Scottish Stoater

Bidean nam Bian & Stob Coire Sgreamhach

2019-05-15T00:00:00Z

After a failed winter attempt with Grant Elliott in March 2018, having turned back at Stob Coire nan Lochan, I had Bidean nam Bian on my radar since.

I took a Wednesday off work and got super lucky with the weather. It was over 20°C at points during the day - which made it tough but you can't beat a shorts and t-shirt day on the hills.

I always get a good feeling when I see the Buachaille Etive Mòr

One of the three sisters with Stob Coire nan Lochan at the top left

Summer mornings in Glencoe

The initial climb (once you're on the hill) is steep, but the path is in decent enough condition to make it a nice walk/hike. Climbing between Gear Aonach and Aonach Dubh, you can't help but keep looking back as you gain height pretty quickly and the views back are brilliant.

Looking back over the A82 after a few minutes of walking

Stopped at this wee pool the first time, the water is crystal clear (and freezing cold)

Doing a solo climb usually means I don't get a photo of myself on the hill but because it was such a nice day I had the tripod with me and managed to get a couple.

Respectable self photo

A wanky one but it turned out not bad

After my photoshoot, there was a short but steep hill up to a large grassy plateau with Coire nan Lochan towering above.

Stob Coire nan Lochan is a magnificent mountain. I think it's a shame it's not classed as a separate Munro and baggers may completely miss it by taking a different route up Bidean.

Stob Coire nan Lochan

The standard route up without using ropes is to venture to the right and go up the side, which is very gradual but has a decent amount of boulders and requires mild scrambling at times. Here you get up close to the crags you had just seen from below. They are just as impressive.

Stob Coire nan Lochan

View back down to the A82 cutting through the mountains

Only after reaching the summit of Stob Coire nan Lochan you are faced with Bidean, quietly sitting behind. There's a simple but steep descent and similar steep accent required to summit Bidean.

Bidean nam Bian summit from Stob Coire nan Lochan

The views from Bidean, which is the highest point in Glencoe, are phenomenal. To the North, you feel like your within touching distance of Ben Nevis and Aonach Eagach, to the East the Buachaille Etive Mòr and Buachaille Etive Beag and to the South a bird's-eye view right down Glen Etive. Perfect place to stop for a scran.

Ben Nevis and Aonach Eagach

Looking down towards Glen Etive

The perfect backdrop for a photo

Summit of Stob Coire nan Lochan from Bidean

Looking across to Buachaille Etive Mòr and Buachaille Etive Beag. Next stop: Stob Coire Sgreamhach, seen on the very right.

Bawbag

The route to Stob Coire Sgreamhach is nothing more than a walk and can feel a little underwhelming compared to the route you've just taken in with Stob Coire nan Lochan and Bidean but since I hadn't been up I went.

Looking down on the Lost Valley

The descent into the Lost Valley is fairly tricky. The main path was blocked by snow and there's a lot of loose scree and rocks, combined with the steep descent care was needed not to dislodge rocks for folk below.

The descent into the Lost Valley, it looks simpler than it is.

By the time I got into the Lost Valley, I'd climbed 3 peaks on a roasting hot day and was pretty knackered. When I crossed the footbridge across the River Coe I was choking for a freezing cold glass of Coke.

Looking back up at where I had been

I stopped in at Kingshouse on my way home and sat with the deer and had 2 pints of Coke looking at Stob Dearg. What a day out!

Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond)

2020-01-18T00:00:00Z

I left the house at 07:50 am, stopped at McDonald's in Balloch on the way for my usual coffee and porridge.

I arrived at Inverglas Visitor Centre, which was already pretty busy, just before 9 am and started walking for 09:15 am.

I was pretty buzzing to get up a hill as my last climb was The Cobbler months earlier in October and hadn’t climbed a Munro since July 2019. I had just bought a new pair of winter boots and new crampons and was dying to make use of them.

As I left the car park clouds were wrapping around the summit of Ben Lomond while the sun was fighting through, this illuminated the summit of Ben Lomond - it looked fantastic.

Sunrise behind Ben Lomond

A few minutes after I left the car park, out of nowhere, it began lashing it of rain, I wrapped up and powered on with my head down.

The rain went off as I plodded along the road towards Loch Sloy with Ben Vane sitting dominant straight ahead.

The route I was taking up Ben Vorlich starts as a tiny path off the main road to Loch Sloy, it's easy to miss. I thought Ben Vane was steep for such a wee mountain but the initial climb up Ben Vorlich was as steep - my legs were burning pretty quickly. Not long after climbing you make good height and the views back over towards Loch Sloy are beautiful.

Loch Sloy Dam

As the path sweeps to the left It started snowing and low cloud was whirling below and around, it was the perfect excuse for a breather. I took a moment and snapped some shots.

Light snow falling

About halfway up Ben Vorlich looking back over Beinn Narnain and Ben Vane

The snow gradually got thicker above 1500ft and by 2000ft it was covered, only a few footsteps ahead of me. I slipped an absolute belter face first, luckily into a pile of fresh fluffy snow. Nonetheless, I stopped and fired the crampons on.

