Douglas Ireland ✊🌱
@douglasireland.com
Morning person based in Paisley, Scotland.
"It takes much longer to get up north, the slow way." - Ian Dury
(any/all)
Writing: douglasireland.com
Current project: purecontrasttools.com
"It takes much longer to get up north, the slow way." - Ian Dury
(any/all)
Writing: douglasireland.com
Current project: purecontrasttools.com
Pinned
Douglas Ireland ✊🌱
@douglasireland.com
· Dec 19
Sometimes the best projects start with “I’ll just fix this one thing for someone I love.”
#a11y #buildinpublic
#a11y #buildinpublic
February 15, 2026 at 5:48 PM
Sometimes the best projects start with “I’ll just fix this one thing for someone I love.”
#a11y #buildinpublic
#a11y #buildinpublic
We should also kick out London's neuclar weapons. We don't need that massive target 25 miles from biggest city.
Trump is no friend of Scotland.
He has threatened our neighbours, lied about our country, and armed war criminals.
The US military shouldn't be allowed to use publicly owned infrastructure in Scotland, such as Prestwick Airport. It's time to kick them out.
He has threatened our neighbours, lied about our country, and armed war criminals.
The US military shouldn't be allowed to use publicly owned infrastructure in Scotland, such as Prestwick Airport. It's time to kick them out.
February 15, 2026 at 1:45 PM
We should also kick out London's neuclar weapons. We don't need that massive target 25 miles from biggest city.
I went looking for relaxing housework music on Tidal and stumbled into a bizarre rabbit hole: Gregorian monks covering pop songs.
Remember that brief, weird 90s chant craze? It turns out it evolved. Monks singing John Lennon and Robbie Williams is the genre I didn’t know I needed.⤵️
#90sNostalgia
Remember that brief, weird 90s chant craze? It turns out it evolved. Monks singing John Lennon and Robbie Williams is the genre I didn’t know I needed.⤵️
#90sNostalgia
The Gregorian Pop Cover I Didn’t Know I Needed – Douglas Ireland
douglasireland.com
February 14, 2026 at 12:15 PM
I went looking for relaxing housework music on Tidal and stumbled into a bizarre rabbit hole: Gregorian monks covering pop songs.
Remember that brief, weird 90s chant craze? It turns out it evolved. Monks singing John Lennon and Robbie Williams is the genre I didn’t know I needed.⤵️
#90sNostalgia
Remember that brief, weird 90s chant craze? It turns out it evolved. Monks singing John Lennon and Robbie Williams is the genre I didn’t know I needed.⤵️
#90sNostalgia
A few days after I started building accessible tools for my partner, I lost vision in one eye (MS). Kept building from hospital. It’s all personal now.
#accessibility #MultipleSclerosis #privacy
#accessibility #MultipleSclerosis #privacy
Why I Built Pure Contrast Tools | Pure Contrast Tools Blog
The story of how Pure Contrast Tools began at a dining room table, not a boardroom. A personal journey from frustration to creation.
purecontrasttools.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:20 PM
A few days after I started building accessible tools for my partner, I lost vision in one eye (MS). Kept building from hospital. It’s all personal now.
#accessibility #MultipleSclerosis #privacy
#accessibility #MultipleSclerosis #privacy
The Supreme Court thinks we are all confused by "oat milk" but somehow cope with "baby oil" and "fish fingers". 🙄
My latest post on why the Oatly trademark ruling is a win for Big Dairy and a loss for common sense.
Read here: ⤵️
#Oatly #PlantBased #DairyFree #UKSupremeCourt
My latest post on why the Oatly trademark ruling is a win for Big Dairy and a loss for common sense.
Read here: ⤵️
#Oatly #PlantBased #DairyFree #UKSupremeCourt
Stop the Presses: Supreme Court Rules Consumers Apparently Confused by Oats – Douglas Ireland
douglasireland.com
February 11, 2026 at 8:45 PM
The Supreme Court thinks we are all confused by "oat milk" but somehow cope with "baby oil" and "fish fingers". 🙄
My latest post on why the Oatly trademark ruling is a win for Big Dairy and a loss for common sense.
