The Meadows

As I grew up in Edinburgh a few decades ago, the Meadows were known as a place to avoid at night time. You may still need to take care late at night but during the day its place as a location for sport, leisure and recreation is tremendous.

There are two times of the year when it is at its best.

High summer on a warm summer's evening as the sun's rays sink a bit lower catching the trunks of the trees and bathe in a golden glow the groups of people sitting, chatting, strolling, playing football, pitch and putt, cricket or even barbecuing.

The other is now when the thousands of crocuses come into bloom. The curve of the drive and the unfortunate placement of telephone exchange boxes, lights and bus shelters make an uninterrupted view of the expanse slightly difficult. I hope this gives a feel for the scale of the planting, although the number of yellow flowers here is minimal.

The other thing that struck me as I was taking photographs was the huge number of people out exercising, walking, running, jogging, cycling etc. Made me feel very lazy.