A present

It has been a day of photographs.

Took some on an autumnal morning walk along Regent Terrace to St Andrews House.

Took some and was in some when I opened the "Creative Mackintosh" festival at the Hunterian in Glasgow University and then spoke at a celebration of the innovatory Advanced Highers Hub in Glasgow Caledonian University.

Should have taken one or two when I visited my friend and colleague George Adam the MSP for Paisley who is in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and whom I hope will now take a rest for a few weeks - the photos might have persuaded him that he actually is ill !

Was then pictured with the incredible Andy MacDowall from Oban, the 82 years young Volunteer of the Year in the Age Scotland Awards in the Parliament .

Alas forgot to record the MSPs and others who were helping with data entry at SNP HQ later this evening in order to process the astonishing number of membership applications received since the Referendum.

But this is the picture of the day - the First Minister in his office in the Parliament , in front of the picture which dominates the place, holding a sporran made for him by my fellow party member in Strachur, Tom Hill which I had just given him on Tom's behalf - a very kind and generous gift from Tom in appreciation of Alex's extraordinary contribution to our country.