March For Scotland - April 9th (1)

March For Scotland - April 9th (1)


"Scotland is currently undergoing massive cuts imposed by an unelected Conservative administration. Whilst several activist groups have taken a stand against the government none have offered a real alternative and are all fighting for individual issues such as education or the arts. It is time for Scotland to show, as a united front, that we will no longer submit to consecutive British governments that do not serve the best interests of our society. Scotland’s real alternative is independence."


the wee rusty tin can will be there

Scratchy Heed Film Studio

Scratchy Heed Film Studio


the wee tin can here in the highlands

YouTube - HEAVEN ON EARTH a wee film from the tin can in the Scottish Highlands

YouTube - HEAVEN ON EARTH a wee film from the tin can in the Scottish Highlands

Scotland on film

Scotland on film


a wee group on Facebook


love and light

All the very best for 2011 from us all here in the wee tin can

 

I would like to thank every for all your comments on my work over the last year , with 2011 fast approaching i am so looking forward to the coming year with loads of plans for the Scratchy heed film studio in the pipe line ..

 

As we reach over 500 subscribers to this wee blog i want to wish you all an amazing year and hope what ever you dream ,comes true.

 

It still shocks me that sitting here in the old truck we have been able to reach out to so many amazing people that have continued to inspired me.

 

To all the people that have sent me emails stating my work has helped them in some small way may 2011 be the best one yet

 

So with a full glass (orange juice ) i raise a glass too you and look forward to the next journey

 

love and light from us all in the wee tin can xxx

Scottish Highland Pictures photo gallery - Gallery - a photo gallery powered by Photobox

Scottish Highland Pictures photo gallery - Gallery - a photo gallery powered by Photobox

some of my pics over at photobox

Road Bandit | Meet the Bandits

Road Bandit | Meet the Bandits

Digital Eden - first time film makers in the Highlands and Islands

Digital Eden - first time film makers in the Highlands and Islands

Tall ships coming to Ullapool | Bennett and Baker Holiday Cottages

Tall ships coming to Ullapool | Bennett and Baker Holiday Cottages

Peace Bloggers Unite: Blogblast for Peace - Peace Bloggers of the World ...

Peace Bloggers Unite: Blogblast for Peace - Peace Bloggers of the World ...: "Dona Nobis Pacem posts: AKA Blogblast for Peace Mimi Writes Orange Peels, Ferris Wheels and Alpha Polyvore World Peace Jewellery(sidebar..."

Pink Saris | 54th BFI London Film Festival

Pink Saris | 54th BFI London Film Festival: "Pink saris are worn by the Gulabi Gang, a group of women vigilantes in Northern India. From the untouchable caste, they resist being condescended to as the lowest social class. They have a champion in the form of the formidable Sampat Pal, who takes up their cases of social injustice and domestic abuse - often perpetrated by their husbands' extended families, with whom they're forced to live. Declaring 'what do women have but their tears?', Sampat Pal has learnt from experience. In circumstances that are far from unusual, she was married at a young age and beaten by her in-laws. She fought back and escaped the family, and now beleaguered women from throughout Uttar Pradesh seek her out, looking for the support and strength to do the same. Sampat Pal laudably takes up their causes, dramatically throwing herself into the middle of family dramas, yet for all her spirited righteousness, she can be forced to compromise in the face of the entrenched conventions and traditions she is railing against. Sampat Pal emerges as a charismatic but complex figure in Kim Longinotto's latest film celebrating exceptional women fighting repression in their communities.

Michael Hayden"

The dream reader (Warty Mary) and what you do for friends ..

