Huttonian was glad to be on the north platform at Ber Wick upon Tweed at 1020 this morning to catch the 1025 to Embra. The southward platform was taken up with the Lunnon bound 1011 which had arrived acceptably late running (2 minutes)but had then stopped with its future intentions in doubt. Station staff were huddled around the one land line in apparent consultation with signal people further south-cell phone communications apparently not used in such circumstance. Passengers were standing uncertainly on the platform; in some cases one foot on the carriage step the other on terra firma watching the man with the whistle who was scratching his bum with it in a pensive sort of way. Doors remained unlocked and all eyes were trained south waiting for some kind of sign-thunder from the right perhaps. I asked a senior serge clad official what was going on. 'Haven't a clue. I am only the station manager' Were his words being echoed on the train by the traveling highheidyin? 'Customers will note we are still at Ber Wick. We haven't a clue why and I am only the Guard. Any inconvenience is regretted.In the absence of soothing music we will be sounding the disabled passenger alarm at regular intervals.'

WE headed north leaving them too it. They were not there when we returned 4 hours later so it can't have been all that late.

MENDICANT Watch

Only a brief visit to Ould Reekie. No mendicant pipers audible. Strike one. Rose street had three money collectors. The man with the wee dog (no combat jacket for climatic reasons-the dog that is) has transferred his pitch from Jenners to Rose Street. He has a new skill:the recorder. So he is promoted from mendicant to busker.He was suitably rewarded. Two others. A fit looking, well built, well dressed guy with a smart folding chair and an expensive rug and a large tin. He sings not neither does he smile. No words in his script. The tin was full. I felt no urge to add to his effortless income. Finally a wee scrawny fellow. Wrapped in a rug with a small tin. No music just a continuous whine soliciting 'change' not 'small' just 'change' Not a winning pitch. Tin empty. Passed by on the other side. Never back a loser.

I bought a Big Issue and returned to the Merse. Embra has its limitations.
'  ¶ 4:00 PM