I continued up with ease after the fall through the fresh snow and sheets of ice, reaching the summit about 11:45.

At the cairn, the actual summit is slightly further ahead

On my way back down the was shining over Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, it looked like something out of a film.

Sun over Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

Overall, it was a great day with the typical mix of Scottish weather.

Wild Camping at Sandwood Bay

2020-08-01T00:00:00Z

After months of Covid restrictions being imposed on Scotland, I managed to escape Glasgow and head up North for a night of wild camping on Sandwood Bay.

Sandwood Bay had been on my radar for a while and a few of us had settled that it would be the next spot for a few nights camping. Unfortunately, throwing the Scottish winter and Covid-19 into the mix it took us over a year to actually get there.

Sandwood Bay is a natural bay in Sutherland, on the far north-west coast of mainland Scotland. It looks like something you'd see in California or Australia with its 1-mile-long beach, natural sand dunes and its very own sea stack.

On the road up, you drive through some of the most remote areas of the Scottish Highlands. The road cuts through moorlands and mountains passing Loch after Loch.

Ben Stack and Loch More

Loch More

Jay

Loch Stack with Tatha nam Beann in the background

It's single track roads for miles and miles. Lots of passing places though.

This magnificent beauty is Arkle, one for the bucket list

What a view! This is a wee place called Badcall

After the 3 hour drive from Avimore, where we camped the previous night, it's a ~4 mile walk to the beach.

The path is great though and when you arrive at the beach it feels like you deserve it.

Jay and Grant on route to the beach

My first glimpse of Sandwood Bay

Pitching a tent in the sand is a challenge but it's worth it to open the tent to that view

Our home for the night

Blue sea, white sand. Scotland? Aye!

This random skull was washed up, could be a whale?

Half cut

I found this in my pocket, it's my sons. I must've taken it off him at some point...

The following morning I got up around 8am and went a wander.

This fast flowing river had gourged itself a channel through the sand. It was a couple of foot deep.

I'll be back!

and then the exciting 6 hour journey home...

Arlehaven Cottage, Blane Valley

2021-05-06T00:00:00Z

In early 2021 I was reading Tom Weir's iconic book, Weir's Way (the 1981 frist edition), and stumbled across an old black and white photograph taken by Weir of an idyllic cottage. The caption below the photograph gave its name as Arlehaven cottage and its location as Blane Valley, just off the West Highland Way path near Strathblanefield.

Unfortunately the photograph isn't dated. Weir himself was born in 1914 and the photograph appears in his book which was published in 1981. Based on those two dates the date range could be anywhere between 1930s-1970s. My guess is it was taken within the latter half of that range.

I became intrigued after seeing the photograph as back in 2019 I walked the West Highland Way and couldn't recall the cottage at all. After doing a bit of research on Google Maps to try and locate it I ultimately discovered that in 2005 the cottage was derelict and roofless and by 2011 it was no longer there.

Arieal photos of Arlehaven Cottage derelict in 2005 and completely gone by 2011. Google Maps

Arlehaven Cottage derelict and roofless in November 2005.Iain Thompson via CC BY-SA 2.0

Arlehaven Cottage.Used with permission of strathblanefield.org.uk

As a footnote to this short article, I'd like to thank Alan Campbell, who runs strathblanefield.org.uk, for pointing me in the direction of some books and records that provided the basis of the research. I'm hoping to dig deeper into Arlehaven at some point in the future.

West Highland Way

2021-07-31T00:00:00Z

In the summer of 2021 I walked the majority of the West Highland Way with a few friends. Having already completed the trail in 2019 we weren't particularly bothered about doing the whole thing in the one go and opted for a few day trips before walking from Crainlarich to Fort William over a long weekend.

Two of my friends, Grant and Stewart, brought their film cameras with them and limited themselves to shooting a few rolls of film.

Releived of the burden of over shooting and over thinking, they both captured our trip perfectly.

Dark nights are shite

2021-10-29T00:00:00Z

Despite what the Christmas pictures of Edinburgh try and portray, winter in Scotland is shite. By 3pm you can start to see golden hour creeping in and by 4-4:30pm it's dark. The harsh reality is that half of your day is lost to the darkness. It's mentally draining and slightly depressing to think of all the things you can do after work during the summer. In the summer I'd finish work around 5:30pm and still have the whole night to go cycling, outdoors, or out a wander to take photos. Obviously, I could still do those things in the dark but in reality, it's nowhere near as enjoyable or safe so I tend to let these things pass during the winter.

Roll on March.

Sunset Cycles, ~9pm Aug 2021

Inveroran Hotel, 1960s

2021-11-11T00:00:00Z

I've been collecting and archiving old 35mm slides (most destined for the bin) for a while now, cleaning them up and scanning them. I come across some rare slides now and again and recently found this lovely shot of the Inveroran Hotel in 1960 on AgfaColor 35mm film. Photographer Unknown, 1960.

Inveroran Hotel in the 1960s (approximately) Photographer Unknown

From high dependency to high heights

2021-12-05T00:00:00Z

On the 13th November, I was hospitalised with a severe, life-threatening asthma attack. It was pretty bad and while I was in hospital I was genuinely worried about how long it would take me to recover and get back to cycling and outdoors.

