I was at the opening of the General Assembly.  Not the place I am often seen, I admit, but what would I not do to support my friends, I ask you?  And support them I did.

The truth is that the new Moderator of the General Assembly is none other than our very dear friend, Rev David Lunan.  He also happens to be married to my very dear pal, Maggie, the equal of my good self in rebelliousness and non-conformity.  So I just had to be there to see Maggie in her hat and support David in his hour of need!

David is one of the loveliest men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.  It was typical of the man that his first speech which was addressed to the out-going moderator was to speak so compassionately of the death of her mother just last month.

He then went on to lead the business of the Assembly in such a quiet, competent and cheerful way, even consoling any unfortunate Rangers supporters, that we all felt that the Assembly was in good hands.

Those of you who know me will feel nothing but astonishment that I could actually enjoy spending time at anything so frustratingly dull and outmoded.  And I agree with you.  I also am astonished.  But even rebels have to grow up some day and maybe I am 'coming of age'.

However, the best bit was the lunch in the Moderator's posh house with all Maggie's servants waiting upon us.  And we got to have a nosy around in all the nooks and crannies and Maggie even had the Moderator's underwear out to dry in the bathroom.  So that was a highlight!

But now we are back home, the more sombre reflections quite lost on me.  Peter will return tomorrow - not because he is a commissioner.  He's not.  He's just mad! - coz he seems to like it.  There's none sae queer as folk - ministerial folk at any rate!

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