Predator and prey

MrM had a gig in Prestonpans this afternoon, playing jazz guitar for a singer, so we decided to make a day of it. While he was performing, I spent a very pleasant couple of hours. First, a walk up and down the High Street and parts of the coastal path with the camera - great views of Arthur's Seat and Edinburgh, some amazing and interesting murals, and a sculpture, among other things. And an artist's Open Studio - couldn't resist going in.

Then, a chance conversation with a stranger, who mentioned that behind the pub where MrM was playing is a memorial (extra) to the 81 women of the area who, during the 16th and 17th centuries, were accused of witchcraft and strangled and burned on Calton Hill. I went to see it, and then went into the pub to listen to MrM and J. As I ordered a coffee, enquired of the landlord as to whether they have any information on the memorial. No, he said, but there's a free talk on it upstairs shortly - so off I went, and very interesting it was too!

MrM drove us back via a very circuitous route though some fabulous scenery and past some of our old haunts - Talla Reservoir, Megget Reservoir (where we stopped for a picnic in a blustery wind), St Mary's Loch, Newcastleton... It was gone 10.00pm before we got home, after a good afternoon out.

A few surprises along the way! Not far from St Mary's Loch we spotted this sparrowhawk on the verge - she's just plucked her dinner, an unfortunate pigeon (extra, taken through the car window).
Near Newcastleton, the car in front of us had to brake suddenly, as three enormous wild goats decided to leap across the road. And near Kielder, we had to brake to avoid a buzzard on the road, a pigeon in its tallons...