Welcome to "Man with two dogs" - the family website for dog owners and dog walkers.

MATERNAL PROTECTION of the young seems to be an instinct shared by the animal kingdom and us humans alike. I had a perfect example of it recently when the dogs and I were out for the evening walk.

SO MUCH happens at this time of year it is difficult to choose the things I want to write about. The countryside is buzzing with activity. This year's young birds and animals are adults now and off leading their own lives. The crops that were planted at the start of the year have ripened, ready for harvesting.

PURPLE HEATHER covers the hillsides of the Angus Glens at this time of year. August is the best month, for the heather is in full flower, and it really is “purple blooming”. With the weather so fine these recent weeks I took myself up Glenesk for a walk. In the mid afternoon the sun was still baking hot and walking up even the slightest incline produced a healthy perspiration.

TANTALLON CASTLE just south of North Berwick has to be one of the most exciting old castles to visit. Although it has been unoccupied for about three hundred and fifty years, much of it is still complete, and it hasn't been too badly plundered for its stones and masonry. It has been well restored by Historic Scotland and is an adventurous place to take youngsters like our four year old grandson Alfie.

URGENT SUMMONSES a week past yesterday from Angus Davidson, retired farmer in Glenesk had us – the Doyenne and me, that is – hotfooting it up the Glen to the Lochlee Games and Picnic. They take place each year at Tarfside, the village near the head of the Glen. Sadly we could only get there in time for the prizegiving and as everyone was starting to clear up. La D. had an appointment with her hairdresser, which seemed a misplaced sense of priorities!