AS regattas go, the Scottish Series has it all: a stunning backdrop for the racing courtesy of the dark, densely forested hillsides that surround Loch Fyne; a stretch of water blessed with consistent winds and minimal tides; and a legendary party atmosphere courtesy of the picturesque little port of Tarbert – so busy when the sailing circus comes to town that boats often have to tie up two, three and four abreast beside the pontoons.

ONE of the best things I’ve read so far this year is Found At Sea, a new book of poems by Andrew Greig.

Sex sells – and so, it seems, do round-number anniversaries. This month, to mark the 60th anniversary of Hillary and Tenzing’s historic first ascent of Everest on 29 May 1953, there will be celebrations all over the world, and so much money will change hands that you’ll be able to hear the cash registers ringing from here to Nepal.

This weekend marks the start of the Scottish cycling season. Yeah, I know: technically there’s no such thing – last time I checked, bikes seemed to work just fine from September to March, and there are lots of great events going on all over the country right through the winter.

Listen carefully. Can you hear that sound? A sort of half-crunch, half-squeak? That’s me grinding my teeth at the prospect of no more snowboarding this winter.