David - Thurs 8th July 2010

Coming to the last part of the MBA and have started my `summer internship' with Magennis-Friel, -a company of whom I confess I had never heard. They are a private funds & assets manager -with their roots in Singapore and Hong Kong and although small they operate worldwide. My time there, until September, will form part of my final result and so naturally I am keen to do well. So far this week though I am just enjoying being back in a workplace. Located just off Paternoster square I couldn't have wished for an easier commute. I have thus far taken to walking to and from work wearing the MBTs I bought at the weekend on Tom's recommendation. They are supposed to improve posture and provide something of a workout? I can certainly feel my calves working overtime and quite enjoy the springy sensation of each step-though I can't help wondering if it appears to others as somewhat overly animated-like the Herge adventures of Tin Tin!

I am somewhat anxious as to my options beyond the summer but I'm trying not to let it occupy my thoughts too much. As Lucy keeps reminding me we have to `Live for the moment'-quite!

David - Tues 1st June 2010

Of the many and varied things I have learnt whilst studying for my MBA ,this last project has been the most interesting and has helped me envisage myself five years hence. Analysing authentic `Financial statements' and examining `performance measurement' methods of a real co. has been immensely enjoyable and I am realising where my strengths lie within Accounting and Finance. In fact after hearing the speech given by HSBC Chairman Stephen Green at the IOD Annual conference last month, in which he delivered a robust and convincing defence of the UK Banking System, I was convinced of his integrity and felt my faith somewhat restored. I think I could happily see myself involved in Private Equity Investments /fundraising /valuations in some capacity, Perhaps as an analyst and possibly even with H.S.B.C.?

David - Sun 2nd May 2010

Just posted off a thank you note to Mr Gilchrist, my fathers former associate - I really can't thank him enough for having me as his guest at the Institute of Directors Annual Conference last Wednesday. Father had told him I was doing an MBA and he thought the day would be useful to me? Absolutely-yes it was !

I know student groups do attend but I was thrilled to have been given the opportunity, not just to be attending such a prestigious event in the business calendar, but to find myself in such good company. Held at the majestic Royal Albert Hall over in Kensington, with guest speakers from the worlds of the arts and sport as well as politics and business. Coming this year only a week before the general election, the role of Government was one of several themes of the days programme. I had expected there would be politicians but what a line up!: Vince Cable, George Osborne and Peter Mandelson spoke at various times throughout the day.

Lord Mandelson displayed his sense of humour when he told us that his last appearance at the convention was as secretary of state for the DTI in 1998 "I very much hope that these appearances do not represent bookends to my ministerial career" The audience responded with what was, I think, the biggest laugh of the day -given the current polls it looks like that may well be the case?.

I was greatly impressed by three speakers in particular: Sir Martin Sorrell-chairman of WPP- made realistic points about how the global economy bail-out and financial crisis had moved the West into a kind of state-directed capitalism.

Despite this though, recovery in Europe is still way behind expectations. Adding to earlier comments from the IOD Director general, Miles Templeman (who had stressed that economies like India and China were no longer competing merely on price but increasingly now in high-tech innovations) he stressed that the balance of power was moving south as well, thanks to South America and Africa.

Most memorable for me was his statement "We are moving back to the future-in the 19th century China and South America accounted for 40per cent of global GDP and they will soon do so again"

Stephen Green -the Chairman of HSBC eloquently defended the UK banking community asserting that the authorities need to widen their approach to monitoring the flow of credit across different asset classes in order to identify and stop the build up of bubbles in the future. He stressed that social responsibility is no longer an optional extra but a necessity for all companies, including HSBC who he said had a responsibility to do more than simply make money.