Read here: ⤵️
#Oatly #PlantBased #DairyFree #UKSupremeCourt
My latest post on why the Oatly trademark ruling is a win for Big Dairy and a loss for common sense.
Read here: ⤵️
#Oatly #PlantBased #DairyFree #UKSupremeCourt
GGC executives are getting £20k extra to set up "Subnational Planning Committees".
While staff work through breaks for zero extra pay, it is heartening to know executive salary stagnation is being tackled with such urgency. Truly, the system is healing.
#NHSGGC #Scotland #PayRise #Frontline
While staff work through breaks for zero extra pay, it is heartening to know executive salary stagnation is being tackled with such urgency. Truly, the system is healing.
#NHSGGC #Scotland #PayRise #Frontline
The Beatles - Taxman (Remastered 2009)
Listen to Taxman (Remastered 2009) on TIDAL
tidal.com
February 1, 2026 at 4:04 PM
GGC executives are getting £20k extra to set up "Subnational Planning Committees".
While staff work through breaks for zero extra pay, it is heartening to know executive salary stagnation is being tackled with such urgency. Truly, the system is healing.
#NHSGGC #Scotland #PayRise #Frontline
While staff work through breaks for zero extra pay, it is heartening to know executive salary stagnation is being tackled with such urgency. Truly, the system is healing.
#NHSGGC #Scotland #PayRise #Frontline
I spent three weeks blocking a bed. My consultant knew it was the only way to get my scans done in time.
My latest blog post is a thank you to the marvellous staff of Ward 27, and a critical look at an NHS forced to work around its own bureaucracy.⤵️
#SaveOurNHS #BedBlocking #NHS #Scotland #Health
My latest blog post is a thank you to the marvellous staff of Ward 27, and a critical look at an NHS forced to work around its own bureaucracy.⤵️
#SaveOurNHS #BedBlocking #NHS #Scotland #Health
Thank You, Ward 27: The Safety Net and the Spider Web – Douglas Ireland
douglasireland.com
January 31, 2026 at 1:01 PM
I spent three weeks blocking a bed. My consultant knew it was the only way to get my scans done in time.
My latest blog post is a thank you to the marvellous staff of Ward 27, and a critical look at an NHS forced to work around its own bureaucracy.⤵️
#SaveOurNHS #BedBlocking #NHS #Scotland #Health
My latest blog post is a thank you to the marvellous staff of Ward 27, and a critical look at an NHS forced to work around its own bureaucracy.⤵️
#SaveOurNHS #BedBlocking #NHS #Scotland #Health
Now that I am home, I find myself visiting my own websites just to stare at the pages.
I am not checking for bugs. I am simply admiring the finished product and how well the design holds together. It is vanity, but digital vanity.
#WebDesign #Home #DigitalLove #SmallVictories #CreativeDirector
I am not checking for bugs. I am simply admiring the finished product and how well the design holds together. It is vanity, but digital vanity.
#WebDesign #Home #DigitalLove #SmallVictories #CreativeDirector
Radiohead - Everything In Its Right Place
Listen to Everything In Its Right Place on TIDAL
tidal.com
January 31, 2026 at 12:09 PM
Now that I am home, I find myself visiting my own websites just to stare at the pages.
I am not checking for bugs. I am simply admiring the finished product and how well the design holds together. It is vanity, but digital vanity.
#WebDesign #Home #DigitalLove #SmallVictories #CreativeDirector
I am not checking for bugs. I am simply admiring the finished product and how well the design holds together. It is vanity, but digital vanity.
#WebDesign #Home #DigitalLove #SmallVictories #CreativeDirector
Culture shock report: The room service here is terrible.
I have been sitting in the living room for an hour and nobody has offered me a biscuit or checked my observations. On the plus side, nobody has woken me up at 6am to ask for a blood sample. I suppose it is a fair exchange.
