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Having grown up in Moray, many moons ago I worked as a tour guide at Glenfiddich as a summer job. Mainly awful, but free whisky and access to staff malts was a bonus. Alas, I was a daft 19 year old who knew fuck all about what to buy, so my dad was kept in Balvenie for many a year whilst I bought £12 litre bottles of Goldschläger. I have some juicy behind-the-scenes stories that would help in no way whatsoever but could probably remember most of my tour spiel.

As for pitching, I'd stress the family aspect of Grant's, the Speyside aspect, the rolling heather romanticism of it all. Just avoid the "wild seas/Rapha film" stylings that the Island distilleries adopt as Dufftown is a pretty dull place. As for the whisky itself, maybe emphasize the skill it takes to blend etc. Glenfiddich was always considered the posh cousin to Grant's red-nosed jakey uncle, mainly from the pure malt/single malt angle.

Probably not mention the fact that all kinds of "extra ingredients" went in the mash tuns, particularly after a staff night out.

Used a Domke F2 almost daily for 10+ years and it's a dependable workhorse of a bag. Once you swap out the crappy dividers and get used to the unpadded shoulder strap it's great to use. Has a nice weathered look now since it's been chucked about various countries and floor surfaces over the years. On bigger jobs where I need two bodies and 4+ lenses I'll use a Crumpler for heavy gear and have the Domke filled with stuff I need to hand.

Ach balls. Bought a few bits and bobs of theirs over the years (and got a nicely designed brochure in the post a few weeks ago), very nice stuff it was too, but it seems supply chain/distribution/other issues caught up with Nick et al in the end.

Just finished Crimetown http://www.crimetownshow.com a 14-parter about a crooked Mob politician in Rhode Island. Gripping stuff with some excellent wiseguy swearing.

Might be a bit far for you but I've used http://entertheblackbox.co.uk/blackbox/ up here in Edinburgh for years and they are great.

Me too. Episode III where the, erm, "big event" happens is great listening.

Flash test, Edinburgh.

You lucky bugger. I'd be in there all the time if I did too..

Edinburgh North & Leith leading the way up here. Local pride.

Looking towards Eiffel Tower from Tour de Montparnasse. iPhone SE.

Pro Team is decent, doesn't leave a massive line on yr forehead like regular winter hat. 50% off at the mo.

They run a bit large size-wise but ultra toasty and once wet they stay warm. Out in 6 degree weather today (not on bike I should add) with just a t-shirt underneath and almost too warm at times.

Bought Rab, namely the Xenon X. Did not regret purchase. Ta for the recommendation chief.

Any LFGSS HiveMind thoughts on the [newish] Transfer jacket in terms of warmth/sizing? Am a solid M in other Waffa stuff but looking to pick up a Transfer one for general off-bike tootling.

I could hook you up but I'm in Edinburgh so would need to pay postage alas..

Ah, the shop I work in, 40% discount..

Got a pair of the Endura Nemos in black and probably the toastiest winter gloves I've tried. Just been out for a frosty 2deg ride and v. impressed. Very grippy palms, not too thick. A word of warning; don't take 'em off mid-[wet]ride. All the delicious warmth disappears quick-smart since they're neoprene. £17 with a cheeky discount.

http://www.endurasport.com/products/?ProductID=180

Just been for a tremendous meal at Bufi on Hackney Road; really nice bloke working there, gave us a wee limoncello on the house as we were leaving to "warm up the tubes." Had the Parma ham & rocket which was the best pizza I've had in years.

I could help you out if you go down the topographical route. Hit me up, am in Edinburgh.

Sorry for not replying sooner. Vinyl done by Black Box on Clerk St in Newington, ride on time. Ask for Mark, a fine fellow and helped me out a lot over the years.

Thanks. May do a Jackson on the Fuji. Would be better as a Jackson Pollock Bob Jackson but hey.

Fair point, but black 105 looks shit in my opinion and looks worse - esp. chainset - when worn.

A great photographer; very systematic and straightforward. Her portrait of Samuel Beckett is otherworldly.

Yup, was gonna go Cambium B17 but this was a 40th birthday gift from my folks and just seemed right.

Derelict high school, Isle of Bute.
Rolleicord, Fuji Provia, pushed 1/2 stop.