A recurring theme was 'giving back to the community' and `doing well by doing good' Major Phil Packer spoke movingly of how after his own terrible injuries- sustained while a serving soldier in Iraq- he determined to help "others less fortunate" I was already in awe of this man who I knew from the extensive media coverage at the time, had completed a Marathon! He is now dedicated to providing hope and inspiration to the disabled and disadvantaged and outlined plans for his newly established British Inspiration Trust He deservedly got the biggest applause of the whole day -you simply could not fail to be moved by that mans courage and determination?..

There was a good discussion featuring a panel of successful entrepreneurs -some better known than others- and a pre-recorded interview with Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu in which he talked engagingly of the future for South Africa and commenting on the election of Barack Obama as U.S. president he said "People of colour all over the world walk a little taller" he is a truly endearing character.

Among several athletes was sprinter Dame Kelly Holmes who used the occasion to rally some business support for the commonwealth games. The launch of `Team England' drew some private comments -the name was thought ,by some, to be slightly in question -excluding as it does by definition, the Welsh, Irish and us Scots?

More than 2000 delegates attended what was the 60th I.O.D annual convention - it was a day of insight and inspiration and I felt privileged and delighted to have been there?

David - Thurs 21st April 2010

Glad to be back in Blighty -well I never thought I would hear myself say that!! Our trip to Poland turned into something of an adventure? we were due to fly back last Saturday but because of the Icelandic volcanic ash all flights had been cancelled - an unprecedented situation in the U.K. At first we hadn't realised quite how serious the situation was having not heard much news in English but by Sat. afternoon we knew it was more than a few hours delay??Tom had sent several texts with current info and updates but when Emma texted and advised we should hire a car or take a taxi I thought it was a joke-but we later heard in the news of a family who had paid 1000Euros? By Sunday morning we needed a plan and it was Stefan who organised our train journey-he drove us to Warsaw Centralna which took just under four hours-he wasn't going to take a penny for it either but we insisted he cover himself ,at least for petrol and under protest he accepted 100 Euros. We hastily bought tickets for the `Jan Kiepura' sleeper train, which left at 17:55 and arrived next morning in Cologne at 06:14

It was a pretty good journey -after the confines of the car we stretched our legs, had dinner in the fairly acceptable restaurant car and got our heads down in the 4 berth cabin with basic bunks but decent toilet and shower facilities.

We understood we were to join the Brussels train next where Eurostar would have us in London that day but Stefan had been unable to book us right through and so it was in Cologne we discovered that there was chaos at the Channel tunnel and we wouldn't get a ticket any time soon ?We decided not to be too downhearted but that proved difficult when we learnt that the train we had just got off would have taken us to Amsterdam and the hook of Holland ferry port. So it was that we came to spend the day in Cologne -which is a beautiful city it must be said- and the night too, squeezed into one family room at a Gasthaus close to Köln Hauptbahnhof The funds we saved on the room however were spent that night in the pubs of the mediaeval Alstadt.

On Tuesday Morning we re-joined the `Jan Kiepura' train which took us to Amsterdam where, by now hung over and weary, we spent a bleak afternoon. Uncertainty weighed heavily on everybody and it was plain to see some travellers were finding it very difficult - families with young children especially -though a few were treating it as an adventure and an extension to the Easter school holidays. However having queued for what seemed hours we finally got on board the overnight Ferry ??.after a pretty sleepless night in a stuffy cabin where Jin was snoring loudly and Nico was suffering from sea sickness we arrived at Harwich. To my delight Tom, who had kept track of us, was waiting to take us to London "What are mates for" he grinned -I could have kissed him but settled for an enthusiastic hand shake and for once I didn't care how fast he was driving on the journey home.

David - Fri 15th April 2010

Today we made our presentation which was very well received indeed and we were taken for a celebration meal attended by all the team we had consulted with as well as Piotr and his beautiful wife Monika. Timothy seemed pleased with our work too and congratulated us on the fact that some of our ideas were actually going to be given serious consideration. We had made several suggestions including that in the U.K. one product range, might be trialled -namely the External Roller shutters for domestic use. Despite the popularity of new build kits coming from Germany we were surprised that these shutters have never been featured for use in the U.K. Given the current appeal of enhanced home security and the topical energy efficiency discussions surrounding insulation properties we believe a marketing and advertising campaign could prove successful. We also identified opportunities-we think for overall expansion into Norway and Sweden.

