Ian

Last but not least, here is Ian making up the quintet of 'boys' on our weekend here in Barcelona, and in this series of portraits. Ian patiently sat for me yesterday only for Jim to make the final cut but I am glad I waited. We had a great conversation last night over a glass of Isle of Arran malt whisky (1996) after the others had gone to bed, and somehow it helped our friendship of 29 years 'show up' in this shot.

Ian is the cheekiest of us chappies but beyond the fun there is a man of wonderful values and dedication, especially to his family. Among the five of us, we have exactly 100 years, more or less equally shared, of happy married life, and maybe that says something about our groundedness, and resilience!

Taking these portraits has been a revelation, my 'sitters' have all been willing, patient and giving, and when they looked into the lens they were connecting with the long years of friendship we share. The act in itself seemed to confirm its worth, as did my subsequent study of their faces, looking for that tiny inflection which said 'that's him!'. And, of course, there was the healthy competition to see who got the most views and comments!

Jamie, Allan, Jim and Ian will all be looking in here today...to you all, a huge thankyou...y un abrazo muy fuerte!