Glasgow had a reputation, years ago, for breeding 'hardmen' ( persons willing to prove their 'masculinity' by fighting any and all comers, just for the sake of a reputation. ) The new 'Merchant City' quarter is only a stone's throw away from this spot, and a new age of shopping centres and theme pubs beckons tourists, shoppers and businessmen together, drawing even the hardmen out of the past, screaming into the present, if not into the future.. Situated on the street, at the ground floor entrance to a first floor tailor's premises, I spotted this rather agressive looking tailor's dummy. Reminiscent of some young 'hardmen' of earlier years, he is modelling a well cut Italian suit and neat tie, but remains 'impervious' to his wet surroundings. There is also a look about this dummy similar to that of some already-rain-sodden young 'poalis' standing guard as his shift Sergeant told him to, after the march from the station muster, and wondering if he'll get even a 'comfort break' in the next 8 or 9 hours. At some time this 'Guardian' has suffered a flattened nose, but is undaunted by his looks or the weather. He is ready for anything, even the Glasgow weather ( as the 'four-seasons-in-an-hour' is known locally )... ;o) Five minutes before there was a flurry of snow. Ironically, perhaps, the premises the dummy is now 'guarding', was, in an earlier time, involved in selling generations of police officers their boots, belts and socks, and I understand, leather police notebook covers. The door man, or commissionaire, was an old 'poalis', too, if I remember right! "Nae postwerk, nae trypod, nae camera shake, jist cooryus Glesca folk, wunnerin' whoora eejit is takin' awrem fotaes awra shoap dummi in ra siling rain" Translation: No postwork, no tripod, no camera shake ( a minor miracle ), just curious Glasgweigans asking themselves who the fool is taking all those photographs of a shop dummy in the street, in the pouring rain. Enjoy, it brought a smile to a few passing faces on the shopping precinct. Thanks you, in advance for all views, comments and suggestions. Maybe I'll show you the 'Irn Faerie' next time... Regards, John. Camera: ALDI special, MEDION TRAVELLER, digital, x6 optical, used on flower macro setting, and 'anti-shake' mode switched on.