Rear View Mirror

view of 2024 as 2025 speeds onto the horizon

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A last look at 2024 as its candle nears snuffing - starting with St Giles tonight just before the conductor popped out for the candlelight concert. It’s one of my favourite buildings and spaces, inside and out, near and far - I did a wee homage earlier this year for its 900th anniversary - catch up with that here.

I always like to get some of that ceiling in with the glorious blue and gilded bosses. I spent a memorable couple of hours in here when they regilded the ceiling, fascinated by a 24 carat goldfall from the gilder’s brushstrokes descending gently through the space, tumbling in shafts of light.

The musicians preparing while the percussionist nipped out for one last fag.

You’re probably aware of the cancellation of the outdoor events and official Edinburgh Hogmanay street party. I’ve heard chat about a resurgence in interest to celebrate “The Bells” at The Tron Kirk on the Royal Mile, but if there is they will have to do it without the clock telling the correct time - it’s still not been reset since the recent work to the steeple. You can see more Tron steeple shots over here.

The buses into the city centre have never been so quiet. I was on a No.27 bus with one other person (plus the driver) at 7pm. The city centre is full of people who travelled here for the shindig and it seems that locals are mostly just staying local. Or maybe everyone was busy getting their party togs on and getting spruced?

The castle has simply slipped on an elegant blue blazer for the evening. For next year I want to get the 4 bay windows on the right to put up a Christmas tree and leave their curtains open, then we’ll get a proper yuletide shot. Those who travel to the south westish of the city will recognise this view down Barclay Place from Brunstfield.

The view down the Links has the castle spread grandly over the chimeytops of Glengyle Terrace.

But if it’s a party you’re looking for then this is the path for you - up the Links into Marchmont and there will be plenty to choose from. Just follow the noise, chap on a few doors and you’ll soon get a grand welcome, as long as you’ve a bottle of something under your arm and a charming smile on your face.

Even better if you’re tall, dark and handsome and have a lump of coal with you.

I will finish with a couple of shots I took recently when I headed west along the Union Canal at sunset to visit my friends. I had to get off my bike a few times to catch the apres sunset delights - this reflective one above was at the big bend in the canal, just before it crosses the Water of Leith on its aqueduct at Slateford.

The scene below was quite magical and I was so glad I managed to swap lenses before the rower glided into the shade.

It seems a good one to end the year on. Keep looking back friends, but keep your eyes focused on the future, for what’s next around the corner and to the changes we can make to our world, near and far.

Keep your loved ones close.

Raise a wee glass to old friends lost, and new friends found.
Maybe see you out there.
TD