BB FANS

HUNDREDS flocked to the old Peterhead Fishmarket on Saturday to enjoy the town's annual harbour open day. This year's event was opened by Big Brother winner Cameron Stout, and drew a large crowd throughout the day despite the inclement weather.
A variety of stalls were on hand from fresh fish to barbecues, with live music throughout the day from a variety of artists.
Also on hand to enjoy the event was Banff and Buchan MP Alex Salmond, who took time out from his busy schedule to browse round the stalls. We will have a full run-down of the day, plus loads more pictures, in next week's Buchan Observer.

BIG BROTHER

I have never been much of a fan of Big Brother or indeed “reality television” in general.

It certainly conforms to no reality of which I am familiar except perhaps a poor episode of the Outer Limits.

I tend to turn down very little television work believing by and large in the old maxim that any publicity is good publicity. However, I have turned down a couple of reality shows and am pretty certain that I made the right decision.

The thought of being stuck in the jungle with the overpowering Christine Hamilton would make my flesh crawl without the creepies.

However, in 2003 Big Brother did give Scotland at least one genuine personality in the engaging Cameron Stout.

Unlike many of the dysfunctional weirdos who end up on these shows, Cameron is worthwhile. He has read a few books, is deeply religious and has a range of interests.

I first met him last year at the Peterhead Harbours Open Day, which is organised each year to benefit the Mission for Deep Sea Fishermen. and so popular did his visit prove that he was back again this August to perform the honours.

I know just a little bit about how to conduct yourself in public and I tend to judge people and personalities on how they perform with the public.

For example, the Queen Mother was a favourite of mine because I watched the gentle way she treated the Piper Alpha families in Aberdeen many years ago.

On the same basis, I wouldn’t vote for Labour’s appalling John Prescott in a straight fight with Jack the Ripper! That is nothing to do with the odd stray punch incidentally just to do with his general demeanour.

Based on the measurement of how Cameron relates to people he has a lot going for him.

I watched him sign every autograph and respond to every photo request until every child and every grannie was satisfied. It is really heart warming to see a genuinely nice guy at work.

I also happen to know that he donated his fee to the Mission.

At any rate, Cameron told me that he is currently compering a new radio quiz show on accents stretching from the Shetlands to the Borders. Unfortunately, his home island of Orkney are cup tied because of the quizmaster.

However, I would have thought that our own Doric areas must have a cracking chance of winning that particular contest!

You can also catch Cameron filling in as holiday relief for Robbie Shepherd while he is signed up for another panto season.

Last year he took part a study for the Rowett Research Institute in Aberdeen and he emerged some two stone lighter in preparation for his panto role.

He tells me that he has slipped back a bit since, with the occasional junk food proving too much of a temptation.

However, I have quite a bit more to lose than Cameron in that department since my usual diet regime of fighting a General Election had the opposite effect on me this year.

Instead of losing a stone I put one on.

After a few words of encouragement from Cameron I am steeling myself to have it all off again by the time Parliament goes back in the autumn.

And if that doesn’t work then I can always sign myself up for Castaway and lose weight the hard way!