Our experience here has been invaluable and we applaud the Entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic we have witnessed here.

As a relatively new member of the European Union there has been a trend of increased emigration of skilled labour which undoubtedly affected Polish industry-but in the last year, because of the global recession, there has been an increase especially from the U.K. of `returners'. No doubt these workers will bring their experience of other cultures to a country whose demographics must be among the least diverse in Europe.

We will remember the genuine friendliness of everyone we've met and the respect shown to us was indeed reciprocated. Most of all we will recall the warmth and hospitality of Dagmara and Stefan -and all are agreed- we shall be seeking out Polish restaurants back in London.

David - Mon 10th April 2010

Arrived here in Poland last Wednesday and happily everything went to plan. We were met at Krakow airport by Timothy the Tutor who was coordinating the placement consultancy projects for the groups of MBA students, of which we were the second this year. He took the four of us Nico, Jin, Philip and me to what was to be home for the next ten days- a very attractive house in the Kliny district, a residential area in the south part of Krakow. Dagmara, our hostess and her husband Stefan, are wonderful. Our rooms are at the top of the house and we have our own bathroom and shower facilities. We come home each night to an evening meal which is great and at the weekend we were served up a veritable feast!

The company we are working with is a manufacturer of Industrial doors, windows, rolling grilles, and shutters etc. They supply for warehouses and factories, workshops, showrooms and offices but most recently, having acquired technical approval for external roller blind systems, have developed into domestic, residential use.

The company- L.K.P. - was started in 2001by two brothers and to date has customers in Poland, Czech Republic and Belgium. This for us is part of our `Real World' consultancy project -the opportunity to gain first hand experience of a working organisation. Our remit is clear - the company is looking at where to go next. Convinced that standing still is not an option - they would be very interested in the U.K. but fear failure there would damage their reputation. We have had several meetings now with Piotr one of the brothers, and the senior management team so in the course of the next week we will work on the issues raised. It is amazing to have already discovered just how much we have all learnt since starting our course?.

Having gained an overview of the competition we will now endeavour to carry out research looking at the U.K. and Scandinavian markets, in which we can hopefully identify opportunities, then examining potential problems we shall put together our conclusions and possibly some recommendations?..

David - Mon 5th April 2010

I am really glad I stayed in London for the Easter weekend. It has been thoroughly enjoyable. Of course I had to make my excuses, for Mother especially, but travelling up to Edinburgh would have left me short of time to prepare for my trip to Poland on Wednesday which is, after all, part of my studies and that's the truth. Tom and Victoria went home on Thursday and I only saw Emma very briefly before she left for her skiing holiday yesterday so the house was quiet -just the cat and me.

I have always had an interest in the Oxford/Cambridge annual boat race as a rower myself and so I relished the opportunity to watch it live.

It was originally an idea between two friends Charles Wordsworth (nephew of the famous poet William Wordsworth) who had gone to Oxford and his old school chum also Charles -surname Merivale I think, who was a student at Cambridge Cambridge sent a challenge to Oxford in March 1829 and so the tradition began and continues to this day. The race itself is much the same but it is now an international sporting occasion with world wide TV coverage and millions of viewers! Though wind and rain had been forecast it had stayed quite calm-the weather really can affect the river conditions and it can get very choppy - in fact boats have been known to sink!

I met up with colleagues Nico, from Brazil and Jin from S.Korea at Hammersmith. They too were keen to experience the race live. We had a pub lunch in the Rutland arms which, packed out with spectators had a great atmosphere, before witnessing what was described as a `truly epic battle on the Tideway' Despite the fact that Oxford, winners of the 2009 race, were the bookies favourite-and a win would have given them a hat trick- Cambridge came from behind to defiantly win the I56TH boat race in 17 mins and 35 secs.

