Sunday 24 October 2010

Not so bonnie Scotland...

Regular readers of this blog will have noticed that when we go out for our walks, Gail often gets me to 'pose' for photos in a particularly picturesque spot. (Sometimes I cooperate, sometimes I don't, that's a subject for another day.)

But is this the right thing to do anyway?

You see, I have started to worry I might be misleading my blogging friends by portraying an image of Scotland that is all stunning landscapes of mountains, lochs and glens, interspersed with the occasional ancient and historic castle here and there...

Well I would be quite happy to continue colluding with this deception, if the Scottish Tourist Board, or other organisation with an interest in perpetrating the myth that all parts of my homeland are beautiful and interesting, would be prepared to hand over a generous, er, 'consideration' for my efforts (on a regular basis of course).

But the ugly truth is, you don't have to go far in Aberdeen before you are confronted by some exceptionally dreary architecture..

I can show you an almost infinite number of similarly hideous buildings, and believe me they look much, much worse when the weather is more typically grey and Aberdonian than it was this afternoon.

Now please don't let this be interpreted as blackmail but...

If anyone out there wants me to stick to only posing in front of the scenic stuff, then well let's just say that I am willing to negotiate...

20 comments:

  1. Ah, the delights of Scottish social housing. Why is it that the harling on Aberdonian estates always looks particularly depressing in, or after, the rain?
    Bertie. You can be photographed in front of anything - the eye will naturally be drawn to you.

    Thanks by the way for the comment and the memories of wee Hamish. I think the confusion may be the continuing progression from spleen to lung and onwards. For the time being he remains affability personified.

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  2. Well, we were aware of the "architectue" even never having been there... We prefer the pictures you post though.

    Sam

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  3. We all have our other parts of town -- and the project housing tourism promoters choose to ignore. We appreciate your giving us a more balanced picture -- on the other paw, a few extra bucks (pounds?) for mad money never hurts.

    Good luck in your negotiations. (We hear that tweeting gets the job done!!)

    Wirey woofs,

    Jake and Just Harry

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  4. Bertie, I'm afraid that as long as you're in them, all your photos will be an advertisment for Scotland. But hey, it never hurts to try a thing. If you start posting only the beauty spots will we know you've hit paydirt?

    lotsa licks, Lola

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  5. Nothing in Aberdeen could be as beautiful as you, Bertie!
    Perhaps you should take this angle with the Tourist Board - and tell them they need to include you in all their holiday brochures.
    One packet of schmackos says you'll get the job!

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  6. Oh I can find places like that to, believe me and not that far away from where we live, but the fact is Bertie its not that far to get to the beautiful country side. Keep up the good work, and just maybe it will pay off and you will get a phone call from the Scottish Tourist Board ;)
    After all you have been on the TV, so I see you as a star.
    See Yea George xxx

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  7. Oh Bertie
    every place has stuffs like that. Here I thought Scotland was all countryside!! Hehehe. Take your picture anywhere cuz we are looking at the star!! Thats you!! :-)

    wags
    Jazzi

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  8. Hello Bertie, we know there are lots of not so nice places all over the world.
    We prefer to see the nice side of Scotland!
    With you in the picture though everywhere is just beautiful.
    love you lots
    Aunties Martha and Bailey xxx

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  9. Oh Dear Bertie and Gail, believe me and the rest of us when we say that "we know that Bouncing Berties Blog is NOT Scottish Tourist Board advertisement"

    Of course we prefer to see the nice side of Scotland!

    But we really just care about
    seeing the nice side of BERTIE!!!

    That was my Mom Blu! I really agree with Mom, except about seeing the nice side of Bertie, I personally prefer seeing ANY side of Bertie, 'cause I think he is a real cutie patootie!

    woo woo to Bertie and Gail!!!


    woo woos, Tessa

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  10. Truth can be ugly--but does it HAVE to be that ugly! We've got areas, but they do try to use attractive building materials. At least the grass is green!

    You could sell anything, Bertie.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

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  11. I agree with Lola, you make everything look good!

    Your pal, Pip

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  12. It's all a matter of perspective ... and we know that's it's hard, if not impossible to be objective about sights and sounds and smells. (Seems like someone recently was reminding us about the importance of valuing diversity.) Anyway, one way or another, Moma is teaching us to find beauty in everything.

    Now. About that compensation ...

    Sniffing about,
    Jake and Fergi
    xxoo

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  13. Haha, you've got great bargaining skills, Bertie!

    Nubbin wiggles,
    Oskar

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  14. Bewtie
    I had no idea you had such amazing bawganing skills..did unkel Ewic help wif that idea??it sounds like something he would think up, hehehe
    I hope the touwist boawd is weading this and listening...as faw as those houses, I'm vewy much afwaid that is what is in my footoowe..icky public housing, but wifout the lovely gween awound it
    smoochie kisses
    ASTA

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  15. Bewtie
    I had no idea you had such amazing bawganing skills..did unkel Ewic help wif that idea??it sounds like something he would think up, hehehe
    I hope the touwist boawd is weading this and listening...as faw as those houses, I'm vewy much afwaid that is what is in my footoowe..icky public housing, but wifout the lovely gween awound it
    smoochie kisses
    ASTA

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  16. You are a great poser Bertie. And yes, no matter what, Scotland still looks beautiful
    Benny & Lily

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  17. Hey there Bertie...

    Your 'not-so-nice' buildings look palacial when you consider some of our own derelict architectural structures.
    Either way...ALL your photographs (Posed or other...even the virtual 'ugly - although I've not seen that yet!) are extremely interesting. No apologies needed!
    Buildings (ALL) express the culture of a community and therefore ALL are interesting! (My interest is generally cultural - not scientific) Beauty is in the eye of the beholder anyway! :)

    Sending lotsalicks
    TOBY AND MAXMOM IN SA

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  18. You have to tell it like it is, my friend. Makes me enjoy the pretty pictures even more.

    Slobbers,
    Mango

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  19. Would it be wrong to suggest planting some English Ivy to cover up those grey boxes? Shutters...what would be wrong with some fanciful shutters in a bright color or two? Are there no police issuing tickets for "Too much grey"...couldn't they hang some kilts or something? Good Golly Man! We live in Oregonw where it rains more than Scotland and we have color on everything. Of course we are a young country with limited tastes but goodness sakes to save a sailor, we draw the line at grey boxes in green lawns! This must be stopped!

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  20. Bertie - We much prefer the picturesque scenery, like that waterfall a few days ago. We've got some of these ugly "prison-like" structures here, too. They call them apartments and they're supposed to be all fancy, but they look like prisons!
    We think the Tourism Board SHOULD, um, "compensate" you for your efforts :)
    The Road Dogs

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