#Home #Recovery
I have been sitting in the living room for an hour and nobody has offered me a biscuit or checked my observations. On the plus side, nobody has woken me up at 6am to ask for a blood sample. I suppose it is a fair exchange.
#Home #Recovery
The Rolling Stones - You Can't Always Get What You Want (Remastered 2019)
Listen to You Can't Always Get What You Want (Remastered 2019) on TIDAL
tidal.com
January 31, 2026 at 12:08 PM
Reposted by Douglas Ireland ✊🌱
Vote Dr Emma Sheppard #1 for better buses 🚌
Scottish Greens have already been involved in saving our local no.15 route, let's keep up the pressure and vote in East Dunbartonshire's first Green councillor 💚
Bearsden South by-election 29th January 🗳️✅
#VoteScottishGreens
Scottish Greens have already been involved in saving our local no.15 route, let's keep up the pressure and vote in East Dunbartonshire's first Green councillor 💚
Bearsden South by-election 29th January 🗳️✅
#VoteScottishGreens
January 25, 2026 at 3:53 PM
Vote Dr Emma Sheppard #1 for better buses 🚌
Scottish Greens have already been involved in saving our local no.15 route, let's keep up the pressure and vote in East Dunbartonshire's first Green councillor 💚
Bearsden South by-election 29th January 🗳️✅
#VoteScottishGreens
Scottish Greens have already been involved in saving our local no.15 route, let's keep up the pressure and vote in East Dunbartonshire's first Green councillor 💚
Bearsden South by-election 29th January 🗳️✅
#VoteScottishGreens
They made it harder to opt out of data sharing in Scotland, so I made it easier.
My latest post explains why the "Tech Bros" are coming for NHS data and what you can do about it.
Includes a free template letter to exercise your "Right to Object" and lock the gate on your medical records. ⤵️
#NHS
My latest post explains why the "Tech Bros" are coming for NHS data and what you can do about it.
Includes a free template letter to exercise your "Right to Object" and lock the gate on your medical records. ⤵️
#NHS
The Vultures Circle: Defending the NHS from the Tech Bros – Douglas Ireland
douglasireland.com
January 23, 2026 at 12:44 PM
They made it harder to opt out of data sharing in Scotland, so I made it easier.
My latest post explains why the "Tech Bros" are coming for NHS data and what you can do about it.
Includes a free template letter to exercise your "Right to Object" and lock the gate on your medical records. ⤵️
#NHS
My latest post explains why the "Tech Bros" are coming for NHS data and what you can do about it.
Includes a free template letter to exercise your "Right to Object" and lock the gate on your medical records. ⤵️
#NHS
Hospital data proves rudeness is dangerous.
80% of recipients lose time worrying. 38% reduce work quality. In the NHS, that means poorer care.
I wrote about why "being nice" is actually a critical safety mechanism. ⤵️
douglasireland.com/the-high-cos...
#CivilitySavesLives #NHS #Kindness #Scotland
80% of recipients lose time worrying. 38% reduce work quality. In the NHS, that means poorer care.
I wrote about why "being nice" is actually a critical safety mechanism. ⤵️
douglasireland.com/the-high-cos...
#CivilitySavesLives #NHS #Kindness #Scotland
January 22, 2026 at 4:42 PM
Hospital data proves rudeness is dangerous.
80% of recipients lose time worrying. 38% reduce work quality. In the NHS, that means poorer care.
I wrote about why "being nice" is actually a critical safety mechanism. ⤵️
douglasireland.com/the-high-cos...
#CivilitySavesLives #NHS #Kindness #Scotland
80% of recipients lose time worrying. 38% reduce work quality. In the NHS, that means poorer care.
I wrote about why "being nice" is actually a critical safety mechanism. ⤵️
douglasireland.com/the-high-cos...
#CivilitySavesLives #NHS #Kindness #Scotland
Relocated to the Beatson. I am starting plasma exchange today.
It feels less like medical treatment and more like a hard reset. They are essentially clearing the cache, flushing the DNS, and hoping the system reboot clears the error logs.