The winning Light Blues now have overall advantage in the series - with Cambridge having now won 80 races against Oxford's 75.

David - Mon 15th Mar 2010

Last night I received a telephone call from my cousin Caitlin-which completely took me by surprise. Seemingly, Gran had given her my contact details and told her I would be well placed to give her financial advice! I couldn't remember the last time I had even seen her (possibly Grandfathers funeral?) so it was all very odd. Apparently she had been living in Aberdeen, having been at University there, but was now about to sell her flat and was thinking of renting for a year or two in Edinburgh with a view to buying when the property prices had fallen further again and what did I think? After my initial shock I asked what she intended to do with the money she would receive in the interim. She said she didn't quite know but a friend had suggested putting it into dollars? Well, of course the dollar is up against the Euro at present -10% since December I think and it is, for the time being anyway, the world's reserve currency and if I were to speculate ?. But this was the last thing I thought I should say - so I told her that considering this was potentially her home she would be betting with -that it was not a good idea. Instead I suggested she shop around for the highest yields in short term savings accounts -given that she will have to divide the money into £50,000 chunks if it is to be protected under the financial services compensation scheme in the event of Bank failure. I also stressed that inflation would impact negatively but that if property prices should fall this could balance out any loss. To my astonishment she did not seem very happy at all and our conversation ended shortly after. I don't think she even asked anything about me after her opening line "Hi I hear you're doing an MBA - I need some business advice?"

Tom who was in the room and had overheard the whole thing and recognising my rising indignation grinned and said "Welcome to the club mate- that's families for ya!" Indeed!

David - Mon 15th Feb 2010

Started the day early with a game of squash at the school sports centre - I felt I needed to clear my head and unwind to prepare for a tough marketing exercise being set for us today.

It was a real buzz two teams were in competition in a simulation of a new company start -up. We had to produce a successful marketing-mix taking in costing, distribution, advertising etc. While working in a realistic, high pressured environment.

The day ended with each team making a presentation which we happened to win!

It was then off to the pub to celebrate but I hadn't imagined Lucy would come -afterall she'd been on the losing side?.. It felt terribly awkward at first and when I got up to go to the bar, when my round came, she stood up too with an offer of help. I honestly didn't know what to say -I had no idea she would be sending me a Valentines Day card and maybe I could have accepted it a little more graciously -the truth is I just don't send cards like that -of course when I was with Fiona ?.but that was different. It isn't that I wasn't flattered she's a very attractive girl it's just well? a bit sudden?

However, before there was any more time to think ,Lucy caught up with me at the bar, linked her arm through mine and whispered "It was just a bit of fun my little Scottish Braveheart Buddy" and kissed me on the cheek??'Phew!

David - Mon 8th Feb 2010

I Met with Helen, my `career coach', today. I had been slightly apprehensive being unsure what she could do for me but I was pleasantly surprised - she was so nice and talking came easily to me for once. One of the things she advised, which I would never have thought of doing, is to include my GMAT score (700 is above average) on my C.V.

Quite honestly I have been having such a great time here that life after my M.B.A. has been hard to imagine-So it was very helpful to discuss my future plans and she really gave me a lot to think about. I came away knowing that I have to decide, and soon -whether I am looking for just a new role or a new industry altogether!

David - Mon 11th Jan 2010

The `Drinks party' here on Saturday was largely Emma's idea and she did most of the organising. I'm glad she coaxed me into inviting some friends from my course and I was surprised they all came - It was great to see Simon and Chen - (who had never been at the house) and of course the girls -with Lucy, as ever, the life and soul of the party. She got on extremely well with Victoria and Emma and I think may be linking up with them for a girl's night out. One can't help noticing how cheery Emma has become since taking up with her new beau-this is not her usual demeanour and I am happy for her.

