Long way down

A SENIOR figure from the communications side of North Sea oil and gas sector was reflecting on his career at the Aberdeen Grammar Former Pupils Glasgow branch dinner.

Doug Allsop, now communications director of Aberdeen-based Jasmine, was part of the team responsible for briefing the media following the Piper Alpha disaster which claimed the lives of 167 offshore workers in 1988.

Altogether more happily, he recalled the experience of a lifetime he was given when, working for Total, was invited to take the lift down to the sea bed to view its oil extracting operation on one of its North Sea platforms. Informing his mother of his excitement later that evening, she replied: “Were you wearing a wet suit?”

Come on Roger!

THE banter was flying around as Andy Murray took on Roger Federer at the Scots’ exhibition night at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow this week. One wag voiced his frustrations at Federer’s first set domination in classic Glasgow style. “Gie’s a brek Roger!” came the cry.

Curl and count

ACCOUNTANCY firm Johnston Carmichael and the sport of curling have lots in common.

So says boss Sandy Manson, who this week unveiled the firm as the main event partner for next year’s World Junior Curling Championships.

The tournament will take place at Curl Aberdeen, the city’s purpose-built curling facility, from March 3 to 10.

Mr Manson, pictured with Scottish junior curling champion Sophie Jackson, said: “Curling is a very accessible, lifelong sport that develops a range of important skills and encourages participation from people of so many different ages and backgrounds - and these are all attributes that resonate with the Johnston Carmichael brand.

“We have built our business based on developing talent, sharing knowledge and building long lasting relationships across Scotland and beyond, and supporting the World Junior Curling Championships gives us the opportunity to ensure the next generation benefits from the enjoyment and lessons of the game.”

Inspiring motto

SCHOOL mottos are traditionally grand and motivational affairs, designed to encourage pupils to put heart and soul in their academic endeavours. But, as we discovered at the Aberdeen Grammar FP Glasgow dinner, teachers in one school in the west of Scotland were less than upbeat with their suggestions when the chance came up to create a new motto. “It wisnae me!” topped the ideas.

Dignity intact

BACK at the SSE Hydro and fans were delighted when Roger Federer donned a kilt kindly supplied by a female fan. Somewhat inevitably, the development did not pass by without one ribald comment. “Roger take your pants off!” came the cry. Thankfully Federer declined the request but he did get his own back on Andy – he handed the Scot a See You Jimmy Hat to wear later in the match.