I felt much better and near enough back to normal within a couple of weeks but I still hadn't pushed myself into any physical exertion since I was discharged from the hospital. On Friday I checked the weather on the MWIS and spotted a rare cold clear day with little wind on Sunday.

So I decided I was going to head up Ben Lomond and see how I went.

I was prepared for winter conditions and was carrying more gear than I'd have liked to but I took my time and I summited with no issues. It was good fun getting the crampons back on and scaling an icy mountain. I sat just below the summit and had my lunch, spoke to few others and generally just reflected on how much the escape of the mountains means to me.

Fixing a Ricoh 500 G and shooting a roll of film

2022-03-09T00:00:00Z

In Feburary 2022 I bought a Ricoh 500 G in decent condition off of eBay. The camera was released in 1972 and this particular one had been in a drawer for many years and had been owned from new by the sellers grandparent.

Like most cameras at this age it needed a bit of TLC to get up and running again. The lightseals needed replaced, the focus ring was loose and the range finder was wasn't moving.

After a few weeks of repairs I finally had it in good shape. New light seals, re-greased focus ring and a sluggish but working range finder.

This was my first attempt at a repair and also my first time ever shooting with a rangefinder. I really enjoyed using this wee camera but I need to work on my focusing skills.

I shot a roll of Ilford HP5 Plus and I'm pretty pleased with the results.

Colourising Neilston Low Station

2022-05-25T00:00:00Z

This is my first proper attempt at colourising an old photo. This is Neilston Low Station on what is now the Glasgow South Western Line.

The station opened in 1871 and closed for good in 1966. Almost nothing remains of the station and there’s very little photos of it to document its existence.

Hoping to do some more of this type of thing with old photos when I have the time.

Note: I kindly ask that the photo is not re-uploaded anywhere.

Neilston Low Station, 1966 Credit: John R Hume, 1966

Colourised by ChrisCredit: John R Hume, 1966

Cycling the Great Glen Way

2022-07-31T00:00:00Z

In July 2022 I cycled from Inverness to Fort William via the Great Glen Way with my good friend Grant. We underestimated the first leg big time but the second leg was a jolly in comparison. Both absolutely brilliant days out on the bike.

We wanted to make it a weekend trip so we didn't need to take any holidays from work so we got the 07:07 train from Glasgow Queens Street to Inverness on Saturday morning. We started cycling about 11am from Inverness before wild camping at Fort Augustus (~40miles/half way). Plenty of climbing on the first day but also lots of really nice gravelly descents.

Left Fort Augustus around 9am on the Sunday and was back in Fort William for early afternoon for a scran and a few pints before getting the 17:37 train back to Glasgow.

A magic weekend on the bike massively helped by the cracking weather. Would recommend it to anyone looking for a short bikepacking trip in Scotland.

Our route. Day 1 (left), Day 2 (right)

Breathing new life into an old iPod Classic with Rockbox

2023-01-18T00:00:00Z

iPod Classic running Rockbox with the iMMXX theme © Chris Collins, 2023

Why install Rockbox, and what is it?

Breathing new life into an old iPod Classic with Rockbox is a great way to give your old device a new lease on life. Rockbox is an open-source firmware replacement for portable media players that provides a wide range of enhancements and additional features. It can be installed on the iPod classic and other older iPod models, allowing you to enjoy a more modern and customizable user experience.

With Rockbox, you can customize the look and feel of your iPod, as well as add features such as support for new audio formats, advanced playback controls, and more. It's a great way to keep an old device running smoothly and extend its lifespan.

A massive benefit of Rockbox is removing the need to rely on iTunes. We can use standard methods to add music to our devices, such as drag and drop, which can provide more control over what is synced and how it is synced. Additionally, not having to rely on iTunes can free you from the need to have iTunes installed entirely, allowing you to add music to your iPod using any computer, regardless of whether it has iTunes or other software installed.

I believe Rockbox is a must for keeping these incredible devices alive and giving them a new lease on life.

iPod Classic running Rockbox with the iMMXX theme © Chris Collins, 2023

Syncing media with rsync

rsync (short for "remote sync") is a command line utility that allows you to efficiently synchronize files and directories between two locations. It is commonly used to back up files from one location to another, or to synchronize files between a local machine and a remote server. In our case, our local music library and the hard drive on the iPod Classic.

One of the main advantages of rsync is that it only transfers the differences between the files, rather than transferring the entire file each time. This means that it is much faster and more efficient than other methods of file transfer, especially when dealing with large files or large numbers of files.

I use one command to move all of my music library from my computer onto the iPod without dragging and dropping.

rsync -avu "/Users/USERNAME/Music/Collection/" "/Volumes/IPOD/Music" --progress

The initial run takes time but subsequent runs only syncs the files that have changed or that have been added. It's an efficent way to make sure both folders stay in sync without having to manually manage both.

Overall, I'd highly recommend anyone with an old iPod Classic to give Rockbox a go. I think you'll be pleasently surprised.

