Cheers!

It was the official opening of the 4th session of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh today. The Queen was in town to do the honours. These guys - I think they are all guys! - clearly had better plans and were geared for what I can only assume is a stag party in Edinburgh (the photo was taken quickly at Linlithgow from my train as I was heading back home after visiting Edinburgh for the parade). Its a busy picture but its interesting to note:

(1) 60s hippy style is back - bandana, yellow jacket, tartan trews and happy to share a bottle of booze with anyone - especially if they have a fur coat on in July.

(2) Fishnets for frolicking - or something?!? Certainly eye catching at - you'll note the time - 1.30pm

(3) For the fashion conscious there is clearly nothing wrong with sandals and socks. The braces and bow tie help to make them a respectable fashion.

(4) Purple tartan trews are bound to set a new fashion trend. I have no idea where you would buy these - and I don't need the answer either!

(5) Check out the 'carry out' in the supermarket trolley at the far right of the photo. These guys look like they are set up for some serious drinking. Now its only a short journey from Linlithgow to Edinburgh and there are plenty of pubs and clubs in Edinburgh so I'm assuming that the drinks trolley was simply to help them though the tedium of the short railway journey until they could get to the first pub. I'm pretty sure the supermarket will not appreciate its trolley being relocated to Edinburgh but who knows?

The folks in the East of Scotland sure do know how to get into the party mood. From what I saw of the official opening event I think these guys made the right choice for a fun day out.

Enjoy the weekend blippers.

oh - you'll have gathered from this that the intended blip from the Parliament event was cast aside. The little I saw of the procession and event was pretty disappointing. Quite a few people I spoke to were also pretty disappointed - mostly at the lack of information as to what was to happen and when. Lots of hanging around wondering what would happen next. The media / TV cameras were blocking most views so I've got plenty of shots of grumpy looking TV reporters who looked like they'd much prefer to be with the train gang.