Tracy Beaker author Jacqueline Wilson

Tracy Beaker author Jacqueline Wilson gave her biggest ever book talk yesterday as she took part in a live webcast from BBC Scotland's HQ in Glasgow. The event, organised by the Scottish Book Trust had an audience of over 40,000 children from all over the UK as well as a lucky class from Deans Primary School in Livingston who were there in person.

Lovely lady - she even signed a book for my daughter!

Wickerman Festival

Last weekend I was commissioned by 3x1 to provide press and event images from the Wickerman Festival which takes place near Kirkcudbright in Dumfries and Galloway. The festival is now in it's ninth year and this year attracted bands such as The Charlatans, Ocean Colour Scene and Tony Christie. Franz Ferdinand frontman Alex Kapranos also made a surprise appearance.

I spent Saturday afternoon and evening capturing the atmosphere around the festival and wiring out photographs to the national and regional press. The highlight of the weekend was the burning of the Wickerman which took place at midnight on Saturday.

It was touch and go for a while as the mist rolled in from the sea and threatened to obscure the effigy. In the end the mist added to the feel of the magical event and fireworks provided a backlight to the sculpture, picking out its shape though the mist resulting in a great image.

Achieved good coverage in, amongst others, the Sunday Herald, The Scotsman, Metro and on the BBC website.

More pics on Facebook.

A gruffalo! Why, didn't you know?

I was at the Scottish Book Trust yesterday for the launch of Meet Our Authors which is sponsored by Scottish Friendly. Meet Our Authors is a digital resource of first-class online content featuring the world’s best children's authors, accessible to children and young people nationwide.

I wanted a really simple photograph which summed up the story so after all the other photographers had left I set up this picture with a wee girl from a local primary and The Gruffalo. The expression on the girls' face makes the picture. And the client was delighted.
Visit RobMcDougall.com

The Dalmore Oculus

Whisky consultant Marin Green from Bonhams examines The Dalmore Oculus, a rare and unique bottle of precious whisky assembled from some of the most exceptional whiskies of the past 140 years. The whisky is part of Bonhams auction which takes place tomorrow and is expected to fetch between £15,000 - £20,000.
Visit RobMcDougall.com

And the Winner is...

Congratulations to regular clients Weber Shandwick, VisitScotland, 3x1 Public Relations and Wave PR who have all been nominated for this year's CIPR awards. Good luck!
Visit RobMcDougall.com