A wander around Glasgow with my new camera

2023-01-20T00:00:00Z

In January 2023 I made the decision to move away from the Fujifilm eco-system and move to Sony. I sold my Fujifilm gear and bought a Sony A7 III.

I love Fujifilm and have shot with Fujifilm for over 5 years. The colours and the cameras themselves are beautiful, however, I want to start dabbling in video and experiment with some advanced aspects of photography so I felt the move to Sony was a good fit.

The main reasons I went with the A7 III are:

Full-frame sensor: The Sony A7 III features a full-frame sensor, which allows for greater control over depth of field and low-light performance.
Fast autofocus: The camera's autofocus system is fast and accurate, making it perfect for capturing fast-moving subjects.
High resolution: With a resolution of 24.2 megapixels, the Sony A7 III produces high-quality images with fine details and sharpness.
4K video: The camera can shoot 4K video at 30 frames per second, which is ideal for videographers looking to produce high-quality content.
Durable build: The Sony A7 III is built to withstand tough shooting conditions and is weather-sealed to protect against dust and moisture.
Customisable buttons: The camera features customisable buttons, which allows you to quickly access frequently used settings.
Battery life: The camera has a long battery life of up to 610 shots per charge, which is perfect for long photo sessions.
Flexibility with lenses: The Sony A7 III is compatible with a wide range of lenses, including my old OM lenses with adapters.
Advanced Features: The camera offers advanced features such as face detection, Eye-AF and 5-axis in-body image stabilisation.

Anyway here's some photos from my first outing with it. All shots were taken with the Viltrox 85mm ƒ/1.8.

Film Roll #11

2023-01-21T00:00:00Z

Some shots from September 2022 to January 2023 shot on my Ricoh 500 G with Fujifilm C200. The Ricoh jammed around 20-odd photos so my roll was cut short but I'm very happy with the shots I got.

The film was developed by the fantastic Gulabi in Glasgow.

Cumbrae Cycle

In 2021 the News team at STV took on a challenge to cycle around Cumbrae 10 times (100 miles) to support the STV Childrens Appeal. It was a huge success so we returned in September last year to take on the same challege.

Glasgow Street Shots

The remaining shots from the roll (before the jam) are from a wander around Glasgow in January 2023.

Goodbye Fujfilm, it's been a blast

2023-03-19T00:00:00Z

My Fujfilm X100F, the last piece to go© Chris Collins, 2023

As I sit here, staring at the cash I've received for my last piece of Fujifilm gear, I can't help but feel a sense of bittersweetness wash over me. After years of using Fujifilm gear, it was time to explore new possibilities and make the leap to another brand. I ultimately ended up with Sony's A7 range. While I am excited about the new opportunities that await me, I can't help but feel a sense of attachment to the Fujifilm gear that has been a part of my journey for so long.

Fujifilm cameras are renowned for their exceptional design and build quality, and I have always been a fan of their retro-inspired aesthetics. But as my photography style has pivoted and grown, I found myself needing something more versatile, and the Sony A7 range seemed like the perfect fit. The image quality and low-light performance are top-notch, and the full-frame sensor allows for greater creative flexibility.

Yet, despite all of the benefits of my new Sony camera, I will always have a soft spot for my Fujifilm gear. It's hard to let go of something that has been such a significant part of my photography journey.

Knowing when to let go of a product you love is never an easy decision, especially when it comes to something as personal and important as photography gear. It's important to remember that no product is perfect, and over time, our needs and preferences can change. When we feel like we've outgrown our gear, are no longer satisfied with its performance or simply fancy a change, it may be time to consider moving on.

As I begin this new chapter, I am excited about tinkering with my new camera. Photography is all about growth and evolution, and by embracing change and trying new things, I will continue to grow and change as a photographer. While I may miss the familiarity of my Fujifilm gear, I am looking forward to exploring the possibilities of my new camera and seeing where it takes me.

To wrap up, here's some of my favourite shots with my Fujifilm gear.

Scottish Sunset: Mountain Peaks from Neilston

2023-03-27T00:00:00Z

The light nights are here! The kids are in bed and I still have daylight to play with. Tonight, I decided to nip out with my camera.

The photograph I'm sharing today was taken from my home village of Neilston looking over towards the Lomond Hills and beyond. With the sun setting over the horizon, the sky turned into a canvas of vibrant hues, painting the mountain peaks in the distance with beautiful shades of pink, orange, and blue. For me, this view symbolises the perfect link between the tranquility of the outskirts of the village and the grandeur of the great mountains. This is a place I often stop, and simply gaze and enjoy.

To provide some context for those interested in the specifics of these Scottish peaks, I used PeakFinder.org to generate an overlay that labels each mountain visible in the image. By doing so, I hoped to offer a more in-depth understanding of the landscape. This tool is incredibly useful for anyone with a passion for mountains or simply curious about the names and elevations of the peaks in their photographs.

PeakFinder overlay© Chris Collins / PeakFinder.org, 2023

I'm very pleased with how this photograph turned out. I'm hoping to borrow my Dad's telephoto lens and get some shots of Ben Lomond, and maybe Ben More and Binnein with some compression and more detail from the same spot.

