The things you find when clearing your office. A shot taken in 2001 when Ian Knight and I attended a ceremony at the old Zulu capital of oNdini to procure some Muthi (drugs) during the filming of the Secrets of the Dead episode on iSandlwana. A life time ago and a world away.
It is. Enjoyed seeing impact on youngsters who’d never seen it.
Enjoyed introducing the landmark 1964 Peter Watkins film Culloden and taking Q&A with my colleague Prof Andrew Mackillop for Scot Lit Film Club last night. Thanks to Dr Corey Gibson for the invite.
What a lovely thing to say, thank you.
Article in today’s Herald already posted by others but behind a paywall, so here’s an old school version. Apologies in advance to all those colleagues who never get credit in a feature like this.
Ralph on a recent visit to Culloden.
Digital illustration of a person kneeling down in a trench and picking up a tiny green bead with a trowel and their fingers
When uncovering traces of people from the past, evidence comes in all sizes, can be found everywhere and might not look like what we expect 🤔
Confused? Don't be! Learn more about how archaeologists uncover these stories and how you can get involved: www.digitscotland.com/what-is-arch...
A dreich day in Dunkeld showcasing two of my favourite spooky stories. The Wolf of Badenoch’s tomb has always been ‘Man-size in Marble’, but as a bonus the River Tay is doing a good job of standing in for the Danube with the island giving off strong ‘The Willows’ vibes.
No Ralph, they don’t do it on a T-shirt.
August 11, 1968. Three year old me on the shoulders of my grandfather witnessing the final run of a mainline steam-hauled passenger service in UK. The “Fifteen Guinea Special," ran from Liverpool to Carlisle, and marked the end of an era.
What colour is the boathouse, Ralph?
If they ever make a biopic of Peter Cushing, Tom Hiddleston’s yer man.
Cinematic takes on two battles appearing in my teaching tomorrow.
Time to do other stuff
Where’s my slipper?
A different feeling to start of teaching semester at Uni of Glasgow tomorrow as it’s my last. Looking forward to making the most of it and looking ahead to new opportunities. Tomorrow we’re on preserving and managing British Battlefields and introducing Modern Britain at War course.
Fob’s Law: House keys are always in the tight pocket on same side as the heavy bag of shopping you are carrying.
Moonshine over the loch from my living room window at 6am and then 8am today.
Fyne
Wishing all of you a very Happy New Year and all the best for 2026!
This is a corker. Joanna Lumley might be a perfect fit. #GhostStoryForChristmas
A dog, a loch, and a big sky. All good for the soul.
Up early to comment on draft history dissertation chapters on the topics shown. That’s the out of office reply up until 12 Jan 2026. Time to write some fiction
Finished marking my Islands at War course essays & released grades. Four options on the topics depicted. A good effort all round really.
Can now reveal the purpose of my recent trip to Vietnam. For those who voiced an interest in joining me on a tour of Dien Bien Phu - here you go! Good to see my post-retirement life shaping up. stephenambrosetours.com/tour/vietnam...
Thank you!
I think the most spectacular combat drop since WW2
31 May. Then l’ll have time to read your novel and finish my own!
Thanks. I’ll be busy!
Prep done for my lecture on 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus tomorrow. Last lecture of the last time l will deliver my Islands at War in 20th Century course. I’ll miss this course but can’t wait to retire.
