My intention was to ponder this post over fine Rioja and colourful tapas from the sunkissed Las Ramblas in Barcelona.  Sadly, I cannot lie, I am typing with heartfelt sincerity on a keyboard with a funny rubber bump where the k key used to be, as the soft Scottish clouds roll by my studio window.

In truth, this post has begun twenty times since my last was composed well over a month ago – shocking and unacceptable I know. It won’t happen again, promise! Well, unless I’m snapped up by the Gucci group who insist on jetting me around the world on a year long inspirational voyage of fashion discovery…..

Am I annoyed that what was planned as my first ‘proper’ non-directly-work-orientated trip since prior art school, was dashed by volcanic ash? You know, not particularly. Disappointed yes, and a little puzzled by the strange turn of fate. ‘Though as a result of my vacation misfortune, oh so many other delights have ensued. Some work, some more life-orientated – although often they’re one and the same. To compensate, a wee weekend trip was planned to Mull, Iona and the shores of Loch Fyne a fortnight ago, and the sun shone from end to end. I am certain Barcelona would have fuelled my imagination and creativity incredibly. However, you  simply can’t get more inspiring than an weekend spent strolling along the desolate golden sands at, or gazing from the tranquil Iona shores across the sound of Iona to Fionnphort, or driving down the sunny west coast of Mull, Ben More looming and water bursting from natural springs all along the hillside – bliss, utter bliss.

As more of a spiritual than religious sole, I respect and am fascinated by the rich religious history held by the Isle of Iona, but it’s more than that, so much more. You may been heard before, or experienced personally, the indescribable sense of peace and serenity there. If you haven’t – go, you simply must.

So, a few jaunts to the Queen’s capital with work, another fabulous in-store party with Wolf and Badger in Notting Hill, some intriguing private commissions, and one incredibly exciting new project. I am positively bursting to tell, but am sworn to secrecy….and believe me, even as the world’s best secret-keeper (ask my sisters), this is a proper killer!

What I can tell you about is the top secret birthday gift I’m in the process of creating for Dad’s sixtieth later this month. It’s fine – the sweet sweet man doesn’t own a mobile telephone, believes ‘IT’ represents a shortened term for ‘Iced-Tea’, and can’t find the on-switch on mum’s computer. A technological dinosaur – his words not mine. Basically, there’s no fear of letting the pussy-cat out of the Hermes Birkin with this one. He has, for a while dropped a few subtle hints on his desire for a second bespoke Iona Crawford tailored kilt jacket. Daddy’s wish is my secret command. His brand new sage-green tweed, slightly asymmetric Bonny-Prince Charlie inspired jacket is coming along beautifully.

To my delight, I was recently informed by the beautifully-chic Tessa Hartman, of my short-listing for this year’s Scottish Fashion Awards Young Designer of the Year. Placed in an impressive category alongside a selection of  unbelievably talented designers, I feel most privileged. An intriguing, contemporary re-location sees the awards move from their birthplace within Stirling Castle, to the fantastically hip Science Centre, on the banks of the Clyde. I, for one, can’t wait to shimmy down the red carpet, my gorgeous *top-secret* guest by my side. Whatever happens on the night, it’s sure to be a fashion fuelled night to remember. Who am I wearing?……as if you have to ask!

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