Reflecting on the last 5 years

2023-08-01T00:00:00Z

Wow, August 2023 already.

Life moves fast. Between work, family, and other responsibilities, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day busyness and not pause to reflect on where we are, how far we've come, and where we hope to go. But taking time for self-reflection is so important.

Scrolling through social media, I recently came across a post that prompted me to stop and reflect for a moment on the major changes in my life over the past several years. Reflecting on the meaningful milestones and growth experiences gave me a renewed sense of gratitude.

In the past 5 years:

I've been blessed with two beautiful children who continue to fill my life with joy as I watch them grow and discover the world.
My family moved back to my hometown village, close to the kids grandparents, into a lovely house with a garage where I store my tools and bikes.
I was finally able to purchase a Seat Leon Cupra, the car I've wanted since I was 17.
Professionally, I leveled up to a Lead Software Engineer role at one of Scotland's largest news websites. For nearly two years, I solo led the development before being joined by another talented engineer. We have a lot of responsibilities but we are given space, can work from wherever we want and and lead our own projects - I'm loving that.
My wife and I have gone from stength to strength too. We've built a strong foundation of understanding that has allowed us to grow together as a team as we navigate life and parenthood.

Taking time to reflect on these major life changes and milestones has reminded me to be intentional about pausing for gratitude. So often we get caught up in chasing the next goal that we forget to appreciate how far we've come. Reflection provides perspective and helps ground us in the present moment. The practice can illuminate strengths to celebrate, areas for self-improvement, and dreams to aspire to next. Life is a journey of continuous growth, and reflection allows us to be mindful of the meaningful progress we’ve made.

Back to the office

2023-08-17T00:00:00Z

Today was a good day. I've taken a step back into the world of office life, and you know what? It feels pretty good.

For a while, I've been all about work-from-home, enjoying the lack of commute and the ability to see my kids whenever I want. But recently, I've felt I need a bit of space away from home to focus on work in an environment that's not my home. This week, my wife switched to part-time work, which means that for two days a week, our home is going to be full with our two young kids and their energy.

My house had become my office. I've started to hate when my son calls the room I work in my "office" - it's not an office it's our home. Don't get me wrong, I love spending time with my family, but balancing work in a house with kids can be really hard.

So, I made a choice. I decided to reintroduce myself to the office.

Today was a reminder of how much I had missed the camaraderie that comes with office life. The simple act of chatting with colleagues, discussing work, and sharing a laugh made me realise that working alone from home had left a social void. People asked how I was, how the kids were doing – it felt like reconnecting with old friends.

Working from home has its perks – the freedom, the lack of commute – but as I discovered, it had its downsides too. The isolation, the quietude – they had crept in slowly, and I found myself needing some normal human interaction.

Being back in the office today, I can't help but feel like I've found a better balance. I can still do my job effectively, but I don't have to be alone in the process. It's a reminder that sometimes, what we need is a bit of both worlds – the comfort of home and the social engagement of an office.

So, here's to embracing change and understanding that it's okay to seek out what works best for us.

Diamondback Ascent EX 1994 Vintage Mountain Bike Restoration

2023-08-20T00:00:00Z

Diamondback Ascent EX (1994)

In April 2023 in found an old Diamondback Ascent EX mountain bike from 1994 on Facebook Marketplace for a good price that looked in decent condition for it’s age and I had to jump at it. I didn’t know much about the bike itself but it was listed as having a chromoly frame and fork and that’s something I wanted.

Over the last few years I’ve tinkered with bikes and have found a love and passion for older steel bicycles with simple components that just work. I’m finding myself less and less bothered about the innovation in bicycles these days as most of the advances feel superficial and in some cases complicate matters for me, a tinkerer. I bought this Diamondback with the intention of simply cleaning it up and using it as a commuter but after a few rides I wanted to properly refurbish it and use it for the long term. It’s a beautiful bike to ride.

My main problem was cost. I have a 9 month old and my wife has been on maternity leave since, so money is a bit tight. I needed to do this with minimal costs. I opted to use parts I had in the garage and use what I could from the original.

Diamondback Ascent EX

The 1994 Diamondback Ascent EX is a fully rigid bike with a steel True Temper AVR frame. This one was purchased new from Dooley’s Cycles in Paisley, Scotland back in 1994. Some of the components on this had been upgraded over the years, notably the cantilever brakes and original levers had been upgraded to V-brakes with Avid Single Digit 5 levers. The wheel set, headset, seat post, stem, handlebars, shifters, crank, derailleurs and cassette were all original as far as I can tell.

Planning and Preparation

I started by taking most of the components off and giving them a good deep clean. The wheels were cleaned up using Brillo pads and my Dremel for polishing, along with the seat post. It took time but the results were worth it.

The frame needed a bit of TLC. There was some rust spots throughout and a larger rust area near the bottom bracket. At this point I needed to make a call on whether to just run it as is or strip some of the area to take a better look - the latter would involve some kind of paint job afterwards.

Frame stripped. Notice the rough paint work at the bottom bracket.

