Left: Farmer 'Ozzy' told me all about cows and estate farming for my novel 'Bagpipes & Bullshot' and patiently answered all my questions with great humour. His expert advice gave me real perspective on what might work in my plot and what wouldn't.

Left: Top chef Colin Masson agreed to share his afternoon coffee breaks with me on several occasions, and told me lots of wonderful anecdotes about chefs, restaurants, and kitchens, giving me lots of plotting ideas for my novel in progress 'Reaching For The Stars'.

Above: Reporter Jennifer Humphries and her cameraman John, made the whole day fun while we were filming for ITV 'Lookaround'. We began the day at the award winning Blackaddie Hotel with chef Ian McAndrew, and then concluded things back at my cottage kitchen and home office. Thanks Jennifer!