You know I'm so angry this week. I had been invited to attend the launch of the Scottish Sustainable Communities Initiative on Wednesday. I didn't want to go as there was a round of the bowls competition that evening but we had put a lot into doing a submission and were quite proud of the work so I thought it was best to go. Especially if we were to win the top prize.
I can't tell you the name of our architects but they are one of the biggest firms in Scotland - really switched on like Keppies or Archial but bigger and better. We did a true 21st century scheme with tower blocks nestling in our rural landscape, nice big broad roads and sponsored roundabouts. Anyway I met up with them at Greggs in George Square in Glasgow for a pie before we set off for the Lighthouse. Honestly, the place was packed and I felt sure this was my moment to shine. To be acknowledged as one of the best town planners in the country and to springboard myself into consultancy. Nicola Sturgeon (Smart Alex's gorgeous wee assistant) was there and I wondered if she had a boyfriend but then the results were being read out. Even as the tenth successful submission was being announced I was convinced we would win. Guess what - we weren't even mentioned!
My whole body was numb as I looked round the exhibition afterwards and it was all very nice I suppose. But it seemed to me that many of the winners were schemes submitted by toffs - big landowners with green suits - and that seemed to be the way to win the prize. Somebody said to me that the "Tartan Tories have been good to their friends". I didn't know what he meant by that and I was so upset that I didn't stop to chat.
Anyway I'm back in our lovely wee Auchterness now - just having a wee glass of beer and thinking about the state of the world, my lovely wife and the mountain I'll have to climb if I'm to be recognised as a player in regeneration. I'm depressed to be honest.
Oh when I was down in Glasgow, I had a chance to visit the new Transport Museum being constructed next to the fabulous Glasgow Harbour (one of my all-time favourite developments ever) and I've got some snaps of that which I'll post next time.
2 comments:
Don't be downhearted, Dave - I know you're a better man than they'll ever be. Stay true to your local authority roots - selfless hard work and public service. Keep the candle burning, eh?
Sorry Ronnie - I don't have local authority roots. I'm a private sector person through and through, although Auchterness is a partnership which includes the public sector. Many of my board members would like to change that but for now we have the best of both worlds.
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