David - Thurs 7th Jan 2010

Have to say I was glad to get back to London. Christmas day at home was spent in the usual way with family. Attended the service at St.Giles in the morning where we met up with Grandmother and Great Aunt Meg followed by lunch prepared at our house by Mother. The usual pattern of Sherries, Charades and the Queens annual speech on TV was only slightly interrupted by Douglas, who caused a bit of a stir , announcing that when he finishes his studies this year he intends to travel, for a year at least, or until the job prospects improve. This set the old man off but the `girls' (not Mother) thought it very exciting and suggested they should meet up with him in China ,or somewhere else en route, which made me smile?? By Hogmanay I had come down with some sort of virus -a streaming cold and headache - so I just about managed to stay up for the `bells' then slept through most of New Years day.

Mother had become quite upset when I had said I was booking my return ticket for the 2nd of Jan' and insisted I stay for my birthday on the 5th - for a "special meal with the family" so that's what happened and I got the train down yesterday.

It was good to see friends though and catch up with all the news .Duncan and Vanessa are to tie the knot in September and gave me the date for the diary. Come to think of it I would not have missed the Skiing in the Cairngorms for the world??

David - Mon 21st Dec 2009

This is another world - there has been the `right' kind of snow here in the Cairngorms and we have had just the best conditions for Skiing over the weekend. I must admit last Thursday when the guys called me I was not keen on the idea of coming up here. I had just arrived back in Edinburgh and after such a busy term I confess I had been ready to vedge-out at my parents for a bit, but I am glad I was persuaded. Never known it quite this cold -last night it went 16 below, still we were in a heated cabin with adequate facilities and plentiful supplies of food and adult beverages. The Scottish Highlands are great at any time but with the strong light and blue skies it is an incredible scene. Andrew did point out at breakfast today that we should be thinking of heading down to Edinburgh soon, just in case the weather really sets in and we get stuck here for Christmas??.certainly my parents would be upset but on the other hand ?.Christmas day with a few of my oldest friends and no hassles - what a deliciously tempting prospect!

David - Mon 16th Nov 2009

Read in the papers last week that UK unemployment has hit its highest level since 1995, according to official figures. I certainly Know a number of people who are in dire straits at the moment. Attended a talk recently by Dr Adam Posen a member of the new Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee.

He discussed some of the issues arising from the introduction of quantitative easing this year -thinks there is no evidence to support the conclusion that quantitative easing will lead to unacceptably high inflation. He argued that the impact of the unconventional monetary policy on the economy is likely to be positive even though it is not possible to be precise but adding that policy should be considered in terms of its effect on specific credit markets as well as the total sums spent.

The ability of the financial sector to support recovery was for him a key concern he said "?the relative limits in the UK on availability of non-bank financing for smaller companies may constrain emergence of a sustainable private-sector led recovery". It's a fact - when the major banks are troubled, the structure of the UK financial system provides few alternative means of financing for businesses. There was lively chat in the pub afterwards not least about the disturbing parallel to Japan in the 1990s which we all agreed was a point that should not be exaggerated but neither overlooked. We felt strongly too that there had to be a restructuring of the UK financial system to allow for more banking competition and more access to non-bank financing in the interests of economic recovery as well as of financial stability. Dr Posen's view was that "?the banking system must be largely fixed before the macroeconomic stimulus is needed to be withdrawn." We all drank to that!

0n Saturday night I went to Ronnie Scotts with James -friend and former colleague from the bank- who loves his Jazz nearly as much as I do ?It was a sellout night for Bobby Hutcherson, one of only a handful of vibraphonists to enjoy success as both a jazz instrumentalist and a composer. Hutcherson's music is just wonderful - so compelling and full of joy but almost impossible to put into words without resorting to clichés- you just had to listen to hear the magic - a really great night!

David - Mon 19th Oct 2009

I can only say that after a busy start to my MBA things have settled to a `hectic pace' which I suppose is fair for what is after all an accelerated 12 month programme!

