THE alarm goes off at 4am. We fumble around the room, get dressed, close up our bags and head for reception and the bus to the airport.

Helsinki airport is lightyears ahead of Edinburgh – not just in terms of technology but also in cleanliness, efficiency and customer service. And after our flight back it’s even more apparent as we’re ushered into what’s a glorified metal shed with rubbish lying sound, manky floor and a huge question at border control. And it’s only 7.30am.

Rather than heading straight home we make for Glasgow to pick up the Wildcats’ shirts and hoodies, stopping for a McDonalds breakfast along the way.

After picking up the merch we stop for some shopping and make it home before midday.

There’s an hour or two to unpack and sort things out before the first of three guitar lessons. I manage to tend to the tomatillos and butternut squash then get some weedkiller down then a late lunch before my second student arrives.

In the studio I prep some video from the trip to spin into tonight’s Wildcats’ livestream on Facebook. My final guitar session – on Zoom – is a no-show. I contact the student who apologies they messed up and we re-schedule for next week…I tend not to charge folks if they have to cancel, even at the last minute…but if they just don’t show (like this one) I have to charge them.

There’s a West Highland Way Gifts’ order to be made up then it’s time for the livestream…