I could tell they were foreign tourists – not just because they were squinting at maps and scratching their heads in mild bewilderment, but they were also a lot better dressed.

I mean compared to the rest of us poor souls who were trudging around Aberdeen on a wet Monday morning.

They must have disembarked from the latest cruise ship in the harbour.

Without being obtrusive, I tried to keep tabs on them.

I like to gauge their reactions and perhaps hazard a guess at their impressions.

The French and Germans were admiring architecture around Belmont Street and opposite the city art gallery.

Even though I’ve lived here almost 35 years, so long that my eldest grandson will be an adult soon, I also paused a few minutes earlier – to stare in awe for the umpteenth time at one of the grand old former churches in the same street.

I hoped they would be amused to see a little sign further along about Robert the Bruce “chasing the English” up and down a hill near here.

The visitors looked impressed, well-engaged and happy with their little tour on foot.

Their faces looked more quizzical – and some bemused chat was exchanged – when their eyes came to rest on the military careers office at one end of Belmont........

© The Press & Journal