I visited Aberdeen as part of preparations for my job move at the start of the new academic year. Including other staff, AM introduced me to the departmental chickens. I looked forward to tending a coop of my own as part of my new three day a week contract.

We also discussed the latest rumour that virtually every prominent academic in our field had been tempted to take up posts in the granite city. Temporary accommodation would be in high demand, but I knew that I would always be welcome to lodge with VAE and CM.