I got a lot out of the initial two week orientation which included the leadership and team building weekend workshop and was a really good way to get to know the other students and our tutors too!

I was amazed at the group-mix which includes American, Korean, Chinese and Brazilian as well as several chaps who had found their `employment options limited' like me.

A fairly competitive and mostly outgoing bunch - one of the first topics was our Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) Apparently the class average for last years intakes was a score of 640 so I was quite willing to say I had notched up 700 !

Am quite confident about the first term core modules, for which my current background and experience will stand me in good stead. Socially I have been kept very busy- mostly by Lucy who is from the U.S. and seems to crave company nearly all the time. Among other things she has insisted on us all being involved in a creative photography competition for students (as in we have been her subjects!) including being part of a Video which is by now, I fear, on show to the whole world ??

Along with a few others I have put my name down for the Credit Crunch Society- the aim of the group being to gain a better understanding of the events that have caused the current economic downturn and its repercussions both in the short and long term. A series of seminars are planned which will feature speakers who have experienced and been at the forefront of these developments over the last year and earlier.

Fellow student Eduardo, from Brazil, has promised to ensure that we shall not be `down-turned' by the downturn and that attendance at these events must be sandwiched between study tours of London Public houses as a safeguard against our depression! Likewise he has insisted on our all joining the `Real ale society' as a medicinal measure against the general `doom and gloom' of the economic climate?.I think it could work!

David - Mon 14th September 2009

Have had a busy couple of weeks since starting my MBA. I expected to find things a bit hectic especially having had such a long break from working ??.the `Bank' already seems a lifetime ago. Great start though. On the weekend prior to the beginning of term all the full time M.B.A. students went down to a Naval base in Portsmouth for a bit of team-building. All sorts of problem solving /thinking skills involved in the exercises. It was really terrific! I especially enjoyed the `sinking ship' simulator where we had to stop the ship going down -all frighteningly real and exciting stuff! It was definitely bonding; there were certainly no strangers in the team after that exercise!

The first term involves core subjects and I'm steadily getting back into study mode again. There are at least a few dozen clubs and societies but so far I have just stuck to the sports centre. I think I need to get my fitness and stamina up a bit ?.besides I'd like to settle in with my course group first.

All in all I am very glad I decided to stay on in London-despite family ties or maybe because of them! My visit to Australia earlier this year has certainly given me a different perspective on distances and Edinburgh is only a couple of hours away.

David - April 2009

Back in Edinburgh for Easter?.it must be said the city looks a mess-total chaos because of a new tramline system being developed. Princes Street is closed to traffic-while diversions and subsequent traffic jams along George Street have added to the commuters' misery. Have yet to hear from any native of the city who is in favour of the plan or can see any need for one and (to top it all) the whole project is running ridiculously over budget. ?

Sunday service at St.Giles Cathedral followed by lunch with Grandma Baird ??..bit of a strain for all of us as she seems to repeat things a lot now but particularly difficult for my mother who could seemingly do nothing right. I thanked her again for the very generous cheque I had received for my Birthday back in January (-although I had of course written at the time I hadn't seen her personally to thank her) but was quite taken aback when she leaned over and whispered "It was my pleasure dear and school trips really are very important -travel broadens the mind you know"? Thankfully her poor hearing and inability to adjust her hearing aid saved her from hearing my idiot brother ask "Hey Gran what planet are you on?" though she must surely have seen him laughing. I suppose at eighty two we may expect our faculties to have faded somewhat but later I felt a little sad - I had believed that she knew that her `gift' was enabling me to take the MBA course?-my mother says at the time she did and not to fret. I think maybe I should start sending her postcards??.

