This piece, the second of three, is a concise description of design choices of nuclear reactors. The wider societal issue of tech lock in fascinating. Anyone thinking about energy should read & be informed by these articles.

Failure to deliver exascale computing resources to uk science is catastrophic. It represents a colossal failure of prioritisation, mismanagement, & lack of candor. Many other initiatives are less important. I don’t care how exascale is delivered & owned, but uk needs access.

Want to join MPLSOxford? Our fantastic depts make us a great place to super charge your research career. The The Royal Society Faraday scheme is a unique opportunity to be bold. Is this you? Then get in touch. mpls.ox.ac.uk/research-fundi…

After a reasonably blustery cycle we have reached half way. Is there a better place to arrive? Richard Ovenden will understand when I saw we are just having a peedie glass of each.

For west coast (Scottish that is). Lees lees more if you please. Along with Robertsons 5 star and Alpine lime aid brands, unique to a time n place.

Final night in Orkney. Had a wonderful visit. The cathedral of St Magnus is a true wonder.

On our tour d’Orkney, saw a relatively rare double Rainbow, look to right its faded. Under the right end of the main rainbow, there is something more precious to me than a pot of gold, over 34 yrs together.

Went to Unst today and saw the northernmost of the Stevenson lighthouses; Muckle Flugga. The waves in winter wet the lighthouse, 200 ft above sea. I also took a picture of the shore station, very much in the Stevenson style. We were some way distant but hopefully clear.

Been on the ferries around the islands. Some random shots, entering a new dimension of travel, the Hansa Hut when we traded with Europe, eponymous equine, lodberrie where Jimmy lives.

Last day on Shetland went to see the Stevenson lighthouse at Sumburgh head (familiar to R4 listeners). The cliffs are pretty daunting here. A blustery farewell.

This is metal attachment to the window is a landmark in science. It’s the mounting point of a telescope outside the King James library. This is where James Gregory FRS defined the meridian. He also designed the reflecting (Gregorian) telescope. At University of St Andrews

Congratulations to all winners. Especially pleased for MPLSOxford colleagues Tony Bell, Véronique Gouverneur, Philip Maini, Molly Stevens. Fantastic recognition.

It’s not manhattan island (although it is used a film double). It’s the city next to where I grew up. Also in the splendid gothic tower looking over kelvin park.

I do like a good pun and Eric Morecambe never failed to make me laugh. I count not resist this bag.