Bert Thomson
@westcoastsmirr.bsky.social
Once we were lawyers. Scottish, European, Scottish Book Trust New Writers Award. Born @ 312.2 ppm. MD Ant. Largs Thistle F.C.
Glasgow, Ayrshire, Argyll.
books, writing, music, art, film, photo, nature, climate.
'cela nous concerne tous'
Glasgow, Ayrshire, Argyll.
books, writing, music, art, film, photo, nature, climate.
'cela nous concerne tous'
Reposted by Bert Thomson
ARCs of Luca Serra’s debut novel This Is Home are appearing
October 16, 2025 at 10:54 PM
ARCs of Luca Serra’s debut novel This Is Home are appearing
Cassandra Wilson's weighty, atmospheric, modernist cover of Son House's 'Death Letter Blues', used brilliantly as the introductory music for series three of 'True Detective'.
Cassandra Wilson - "Death Letter"
YouTube video by Global Music Fan
youtu.be
December 9, 2025 at 5:31 AM
Cassandra Wilson's weighty, atmospheric, modernist cover of Son House's 'Death Letter Blues', used brilliantly as the introductory music for series three of 'True Detective'.
Reposted by Bert Thomson
TIL about a memorial ceremony in Iceland in 2019 to mark the end of a glacier, changing the place name from Okjökull to Ok (jökull = glacier). Uncompromising wording on the bronze plaque:
"This is to acknowledge that we know what is happening and what needs to be done. Only you know if we did it".
"This is to acknowledge that we know what is happening and what needs to be done. Only you know if we did it".
December 7, 2025 at 5:17 PM
TIL about a memorial ceremony in Iceland in 2019 to mark the end of a glacier, changing the place name from Okjökull to Ok (jökull = glacier). Uncompromising wording on the bronze plaque:
"This is to acknowledge that we know what is happening and what needs to be done. Only you know if we did it".
"This is to acknowledge that we know what is happening and what needs to be done. Only you know if we did it".
' Time passes. Listen.'
This is not the video I had planned to make.
YouTube video by Just Have a Think
youtu.be
December 4, 2025 at 6:11 PM
' Time passes. Listen.'
Reposted by Bert Thomson
Josh Doble of Community Land Scotland: “This is not a fringe issue. Land reform touches upon all of our lives as we face housing shortages, rising food prices, growing inequality and ecosystem collapse.”
www.thenational.scot/news/2566814...
www.thenational.scot/news/2566814...
Land reform is the pathway to building true people power
It is telling that within weeks of the Land Reform Bill passing in our Parliament, we are discussing the future of land reform in Scotland with…
www.thenational.scot
December 3, 2025 at 7:48 AM
Josh Doble of Community Land Scotland: “This is not a fringe issue. Land reform touches upon all of our lives as we face housing shortages, rising food prices, growing inequality and ecosystem collapse.”
www.thenational.scot/news/2566814...
www.thenational.scot/news/2566814...
St Andrew's Day
November 30, 2025 at 4:12 AM
St Andrew's Day
A sore one. So long, Jimmy.
Rest in grace, Jimmy Cliff. The terribly sad news this morning from Jamaica of his death. A musician for the ages and a spirit of brightness.
youtu.be/FHAbj1pIT4g?...
youtu.be/FHAbj1pIT4g?...
November 24, 2025 at 3:06 PM
A sore one. So long, Jimmy.
'A working class hero is something to be'
Brilliant programme on Turner on the iPlayer just now. Recommend it to you.
Turner: The Secret Sketchbooks
Brilliant programme on Turner on the iPlayer just now. Recommend it to you.
Turner: The Secret Sketchbooks
Turner: The Secret Sketchbooks
Turner painted the world like no-one else, yet his life remains a mystery. Tracey Emin, Timothy Spall and Ronnie Wood explore his personal sketches to reveal the man behind the art.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 20, 2025 at 9:35 PM
'A working class hero is something to be'
Brilliant programme on Turner on the iPlayer just now. Recommend it to you.
Turner: The Secret Sketchbooks
Brilliant programme on Turner on the iPlayer just now. Recommend it to you.
Turner: The Secret Sketchbooks
Reposted by Bert Thomson
Very good work from Scottish Ballet here (from their Facebook account)
November 19, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Very good work from Scottish Ballet here (from their Facebook account)
Reposted by Bert Thomson
Please read, listen, and share widely. www.theguardian.com/music/2025/n...
‘I never wanted to sing into a vacuum’: Scottish folk pioneer Dick Gaughan’s fight for his lost music
A skilled interpreter and social justice champion, Gaughan is a hero to the likes of Richard Hawley and Billy Bragg. Yet much of his work has been stuck in limbo for decades – until a determined fan s...
www.theguardian.com
November 19, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Please read, listen, and share widely. www.theguardian.com/music/2025/n...
