Deeply reassuring.

It's the RSPB's annual golden plover census and bird watchers from far and wide have been out and about counting our local population. The first twitchers arrive just before seven. Around their necks they carry improbably large binoculars and cameras with enormous zoom lenses. Backpacks hide thermoses full of hot coffee and Greggs sausage rolls. The more ardent have small fold up aluminium chairs:https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/golden-plover. In a world bordering on madness the knowledge that there are people who care enough get up pre-dawn to watch over small waders is somehow deeply reassuring. One man tells me they are the 'most spiritual of birds ' which is a rather more profound turn to the conversation than I'd anticipated. He goes on to say that the wild tundra by the heron pond is home to species that he doesn't see anywhere else. This years westerly winds have brought in some unexpected visitors from Canada.

The weather's turned colder. 3C this morning which is cold enough to deter all but the most ardent young lovers from a post party dip in the North Sea. The supermarket has salted the car park in case of unexpected frost which is another of those little signs that the year is racing on.

In Glasgow the schools are on half term and the town is already filling up with young families here for the weekend. The ice cream shop by the cathedral has some determined six year old breakfast time customers who are enjoying themselves under the watchful eyes of adoring grandparents.

The university groundsmen have given the lawn by the chapel a very formal trim in readiness for Raisin Monday. I would say this is peak party season but a moments reflection tells me that there's half a dozen student party hot spots scattered across the year.

From the Royal and Ancient club house patio there's a grand view across the links to the beach.

We head home up the hill and past the Martyrs Monument which serves as a  reminder that this quiet little town was once the centre of wild and violent passions. The long experience of history has taught it that good order bordering on the boring is vastly under rated.

Radio Scotlands music choice on a chill Sunday morning :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWwgrjjIMXA

Glass bottomed boats I can live with but glass bottomed airships ? :https://oceanskycruises.com/

Stupidity :https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/about-thinking/202610/stupidity-threatens-everything

How China became rich :https://substack.com/home/post/p-220276296

The Barbara Cartland cook book :https://substack.com/@thecandlestickreview/note/c-360648917