Moment to reflect
Perhaps you will permit me to share a thought, an emotion, with you.
Nothing to do with Holyrood. Nothing, for once, to do with politics.
This morning, I arrived for work at the Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú's imposing HQ in Glasgow, on the banks of the Clyde.
My gaze turned instinctively towards the river, carpeted in icy fog. I peered through the mist at the Glenlee, the Tall Ship. I glanced towards a Vital Spark-style puffer, moored on the north side.
I thought of an image I had seen of this area, Pacific Quay, crowded as it once was with vessels of all kinds.
And my thoughts turned towards the missing crew of the tugboat, sunk pursuing the Clyde's ancient purpose.
For those who can, a contented Christmas and a guid New Year. For those who can't, for whatever reason, my sympathy.
I'm 
Comments
You should stick to your moments of reflection Brian-at least your readers can't accuse you of bias!
Forget the politicising.
Happy Christmas and a Guid New Year to all of the bloggers.
And best wishes too to all those brave enough to step up and be involved in our democratic institutions. Democracy is not easy, but the alternative are far worse
Agreed Brian we should spare a thought to those who have more important things going on than that in Hollyrood.
Keep up the Blog its hugeley entertaining.
Amen to that Brian.
Whether I agree with you or not, I always enjoy your blog Brian.
Happy Yuletide to you.
That's incredibly well put.
Cheers Brian, here's hoping for a guid one for you as well.
Mr Taylor,thank you for your wonderful contribution,it has been pleasurable reading.I agree, let's spare a thought for the families of the missing tugboat crew.
What a heartful thought and put with incredible clarity. Thanks.
Nice one Brian. It is very easy to forget that there are a lot more unfortunate people out there than us.
I commend you.
Well said, Brian, & all the best to you.
I notice you never mentioned Aberdeens tremendous result - surely not jealousy from a United fan? Just kidding - wonder if we can get Alex Salmond to support us against Bayern as he appears to be a lucky mascot!
Yes, well said and thanks. Really nice to see such unanimity and goodwill on the message board too.
I wonder.... How about a New Year resolution by all who put messages on this board... let's agree to state our political convictions clearly and robustly, but respect the fact that others can have a different view of Scotland's future, and so refrain from nasty, bitter attacks. How about it guys? For the sake of a better Scotland?
Thanks for all the blogs,
Merry Christmas!
Very eloquent Brian. All the best to the 'bloggers' for the festive season.
Agree those sentiments also to those who have lost a loved one at this time of year.have a good festive yourself Brian
Happy Season to all, and especially to you, sir!
Slainte
ed
Bless the boat men for doing their duty, their famlies for having to thole their loss and those that strove to rescue them. Bless also the survivor who will be haunted forever by what might have been. Thank what ever you believe in that it was not you
Excellent article, and a bit unexpected. It is important to remember those who are suffering at this time. Human lives are greater than politics.
Many thanks, Brian.
I return the sentiments of the last paragraph. It is delightfully phrased.
Lang may your lum reek.
It is indeed a time for reflection, and perhaps also for Gaelic elegy?
For those who missed it on STV and Grampian this year's Gaelic College lecture - a major statement - is on:
Yes,indeed Brian,
best wishes to you and yours -
and theirs that we might serve
As a sometime hard critic of you Brian, may I wish you and yours, all the best.
And can i reiterate the same thoughts to ALL the bloggers who frequent this forum, no matter what your political beliefs are.
Lang may yer Lums Reek to all.
Well put and agreed with all my heart. A poor Christmas for some.
I was born and bred in Govan Brian and your blog took me back sixty years............Merry Christmas and a Guid 2008 to you and the Bloggers.
Brian you deliver as near to balanced reporting as we can expect from a human individual who must attempt at all times work to suppress their own partiality.
If you have any spare blood you could possibly provide one of your London colleagues with a transfusion in order that he can follow your example of ‘unbiased’ political reporting; mince pie anyone?
NB. It must be said your balanced reporting does not extend to football, but I suppose nobody’s perfect.
Could not be better put, well said Brian.
Well said, Brian.
To all of you, best wishes and lang may your lums reek.
A very poignant image Brian , I'm sure these men and their families are in all our thoughts this Christmas.
It's been quite a year and I find myself looking forward to your "take" on the weeks stories.
Please keep up with the blog it has become something of an institution .
I don't always agree with you but for a Unionist you're close to being one of the good guys ( who says I'm a Unionist I hear you ask? OK I'm guessing there.....)
Anyway thanks again and hope you and yours have a peaceful and happy Christmas.
A very thoughtful post. I always enjoy reading your posts on a daily basis, even if I don't always agree. Your wit, your humour, your sensitivity, make your blog one of the best on the bbc news website.
Merry Christmas and a peaceful 2008
Well said Brian. All the best for 2008.
A long holiday absence, to be sure!
And a guid ne'ear tae yin an' a'!
Slainte
ed