In the middle of our (Scotland's)celebrations over a game last night, the world intrudes.
Though I've never seen the Ningaloo reef and never will it's something we should be able to bequeath to future generations and a continuing crime that we won't. Tim Winton's film should be shown everywhere.
Though I've never seen the Ningaloo reef and never will it's something we should be able to bequeath to future generations and a continuing crime that we won't. Tim Winton's film should be shown everywhere.
‘Deathly silent’: two out of three corals in world heritage-listed Ningaloo reef have been killed, scientists confirm #Climate
‘Deathly silent’: two out of three corals in world heritage-listed Ningaloo reef have been killed, scientists confirm
One expert says he is ‘starting to visualise the point where all we have left of corals and reefs is memories’
www.theguardian.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:06 AM
In the middle of our (Scotland's)celebrations over a game last night, the world intrudes.
Though I've never seen the Ningaloo reef and never will it's something we should be able to bequeath to future generations and a continuing crime that we won't. Tim Winton's film should be shown everywhere.
Though I've never seen the Ningaloo reef and never will it's something we should be able to bequeath to future generations and a continuing crime that we won't. Tim Winton's film should be shown everywhere.
This is what we expect from Radio Scotland's football coverage. Accept no substitute.😄
The BBC Scotland commentary for Kenny McLean’s halfway line goal is glorious. Stuff of dreams. 🔥
Congratulations #Scotland, see you at the World Cup.
Congratulations #Scotland, see you at the World Cup.
November 18, 2025 at 11:17 PM
This is what we expect from Radio Scotland's football coverage. Accept no substitute.😄
Reposted by Bert Thomson
The infinite possibilities of humans summed up in one photo. All the things going on within Scott McTominay in that moment to ensure that happens so purely captured in a single static image. Look at his eyes on the ball, complete focus his brain making the most complex calculations. What a photo
November 18, 2025 at 11:03 PM
The infinite possibilities of humans summed up in one photo. All the things going on within Scott McTominay in that moment to ensure that happens so purely captured in a single static image. Look at his eyes on the ball, complete focus his brain making the most complex calculations. What a photo
Reposted by Bert Thomson
Is the Atlantic Ocean circulation close to tipping?
Hear the latest science as I presented it last month at the ATLAS25 event in Helsinki.
Let me know if anything is unclear, or if you see good reasons why your government shouldn't immediately act on this. 🌊
youtu.be/ULJXqOZuY-8
Hear the latest science as I presented it last month at the ATLAS25 event in Helsinki.
Let me know if anything is unclear, or if you see good reasons why your government shouldn't immediately act on this. 🌊
youtu.be/ULJXqOZuY-8
Is the Atlantic Ocean circulation close to tipping?
YouTube video by Earth System Analysis - Potsdam Institute
youtu.be
November 16, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Is the Atlantic Ocean circulation close to tipping?
Hear the latest science as I presented it last month at the ATLAS25 event in Helsinki.
Let me know if anything is unclear, or if you see good reasons why your government shouldn't immediately act on this. 🌊
youtu.be/ULJXqOZuY-8
Hear the latest science as I presented it last month at the ATLAS25 event in Helsinki.
Let me know if anything is unclear, or if you see good reasons why your government shouldn't immediately act on this. 🌊
youtu.be/ULJXqOZuY-8
From the Riverside Museum today looking east. The Science centre (the eyelid shaped building) and the BBC with the Waverley moored below the Science Centre
November 16, 2025 at 4:17 PM
From the Riverside Museum today looking east. The Science centre (the eyelid shaped building) and the BBC with the Waverley moored below the Science Centre
From the Riverside Museum today looking east. The Science centre (the eyelid shaped building) and the BBC with the Waverley moored below the Science Centre
November 16, 2025 at 4:15 PM
From the Riverside Museum today looking east. The Science centre (the eyelid shaped building) and the BBC with the Waverley moored below the Science Centre
I don't bother with the telly that much but I decided I'd watch the Scotland game and BBC 2 then ran on to the Simple Minds documentary.
Scotland were beaten, but their not dead yet - and the Simple Minds documentary was really excellent. I recommend it to you. #SimpleMinds
Scotland were beaten, but their not dead yet - and the Simple Minds documentary was really excellent. I recommend it to you. #SimpleMinds
November 15, 2025 at 11:36 PM
I don't bother with the telly that much but I decided I'd watch the Scotland game and BBC 2 then ran on to the Simple Minds documentary.
Scotland were beaten, but their not dead yet - and the Simple Minds documentary was really excellent. I recommend it to you. #SimpleMinds
Scotland were beaten, but their not dead yet - and the Simple Minds documentary was really excellent. I recommend it to you. #SimpleMinds
The rugby and football groundspeople have got a fair bit of work ahead with their pitchforks if they're wanting to get these pitches playable on Saturday.😄
Thornliebank, Glasgow.
