Edinburgh rock

I don’t wanna hang out with a bunch of wannabe corporate sellouts. I’m gonna form my own band and we’re gonna start a revolution, okay? And you’re gonna be a funny little footnote on my epic ass.

I start the day wrapping apples in old newspaper. Now only time and neglect will claim the uneaten harvest. The seconds I donate to the sheep, but today they don't seem interested.

Back in Edinburgh, the sun is shining and a warm, autumnal breeze filters through Pollock Halls. The main hall at the conference centre feels colder than outside and is appropriately named The Pentland Suite.

The opening keynote is funny and challenging. Cameron Tonkinwise, an Australian academic, weaves a tale of software, design, and personal responsibility. I agree with him on some points, but on others I sense a disagreement - but I will have to think about it a little bit more.

I've got a number of calls to make today, so my attendance at conference track sessions is quite limited. Mid-session, I give Helen, who is suffering from a sore throat, a fake P45 with the words "this is from Boris." It doesn't precipitate a fit of coughing.

The closing panel discussion doesn't really do justice to the participants or the topic, but such is the nature of the format. Mike does get to talk, inexplicably, about cannibalism - without infringing the conference code of conduct.

Dinner is at New Chapter on Eyre Place. It used to be Pierre Victoria, which must have gone bust again. The food is excellent - many of us, unimaginatively, order the same combination: Ullapool scallops followed by steak.

And then an extended nightcap at The Cumberland. Good times.