#PlasmaExchange #TheBeatson #SystemReset #NHS
It feels less like medical treatment and more like a hard reset. They are essentially clearing the cache, flushing the DNS, and hoping the system reboot clears the error logs.
#PlasmaExchange #TheBeatson #SystemReset #NHS
tidal.com
January 22, 2026 at 9:59 AM
Relocated to the Beatson. I am starting plasma exchange today.
It feels less like medical treatment and more like a hard reset. They are essentially clearing the cache, flushing the DNS, and hoping the system reboot clears the error logs.
#PlasmaExchange #TheBeatson #SystemReset #NHS
It feels less like medical treatment and more like a hard reset. They are essentially clearing the cache, flushing the DNS, and hoping the system reboot clears the error logs.
#PlasmaExchange #TheBeatson #SystemReset #NHS
Trump wants to tariff the UK because he can't buy Greenland.
I am formally offering to sell him "The Sovereign Territory of Bed 4, Ward 27, RAH".
Includes strategic access to the tea trolley & a view of a rainy car park. Price: immediate discharge papers.
#Greenland #Trump #NHS #ArtOfTheDeal
I am formally offering to sell him "The Sovereign Territory of Bed 4, Ward 27, RAH".
Includes strategic access to the tea trolley & a view of a rainy car park. Price: immediate discharge papers.
#Greenland #Trump #NHS #ArtOfTheDeal
Pet Shop Boys - Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money) [2001 Remaster]
Listen to Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money) [2001 Remaster] on TIDAL
tidal.com
January 20, 2026 at 9:53 AM
Trump wants to tariff the UK because he can't buy Greenland.
I am formally offering to sell him "The Sovereign Territory of Bed 4, Ward 27, RAH".
Includes strategic access to the tea trolley & a view of a rainy car park. Price: immediate discharge papers.
#Greenland #Trump #NHS #ArtOfTheDeal
I am formally offering to sell him "The Sovereign Territory of Bed 4, Ward 27, RAH".
Includes strategic access to the tea trolley & a view of a rainy car park. Price: immediate discharge papers.
#Greenland #Trump #NHS #ArtOfTheDeal
Reposted by Douglas Ireland ✊🌱
Now more than ever, it is important to stand with our European neighbours and friends. A new poll reveals that a vast majority of Scots would back rejoining the EU.
Every vote for the Scottish Greens is a vote for independence in the EU.🇪🇺
Every vote for the Scottish Greens is a vote for independence in the EU.🇪🇺
January 19, 2026 at 12:49 PM
Now more than ever, it is important to stand with our European neighbours and friends. A new poll reveals that a vast majority of Scots would back rejoining the EU.
Every vote for the Scottish Greens is a vote for independence in the EU.🇪🇺
Every vote for the Scottish Greens is a vote for independence in the EU.🇪🇺
The £11.00 price tag isn't for non-members. It is a fine for refusing to hand over your identity.
I wrote about the "Privacy Premium" and the extreme measures needed to avoid being tracked at the till. ⤵️
#Privacy #DataSovereignty #Tesco #SelfHosting #Scotland
I wrote about the "Privacy Premium" and the extreme measures needed to avoid being tracked at the till. ⤵️
#Privacy #DataSovereignty #Tesco #SelfHosting #Scotland
Fugitives in the Pasta Aisle: The Extreme Measures Needed to Protect Your Privacy – Douglas Ireland
douglasireland.com
January 19, 2026 at 9:11 AM
The £11.00 price tag isn't for non-members. It is a fine for refusing to hand over your identity.
I wrote about the "Privacy Premium" and the extreme measures needed to avoid being tracked at the till. ⤵️
#Privacy #DataSovereignty #Tesco #SelfHosting #Scotland
I wrote about the "Privacy Premium" and the extreme measures needed to avoid being tracked at the till. ⤵️
#Privacy #DataSovereignty #Tesco #SelfHosting #Scotland
This is what happens when you leave me with a laptop and hospital Wi-Fi for two weeks.
