It’s hard to argue with John Swinny’s statement at the weekend that ‘when it comes to public services, households in Scotland get the best deal anywhere in the UK’. Healthcare in Scotland is free at the point of delivery for all of us and, unlike for our cousins south of the border, prescriptions, eye tests… Read more »
Posts Categorized: HNM Column
The loneliness of our society is in our hands.
How are you feeling as you read this? Are you looking forward to a fun-packed weekend watching the rugby with friends? Maybe you’re meeting family for Sunday lunch, have planned a dog-walk with a good pal or you’re heading out to a fitness class before eating your body-weight in cake with class-mates when it’s done?… Read more »
Trump. Don’t just moan, do something! Plus musical joy.
How is President Trump working out for you? It’s a fortnight since the ‘America First’ inauguration, and I’m curious. How is that working out for you? After a busy old time with work and family I was aware of the headlines but scanty on the detail. Until last weekend. Oh dear. It was my turn… Read more »
Could you balance Highland Council’s budgets?
My Papa was a proud man and a cautious man too. A tailor and ‘Gentlemen’s Outfitter’ with a shop in Aberdeen, he was always impeccably dressed in a well-fitted suit, stylish shirt, tie, and matching handkerchief, and hand-made leather shoes. His pride stretched beyond his appearance – he married late in life because he wanted… Read more »
Grand designs on a wee bolt-hole to escape to
There’s no escaping it; in almost 30 years together, Mr Marr and I have accumulated a lot of stuff. We moved into our first flat with two trips of my Mini – the first trip transporting clothes, books, cassette tapes and a pressure cooker from my shared flat, the second moving his stereo, his vinyl… Read more »
The January job search? Not even for £1million.
Quality of life matters more than millions. It’s mid-January. The house feels bigger with Christmas decorations back in the loft and the kids back at University. My annual healthy eating splurge is underway and my washing line is adorned with freshly washed sports kit. The box sets are lined up to entertain us till the… Read more »
Resolutions? Here we go again!
Just Do It! Is it too late to say Happy New Year? Of course not! Allow me to wish you good health, happiness and an exciting and fulfilling 2017. May it be all you hoped for, and may all your resolutions come true. On that note, I’ve decided it’s not too late for me to… Read more »
George’s Last Christmas – his tragedy, not ours
Christmas Day in the Marr household began much in the same way as it has every year for the past twenty years, with all four of us tucked up in one bed to open our stockings. Over the years there has been less leg-room as the girls have grown, but we stick with it. It’s… Read more »
Amazon can’t do what Waterstones does…with bells on.
Things that Amazon can’t do – but Waterstones does…with bells on. I took an hour last week between meetings to do something I rarely do; I indulged in some retail therapy. It’s not that I don’t spend money but if I do hit the shops it’s usually because I’m on a mission to acquire a… Read more »
It’s beginning to feel a little like Christmas!
Feeling festive yet? It’s official – I am starting to feel festive. Although we NEVER put our tree up until December is in double figures (soon, Mr Marr, soon!) and I can’t start thinking about buying presents till the shops have sold out of their best stock, my seasonal spirit was set alight last weekend… Read more »