First Footin'

One of my first memories of the new year is seeing a group of young men fascinated by the attention of a European Robin, on the way up a small mountain in Scotland. The hike was strenuous on a chill and windy day, but it was clear and beautiful, and the people were friendly. The little Robin was likely begging for food, but he was a welcome encounter on the trail.

I spent the last days of 2025 and the first days of 2026 wandering Edinburgh pubs for pints and drams, celebrating Hogmanay, and climbing to Arthur’s Seat. I’ll tell you all about it soon enough, and the birds I met on the way, but for now, cheers:

Dram: The Macallan 18year Double Cask, at The Devil’s Advocate, a snug boozer in a close off the Royal Mile.