Check this out - last Saturday (15th) we had all the family over as I knew we were having a birthday party with all our children present.

So............... somehow, Robin and Claire, Joanna Chris and grandchildren Cameron and Jaimie, Hilary and boyfriend Tom ALL GOT CHANGED INTO PARTY GEAR, LEFT THE HOUSE AND I NEVER NOTICED!

 I was under orders to get changed into kilt and was waiting downstairs with Morag who kept getting texts and calls. When she said "Time to go" we went to the car and I was issued with a blindfold - although the destination was only 1/2 mile away Morag drove all round the town and when she parked I was totally confused.

 I could hear traffic and was led across as street through creaking doors and into darkness. I wondered if I was atop a cliff but...............SURPRISE! When the shouts came I was in our own Church Hall with 86 family and friends present. Surprised - folk have never seen me so speechless and I just couldn't take it all in.

 Eventually, Morag made a welcoming speech and I could see the preparation had been considerable. It was a total surprise and I was deeply touched and honoured.

 The 3 piece Ceilidh band (James Woods trio) were superb and we danced and jumped about and hooted for most of the night. Champagne flowed as did the food and food - friends and family kept arriving - Hilary had added captions to my 60 years of photos and I was truly humbled by it all.

 When we did get home - more party time until we fell into bed after 3 am having been excused early service by out thoughtful Minister Rosie - a party guest.

 And the next day, my dear friend Ray joined me at the organ and I sobered up charging through the Widor toccata with him on the feet and me on the hands.

 Open house followed until late and this was one of the best family get togethers ever. Thank you Mo, and our family - old Dad was jist dumnfoonert!

(And very proud)