I went on a bit of a jaunt yesterday. I travelled from Greenock to Stirling - two and a half hours and two buses. It was a typical rainy November day - but I had an event to attend at Stirling Castle.
Historic Scotland (of which I'm a member) were hosting an author event for Scottish Book Week. My favourite author Diana Gabaldon and the Scottish archaeologist Neil Oliver were to be speaking. I was really looking forward to it. The event was held in the great hall of Stirling Castle - it was beautiful. There were candles and a lovely Christmas tree. The wooden ceiling is amazing to look at ................ just as well - because it was the only thing I could see.
I was sitting about a third of the way back and here's my view - the back of other people's heads.
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Yes, Diana and Neil are there ..... somewhere! |
The authors were
sitting on a tiny dais - I'm sure only the first few rows could actually see them! There wasn't even a screen behind them that we could look at! I have no idea who the woman leading the "discussion" was - haven't a clue what she looked like.
So what did these two authors have in common ... well ... errr!? Diana Gabaldon's books are set in the 18th century.. I hadn't even realised that Neil Oliver had written a work of fiction, but it seeming is set in the 15th century and deals with the fall of Constantinople. So lots in common then?!
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Diana Gabaldon at Waterstones last year. |
A very disappointing evening followed by the long trek home. Really a waste of time. Enjoyed seeing and listening to
Diana Gabaldon at
Waterstones in Glasgow last summer - now that was a worthwhile event. Sorry for the long moan - but you know how it is when you have a major disappointment. Perhaps Historic Scotland could try and make their guest speakers a bit more visible to those of us who have paid for the privilege of seeing them!
Love, Liz