This is a wee story that came oot a simple comment from a good friend:
 
 
Hi Andy & Mel :) xxx
Another year passes... So pleased to have you guys as part of my journey. I see from the video you guys have been enduring that weather. I have been thinking of you guys as the weather is quite crazy right now. I have a friend that is stranded in Scotland at the moment and his wife is worried he may not even get back for Christmas. We just got our first snow 2 days ago. I hope you are keeping warm. I had a very random dream last night that I visited you both and brought you a new shelf...??? I don't know what it means if anything but was good to see you both hehe :)
Have a wonderful season with the clan!!!
Much Love and Many Blessings to you both xxx
Julieanne xx



Hi Julieanne,

we are warm and cosy in the highlands enjoying this amazing winter , i hope your friends husband gets home for xmas .
much love light and happiness for you and your family this coming year xx

ps wee story aboot shelf bringers


After reading your comment about your dream i went off in search of the answer:



After asking around i was eventually told by Hamish my friend i should visit Warty Mary a wee woman of many many years ,that lives in the other glen at the foot of a huge waterfall and a small forest surrounding her small twig hoose
after a walk of 30 miles through six foot drifts the northern wind blowing sending  the temp to below –30 and  drifts of fluffy snow in all directions ..
I arrived at the old oak ivy covered door a huge head of a stag was the knocker
so gently i banged on the door at first ,but remembering some advice that Warty Mary was deaf i banged louder and louder until a shreeled voice screamed ok ,ok dinnay break my  knocker ….

I have to admit Michelle at this point i paniced and almost legged it back to the safety of our wee bus but i wanted to find the answer for my dear friend .
so i stood firm as the door creaked open , a head appeared and shouted What, What,what do you want as i was aboot to answer her
a huge black crow squaked and squeezed oot the opening and angrily headed off into the field beyond.

Stealing myself i said Mary
i was told you might be able to help me .Hamish sent me, at this she said och wee hamish mon in and have a wee warm by the fire son.
Sitting at the fire a wee dram on the table Mary leaned forward and asked what could she do

i said that a friend had had a dream
at that she leaned forward smoke from her pipe enveloped me and she whispered in my ear it is not me that can answer your question but my sister
Smelly Melly is the Dreamer
when the smoke cleared warty mary had gone for the first time i looked around the room
ever nook and cranny was stuffed with sticks masks pictures books and much much more ….

As i looked at the rug  my feet were resting  on it seemed to move i blinked and looked again but nothing i put it doon to the smoke and laughed inside.

i looked at the door wondering what i should do when a noise on the stairs clamped me firmly to the chair .

i couldn’t think what on earth could make such a noise my brain searched for answers then one popped  into my mind the sound was that off hundreds off tiny feet moving as one to the door i was starring at ..

smoke began to fill the room squeezing in through the gaps on the old door then the brass knob turned slowly and the door began to open .
I watched as what i thought had to be Smelly Melly glided into the room and with no arm or leg movement made her way to the large chair to the right of the log fire.
from under her cloak thousands of rats that had carried her in emerged and sat  and looked up at he woman
her arms reached out and she began to sprinkle what looked like bread saying eat, eat my wee friends .

She lowered herself into the chair and only then did she raise her face to look at me

I am Smelly Melly :                   TELL ME YOUR DREAM

at first i was unable to speak i just sat fixed on the vision in front of me


one eye starred at me changing colour at will
where the other eye should have been nothing but a dark empty space with what looked like moss on the edges
a steady stream of tobacco coloured dribbles ran doon her face and onto the red cloak where what looked like months of other dribbles had long since dried to form a dark crust on her shoulder.
her hair was thin spruce twigs with lichen embedded
She once again asked



TELL ME YOUR DREAM

and hurry up about it i am busy




this time
i explained Michelle about your dream

but before i could even finish she stood up and withoot looking at me the very colour draining from her face she screamed louder and louder as she flew oot the door all i heard was not the shelf
over and over again

so sorry my friend i haven’t been able to find the answer to your dream but will keep trying

love and light

Subscribe - WHISKI Bar and Restaurant in Edinburgh

Subscribe - WHISKI Bar and Restaurant in Edinburgh

WHISKI Bar and Restaurant is one of Scotland's premiere WHISKY bars, located midway down Edinburgh's world famous Royal Mile (High Street). WHISKI is a stunning multi award winning whisky bar and restaurant, full of character, brilliant atmosphere and as expected a HUGE collection of malt whiskies and the best delicious fresh Scottish food.

WHISKI specialises in WHISKY and celebrates all things Scottish. We have a wide range of Scottish craft Beer, Cider products and Wine. Our freshly prepared food menu uses the best local produce. Step inside and you will enter a truly unique environment, full of warmth and character - a true retreat from the bustle outside.