My curiosity got the better of me and I went with the latter and took a wire brush to the areas to see how bad the rust was. To my delight, it was all surface rust that came off no problem. Now I knew I had a frame that was in good shape but had a bike with exposed steel.

Powder Coating

I had used Spray.Bike in the past for painting a bike frame and was fairly happy with the results. I was initially going to go this direction again before I got a quote from a local powder coating company. P&J Powder Coatings based in Thornliebank, Glasgow, as was really pleased with their quote. P&J blasted the frame & fork and powder coated it for £66 and the results were great. I had to neaten up the brake bosses but this was easy enough with a Stanley knife. After this experience I probably won’t bother with Spray.bike in the future.

Decals

I didn’t intend on stripping the paint and I liked the idea of the bike to be indetinifable as an old Diamondback so I bought some decals off eBay from Hungary and they are top quality - maybe even sharper than the originals. I couldn’t find the Ascent EX decals but I managed to find a some for a different, but similar model. That’s why the model name is missing from my final build. I quite like the clean look though.

The Finished Build

In conclusion, the refurbishment and rebuild of the Diamondback Ascent EX has been a fulfilling and cost-conscious project. What began as a simple intention to clean up and use the bike for commuting turned into a fully blown restoration, driven by a deep passion for old steel bicycles and a desire to create a practical long-term ride. Despite my financial constraints, the project was a success. By reusing components from previous builds and incorporating new parts where necessary, the project achieved the desired balance of functionality and affordability.

This build has only emphasised the joy of tinkering with bicycles and reviving forgotten rides. It showcases the beauty and durability of vintage steel frames while embracing the practicality of a utility bike. The end result is a fully restored and personalised bicycle that embodies the spirit of craftsmanship and resourcefulness.

I hope that my rebuild encourages people that bike restoration and the satisfaction of breathing new life into an old gem provides you with a feeling that that money can’t buy off the shelf. All you need is a bit of passion, creativity, and careful planning, and even a limited budget can rebuild and refurbish anything.

Tiny UI tweaks I'd love to see in Orion, the Mac web browser

2023-09-04T00:00:00Z

Orion, the Mac web browser, has quickly become my daily driver, thanks to its speed, focus on privacy, and stunning Apple like design. While it's already an impressive browser, a few UI tweaks could make it even better for me.

UI changes I'd love to see

More Padding, Less Condensation: Orion's native Apple like interface is a standout feature, but sometimes, a little extra breathing room can make a big difference. An option to increase padding around elements would enhance both aesthetics and usability. It would provide a more comfortable browsing experience, especially for those of us who appreciate a less crowded look.
Left-Aligned Bookmarks Bar: Customization is key, and having the ability to choose between center-aligned and left-aligned bookmarks bar would be a welcome addition. This tweak allows users to tailor Orion to their personal preferences and align the browser more closely with their workflow.
Custom Icons per Profile: While Orion offers a range of profile choices, the ability to set a complete custom icon (not just chose from 3) for each profile would add a personal touch to the browsing experience. This feature isn't just about aesthetics; it helps users easily identify and switch between profiles, enhancing the overall user experience.

Orion has already won the hearts of many Mac users, but these small UI tweaks could take it to the next level. With these enhancements, it would become an even more personalized and versatile browser, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of its dedicated user base. As Orion continues to evolve, I'm excited to see how it incorporates user feedback to refine its interface and functionality further.

Tom Weir at 70 - One of my favourite interviews

2024-05-23T00:00:00Z

The 1984 interview with Tom Weir, is a treasure trove of memories and insights from a man who dedicated his life to exploring and documenting the Scottish outdoors. Listening to this interview evokes a strange sense of nostalgia, even for those of us who weren't around during that time. The term "anemoia," meaning nostalgia for a time you've never known, perfectly captures this feeling.I think it's because most of his concerns and experiences in nature remain much the same as they do now.

Tom Weir

Thomas Weir MBE (29 December 1914 – 6 July 2006) was a Scottish climber, author, and broadcaster best known for his long-running television series, "Weir's Way." Born in Springburn, Glasgow, Weir was the younger brother of actress Molly Weir. After serving in the Royal Artillery during World War II, he worked as a surveyor for the Ordnance Survey before embarking on a full-time career as a climber, writer, and photographer.

In 1950, Weir participated in the first post-war Himalayan expedition and, in 1952, was one of the first to explore the previously closed mountain ranges of Nepal, east of Kathmandu. His contributions to mountaineering and exploration were significant, helping to document and preserve the natural world he loved so deeply.

Media Career and Later Life

Weir's media career was a significant aspect of his influence. From 1976 to 1987, he hosted the Scottish Television series "Weir's Way," where he met the people of Scotland, explored the landscape, and delved into its natural history. The series was a resounding success, achieving a 30% audience share when repeated during late-night slots in the mid-1990s to early 2000s. Today, "Weir's Way" remains available to watch free on STV Player, continuing to inspire new generations.

Weir's contributions were widely recognised. He won the Scottish Television 'Personality of the Year Award' in 1976 and was appointed MBE in the same year. His environmental efforts were honored with the inaugural John Muir Lifetime Achievement Award by the John Muir Trust in 2000. A statue of Tom Weir was unveiled on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond in 2014, commemorating his enduring legacy.

