own personal safety.

If the ‘right-of-way’ you are using is through a farm please remember to leave gates as closed after you pass through them. If you arrive at a place in a car before beginning you trek, please do not leave your car in such a way that it obstructs an entrance or track.

When it comes to a field that contains animals, think about how you’re going to get from one side to other without annoying the wildlife. Cows are normally quite placid creatures, bulls not quite as placid, but if you get in their way, get between them and their herd or upset them, well... it may not end well. So, if you need to get from one side to the other, have a look to see if there is another way. There is a good chance that the cow was there long before you even thought of plodding through its poo. Oh, and do not feed them. Especially horse. If you want to keep your fingers, it’s not a good idea.

If the walk you have planned takes you across land that is used for “huntin’ shootin’ and fishin’” be aware that you might end up as prey. Take local advice, speak to someone, speak to the local tourist office if there is one, check out pamphlets on the area or visit the local library to find out where is safe.

So far, it has been all ‘Do this...’ and ‘Do that...’ or ‘Don’t do this because...’, but the main thing I should say is enjoy yourself.

Before you actually go walking, you should think about some things:

Decide why you want to go walking. Is it for health reasons? Is it for fun? Whatever reason, enjoy it. Never make walking a chore.

Decide where you want to go, consider the location. Walks – moderate walks / long walks / hill walking but know your limitations. How far can you really go? There is no point in saying “26 miles? Yeah. No problem for me.” then collapsing after 50 yards.

The recommended exercise per day is 20 to 30 minutes, build up until you feel comfortable to move on to something bigger.

Dress for the weather, think of what you need to wear. Is it lightweight clothing, warm clothing, single or double layer socks, comfortable boots or shoes? Will you need sunglasses, a full brimmed ‘jungle’ or ‘desert’ hat or indeed a woolly hat? No matter how silly you may look, it’s for your own good.

If, like the teddy bears you’re planning to go down to the woods and have a picnic, think about the following. If you are planning a camp-fire, firstly find out if you can have a camp-fire. The risk of starting a fire over a large area increases during the summer months.

If your walk is length and you are having a lunch during your walk, please take all your rubbish with you.

What are you going to drink – water, tea, soup, energy drink? I would not recommend cold fizzy drinks, due to the ‘gas’ in the drinks, they are not really a good idea.

What kind of food will you have on your picnic? Well how about bread rolls, sandwiches with a filling of your choice, chocolate bars (Mars Bars and Snickers) all to provide energy and nutrition. See people, chocolate is good for you!

Can I also mention some essentials? Well, I am going to anyway. Mobile phone (fully charged & plenty of money, a small torch, how about a small first aid essentials (antiseptic, small selection of plasters, bandages, scissors, tweezers, painkillers antihistamines). Also, and this is seriously important, a toilet roll or wet wipes, because you never know.

Right, I have gone on long enough.

All I will say now is get out there and enjoy.

Forgive my (apparent) ignorance and neglect

Hello tweeps.

I would just like to say that if I appear to be ignoring you, neglecting you or blanking you, that's not the case.

If I don't get back to you straight away or indeed in the same hour or even the same day, it's nothing personal.

 So please bare (I really hope that's the correct bare) with me.

I will, get back to you, honestly I will.

Thank you.

Yours, shamefaced, Jimbo

The Prisoner: Where Am I? In The Village...

In late 1967, a television series was unleashed on an unsuspecting public. It was the creation of, some would say, disturbed, but I was say genius mind.

The company that made it was called Everyman and the disturbed/genius mind behind it was called Patrick McGoohan.

His 17 part series was called “The Prisoner” and it became an instant topic of conversation. Several decades after it first aired on our screen, it still is.

I was only 3 when it first appeared, but catching it later when I was in my early teens on late night screens on independent television, I was hooked.

McGoohan, a New York born American, pulls off the role of the quintessential Englishman, clipped accent and all, to perfection.

The Prisoner, or as he is designated by the masters of the village, Number Six, remains an enigma for most of the time. Only aspects of his past are hinted at as the series progresses.

The series follows a nameless British representative of one of her Majesty’s intelligence agencies, presumably the Secret Intelligence Service (sometimes referred to as M.I.6) who suddenly resigns his job, apparently preparing to go on a holiday.

