My first career was working as a barrister in Liverpool for 20 years. Today we attended the funeral of a dear colleague  and friend who will be much missed. The service was a beautiful reflection of his commitment to challenging authority and fighting for the rights of those without privilege. There was also much mention of his ready humour and passion for politics, Scotland and the arts. On a personal level, he believed in me from when I was just 24 and finding my way, I will never forget that.

It was an opportunity to catch up with other much loved friends who I miss, and to drive past the flat on Sefton Park where Frank lived when we first met.