Thought For Today

Jack and Hannah Say...

...buy this book and make our old Papa very happy! Then he can go and buy us lots and lots of sweeties....

Hearts Greatest Games - now available at bookshops and at Amazon

Worst Group (again...)

Virgin Rail has lost its bid to continue running the West Coast Mainline and will be replaced by the UK's largest rail operator, FirstGroup. A disappointed Sir Richard Branson said Virgin would "almost definitely back out" of bidding for more franchises.

FirstGroup said it would "offer substantial improvements in the quality and frequency of services".
Rail unions warned they would resist any attempts to cut staff pay or working conditions. Aberdeen-based FirstGroup already operates a number of rail routes including Great Western and ScotRail.

From BBC News website

My job requires me, on occasion, to travel down to Preston in Lancashire to my company's head office. I travel down by train on the west coast mainline and it's fair to say few of my trips with Virgin Rail have been without incident. From broken toilets, unreserved seats and overcrowding to late trains and quite awful communications, Sir Richard Branson's company can hardly be described as leading the way in rail travel. Having suffered several times as a result of their incompetence I was pleased but not exactly surprised that they have lost the franchise to run trains on the west coast of Britain after 14 years. However, my satisfaction at Virgin finally getting their comeuppance was soon eroded by the news that Virgin are to be replaced by those other bastions - I said 'bastions' - of public transport. Yes, step forward First Group.

Since my change in personal circumstances at the start of this year, I haven't had cause to rant about Worst Group principally because I no longer have the need to use their shockingly poor bus services. That and the fact Worst Group have sought to address falling passengers numbers in Midlothian - by withdrawing their services altogether thereby leaving people who require public transport out on a limb. The good folk of Dalkeith, Mayfield and Gorebridge who had relied on the ramshackle number 86 service for decades were told by Worst Group several months ago their bus service was being withdrawn. The attitude of the First Edinburgh bus chiefs appeared to be -  tough. Thankfully, Lothian Buses have stepped in and, by all accounts, have improved the services in Midlothian no end.

On Tuesday came the announcement that rail fares in Scotland are to rise by around 4%. Lo and behold, 24 hours later Worst Group are awarded the west coast mainline. May I say to the people who presently use the line that I hope they continue to use the service in good numbers. If not, be prepared for Worst Group to apply their simple business plan. That is, if passengers numbers fall (and this is more than likely if their track record of reliability on the buses is anything to go by) then services will be reduced and then withdrawn altogether. It has happened with alarming frequency with the bus services in Edinburgh and Mid and East Lothian.

Don't be surprised if, a few years from now, there won't be a west coast mainline. And, if that happens, I will not be able to travel to Preston.

It's not all bad news then...

Summer Time...

...and the living is easy. Well, for a week at least while the Auld Reekie Ranter takes a break. Pass the brandy and the cigars someone...

Happy Birthday Hannah

My darling wee grand daughter Hannah is 5 years old today. She emanates so much love and brings so much sunshine into my life  - even in those dark days. It's remarkable to think 5 years have passed since she arrived so dramatically into the world - she was born at my daughter Laura's house - and the world is a better place for her presence.

 I'll be heading over to see her after work today - save your old Papa some birthday cake, my wee princess.

A Stunning Image

This is a quite breathtaking view of the Milky Way from Mars. Stunning....

Hearts Greatest Games

My latest book - Hearts Greatest Games - is published today.

The William Hill Scottish Cup final of 2012 was the most important Edinburgh derby in history. Hearts, as befitting a club who have dominated their local rivals for nearly 140 years, brought their capital domination to new levels, humiliating Hibs 5-1 to lift their eighth Scottish Cup.

This historic game is recalled in this book along with 49 other classic Hearts games from 1891 to the present day. Hammering Hibs is a recurring theme with the 8-3 win in 1935, the 4-1 win in 1973, the 5-1 win in 2002, the 4-0 win in 2005 and the 4-0 Scottish Cup semi final thrashing in 2006 all featured.

However, this book isn’t just about Hearts dominance over their great rivals. It recalls some great triumphs by Edinburgh’s finest club over the years both domestically and in Europe. From the Scottish Cup triumphs over Dumbarton in 1891 and Celtic in 1956 to more recent famous wins over Bayern Munich, Bordeaux and Basle, this book is a must read for every Hearts supporter.

With a foreword from Hearts all time leading league goalscorer, John Robertson, the book is available from all good bookshops and from Amazon.co.uk

Please buy one and make an old man very happy!