Paper Tigers
A few months ago I was writing in this diary about the late John Junor. I had just picked up a copy of his autobiography - Listening for a Midnight Tram - and I'd recommend it to anyone interested in that era of newspaper journalism.
As it happens, his daughter Penny Junor is currently making a series for us in which she interviews former newspaper editors about the biggest or most memorable stories of their careers. Included in that list is Magnus Linklater and Andrew Neil.
The series is being produced here in Inverness by Dan Holland and I'm afraid I've been annoying him by asking for updates on each interview. As you might have guessed, it's a topic that interests me a lot.
Of course most of these chaps worked in the era before work-life balance was even talked about and it's sad to hear how so many of them regret the time they spent at the office and away from their families. It's something I worry about myself.
In the series, Penny asks Andrew Neil if he has remained a bachelor because of his workaholic tendencies. I wont spoil things by telling you how he answered.
Meanwhile I'm off to read some bedtime stories.
