Dundee may once have been known for its ‘Jute, Jam and Journalism’, but the self-declared ‘City of Discovery’ is home to one of the most important ships in the history of science… The Royal Research Ship Discovery, now permanently berthed at Discovery Point on Dundee’s evolving waterfront, was the last traditional wooden three-masted ship built […]
About paulfcockburn
Edinburgh-based freelance magazine journalist, specialising in equality issues (disability and/or LGBT+), popular science, and arts & culture.Author Archive | paulfcockburn
Mock the Weak?
Diversity continues to be an issue in the mainstream media, but what can be done to improve the representation and portrayal of disabled people? Back in March 2016, when the actor, writer and broadcaster Sir Lenny Henry made national headlines about the lack of diversity in the UK’s mainstream media—and, in particular, within public broadcaster […]
In the Footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson
The much-loved Scottish author enjoyed a special connection with France, and is still remembered in some places today. Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894), author of classic novels including Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, is nowadays most often linked with either the Scottish capital Edinburgh—the city of his birth and […]
Andrew Doyle on Forrest Reid
The acerbic writer and stand-up is determined to spread the word about his gay literary hero—who died 70 years ago. Most GT readers will know Andrew Doyle for his stand up comedy; as a frequently hilarious, sharply intelligent, and fearless stage presence, ready to push audience tolerance of “bad taste” to the limit. Some of […]
Go Commando!
As Dundee-based D C Thomson publishes the 5,000th issue of Commando, Paul F Cockburn asks how this iconic title continues to thrive. Commando For Action and Adventure—to give the line’s full title—is arguably British comics’ greatest survivor. Yes, 2000AD triumphantly published its 2,000th “prog” back in September 2016, but this small “digest” comic line—with its […]
Working Up A Lather
Scotland is well known for many fine, quality food and drink products, but the last few years has seen increased national and international recognition for a wide range of artisan soaps and other skincare products. Often made with locally-sourced ingredients, Scotland’s soap makers offer environmentally-conscious fragrances which can be appreciated around the world. “Scottish soaps […]
Holidays with the Stars
Astronomy and holiday are two concepts that are increasingly being combined with great results, as Paul F Cockburn discovers. The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array is a revolutionary astronomy platform located in the thin, dry air of northern Chile’s Atacama desert that has been providing new insights into star and planet formation since it became operational […]
