That was the year that was

At this time of year, we Scots like to reflect on the year that has passed and look forward with anticipation to the year ahead.

So before I welcome the "bells" at Hogmanay I thought I would look back on the year by reviewing my five most popular articles of the year which you will find listed below.

May I take the opportunity to wish you all a "guid New Year" when it arrives and can I thank you for your support in 2024.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.        

My most-read articles of the year

These are presented in order of most likes/comments/impressions.

1. This Newspaper is Wrong!

I don't indulge in politics on social media but this Scottish newspaper cover story stirred me to action. Racism must never be tolerated, in any form and I was pleased when The National issued an apology.

2. My comical experiment with AI

My failed attempts to create an image of a non-kilted Scotsman landing on the moon drew a lot of hugely funny comments - thank you all.

Personally, I loved my AI Assistant's flabbergasted final response

"Unfortunately, as an AI language model, I don't have the capability to directly modify or correct specific elements of generated images. The images are created based on complex algorithms and training data, and sometimes they may not align perfectly with the provided prompts, especially when it comes to overriding stereotypical or deeply ingrained associations."

I reckon we are safe from Skynet for a few years yet!

3. A time to think

In a world of continual noise, it was great to see that my article asking for peace drew much attention and support.

4. It was Forty years ago today

In addition to turning 60 this year, I also celebrated my 40th anniversary as a "worker". My career commenced at Bank of Scotland and it was great to think about the importance of the first step on my career ladder.

5a. Germany v Scotland - before the game

I, along with Scots the world over was drawn into the fervour of hope with which we kicked off the European Champion Ships in Germany. Here you can see read the romance grabbed me.

5b. Reality - after the game

Sport, particularly when played in Navy Blue can be a painful experience as I wrote here. But you will be glad to hear that hope has returned, as it always does and I look forward to celebrating Scottish sporting success in 2025.

The Week Ahead

This week is primarily a vacation in Scotland though I will be working on Friday. It promises to be an awesome Hogmanay as my wife and I will be babysitting our granddaughter for the evening. I wish you a fabulous Hogmanay and a Prosperous and Entrepreneurial 2025.

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