I've been sitting on this domain name for a long time waiting for the right vehicle to come along. Tired of waiting and having already rejected an offer of $10,000 for the domain I decided to start it myself, combining some of the things which interest me most. The aim is to build the site into a much larger project - at the moment TheHighlands.com is dedicated to bringing together the finest mountain film and photography as well as news from 'highlands' around the world.

Labels: film, internet, landscape, the highlands

With a growing portfolio of images from the Scottish mountains I've put together a collection which display some of the best at a larger size. I will be adding to this with new material and work from the back catalogue. There's space for comments, I appreciate any and all feedback. See the Scottish Mountain Photography Gallery.

Labels: internet, landscape, mountains, photography

There are two web conferences coming to Edinburgh this spring:

First off is the Highland Fling 2008, an annual one-day conference in Scotland aimed at web developers and businesses with an interest in standards and accessibility. When/where: 3rd April 2008, Symposium Hall, Edinburgh.

This is followed immediately by Scotland on Rails - the first Scottish conference dedicated to Ruby on Rails. When/where: 4th-5th April 2008, Pollock Halls, Edinburgh.

Both offer an excellent chance to hear the latest ideas in web and application development as well as meeting some of the key players in the industry (there's a chance of a couple of beers too). Put together they are a must for any self respecting Internet professional.

Labels: internet

Recently returned from a week in the French Alps where I was on skis for the first time in far too long. Aside from the skiing, blue skies, excellent company and perfect photography conditions the high point of the week was the Gorzderette. Now in its 5th year it is a competition comprising of several events, including cross country skiing, pulling a straw laden luge, negotiating a mountaineering style obstacle course and climbing on the impressive Tour de Glace. See the Skiing Gallery

Labels: gallery, mountains, skiing, travel

Have just finished a 5 day Digital Film course run at the Screen Academy Scotland with support from SkillSet Scotland. It covered everything from scheduling to editing with a bit of everything in between. There was a lot to take on board, but with great support and advice from the tutors and guest speakers I think everyone took a lot away with the. My conclusions were:

  1. digital film making is as complex a field as web production
  2. while the technique can be mastered working with people is the real art
  3. producing drama is time consuming, beset with risk and frustration
  4. a clear vision of the outcome and methodical preparation is a good start

Thanks to everyone involved in making it a great learning experience.

Labels: film

I'm delighted to announce the launch of the major project of the last 6 months - a new site for the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. I've been working working closely with Net Resources as Project Manager on this large and complex redevelopment, helping to successfully deliver a fully content managed site with lots of features and enhancements. See: www.rbge.org.uk

Labels: edinburgh, internet, project management

I've just returned from the Kendal Mountain Film Festival, where I spent 3 days indulging a passion for mountain films. The event was very well attended and goes from strength to strength each year. Also showing was the ScottishHills.com film 'The Big Grey man of Ben Macdhui' which as co-director I presented to a full house on Saturday morning.

For a full review see: www.thehighlands.com.

Labels: film, mountains

We have just taken over the running of our own server under the name 'Prospect Host Ltd'. Our aim is to provide reliable & affordable hosting with friendly & jargon free support.

We offer full set up and support for your site and email. Your hosting package comes with Webmail and Stats as standard plus there are lots of optional extras such as Blogs or Galleries. To enquire about our services please got to the Prospect Host Website.

Labels: internet

Originally a gamekeeper's cottage, Easter Duiar has been substantially extended to provide excellent self-catering accommodation for 2 - 12 people. Initially photographed in late May the site has been developed in conjunction with the owners to advertise this large and comfortable holiday cottage in Speyside.

Labels: internet, photography

Last week I was invited to Glasgow by the SQA to be one of the validators for a new HNC in Interactive Media. My role was to being an industry perspective to the discussion, checking that the course would give students the skills they need to progress to further education or out in the workplace.

The day gave a fresh perspective on the work of an organisation which has received criticism over the last few years. The process was rigorous and exhaustive and the design team were not let off lightly. In the end we send the programme back with 11 conditions which need to be met before validation is considered again.

No doubt I'll be back to Glasgow before long to finish what we started.

Labels: education, internet