Weir passed away aged 91 on 6 July 2006 and was buried on 17 July 2006 in Kilmaronock Parish Church, near Drymen. He was buried in the same plot as the ashes of his sister Molly.

Key Points from the Interview

In this 1980s interview, Weir, then 70, reflects on his life's journey and the changes he has witnessed in the Scottish Highlands.

Weir reminisces about his early climbing expeditions and the camaraderie among mountaineers. His tales of scaling peaks and exploring remote areas highlight his adventurous spirit and dedication to nature.

A significant portion of the interview is dedicated to Weir's concerns about environmental conservation. He emphasises the need to protect Scotland's natural landscapes from industrialisation and overdevelopment. His advocacy for national parks and sustainable tourism resonates strongly with today's environmental movements.

Weir speaks passionately about Scotland's heritage, particularly the traditions and stories of the Highland communities. He believes that preserving these traditions is as crucial as protecting the natural environment.

Looking to the future, Weir expresses hope that younger generations will continue to value and protect the outdoors. He envisions a Scotland where people live in harmony with nature, respecting its beauty and fragility.

Comparisons to Today

Tom Weir's insights from the 1980s remain remarkably relevant today. The issues he highlighted, such as environmental conservation and cultural preservation, are still pressing concerns. Today's climate change challenges and the push for sustainable living echo Weir's earlier advocacy. Moreover, the resurgence of interest in outdoor activities and heritage tourism in Scotland can be seen as a continuation of the legacy he helped build.

Weir's philosophy of balancing exploration with respect for nature is increasingly embraced in contemporary outdoor culture. His emphasis on storytelling and sharing experiences is mirrored in the popularity of blogs, vlogs, and social media platforms where adventurers document their journeys.

Tom Weir: A National Treasure

Tom Weir's legacy is that of a national treasure who has done immeasurable good for Scotland and its outdoors. His life's work has inspired countless individuals to explore, appreciate, and protect the natural world. Weir's contributions to mountaineering, writing, and broadcasting have left an incredible mark on Scottish culture.

As we listen to his words from decades past, we are reminded of the timeless value of nature and the enduring impact one person can have on the world. Tom Weir's legacy continues to inspire new generations to cherish and preserve the wild beauty of Scotland's landscapes.

The interview, full of Weir's thoughtful reflections, offers a window into a time when life moved at a different pace. It's a reminder of the lasting impact of those who dedicate their lives to the preservation and celebration of our natural heritage.

Give it a listen, and enjoy.

Well, Monday was mad. What a week.

2024-08-16T00:00:00Z

TL;DR: On Monday, August 12, 2024, I had my appendix removed via keyhole surgery. The entire experience is a blur, and I was in and out of the hospital within 18 hours. Everything went smoothly, and I'm on the mend.

Over the weekend, I attended a friend's wedding in the Scottish Borders. Everything was normal—I was eating and drinking plenty. I got home on Sunday evening, and we ordered Chinese food to cap off the weekend.

Around 11 p.m., I felt a slight pain in my side. It wasn't severe, but it was uncomfortable. I went to bed and slept okay, but by Monday morning, the pain had worsened. By midday, I was doubled over in agony.

I called the GP at 2:30 p.m., got an appointment at 3:30 p.m., and by 4:30 p.m., I was admitted to a ward at the R.A.H. in Paisley. After a few scans and assessments, I was scheduled for emergency surgery to remove my appendix.

I went into surgery around 9 p.m. and woke up from the general anesthetic at about 11 p.m. I was home by 11 a.m. the next morning.

The whole day is a blur, but I'm recovering well. The biggest takeaway for me is the absolutely faultless service I received from NHS Scotland. From the moment I called the GP to the moment I left the hospital, I can't find a single fault with any person or process I encountered. I feel incredibly lucky to have access to this amazing service.

This post is a bit rambly and is really just a brain dump, but also a heartfelt thank you to NHS Scotland and everyone involved in delivering our health service.

Duncarnock Fort (The Craigie) 360 Drone Photo

2024-12-10T00:00:00Z

This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International

I recently got my hands on the DJI Mini 4K and have been having a blast flying it! This is a 360° drone shot of Duncarnock Fort (The Craigie), taken at lunchtime on a crisp day.

I’m still getting the hang of piloting, but capturing scenes is fun. Looking forward to exploring more of Scotland's landscapes from the sky!

A Wintery Jaunt up Ben Lomond

2025-01-02T00:00:00Z

Ben Lomond is a personal favourite of mine. In terms of raw mountaineering excitement, it’s pretty chill, but the snow and thick ice always add a bit of adventure. It holds a soft spot in me as it was my first Munro at nine years old. It’s only an hour away from me, and the cracking views from the summit make it the perfect choice for a short day out.

The weather was spot on—clear blue skies and barely a breath of wind. It was great to get the crampons on again and trudge through the snow and ice.

Scoping a Local-First Image Archive

2025-03-19T00:00:00Z

For years, I’ve been thinking about how we store and access our digital files, especially photos. Everything is moving to the cloud, with complex systems/applications that abstract away what should be simple: a folder of images.

