Our meeting of 20th March came together in a moment of sadness as we reflected on the passing of Andy Matthew, a club member since 1999 and a greatly respected member of our community: teacher, Chief Commissioner for Scouts in Scotland, Church Elder, Rotarian, chorister and JP.

Then, with many memories explored and following business and a meal we were very pleased to welcome Dougie Nicolson as our speaker. Dougie is now retired from a career as a press photographer for The Courier - the D C Thomson newspaper. We were treated to a fabulous collection of (mostly news) photographs, along with intriguing anecdotes of the events of the day.

It was interesting to hear how press photography changed as digital cameras became the norm and 35mm cameras and wet processing was abandoned. But there was also the increased cost of the new technology, with perhaps £15,000 worth of kit needed. Even more interesting was to hear about the sometimes exotic work locations: the chance to walk on the top of the Forth Road Bridge, to fly in fast jets, report on airshows and to see the great and the good in close-up.

We heard too of the reality of unsociable hours and the harrowing aftermath of serious accidents, fires and natural disasters where the human cost is all too clear.

It was an exceptional story and following questions an appreciative vote of thanks was proposed by William Duncan.