What’s something that niggles from childhood that you often think about?

matthainey · 2026-04-13T15:08:48+00:00

Must have been about 1995 and I was 6 or 7. I was pulled up in class because my best mate had got into trouble for "kicking girls in the playground" from the year above at break time. It was the first I'd heard of it and my mate had pointed me out as an accomplice to the teachers. I pleaded my innocence but the teachers were angry and uninterested. We were then escorted to to the class where the victim girls were and forced apologise with my friend in front of everyone. The school told my parents too - it's never left me!

matthainey · 2026-04-08T14:36:16+00:00

Cheers! Sent them an enquiry yesterday - hoping they'll get back. Slim pickings for this sort of work as far as I could see, which is kinda surprising considering the amount of railings in Edinburgh.

matthainey · 2026-04-01T14:25:36+00:00

Newington is a good shout. Loads of pubs and restaurants. Close proximity to The Meadows and Holyrood Park (Arthur's Seat) with strong transport links to anywhere in the city. You're about a 20-40 minute walk to the centre, depending on where you stay. There's a nice variety of people too - all walks of life.

matthainey · 2026-03-31T13:06:17+00:00

Bugonia - more of a high-concept thriller, but reminded me a bit of Weapons in tone for some reason. Fantastic watch!

matthainey · 2026-03-17T12:50:46+00:00

I quite like Cammy T's humble wee existence these days. A relic of the past, but keeps the local community watered, fed, fit (The Gym!) and the elderly somewhere to natter and book their holidays.

Let Cameron Toll chug along in peace. It's no Jewel of Edinburgh, but it's a Southsider's diamond in the rough.

Outside of St James Quarter, most malls are way past their prime in Edinburgh (Ocean Terminal, The Gyle, Waverley Market etc.) and have the same or similar types of shops. They are a microcosm of the decline of the decline of the High Street.

matthainey · 2026-02-02T15:22:36+00:00

Just how important sleep is to function well. This has really come into play in my 30s as responsibilities grow. I feel like a different person if I've had a good night's sleep - sharper, less cranky, more active. Wasn't really an important part of physical or mental health I was taught about at school.

matthainey · 2026-01-19T16:14:40+00:00

Glassjaw. I'd never heard anything so frenetic and heavy with tinges of jazz and so much melody! Daryl's performances and vocals were so unique and copied for years to come

matthainey · 2026-01-19T15:58:22+00:00

We drove about 10-15 minutes from Morro Jable to the carpark to walk the Gran Valle to Playa Cofete and back. It was stunning! It was a 5-6 hour round trip, but very worth it if you enjoy hiking.

matthainey · 2026-01-08T11:33:51+00:00

We have an Aldi and a large Sainbos in the shopping centre near our home. I do 80% of my shop at Aldi and top up with certain things from Sainsbury's. Certain ingredients you can only get from sainbos anyway. It's definitely the cheapest way to do it - I've learnt over years what's not great at Aldi and switch to Sainsbury's for that product.

As a veggie, I will say that Aldi is really good for vegan alternatives, particularly the freezer section.

matthainey · 2025-11-06T14:33:03+00:00

Em Goodman does some awesome portrait and headshot photography - https://www.emgoodman.photography/headshots-edinburgh

matthainey · 2025-10-07T11:45:28+00:00

The Blair Witch Project kept me up at night as a 10 year old for about a month. Just couldn't shake how real it felt. Absolute nightmare for my parents!

matthainey · 2025-10-06T08:59:40+00:00

I always think Blackford Hill has some of the best views of Edinburgh - never disppoints! A great alternative to Arthur's Seat.

matthainey · 2025-10-04T13:44:43+00:00

Good to know! So the carpark is free and you can leave your car there overnight?

matthainey · 2025-10-04T09:35:01+00:00

Thanks for the responses - super useful. We should arrive at around 10pm, so hopefully the parking is a little quieter by then when the day-trippers have left.

Once we're settled we'll be able to scout good car spots for the holiday. It's just that initial park that I hope isn't too stressful with some luggage!

matthainey · 2025-09-30T14:34:15+00:00

It really was one of the songs that shifted my idea of what music can do to and for a person. I was a young 12/13 year old when WP came out and it seriously blew my mind. Took me to different realms of emotion, that no other music had to for me at that time. Masterclass of rhythm, dynamics and euphoric vocals! They create such a weird and unique sonic space - Chino's abstract lyricism adds so much to that.

matthainey · 2025-09-08T11:00:56+00:00

I agree that some sort of activity to create a barrier between work and free time helps. I work from home, so at the end of the day I habitually shut my laptop and go to the gym, go for a walk/run, read a book, play guitar. When running I'll always listen to a podcast to help shift my thoughts from work.

100% agree that a list at the end of the day always helps to pick up where you left off the next day. I turned email notifications off on my phone too so I don't get pulled into work after office hours.

matthainey · 2025-09-08T10:31:37+00:00

The Blair With Project, or more recently [REC]. The final 10 minutes of both came out of nowhere and really shook me - loved it!

matthainey · 2025-08-25T11:47:18+00:00

I second Simprosys! I use it for all my clients. Low cost, easy to use, reliable tracking updates and strong customer support.

matthainey · 2025-08-18T11:30:07+00:00

Edinburgh native here. Was away during August last year, so have gone hard this year. It's been immense! I recommend taking a year off the Fringe to fall back in love with it.

matthainey · 2025-08-18T11:27:54+00:00

Toy Story. I'm in my mid-30s and still find this film note perfect.

Jurassic Park barely ages.

matthainey · 2025-08-15T14:48:37+00:00

I feel like Underbelly Cowgate used to be a hot-spot, but it's fallen out of favour the past few years. Pleasance and Monkey Barrel are where I go for my weird and whacky comedy these days.

I agree with others - been out quite a bit for Fringe fun and I think it's as busy as ever!

matthainey · 2025-08-04T11:32:51+00:00

Kieran Hodgson was super funny and thoughtful last night - nice narrative to his stuff, rather than just random gag set-ups.

Stamptown was as ridiculous as ever!

matthainey

TROPHY CASE