Located 10 minutes walk from Edinburgh castle down the Royal Mile, you will come across WHISKI.
"This is a unique place you will only find once in a lifetime"

WHISKI's AWARDS

• Icons of Great Whisky Bars of the World 2009, 2010 - WHISKI received the highest GOLD level accolade
• SLTN Malt Whisky Bar of the Year 2008, 2009 - WHISKI was Highly Commended in this award
• Scotch Whisky Bar of Distinction 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
• Scotch Malt Whisky Embassy - 2008, 2009, 2010
  

WHISKI's LIVE MUSIC

Every night of the week from 9:30/10PM we will have FOOTSTOMPING Traditional Scottish bands playing live in the WHISKI bar - don't miss it !

OPENING HOURS - Monday - Thursday - 11:00 - 01:00 (am) - 3am during the Festive Period
Friday - Sunday - 11:00 - 01:00 (am) - 3am during the Festive Period

FOOD HOURS (LUNCH & EVENING MENU) - 11:00 - 22:00

WHISKI's ONLINE SHOP

WHISKI has recently lauched the online whisky shop - the malts on offer are continually expanding

CLICK HERE FOR THE WHISKI SHOP

Historic Scotland - Places to visit

Historic Scotland - Places to visit



Historic Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Government and we are charged with safeguarding the nation’s historic environment and promoting its understanding and enjoyment on behalf of Scottish Ministers.

EventScotland

EventScotland: "Welcome to Scotland: The Perfect Stage for Events

EventScotland, the national events agency, was established in 2003 with the aim of strengthening and promoting Scotland’s events industry. EventScotland does this by attracting, generating and sustaining a portfolio of world class events in Scotland.

In 2009, EventScotland launched the new national events strategy which will lead Scotland’s events industry into and beyond 2020.

The national events strategy, Scotland: The Perfect Stage, outlines a clear mission and vision to further establish Scotland as a world leading event destination, to grow the industry and the expertise within it and to deliver events which provide impact and international profile for Scotland."

Highland Favours - Scottish Tablet and Tablet filled Favours for Weddings and Special Occasions

Highland Favours - Scottish Tablet and Tablet filled Favours for Weddings and Special Occasions

	Welcome to Highland Favours
	Highland Favours is a Scottish based business, specialising in Scottish Tablet and Tablet filled Favours. Our tablet is freshly made by hand in small batches from fair-trade sugar, and the very best of Scottish ingredients. We offer: A free "Made to Measure" Wedding Favour Service, where we will work with you to find the perfect favour for your special day A Ready to Go Service that offers a range of classic favour designs to suit every budget and occasion Just Tablet for customers who simply want to buy our yummy tablet Our goal is to provide you with an amazing service, a fantastic product and to do all the hard work for you to give you more time to spend on other things. Visit our Blog / News page to view a comprehensive list of products and any special offers we may be having.

Save the Free Beavers of the Tay (1)

Save the Free Beavers of the Tay (1)

Why i blog ,film and take pictures

 Why i blog make wee films and take pictures about living a simple green life , well the many i comments and emails i get like the one below are what drive me on to improve my blogs etc ..

Many thanks to all for all the wonderful birthday wishes i have recieved and i would like to take this time to wish you all a wonderul 2011 love light and much happiness...




Hi andy and mel :D was lookin at your site and stuff this time last year thinking how wonderfull to live the dream.....well my friends ive been on the road since easter and a big thank you, because people like you to wonderfull people made me realise i too could do it :D

Message In A Bottle: How To Send A Message

Message In A Bottle: How To Send A Message

Blu Blab: Can You Dig It?

Blu Blab: Can You Dig It?