I don’t want that.

I want something simple. Something that doesn’t need a server, doesn’t rely on a database, and doesn’t lock me into any specific ecosystem. I want something that just works with files and folders, something that can disappear tomorrow without leaving a trace or be run once and the result lives forever.

After a rough prototype using nodejs and seeing the value, this is a brain dump of why I want to build it better.

1. The Problem With Most Photo Solutions (Google Photos, iCloud Photos etc)

Photo organisation has become too complicated and focused solely on organisation - not archiving. I'm not hating on these services, they're fantastic for managing a working window of photos of your life but do we really want 10, 15, 20 year old photos stored on these?

Everything assumes we want a database, AI, syncing and 100x features.
Most systems will rename, sort, or move your images.
Cloud-based solutions push you into subscription models and walled gardens (Google Photos, iCloud Photos, for example).
If you stop using them, you lose your metadata, organisation, and edits - ultimately ending up with a messy export of unorganised chaos.

For non-technical people (and even for myself), this isn’t ideal. What happens to your files when you’re gone? If your family wants to browse your archive in 10 years, will they be able to?

This should be simple.

A well-structured folder, whether on a few external drives and/or backed-up remotely off-site, is already a great way to orgaise images. Why complicate it?

2. The Plain Text Movement: Files Are King

There’s a movement back to plain text. Notebooks, wikis, documentation—people are ditching databases and proprietary formats in favor of simple, readable files.

Why? Because files last longer than apps.

I want the same philosophy for images. The filesystem should be the structure—not some abstract interface on top of it.

A folder is already a collection.
A plain text file (meta.md) can store optional metadata and is readable simply by opening it.
If you move or delete the app, nothing breaks.

This isn’t about reinventing the wheel—it’s about not overcomplicating it in the first place.

3. A Local-Only, Zero-Dependency Image Archive

The goal is a tool that:

✅ Works completely offline—just open the root index.html file in the folder in your browser.
✅ Requires no server or database—purely flat files.
✅ Never modifies or renames files—zero risk to your images, metadata and structure.
✅ Leaves no trace—if you delete the app, or purge the archive site, everything of yours stays intact.
✅ Uses just a single CSS file for styling—customisable with a minimal default.

Essentially, it’s just a static site generator for folders of images, that lives within your library. You could ignore it completely and still access your photos like normal, or use it when you feel the need.

4. Minimal JavaScript (Or None at All)

By default, it should be pure HTML and CSS and use browser features over eye-candy.
JavaScript should be optional and only for UX improvements like:

A better folder tree UI.
Lazy-loading large images.
Small accessibility enhancements.

If JavaScript is disabled, nothing should break.

5. How It’s Structured

Folder Organisation

Instead of using a database, this project uses the filesystem as the database:

📂 Photos/
├── 📂 2024-Scotland-Trip/
│    ├── 🖼 image1.jpg
│    ├── 🖼 image2.png
│    ├── 📄 meta.md  (Optional metadata)
│    ├── 📂 .thumbs/ (Auto-generated thumbnails)
│    ├── 📜 index.html (Auto-generated UI)
│
├── 📂 2023-Italy/
│    ├── 🖼 photo.jpg
│    ├── 📄 meta.txt (Plain text metadata)
│    ├── 📂 .thumbs/ (Auto-generated thumbnails)
│    ├── 📜 index.html (Auto-generated UI)
│
├── 📜 style.css (Global styles)
├── 📜 index.html (Root index)

📂 Folders = Categories
📄 meta.md = Optional metadata for each folder
📂 .thumbs/ = System hidden dot folders of auto-generated thumbnails to aid quicker loading of pages

No database, no external dependencies—just files. You can build it, stick it on an SSD and pick it up in 10 years time and it'll work.

6. How It Works

A small background app watches the folder or triggered manually.
When files are added or removed, it:
- Generates a static HTML index for each folder.
- Creates thumbnails (but never modifies the originals).
- Uses Markdown or plain txt files for metadata.
Open the folder in a browser to browse the images.

No complex setup, no syncing, no extra nonsense.

7. Why Move Away from Node.js?

Right now, I have prototyped this with a Node.js script and it works, but it’s not ideal:

🚫 It’s bloated.
🚫 It requires installing dependencies.
🚫 Any UI would likely lean on Electron.
🚫 It’s not lightweight enough for a background process (looking at your Electron).

The goal is to rebuild it in Rust or Go, which will make it:

✅ A single, tiny executable (~5MB or less).
✅ Fast and low-memory—runs silently in the background.
✅ Zero dependencies—just open the app, provide a folder and run.

Rust would make it even faster, while Go would make cross-platform support simpler. Either way, the goal is a tiny, native app that just does its job and gets out of the way.

8. Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple

This project is opinionated but simple:

Folders are the king—no databases, just files.
Metadata is optional—stored as readable text.
No tracking, no cloud, no bloat.
Deleting the app leaves zero trace.

It’s just a lightweight way to browse folders of images—nothing more, nothing less.

I’ll start prototyping the Rust version soon. If this sounds interesting, let me know. 🚀