I talked to Alex Mair, who turned 102 this month, about his role in setting up Grampian TV in 1961 and helping it to punch above its weight in news, current affairs, sport and entertainment. Alex still believes it was a mistake when the station was swallowed up by STV in 1997 and I think he’s right. Grampian was a precious part of many people’s lives in the north of Scotland! #GrampianTV #STV #AlexMair #FionaKennedy #NormanMacleod https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/lifestyle/6621775/alex-mair-102-has-never-forgotten-launching-grampian-tv-more-than-60-years-ago/

This isn’t another piece about Alex Salmond, the politician. It’s about the man who moved to the north east and fell in love with the region. He sang songs with Inverurie parishioners, helped the families of the Sapphire disaster in Peterhead, handed out prizes at the Turriff Show, encouraged youngsters in art and sport…there was a real hinterland to the man who will be buried in Strichen next Tuesday! #AlexSalmond #IonaFyfe #FionaKennedy #FergusMutch #KennyMacAskill https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/lifestyle/6609014/alex-salmond-devoted-himself-to-the-north-east/

“The arts always seem to be at the bottom of the food chain”: I enjoyed talking to former “Taggart” star, Blythe Duff”, about her life, past, present and future, and her love of working on stage where every night’s a new experience. She’s in Braemar this weekend for a “Blether with Blythe” event in the company of Fiona Kennedy! #Taggart #HarryPotterandtheCursedChild ##BurnsSuppers #Braemar #FionaKennedy https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/lifestyle/6345310/blythe-duff-arts-braemar-burns/