I built a high-vis, zero-tracking weather station. It supports Kelvin. Because knowing it is 279.15K in Paisley is the exact data I need to decide on a coat. ⬇️
#Dev #WeatherStation #Kelvin #Privacy #Paisley
I built a high-vis, zero-tracking weather station. It supports Kelvin. Because knowing it is 279.15K in Paisley is the exact data I need to decide on a coat. ⬇️
#Dev #WeatherStation #Kelvin #Privacy #Paisley
Outlook: Easy Weather
outlook.purecontrasttools.com
January 18, 2026 at 10:41 AM
This is what happens when you leave me with a laptop and hospital Wi-Fi for two weeks.
I built a high-vis, zero-tracking weather station. It supports Kelvin. Because knowing it is 279.15K in Paisley is the exact data I need to decide on a coat. ⬇️
#Dev #WeatherStation #Kelvin #Privacy #Paisley
I built a high-vis, zero-tracking weather station. It supports Kelvin. Because knowing it is 279.15K in Paisley is the exact data I need to decide on a coat. ⬇️
#Dev #WeatherStation #Kelvin #Privacy #Paisley
The diagnostics are finally complete. It turns out this isn't a temporary bug; it is a permanent feature.
I am now running on a "Long Term Support" (LTS) version of Douglas. It requires constant management and daily patches, but the system stays online. Now, can I please go home?
#LTS #NHS #Vision
I am now running on a "Long Term Support" (LTS) version of Douglas. It requires constant management and daily patches, but the system stays online. Now, can I please go home?
#LTS #NHS #Vision
Air - La femme d'argent
Listen to La femme d'argent on TIDAL
tidal.com
January 16, 2026 at 6:21 PM
Stuck in hospital, but the digital infrastructure is thriving.
Upgraded the server to 8GB RAM. Nextcloud is finally churning through video thumbnails & faces without crashing.
If only my recovery was as simple as a reboot.
BTCPay Server next.
#SelfHosting #Nextcloud #HospitalLife #Tech #Upgrade
Upgraded the server to 8GB RAM. Nextcloud is finally churning through video thumbnails & faces without crashing.
If only my recovery was as simple as a reboot.
BTCPay Server next.
#SelfHosting #Nextcloud #HospitalLife #Tech #Upgrade
Daft Punk - Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger
Listen to Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger on TIDAL
tidal.com
January 15, 2026 at 10:15 AM
Stuck in hospital, but the digital infrastructure is thriving.
Upgraded the server to 8GB RAM. Nextcloud is finally churning through video thumbnails & faces without crashing.
If only my recovery was as simple as a reboot.
BTCPay Server next.
#SelfHosting #Nextcloud #HospitalLife #Tech #Upgrade
Upgraded the server to 8GB RAM. Nextcloud is finally churning through video thumbnails & faces without crashing.
If only my recovery was as simple as a reboot.
BTCPay Server next.
#SelfHosting #Nextcloud #HospitalLife #Tech #Upgrade
Day 9 on the ward. The doctors keep dangling the "discharge" carrot, only to snatch it away again. It is mentally exhausting.
I am prescribing myself some aggressive optimism to counter the low mood. I intend to be out of here before this song finishes (metaphorically speaking).
#NHS #KeepGoing
I am prescribing myself some aggressive optimism to counter the low mood. I intend to be out of here before this song finishes (metaphorically speaking).
#NHS #KeepGoing
Primal Scream - Movin' on Up
Listen to Movin' on Up on TIDAL
tidal.com
January 14, 2026 at 9:32 AM
Day 9 on the ward. The doctors keep dangling the "discharge" carrot, only to snatch it away again. It is mentally exhausting.
I am prescribing myself some aggressive optimism to counter the low mood. I intend to be out of here before this song finishes (metaphorically speaking).
#NHS #KeepGoing
I am prescribing myself some aggressive optimism to counter the low mood. I intend to be out of here before this song finishes (metaphorically speaking).
#NHS #KeepGoing
Scheduled for a lumbar puncture today. It sounds like something that happens to a radiator, not a person.
I am hoping they can just bleed the system, repressurise the boiler, and get things running efficiently again.
