Author: The Hampden Collection

The following two weeks on Islay are joyous, filled with endless sunshine, exploration and relaxation. We spend the time teaching our children their new responsibility, whilst Duke does not let me out of his sight.On our last day, we leave the children in the capable hands of Iain Falcon, who has become an important and … Continue reading Chapter 239 – Island Beach Retreat →

Five sets of arms lock into one family embrace. A ring of emotional steel, strengthened by a long summer of separation."Long time, no see.", I joked.Emelia thumps me on the upper arm with a smirk and fiery gaze.Meanwhile, Arabella, Adair and Lewis are looking at the suitcases and locate one anonymous wicker basket."So, who's been … Continue reading Chapter 238 – The Wanderer Returns →

A carriage, coated in the purple hues of Kilnave House, awaits at the end of the Harbour entrance. The Footman loads all our belongings, except for the wicker basket, which I retrieve and peak inside, finding three bundles of fur sleeping soundly. “We’ll need to keep quiet.”, I whispered to Iain Falcon. The rolling fields … Continue reading Chapter 237 – Islay’s Golden Heaven →

The Optimist's funnels billow, curling clouds of smoke into Glasgow's sky. The feel of the sea is different from the solid foundations of dry ground, where movement and change are the only constant.I stand, gripping the handrail on the ship's stern, and look to my left, where the sprawling mass of Glasgow's centre is a … Continue reading Chapter 236 – Clutha’s Optimism Shimmers →

I board the carriage and pick up the Fife Herald, where a handwritten note falls out.'Everything is packed for your trip. Please give the children a big hug from me. I am travelling to Irongray to visit my family. I wish you the safest of travels. Agnes.'Our Housekeeper, from the parish of Kirkcudbrightshire in the … Continue reading Chapter 235 – Next Plan Unfolds →

Mary accompanies me to the carriage, where David Mackintosh awaits, "Iain Falcon will meet you at the quayside. But before you go, I have three gifts for you and the family."As we approach the carriage, I hear muffled whines from within a large basket tied to the back of the carriage."You cannot leave for Islay … Continue reading Chapter 234 – Caesar, Lady, Marquise →

Saturday morning’s work cannot end quickly enough. I file away the final papers of a gruelling working week and find Anne busily tidying away the work diary.“David Wotherspoon dropped in this letter. I see the intended recipient.”, said Anne.“Your powers of deduction are exemplary, and the answer to your unsaid question is, yes, please”, I … Continue reading Chapter 233 – Time For Change →

We make our way to the reception for the Airdrie players, where a delicious feast of meat pies, sourced from Thomas Lipton’s of Stobcross Street, is being devoured by the hungry players, washed down by an Extra Superior Porter, known nowadays as Extra Stout.“This is from Dublin and is excellent. Thomas recommended it.”, I said.“This … Continue reading Chapter 232 – Pies & Porter →

Two days later, I look out of my office window and wince at the storm battering the windows. The Scottish summer will make tonight's match against Airdrie a damp affair.Anne walked into my office, "Have you come up with a plan yet?" she asked."I'm speaking to David Wotherspoon tonight to draft a letter for the … Continue reading Chapter 231 – QPFC v Airdrie →

"Anne, come with me.", I said.We walk to my office, and on the left-hand side, I throw open the large double doors and walk into the room, which is sixty feet long and thirty feet wide."I call this 'Theatre of the Orb of the World', after the first modern atlas published by Abraham Ortelius in … Continue reading Chapter 230 – Princess’ Vale Rises →