Episode one “Arrival” sets the scene for what is to come. The opening titles begin with a Lotus 7 sports car weaving through the streets of London. The car enters an underground car park. The driver, who is the main character leaves his car, walks along a darkened corridor, pushes through a set of doors, and begins a tirade against a man seated at a table. We hear nothing of this due to the wonderful Ron Grainer theme music.

The main character returns to his car, and drives back to his home. While packing, he is gassed by a man dressed as an undertaker, using a device that sprays a mist through his front door keyhole.

When he wakes, he finds himself held captive in a mysterious village that is isolated from the mainland by mountains and sea. So begins the series.

Numerous monitoring systems and security forces secure the Village, including a mysterious inflated device called Rover that returns those who attempt escape, sometimes alive, but not always. The Rover is possible a creation of the masters of the village or possibly a life form. It is never clear, but either way, it is one of the most memorable images, indeed characters of the series.

It is in the first episode that we, as well as Number Six, first encounter Number Two. This character is the Village administrator working for an unseen "Number One". The position of Number Two is filled in on a rotating basis; in the first episode we actually encounter two Number Two’s. The first portrayed by Guy Dolman (probably best known as Colonel Ross in the Harry Palmer films – Ipcress File, Funeral in Berlin – of the 1960s) and secondly by George Baker (now probably best known as Inspector Wexford in the British television series of the same name). This adds a further character dynamic to the series as each Number Two, in the first and subsequent episodes, causes different reactions from Number Six in his attempts to, in the first instance, escape and then as time goes on, to undermine the authority of the village and destroy it from within.

Both Number Two’s are different, but both are out to get information out of Number Six. The information they are after is why he resigned. After numerous attempts to escape, Number Six is caught and returned to the village.

This is only the start for Number Six. Escape may not be as easy as he thought but his determination is by no means dented.

This episodes ends with a photograph of Number Six zooming towards the screen and, on the point of being ‘free’, steel gates or bars close together preventing the freedom that he so wants.

If you have never seen The Prisoner, I would recommend it. To give you an idea about the rest of the series is a list of episodes and a very brief breakdown of each story. Until next time “Be seeing you.”

1. Arrival

After waking up in the Village and discovering his captivity there, Number Six encounters a friend from the outside who may have a possible escape.

2. The Chimes of Big Ben

A new prisoner, Nadia, may have information about the Village that makes an escape attempt possible.

3. A, B and C

A desperate Number Two tampers with Number Six's dreams to discover where his loyalties lie.

4. Free For All

Presented with the opportunity, Number Six runs for election to the post of Number Two.

5. The Schizoid Man

Number Two replaces Number Six with a duplicate to weaken the real Six's sense of identity.

6. The General

An important prisoner's new speed-teaching machine poses perhaps the greatest threat to Number Six's independence.

7. Many Happy Returns

After waking to find the Village deserted, Number Six returns to England but does not know whom he can trust there.

8. Dance of the Dead

Number Six tries to save an old friend headed for destruction at the hands of the Village.

9. Checkmate

Number Six thinks he has a means to tell the prisoners from the wardens.

10. Hammer Into Anvil

Number Six takes revenge on a sadistic Number Two for the death of another prisoner.

11. It’s Your Funeral

To save the prisoner who is being set up to take the fall, Number Six must intervene in a Village power struggle and prevent the assassination of a Number Two.

12. A Change of Mind

Number Two stirs the Village to ostracize Number Six, and then takes even more drastic measures to cure Six's "unmutuality".

13. Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling

Deprived of his memory and placed in another man's body, Number Six travels back to England to seek a missing scientist.

14. Living In Harmony

In an Old West setting, a law man who resigned is trapped in a town called Harmony where the Judge wants him to be the new sheriff — by hook or by crook.

15. The Girl Who Was Death

Number Six avoids the assassination attempts of a beautiful woman while foiling the plots of her megalomaniac father.

16. Once Upon A Time

Number Two subjects Number Six to a desperate, last-ditch effort to subdue him, Degree Absolute — an ordeal that will not end until it breaks one of them.

17. Fallout

Number Six finally encounters the forces behind the Village, but can he finally escape?