BMR arranged the display in the corridor, then set up the kitchen for the Scottish Annual General Meeting. I greeted the great and good of the association with enthusiasm as I welcomed them at the front door.

I also dealt with guests sleeping in the study. These included my former student, now Minister, PG. He was traumatised by the discovery that I consorted with atheists.

Others were keen to meet the godless. Most desperate was the librarian from the National Library of Scotland, hoping for an introduction to JM. While she was telling me of her heart’s desire, a man approached us.

He was selling professional photographs of my garden: would I like to buy some? The only problem was that he was mistaken. His photos were of the garden next door, and not mine.