Committee Room 2

An evening meeting at the Scottish Parliament meeting some MSPs to talk about the Children's Hearings system, along with the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration.

Some interesting informed and challenging questions seeking to understand how the system works and how we are jointly tackling the issues.

The meeting was in Committee Room 2 at one of the upper floors of the Parliament which has wonderful views of Salisbury Crags.

I continue to be impressed by the interior of the building whereas I still cannot relate to the exterior.

It was a beautiful evening, especially at the start of October. It has been an exceptional September. To see people wandering around in t shirts, without jackets, in shorts at this time of the year has been so unusual. As has the crowds of small flies in the air.

Tomorrow is a special day for me. Apart from marking yet another year on the planet, I am saying farewell (with a party!) to those who will soon be my former colleagues in the Scottish Government.

I always thought that I would retire as a civil servant. But after 37 years in am resigning and moving on with Children's Hearing Scotland for the next 5 years.