#NHS #Hospital #DomesticEngineer #Plumbing
I am hoping they can just bleed the system, repressurise the boiler, and get things running efficiently again.
#NHS #Hospital #DomesticEngineer #Plumbing
January 13, 2026 at 9:26 AM
Scheduled for a lumbar puncture today. It sounds like something that happens to a radiator, not a person.
I am hoping they can just bleed the system, repressurise the boiler, and get things running efficiently again.
#NHS #Hospital #DomesticEngineer #Plumbing
I am hoping they can just bleed the system, repressurise the boiler, and get things running efficiently again.
#NHS #Hospital #DomesticEngineer #Plumbing
Sunday morning update. I am accepting auditions for the role of "Misunderstood Bond Villain" or "Pirate Captain in a Low-Budget Panto".
Applications should be sent via nurse carrier pigeon.
1/2
#HospitalLife #SundayMorning #NewLook #PirateLife #NHS
Applications should be sent via nurse carrier pigeon.
1/2
#HospitalLife #SundayMorning #NewLook #PirateLife #NHS
January 11, 2026 at 9:15 AM
Sunday morning update. I am accepting auditions for the role of "Misunderstood Bond Villain" or "Pirate Captain in a Low-Budget Panto".
Applications should be sent via nurse carrier pigeon.
1/2
#HospitalLife #SundayMorning #NewLook #PirateLife #NHS
Applications should be sent via nurse carrier pigeon.
1/2
#HospitalLife #SundayMorning #NewLook #PirateLife #NHS
Five nights in hospital, and it looks like three more at least. A spinal tap is on the menu. Last night was rough: snores, erratic noises, and a brain that refused to quit. Not a great combo.
1/3
#HospitalLife #SleeplessNights
1/3
#HospitalLife #SleeplessNights
January 10, 2026 at 7:42 AM
Five nights in hospital, and it looks like three more at least. A spinal tap is on the menu. Last night was rough: snores, erratic noises, and a brain that refused to quit. Not a great combo.
1/3
#HospitalLife #SleeplessNights
1/3
#HospitalLife #SleeplessNights
Still in hospital. I suspect that by now, Chipshop has assumed I am never returning and has legally claimed the entire sofa.
I will have to apply for a visitor pass to my own lounge when I finally get out.
I do miss the Wee Chook though.
#Chipshop #DogLife #HospitalLife #NHS #Cutie
I will have to apply for a visitor pass to my own lounge when I finally get out.
I do miss the Wee Chook though.
#Chipshop #DogLife #HospitalLife #NHS #Cutie
January 8, 2026 at 9:19 AM
Still in hospital. I suspect that by now, Chipshop has assumed I am never returning and has legally claimed the entire sofa.
I will have to apply for a visitor pass to my own lounge when I finally get out.
I do miss the Wee Chook though.
#Chipshop #DogLife #HospitalLife #NHS #Cutie
I will have to apply for a visitor pass to my own lounge when I finally get out.
I do miss the Wee Chook though.
#Chipshop #DogLife #HospitalLife #NHS #Cutie
I asked the NHS for a quick software update. They took it literally and gave me a patch.
I am now running on Douglas v2.1. The release notes are vague, but I believe it fixes a few bugs in the visual rendering engine.
#Patch #NHS #SoftwareUpdate #Cyborg #HospitalLife
I am now running on Douglas v2.1. The release notes are vague, but I believe it fixes a few bugs in the visual rendering engine.
#Patch #NHS #SoftwareUpdate #Cyborg #HospitalLife
January 7, 2026 at 5:37 PM
I asked the NHS for a quick software update. They took it literally and gave me a patch.
I am now running on Douglas v2.1. The release notes are vague, but I believe it fixes a few bugs in the visual rendering engine.
#Patch #NHS #SoftwareUpdate #Cyborg #HospitalLife
I am now running on Douglas v2.1. The release notes are vague, but I believe it fixes a few bugs in the visual rendering engine.
#Patch #NHS #SoftwareUpdate #Cyborg #HospitalLife