Thornliebank, Glasgow.
November 13, 2025 at 4:02 PM
The rugby and football groundspeople have got a fair bit of work ahead with their pitchforks if they're wanting to get these pitches playable on Saturday.😄
Thornliebank, Glasgow.
Thornliebank, Glasgow.
Reposted by Bert Thomson
With current pledges, the world's on track for 2.6°C of warming in 2100 compared to preindustrial levels.
10 years ago, before the Paris agreement, it was 3.6°C
20+ years ago, we thought it would be 4-5°C
So 2.6°C is better, but the problem is that climate impacts are way worse than we predicted.
10 years ago, before the Paris agreement, it was 3.6°C
20+ years ago, we thought it would be 4-5°C
So 2.6°C is better, but the problem is that climate impacts are way worse than we predicted.
World still on track for catastrophic 2.6C temperature rise, report finds
Fossil fuel emissions have hit a record high while many nations have done too little to avert deadly global heating
www.theguardian.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:55 PM
With current pledges, the world's on track for 2.6°C of warming in 2100 compared to preindustrial levels.
10 years ago, before the Paris agreement, it was 3.6°C
20+ years ago, we thought it would be 4-5°C
So 2.6°C is better, but the problem is that climate impacts are way worse than we predicted.
10 years ago, before the Paris agreement, it was 3.6°C
20+ years ago, we thought it would be 4-5°C
So 2.6°C is better, but the problem is that climate impacts are way worse than we predicted.
Briefing for a descent into hell.
Can this possibly be true? The mind and heart revolt.
Can this possibly be true? The mind and heart revolt.
The allegation here is that wealthy tourists paid to be able to shoot human beings. Perhaps killing wildlife wasn't enough for them. If true, psychopathic scarcely begins to cover it.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Milan prosecutors investigate alleged ‘sniper tourism’ during Bosnian war
Groups from Italy and elsewhere alleged to have paid Serb soldiers to shoot Sarajevo residents during siege
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Briefing for a descent into hell.
Can this possibly be true? The mind and heart revolt.
Can this possibly be true? The mind and heart revolt.
Beautiful concert last night at the City Halls with Yeol Eum Son and, for me, the best of the Scottish orchestras, @scomusic.bsky.social .
The only disappointment was the number of empty seats, which neither Yeol Son nor the orchestra deserved.
Everybody must have been out guising.
The only disappointment was the number of empty seats, which neither Yeol Son nor the orchestra deserved.
Everybody must have been out guising.
November 1, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Beautiful concert last night at the City Halls with Yeol Eum Son and, for me, the best of the Scottish orchestras, @scomusic.bsky.social .
The only disappointment was the number of empty seats, which neither Yeol Son nor the orchestra deserved.
Everybody must have been out guising.
The only disappointment was the number of empty seats, which neither Yeol Son nor the orchestra deserved.
Everybody must have been out guising.
Reposted by Bert Thomson
‘Change course now’: humanity has missed 1.5C climate target, says UN head
‘Change course now’: humanity has missed 1.5C climate target, says UN head
Exclusive: ‘Devastating consequences’ now inevitable but emissions cuts still vital, says António Guterres in sole interview before Cop30
*
I am the first Indigenous journalist to exclusively interview António Guterres. How many others will listen?
Humanity has failed to limit global heating to 1.5C and must change course immediately, the secretary general of the UN has warned.
In his only interview before next month’s Cop30 climate summit, António Guterres acknowledged it is now “inevitable” that humanity will overshoot the target in the Paris climate agreement, with “devastating consequences” for the world.
This interview is also published in English, Portuguese and Spanish by Sumaúma. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
October 28, 2025 at 12:14 AM
‘Change course now’: humanity has missed 1.5C climate target, says UN head
The Snuff Mill Bridge and the River Cart in mid autumn, Cathcart, southside of Glasgow.
October 27, 2025 at 8:23 PM
The Snuff Mill Bridge and the River Cart in mid autumn, Cathcart, southside of Glasgow.
A wander down the Strath Eck glacial valley this afternoon, starting from Harry Lauder's memorial to his son John, killed on the 28th December 1916.
Some time ago there was a debate as to whether John Lauder was an early, modern victim of 'fragging'.
Some time ago there was a debate as to whether John Lauder was an early, modern victim of 'fragging'.
October 25, 2025 at 6:53 PM
A wander down the Strath Eck glacial valley this afternoon, starting from Harry Lauder's memorial to his son John, killed on the 28th December 1916.
Some time ago there was a debate as to whether John Lauder was an early, modern victim of 'fragging'.
Some time ago there was a debate as to whether John Lauder was an early, modern victim of 'fragging'.