Bruntsfield Links and the Meadows

Early morning light across this special area of South Edinburgh - the Meadows laid out in 1748-50 - and Robert Burns father, William Burnes, came down from Kincardineshire to work on them. Bruntsfield Links was perhaps the earliest golf course in the world.

The whole area was once the Burgh Loch and was drained in the mid-17th century.

From the right - Appleton Tower of the University, the minaret of Central Mosque, the large Quarter Mile Project where the old Royal Infirmary stood, and the central tower of George Hertiot's School.

After examining yesterday all day with the Surgeons, it was good to get into the office today - but my goodness where does the time fly? I asked D why we are running behind all the time, and she says our standards have risen - that's why! Which must be good.

Not the slightest question that the loss of life and suffering in Christchurch is paramount in all our thoughts.... but it was also devastating to see the lovely cathedral in ruins, a building I know well. I hope that lives and buildings can be rebuilt, but for some that tragically will not be.