Never a dull moment with George Mitchell: Tirana’s House of Leaves
The Albanian communist regime was one of the cruellest in Europe. It executed around 25,000 of its own people and sent tens of thousands to labour camps.
Feature columnists
Neil Skene: Barry Gibb is getting me into the rhythm of running and Rumba’s help has me Stayin’ Alive
Well hopefully you survived January and are ready to kick on into 2019.
Professor Ewan Gillon: Forget New Year’s Resolutions for 2019 – try new month’s resolutions instead
Let’s be honest: every year, many of us take a moment to reflect on the past year and set goals for the coming year.
George R Mitchell: Sochi – a curious and laid back mix
Do you remember the lady from my hotel in Sukhumi? The one who seemed to enjoy scolding me for treating the place “like a hotel”?
Diary of a first-time mum: A mother’s love is so special
This will be my first Christmas as a mother and that in itself is rather special and remarkable, to me at least.
Neil Skene: It’s time to enjoy the relatively peaceful period before Hogmanay
I’ve just about survived the past few weeks.
George R Mitchell: A post-truth world
“Relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief.”
Professor Ewan Gillon: Don’t let getting angry this Christmas spoil your festive fun
With festive decorations bedecking our cities and villages, Christmas trees aglow and stocking fillers being advertised, you would be forgiven to find it a bit odd that this first week of December is also Anger Awareness Week.
George R Mitchell: I spy with my little eye…
I was part of an official foreign press tour of the Jewish communities on the Israeli side of the Gaza Strip.
Prof Morag Redford: A lesson in how to find more teachers
We are all aware of the shortage of teachers across the north of Scotland and the range of ways local authorities have tried to support teachers to come and teach in our rural schools.
Neil Skene: Mud, sweat… and tears of joy
Blind comedian Neil Skene on why mud, sweat and tears of joy sum up his last few weeks.
Are you being selfish enough? Why looking after number one is more important than you think
From early childhood, most of us are encouraged not to be selfish and to consider others, whether they are family members, friends or colleagues.
George R Mitchell: Entry to Gaza denied
Governed by Hamas, whose long-held aim is the destruction of Israel, the Gaza Strip is home to almost two million people. It has been under severe blockade by Israel for more than 10 years.
Professor Ewan Gillon: You’re so OCD… actually, you’re probably not
Most of us casually talk about ‘being obsessed’ with a new song/ book/food or being "a bit OCD" about cleaning the house before guests arrive, for example.
George R Mitchell: Back on the road again
After a few weeks back home, visiting Peterhead Prison and interviewing the brave ex-prison warder Jackie Stuart, it was time to leave the UK again. And that’s me until Christmas.
A battle with prostate cancer opened my eyes to challenges facing our NHS heroes
Hats off to those stylish bikers who rode through Aberdeen the other day dressed in sharp suits rather than leathers to raise awareness of prostate cancer.
Diary of a first-time mum: I was told I needed mum friends, it sounded hideous but now I know they are vital
Ellie House has learned, amid the tears, vomit and tantrums, that parenthood is a long journey and you are going to need some friends to come along for the ride.
George R Mitchell inside Peterhead Prison: ‘I’m thran, I don’t like to get beat’
Built in 1888, Peterhead Prison housed some of Scotland’s hardest and most violent men for the next 125 years. It didn’t close its doors until 2013.
Neil Skene: Taxi drivers are fine, only 95% of them are constantly moaning
What a few weeks it’s been, I did the Great Aberdeen Run 10k this year and actually led the race until around the 1-mile mark!
Authentic, grim and fascinating: George R Mitchell inside Peterhead Prison
Built in 1888, Peterhead Prison housed some of Scotland's hardest and most violent men for the next 125 years.
Amazing how much life can change in what seems like the blink of an eye
It’s funny how life passes us by so quickly.
Ben Dolphin: I’m all for the ‘bad critters’ in kids’ books
Last month I found myself reading two children’s books, pondering which of the two I’d rather read to a group of toddlers who would soon be learning about ‘critters in litter’ (wee beasties in the undergrowth). One was about a badger and one was about a worm.
Professor Ewan Gillon: A little support and planning can lead to a stress-free student life
Professor Ewan Gillon is a Chartered Psychologist and Clinical Director of First Psychology Scotland. Centres are located in Aberdeen and throughout Scotland.
George Mitchell: A holy pilgrimage through Lalish
Fascinated by the lives of others, George R Mitchell gets under the skin of a country, often uncovering the dark corners of culture, politics and people. He now has 25 years of off-grid travel and 85 countries under his belt, and he's in no mood to stop just yet...
It’s time to ditch ‘mum guilt’ and be more honest about the challenges of motherhood
My son is now five months old and I feel about 500.
George R Mitchell: Hell on earth – Saddam Hussein style
Al-Anfal was a campaign of genocide in the late 1980s waged against the Kurdish people by Saddam Hussein’s regime.
Is it coming home?
We’ve just witnessed a remarkable weekend of sport.
Professor Ewan Gillon: Friends are good for your health
Professor Ewan Gillon is a Chartered Psychologist and Clinical Director of First Psychology Scotland with centres in Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth, Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow & Borders.
Neil Skene: There’s an advantage sometimes to not being able to see on sunny days in Scotland
The recent warm weather spell we have enjoyed fairly played havoc with my senses - and that from a non-hay fever sufferer.
George R Mitchell: Lovely boring normality in Spain
After numerous weeks in Israel and the West Bank, I actually went back into Gaza for a second time and another three days. I finally left at 8am, going once again through the immense security to enter Israel. It’s so tight right now with all the recent killings on the Gaza border. On the Israeli side, I had no option but to take a taxi for 150 USD, direct to Tel Aviv airport; ouch that hurt the old pocket.
George R Mitchell: Interviewing an ex-member of the IDF
Inon Dan Kehati is an ex-Israeli Defence Force soldier. He was recommended to me by a friend, so I personally met with him in Jerusalem. We spent two hours together talking and drinking coffee. However, due to time constraints and other commitments at the time, this interview was done via Skype, after I had left Israel.
Prof Ewan Gillon: You don’t need a getaway to get away from it all
Taking a break from our everyday routine can have huge mental health benefits and it doesn’t need a big holiday to make the difference.