Andrew Lowe | Film & Video | Directory Creative Industries | Creative Boom Magazine

Andrew Lowe | Film & Video | Directory Creative Industries | Creative Boom Magazine




Website: http://theblackbuscompany.blogspot.com
Email: dafthermit@gmail.com
I try to live as simple and green a life as possible, I live in an old bus here in the Scottish mountains where through my blogs, films, pictures and stories i try to share with people the joy in a simple life.
I have had three of my films shown at the 2010 Loch Ness film festival a few of my stories published in the local paper as well as one of my pics in the Scottish Field Magazine.
I am based at the moment in the highlands of Scotland. Please contact me if you'd like to hire me

YouTube - Dafthermit with a touch of orla Wren 0001

YouTube - Dafthermit with a touch of orla Wren 0001


My friend Tui and his wonderful haunting music , hope you enjoy

love and light from the wee scratchy heed studio under tons of snow. MAGIC

Just some random thoughts from the Dafthermit

Everyone should dance at least once under a winter mountain rainbow..

I woke this morning with my big toe peeking oot from the duvet. And before i woke fully. A ball of fur flew through the air .
With claws extented my cat sits and purrs at her latest succesful hunt..

 

As the sun this morning rose the north wind said not today and blew clouds rolled in till the sun was no more
. magic.............

 

Good luck Voyager......

Set your camera to macro and leap into a wonderful hidden world
X................

 

 

Soaring high in the mountains with my wee heart fit to burst the simple joy at having finished my latest wee film. Love and light x..........

 

Is there anything funnier than your dog farting and THAT
Look of utter confusion..............

 

 

Irn bru snowmam . brillant..........

 

 

Stop the world i want to get off oh shit i forgot i HAVE....

 

 

One angry wee hermit . People that attack others for caring are worse than SCUM.............

 

BAD DAY yesterday must be getting old only managed to smoke 120 fags eat 15 cakes and drink 20 cups of coffee............

 

Buses for homes the ultimate recyclying

Leyland Deckers & Coachs :: Traveller Homes

www.travellerhomes.co.uk

 

Imagine being known forever as the guy that poked Camilla is that not enough punishment ........

 

enjoying a wonderful storm in the Scottish highlands...........

 

Off tonight to hit the skips to see what goodies have been thrown oot Free shopping and saves a wee bit of landfill............

Living off the grid makes more and more sense it is not just for weirdos like me.
It is a way to take control good for the planet and your wallet..........

 

 

Tailgaters are a pain in the rear..........

Had a good moan at Frank the wind genny anyway it worked and we got free power during the night...........

So glad i ditched credit cards over 20 years ago............

 

 

To live in the highlands and still have a face like a slapped arse your heart MUST be cold beyond belief...........

 

 

The closer i get to death the younger i get...............

To dance alone in the high mountain glens you learn we are never alone....

 

A drive through the Scottish mountains not only sets your soul free it links you to oor past.............

 

 

Just had someone explain to me what a mortgage is sorry at 50 still dont get it..

 

Weather forecasters just bring us the weather and NOT your negative thoughts...

 

 

The simple joy of being a dog lover chasing them around trying to convince them that that frozen turd is NOT
A lolly....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Album | KT Tunstall Official Website

Album | KT Tunstall Official Website

Living off the grid and what it means to me……………

After some hate filled emails comments etc over the last few weeks i thought i would try and explain again why i live off grid ……..

Firstly i realise as humans we all live in a multitude of grids ie electric power grid ,emotional ,money banking etc . but for the purpose of this post i will be talking about living off the electrical grid ,wll mostly.
I have lived over the last 25 years in a multitude of homes everything from benders (tents)to buses cars boats etc
why did i choose this way of life ?
Well after serving in the British army i left and after several jobs i got to the stage where i was doing 3 jobs at once and one night i thought there has to be more than this and after selling or giving away most of my stuff i hit the road .
Over the last 25 years i have watched as the wonderful planet we all call home has been taken more and more for granted , i have watched as new towns and houses encroach on the countryside further and further until now it is hard to tell one town from its neighbour.
While travelling in my bus i have seen the numbers of huge pylons explode until now it is hard to find an area not spoiled by these ugly things and all to serve the needs of our ever increasing electrical demand ,


