I recently joined tens of thousands of sweltering, sweaty and very often staggering, music fans on a hot weekend near Kinross. T in the Park is Scotland’s premier music festival and I loved every minute. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea and it certainly isn’t Pete’s: he doesn’t do big crowds, dancing and happy songs. He does Quo, AC/DC and Molly Hatchett (well at least he did 20 years ago).
The whole weekend was fun and refreshing. The only talk of the arctic was those Arctic Monkeys with which my niece Amie and I have an ongoing love affair. Have you seen that Alex Turner? He’s still got it and I hope somewhere deep down, so have I!
Back in the real world, I’m turning my thoughts to the next Festival. Not quite as rock and roll but the Scottish Nature Photography Festival (SNPF), like T in the Park, is a celebration and SNPF brings together artists of a different kind. Just like musicians, photographers are an eclectic bunch but all share a passion for their craft and I’m looking forward to seeing some great images and hearing some amazing stories.
Our Norwegian friend Roy Mangersnes will be sharing tales of his arctic adventures. There’ll be a wee bit of girl power going on with young photographer Jodie Randall and in the wings will be Charlotte Benvie with her mouth-watering Carlotta’s Chocolates (I think I might be spending quite a bit of time with Charlotte!)
As with T in the Park, SNPF offers something to suit everyone with some fun along the way. I’m looking forward to seeing Northshots’ customers old and new, so please come and say hello at our stand. I’ll try to resist wearing flowers in my hair and tattoos on my cheek but I will be wearing a friendly smile. Andy Rouse is no Alex Turner and Peter Cairns is certainly no Rick Parfitt but we shouldn’t hold that against the old boys.
I hope to see you at SNPF.
Photo: Me and ma wee boy, Sam Cairns, at T in the Park 2014
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The only Northshots member that I’ve met is Mark Hamblin. Amanda, your musings make others into real people. I’d love to meet them at SNPF but practicalities intrude — it’s a long way from here to Scotland and to get away for a day or two presents difficulties. Quite apart from my wife with dementia, I would also be neglecting four-footed wild friends. (Yes, FRIENDS. If I go outside I may get a squealed greeting and a young vixen will come running, grab me gently, then roll onto her back for a tummy-rub. No, she’s not tame, wildlife/human relationships are individual specific.) On top of that, I’m wondering if I might need a visa and passport and buy fuel for the car in Scottish Groats and Sporrans.
If I didn’t know you better Amanda, I’d say that from the photo, you were calling time and asking to put your feet up with a nice cup of “T”!