Author: The Hampden Collection

James Hogg and I sit on a bench with The Royal Mile stretching to our right and left, with the Palace of Holyrood lying at its foot and Edinburgh Castle at its head. An excellent location to discuss five Scottish geniuses, who changed the world.“Adam Smith was born in Kirkcaldy in 1723.”, I explained to … Continue reading Chapter 135 – Adam Smith, Economist →

James Hogg and I stand outside Scotland’s Parliamentary building, which was part of the governance structure of Scotland, which ruled itself from 1235 to 1707, before the Act of Union prorogued the Parliament, with no further date of meeting stipulated.“‘Sine Die’, is the expression used for adjourning an assembly indefinitely. I wonder if it will … Continue reading Chapter 134 – Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy →

James Hogg and I continue our discussion standing on a bridge built in 1833, which is the western approach into the centre.“Edinburgh has five bridges, where the city’s fathers extended in every direction, and include North, South, Regency, Waterloo and this one, Kings.”, I explained.“The best names for streets and bridges are compass points, monarchy … Continue reading Chapter 133 – Five Enlightenment Bridges →

Edinburgh is the home of Scottish ingenuity, where the impossible becomes possible. This City has a beating heart of enlightened minds, who made, and continue to make, the modern world.James Hogg and I leave our Queen Street Office, “We are going to discuss the inspiring stories of those who came here as unknown erudites and … Continue reading Chapter 132 – Crucible of Enlightenment →

I leave Glasgow and travel to our Edinburgh office. I spend one week each month with James Hogg, supporting the development of Thompson & French in our nation’s capital. I walk within the beautifully appointed New Town, reaching our building, situated at 26 - 27 Queen Street.“Good morning, Margaret.”, I said to our new receptionist.“Today … Continue reading Chapter 131 – Princes Street Station →

Our exuberant celebrations come to a grinding halt at three minutes to midnight. Archie, Western Club’s finest barman, calls, “Final orders.”, on David Wotherspoon and I’s over-indulgence of our favourite liquor.“Two rounds of Bowmore, Archie, please?”, I said, composing myself and remembering manners.“Excellent choice.”, replies Archie, ensuring we sample the delights of the club, and … Continue reading Chapter 130 – Similia Similibus Curantur →

Queens Park’s fire burns brightly after our defensive masterclass against Granville. David Wotherspoon and I discuss our progress in the Western Club, whisky in-hand, celebrating the 1872 season. Today culminated in our Second Team’s victory over East Kilbride by one goal to nil, continuing our unbroken record of clean sheets.“A momentous season: five games, three … Continue reading Chapter 129 – A Scotsman Letter →

William Ker, Granville's Captain, is well known within our ranks, as he is a member of both clubs and is a formidable defender, with a famous father, John Ker, one of the top physicists in the country.Granville resides in Myrtle Park, Crosshill, and founded by Henry Bruce, who created a Welsh coal-mining dynasty before moving … Continue reading Chapter 128 – QPFC v Granville →

Thompson & French's grand hall clock chimes twelve times, echoing through the whole office, where Anne fulfils her last secretarial duty of the week."Its time for Saturday afternoon recreation.", said Anne, gazing over her spectacles."Thank you, Anne. Yes indeed, we are playing Granville at 3 o'clock and is likely to entice a great local crowd.", … Continue reading Chapter 127 – The Factory Act →

The stairs beneath comprise three sets of thirteen, and I lift my Stephenson lamp before descending the sandstone steps to the slate floor beneath. I set the fire by spreading the andirons and stacking oak logs on a bed of kindling, culminating in a process holding a business lesson for all to consider.In 1826, John … Continue reading Chapter 126 – The Fire Starter →