i live in the wonderful Scottish mountains and here the threat is real that one day all oor glens will be filled with wind farms to serve the villages of the highlands No. to serve the far of towns and cities.
I chose Not to be part of that and have for the last 25 years generated my own power today with the rise in technology it has got easier and easier , i believe strongly in local power supply i also believe it is all our responsibility to do this and not rely on the huge power companies to safe guard our land .
Living of the grid has become a way of life for me and over the years living this way has opened my eyes to so many things we all take for granted .
To attack someone for living of the grid because “ many millions of people have no choice as to living off the grid” is complete madness and is one of the most stupid arguments  i have heard , do you not eat food then, even though millions are starving.
As the electrical grid has expanded it has been responsible for more and more destruction of our environment and to sit and allow this to happen will shame this generation in the future .
Instead of attacking people that are trying to make a difference by living a simple and green life why don’t you simply SHUT UP. and save even more energy .
When it comes to the financial grid here also i have taken action some 20 years ago i sent back my credit cards ( after paying them off) i have no loans no hp and the result i live a happier life away from that  grid , to me the idea of a mortgage that you are forced to pay the house price over and over again simply to fill the bankers pockets is madness . my wee bus cost me £900 some 4 years ago and in it myself my 2 dogs and 2 cats live a free life , no need to worry about rising interest rates or vat rise.


I agree totally in the emotional grid as a human it is so important to be linked into other people across the planet that CARE…
peace and light

the Dafthermit

a wee fat uneducated git..

People that live off the grid cant be put into some wee box they are many and varied the reasons they have chosen this way of life

Love and light

My latest wee film from the tin can here in the wonderful mountains of Scotland, i hope you enjoy. the music is Sally Hope and she can be found here www.sallyhope.co.uk

Daftermits Highland insects

The Skunnered: Amazon.co.uk: MP3 Downloads

The Skunnered: Amazon.co.uk: MP3 Downloads

Home

Home

Some of the finest traditional music & song, from Scotland.

Concerts

Tours

Festivals

Corporate Events

3, 4, and 5 piece band

Gregor Lowrey, Kirsten Easdale, Lionel McClelland, Pete Clark, Marc Duff

Before Dinner

O Lord, when hunger pinches sore,

Do thou stand us in stead,

And send us from thy bounteous store

A tup or wether-head!

Amen

After Dinner

O Lord, since we have feasted thus,

Which we so little merit,

Let Meg now take away the flesh,

And Jock bring in the spirit!

Amen

Robert Burns

Create. Share. Sell. | Create. Share. Sell. | Online art gallery for contemporary artists, painters, sculptors, and those devoted to art photography, traditional art, digital art, video art, animation, poetry, prose, music.

Create. Share. Sell. | Create. Share. Sell. | Online art gallery for contemporary artists, painters, sculptors, and those devoted to art photography, traditional art, digital art, video art, animation, poetry, prose, music.

Traveller Vehicles - Trucks , Buses and Wagons :: Traveller Homes

Traveller Vehicles - Trucks , Buses and Wagons :: Traveller Homes



My friend Daves site showing all the vehicles used as homes

Make it and Mend it

Make it and Mend it

Sally Hope

Sally Hope

ColinOutdoors

ColinOutdoors

ColinOutdoors on YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/user/ColinOutdoors

I have been uploading Bushcraft and Survival videos on YouTube since June 2009. I share my experiences, learnings and knowledge of these favourite hobbies of mine.

I am not an expert or guru but I enjoy practising the skills and sharing them with my friends in the YouTube community. YouTube is a great medium to learn and pass on knowledge to and from others.

The ColinOutdoors blog will be a supplement and continuation of my you tube channel.

Saxa Vord Resort, Unst | Shetland Holidays | Shetland Self Catering, Hostel & Restaurant

Saxa Vord Resort, Unst | Shetland Holidays | Shetland Self Catering, Hostel & Restaurant

Tumbleweed Tiny House Company

Tumbleweed Tiny House Company

Brazilian expert sounds warning for uncontacted Indians - Survival International

Brazilian expert sounds warning for uncontacted Indians - Survival International

OutdoorScotland.co.uk camping equipment, tents outdoors gear shop

OutdoorScotland.co.uk camping equipment, tents outdoors gear shop

Explore Highland - Canoeing, Kayaking & Sea Kayaking Courses & Activities in Highland Scotland

Explore Highland - Canoeing, Kayaking & Sea Kayaking Courses & Activities in Highland Scotland