Tag: Scotland

The day I hoped would never arrive

Sometimes you hear news that knocks you sideways. Today is one of those days. If I may indulge you for a short time.

Since I started my career on the platform formerly known as Twitter I have been blessed with many and varied friends. Some I have met, some I have always longed to meet. This missive is about a friend who falls into the latter category and who, now, I deeply regret not meeting.

Hamish is the name of the friend concerned. It was on 29 January 2009 he arrived into this world unlikely to know the extent of joy and happiness he was about to shower upon those who followed him, laughed with him and read his witty and erudite comments through the last 15 years. He was the Admiral of the Brunicorn, wit, raconteur, sports brain, historian of Glasgow and beyond, traveller, his mums cuddles monkey and general all-round good egg. He was one of the first to greet me when I arrived in December 2013 and he welcomed me with typical wit and charm. Through his friendship I am an honorary member of the BT Posse. I am more educated than I was in so many subjects ranging from Aberdeen FC through to the Emirates flights arriving into Glasgow Airport. I have learned about the fancy headgear of one Duke of Wellington in Glasgow and the navigational hazards of Loch Lomond whilst piloting a Brunicorn.

However what I have learned the most is this. Friends are great, those who stand by you and watch as you get older and are always there to lend a paw are wonderful. Those who entertain, make us laugh, feel sad or cry are excellent. To be able to do all of these is a testament to the power of the Hamish. He has so many pals who today are grieving his passing. There is a feeling of sadness, despair and hollowness within our hearts. That said, there seems to be a sense of gratitude that he touched so many of our lives with his wit, charm and insight into many parts of our lives. We may feel sad and hollow today but tomorrow and the days after, we will remember what he said and the way he made us laugh or feel enriched.

We cannot go on forever, this is a given. All I say is that it is a privilege and an honour to know Hamish and to be his friend. That he has been my buddy makes me sad he is gone but content that he has been here. Run free my friend, go scamper in the everlasting meadow where the gentle sun warms your fur. Find those who have gone before and rest easy from your worldly woes.

Hamish. Arrived 29 January 2009 and departed 8 January 2024. Gone from sight but never from mind or hearts. I salute you.

The Posse is depleted

A wonderful and honourable friend made their longest journey earlier today. I wish to pay tribute to a true buddy.

I am a member of the #BTPosse – I was invited to join by a great friend called Hamish, some years ago. The Posse is very much like the BeagleBugClub in that it is full of friends who look after one another, who cry or laugh together and always look out for everybody, with a kindly word or metaphorical shoulder to cry upon. One of the first Border Terriers I was introduced to was Macbark who lived with his parents, and joined more recently by his little brother Fin, in Edinburgh. Mac was a jolly, cheerful, wise and very handsome fur who always had time for some laughter as well as friendly advice for his fellow BT pals. Many a time did we speak about important subject like Aberdeen FC, Whisky distilleries, Bellfield Brewery and hikes around Arthurs Seat amongst so many other things. He was a font of knowledge on many subjects. He loved travelling to different places in Scotland and even made it down to the Lake District in the north west of England. Apparently he enjoyed that too, in spite of it not being in Scotland. Cheeky wee fella he was. He was at tweet ups and always able to show the many pals around his locale with a smily face.

A fiercely proud BT.

His little brother, Fin, arrived in early August and proceeded to turn Mac’s world upside down. He was typically grumbly about his new little brother but I think deep down he was chuffed to bits that he would have a new pal to play with. Also he had the chance to show Fin all the wrong things to do.

What do you mean I cannot show Fin the muddy puddle?

Within the last week Mac was diagnosed with an advanced case of Gallbladder Mucocele which is apparently fairly common in Border Terriers, sadly. Today we heard the terrible news that Mac had made his final and longest journey over the Rainbow Bridge. He was only eight!

Run free wee fella, free from cares and woes amongst the everlasting meadow with the warm sun on your fur. It is a privilege to say you are my friend and that we will miss you terribly. Farewell Mac but never goodbye.