Spent a few days up with Alex, Stuart and co. in St. Andrews-they insisted on covering all the old haunts and I ended up drinking too much and eating the carry out/throw away food that inevitably ensues. When I got back to Edinburgh I decided a run through Inverleith park might get me back on track and just as I was on my way home (and of course sweating buckets) I was literally stopped in my tracks by Sophie!! Of all the people in all the parks???? I was speechless anyway panting for breath and could manage only the briefest of exchanges?.I heard myself bumble out a few words something about how sorry I was that I couldn't stop but it would be bad for my heart rate ?..I felt myself cringing as I spoke but her voice ?..her words I wanted to cling on to!

"David?..hi, how are you? sooo strange bumping into you like this????.. I was just thinking about you ???..call me?

She Iooked fantastic her face as lovely as ever and I spent the next few days pondering whether to call. We had not remained friends thus far - well there had been no question of it -when she had announced her relationship with JAKE or whatever his name was it had been pretty self explanatory - I was a loser!? Should we, could we be friends had not even been subject for discussion at the time so why now? Could I really envisage -lunch at Urban Angel or some such current place-to-be-seen? Fiona, Jake and me sharing jolly anecdotes and amicably splitting the bill? No, as Emma would say `the Past is a foreign land darling-move on with your life!'

I never called and I returned to London feeling a little lighter!.

David - March 2009

It feels very good to have the exam over now in the knowledge that I will be starting an M.B.A. with Cass. here in September. I must confess things have felt a bit strange since I finished up with the bank - no daily routine to work around and I had quite forgotten what it felt like to focus on studying. Still, greatly looking forward to the autumn term - what to do meantime though. Will spend some time at home over Easter and sort out the summer??..meantime back to training. Thanks to Tom's insistence I train with him twice a week and though I say it myself am in quite good shape now. Started running more seriously and go out with the group from the health club too -which was a good way of getting out of Tom's five-a-side team. Those guys are just crazy and if the matches played are `friendlies' then I just shudder to think??..

David - January 2009

I think last night made me realise how good it is to live with people I can really talk too-something I haven't perhaps appreciated until now.

The conversation really started to flow when I announced that I had tendered my notice to the Bank and my decision to go for a full time MBA. at Cass Business here in London.

Looking back at last years Diary it was clear that things had gone from bad to worse and when I went home to Edinburgh at Christmas I had long discussions with my Family in particular as well as former colleagues and friends. Of course the rumours were rife, the media were and still are having a field day with allegations and accusations- everybody and their granny had an opinion of how things had happened with the Banks and could've- should've - would've been avoided. I was quite taken aback by the public response and the emotion generated -not just amongst shareholders who would understandably be angry but right across the nation -genuine upset at the untimely demise of the two banks -Bank of Scotland was after all a great national institution of 300 yrs standing .

Anyway I had to conclude that I just didn't want to continue as an employee -whether in the longer term they wanted me or not-and though I am still not clear about the future-as nobody can be- I think it's right for me to know I am on a track that will reap benefits when things settle again .

Listening to my Father and Uncle in particular discussing the failure of Banks to exercise the necessary caution and integrity leaves me wondering whether it is a profession I wish to be a part of anymore.

Anyway now that I have taken the steps to changing course and with something definite to focus on I am starting to feel positive again. I must say it was good to really chat without the girls too last night- I can't remember the last time we did that -at least not without someone getting upset-often Tom and or Emma who do seem to like winding each other up-but for once we had good chat, good wine and what more do you want from your Housemates??.

David - 16th September 2008

I think Tom got that right - though it's been tough out there and we have had problems too but the shares reissue helped and I am cautiously optimistic. One of my best friends from Uni 'Peter ended up with the Bank of Scotland (latterly HBOS ) and he is now unemployed??His wedding , planned for next year, will now have to be put on hold and he doesn't know how well that's going to go down with Catriona. I thought her Father was paying for everything but as Peter pointed out what's the point if they can't afford to buy somewhere to live? Most of my contemporaries are of the view that Bank of Scotland did not have an external perspective on things - with a global outlook that was limited- apparently they didn't even have anything solid going on in China?