A WEEK OF FIRST

Well, I can't really avoid saying it: the UK is screwed!  Yep, the lunatics finally took over the asylum and we have now, in all sense of the word, become an island.

For the first time in the EU story, a strong member state has narrowly decided to leave. Just as when Scotland had a referendum the margin was a very close few percent.

Amazingly, as the map on the left clearly shows, Scotland unanimously voted to stay a part of Europe. Scots have the honour of inventing a large proportion of history's great innovations, and we can be proud today, among this battlefield, that we had the common sense and vision to realise we are part of a global community.

The demographic of the vote was on a very distinct sliding scale. The older the voter, the higher the vote to Leave. Unfortunately I am in that older demographic, but I voted to Remain. It smells of a Rule Britannia, crusty ethos.

There is already chatter about Scotland having another referendum to vote on remaining or leaving the UK, and I suspect it would be a different outcome next time.

Time will tell.

In a few weeks time I had planned to return to the United States with my bicycle, a year after the crash in Wyoming, to give a talk during Adventure Cycling's 40th anniversary of Bikecentennial in Missoula, Montana. But I made a decision a few months ago not to go. The thought of a solo bicycle tour again so soon was unnerving me.

So instead of talking live at the event, they gave me a 12 minute slot where I could send them a film of my adventures. In order to make the short film hang together, I had to record what they call, Pieces To Camera, and for the first time I created a small film set in my garden. The end result looks pretty good, and shortly it will wing its way across to the States. I'll be uploading it to YouTube soon and will post the link in next week's blog.

But the highlight of my week has to do with another moment of filming, this time in a major theatre here in Edinburgh. I have been working solidly for the past month on a really great project with special needs schools around the capital, and the finished films were shown in the theatre as part of a bigger, live performance by the school students. It was heart warming to see the effort these kids put in, and the joy they got from it, in front of a thousand people. But one boy, all on his own, blew everyone away, including myself.

For protection reasons I can't tell you his name or show you his image, but here's a small part of the recording of this remarkable 12 year old boy. When you listen to it, bear in mind that just one month ago he had never performed in front of anyone, and usually asked his tutors to turn away. This is him in front of almost a thousand people.

It is a cover of Adele's song, Hello. I think she, like everyone there that night, would shed a tear. I felt immensely privileged to have filmed this first performance of this great talent.