I still don’t quite know what to make of Sepp Blatter’s resignation.

It was only a few days after he’d secured his presidency for another term. Maybe there’s a lot to come out about his dealings behind the scenes. It would seem so.

But…. A thought occurred to me.

Is it a bit like John Major’s resignation? He resigned (as head of the Tory Party) but still managed to stay on if you recall.

And Blatter’s given himself about six months still in charge while the process of electing a successor takes place. I wouldn’t be in the least surprised if he tried to stand again.

Whatever, I doubt that the next World Cup will be removed from Russia. There were good reasons why it should go there. (It was Europe’s turn and Russia hadn’t had it yet, among others.)

Qatar in 2022 is another matter. (But 2022 is Asia’s turn.)

In another point; to make things absolutely clear, if there is a rerun of the voting for 2018 or 2022, to avoid accusations of sour grapes, England ought not to bid and perhaps neither ought the US given it was that country’s initiative that has resulted in the arrest of FIFA’s executives.

Dunfermline Abbey Church contains the tomb of King Robert 1 of Scotland (the Bruce.)

From North. The section on the left is relatively modern (1821.) That on the right is ancient.

From Southeast. Ancient part to the left here, modern to the right:-

The square tower has “King Robert The Bruce” picked out in stone on the balustrade:-

The Abbey Church contains some beautiful stained glass.

North Window:-

South Window:-

East Window:-

The interior decoration is splendid too. Archways and borders. Coats of arms on borders, sculpted faces on arch intersections:-

Part-vaulted ceiling under Square Tower:-

I was shocked to hear the news this morning that Charles Kennedy has died.

The last time I saw him on television – on This Week the week Nicola Sturgeon became First Minister – he seemed in fine health.

I have since read elsewhere that he didn’t look well during the General Election campaign. The death of his father only a few weeks before followed by his defeat at the polls after 32 years as an MP can only have added to his burdens even if he took it well at the time with his joke about “the night of the long sgian dubhs.”

Since his first election (for the SDP) he always came across as likeable – an almost priceless asset in a politician – even decent. The revelations about his alcohol problem didn’t puncture the sense of warmth people felt for him.

He was a man whose instincts seemed to be right. This was exemplified by his opposition to the Iraq War.

Public life in Scotland and the UK is diminished by his passing.

Charles Peter Kennedy: 25/11/1959 – 1/6/2015. So it goes.

Futura, 1986, 160 p

Massie is described in the blurb on the back of this edition as “Perhaps the finest of living Scottish novelists.” That reputation was built up in subsequent books. However, this, his first novel, originally published in 1978, entirely fails to justify that encomium.

Former gaolbird Anthony Atwater is seeking to capitalise on an inheritance but since he is resident in the Savoy Turkish Baths “it’s convenient and they ask no questions” and has little by way of identification he is finding that difficult. He comes into the orbit of Colonel Beasley whose wife and daughter (the lubricious Polly) are both having an affair with the more than seedy Horridge, a man whose main recommendation, according to Polly, is that he’s “good in bed.” But she wonders if that’s enough.

Eventually she decides it’s not and takes up with Atwater. In the meantime the book rather meanders between Atwater’s acquaintances. None of the characters are really striking and they fail to engage empathy.

Signs of the times this was written in abound. The colonel refers to “The Negro” (who is Dr Seth Ngunga) and the words “poofs” and “niggers” appear in the dialogue of a policeman.

I read this mainly for completeness. Massie is one of the best Scottish writers of the last fifty years. Look elsewhere for evidence of that though.

Pedant’s corner – despite this being a reprint:- goloshes (galoshes,) decided the safest role was merely nodder (nodding?) burk (berk,) submensally, (?) “you’ve taking your time” (you’re,) Tippi Hendren (Tippi Hedren,) burglarised (the burglary may have been in New York but still…)

So. Motherwell it was who stayed up. Convincingly in the end.

Tier 2 is going to be very tough again next season. There’ll be two of the biggest supported clubs in Scotland in Hibs and Rangers (having now found out for themselves that this division is devilishly difficult to escape in an upwards direction: can it be long before noises are made to increase the size of Tier 1? Or is that too cynical?) Also there will be six other full-time teams and an Alloa Athletic seemingly somewhat revived by new(ish) manager Danny Lennon. Eighth for the Sons would be a magnificent achievement. I’d take that right now.

We’ve got a new manager ourselves of course.

But I’m feeling nervous already.