Amy Gray
@amygraywrites.bsky.social
Red Duchess, biog of the Duchess of Atholl MP, OUT NOW. Freelance public affairs, small person wrangling, incurable reader, always trying to write. Also on IG.
Pinned
Amy Gray
@amygraywrites.bsky.social
· Aug 28
She’s out today! The remarkable and unfairly forgotten Duchess of Atholl, Scotland’s first woman MP and the Conservatives’ first woman minister, turned the most unlikely rebel in British politics.
The 7yo is listening to Joseph (the Jason Donovan cast recording I had on tape as a kid, now on a Yoto card) and how is it that I remember at least 85% of the lyrics but cannot hold the rules of curling in my head for more than 4 minutes
February 15, 2026 at 7:40 PM
The 7yo is listening to Joseph (the Jason Donovan cast recording I had on tape as a kid, now on a Yoto card) and how is it that I remember at least 85% of the lyrics but cannot hold the rules of curling in my head for more than 4 minutes
Reposted by Amy Gray
We’re calling on Government to implement a safe, regulatory framework for the ethical use of AI in the UK. Please help amplify this message by writing to your MP and asking them to stand up for creators and the creative industries.
February 13, 2026 at 10:01 AM
We’re calling on Government to implement a safe, regulatory framework for the ethical use of AI in the UK. Please help amplify this message by writing to your MP and asking them to stand up for creators and the creative industries.
Reposted by Amy Gray
An important message beautifully presented by writer/illustrator and SoA Fellow Sarah McIntyre.
February 13, 2026 at 10:01 AM
An important message beautifully presented by writer/illustrator and SoA Fellow Sarah McIntyre.
Went to talk to my son’s Beavers troop for their Book Readers Badge. Their attention was most grabbed by the REAL SCOTTISH CASTLE where I did my research and they urgently wanted to know WAS IT EVER *ATTACKED*. (They were pleased the answer was yes, but disappointed it was not with catapults.)
February 12, 2026 at 8:44 PM
Went to talk to my son’s Beavers troop for their Book Readers Badge. Their attention was most grabbed by the REAL SCOTTISH CASTLE where I did my research and they urgently wanted to know WAS IT EVER *ATTACKED*. (They were pleased the answer was yes, but disappointed it was not with catapults.)
Look at this cheerful hippo!
A little blue hippo made by an Egyptian artisan around 4,000 years ago! 🦛 ❤️
Decorated with river plants and lotus flowers, blue faience hippos are associated with the life-giving Nile and rebirth. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. 📷 by me
#Archaeology
Decorated with river plants and lotus flowers, blue faience hippos are associated with the life-giving Nile and rebirth. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. 📷 by me
#Archaeology
February 11, 2026 at 9:26 PM
Look at this cheerful hippo!
Age verification? My younger brother was born in West Germany.
Age verification?
I grew up watching 4Kids every Saturday morning before they shut it down.
I grew up watching 4Kids every Saturday morning before they shut it down.
February 10, 2026 at 11:26 AM
Age verification? My younger brother was born in West Germany.
Age verification? We'd use the internet to look up directions and then print them out to have on the seat next to us for the journey.
Age verification?
We had email, but you had to walk halfway across town to the computer lab to read it
We had email, but you had to walk halfway across town to the computer lab to read it
Age verification?
I remember when we used to leave our bikes laying around in the street, we knew who was at whose house because of which bikes were there. They never got nicked...
I remember when we used to leave our bikes laying around in the street, we knew who was at whose house because of which bikes were there. They never got nicked...
February 10, 2026 at 11:25 AM
Age verification? We'd use the internet to look up directions and then print them out to have on the seat next to us for the journey.
Thank you so much to @british-airways.bsky.social for making it so hard for my husband to change a business flight despite 90 minutes on the phone that he missed saying goodnight to our children tonight. Much appreciated, especially as he’s leaving too early to see them in the morning tomorrow.
February 9, 2026 at 9:39 PM
Thank you so much to @british-airways.bsky.social for making it so hard for my husband to change a business flight despite 90 minutes on the phone that he missed saying goodnight to our children tonight. Much appreciated, especially as he’s leaving too early to see them in the morning tomorrow.
BlueSky has a lot to learn
February 9, 2026 at 12:24 PM
BlueSky has a lot to learn
At London 2012 crowned heads of state and presidents had to wait for the US First Lady to exit the stadium before they were allowed to leave. American politicians and their consorts do not travel humbly.
Not only did they bring a small private army, but among the waste of taxpayer money was BRINGING A FULL PLANE OF FOOD.
To *Italy*.
To *Italy*.
February 7, 2026 at 5:02 PM
At London 2012 crowned heads of state and presidents had to wait for the US First Lady to exit the stadium before they were allowed to leave. American politicians and their consorts do not travel humbly.
Reposted by Amy Gray
After the Burning of Westminster in 1834, William IV offered Buckingham Palace (which he hated) to Parliament. They turned him down.
February 7, 2026 at 12:32 PM
After the Burning of Westminster in 1834, William IV offered Buckingham Palace (which he hated) to Parliament. They turned him down.
I went to the National Prayer Breakfast in 2014.
The vibe was….not this.
In Obama’s address, he prayed that “His wisdom will give us the capacity to do right and to seek justice, and defend the oppressed wherever they may dwell.”
obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-of...
The vibe was….not this.
In Obama’s address, he prayed that “His wisdom will give us the capacity to do right and to seek justice, and defend the oppressed wherever they may dwell.”
obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-of...
February 5, 2026 at 2:57 PM
I went to the National Prayer Breakfast in 2014.
The vibe was….not this.
In Obama’s address, he prayed that “His wisdom will give us the capacity to do right and to seek justice, and defend the oppressed wherever they may dwell.”
obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-of...
The vibe was….not this.
In Obama’s address, he prayed that “His wisdom will give us the capacity to do right and to seek justice, and defend the oppressed wherever they may dwell.”
obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-of...
"Reading has been proven to increase life expectancy. It promotes tolerance, understanding and good citizenship. It aids mental health, encourages integration, boosts self-esteem, resilience, sleep, life satisfaction, social skills and problem-solving skills."
www.thetimes.com/culture/book...
www.thetimes.com/culture/book...
Sathnam Sanghera: Help! I’ve fallen out of love with reading
The writer stopped picking up a book for pleasure some time ago, choosing box sets and social media instead. Here’s how he got over his reader’s block
www.thetimes.com
February 5, 2026 at 10:13 AM
"Reading has been proven to increase life expectancy. It promotes tolerance, understanding and good citizenship. It aids mental health, encourages integration, boosts self-esteem, resilience, sleep, life satisfaction, social skills and problem-solving skills."
www.thetimes.com/culture/book...
www.thetimes.com/culture/book...
Reposted by Amy Gray
This is superb. Ian McKellen delivers a blistering pro-immigration monologue written by Shakespeare, that makes you want to punch the air with exhilaration. Wow, wow, wow.
An absolute must-watch. (Starts at 20:10 but the entire interview is a joy.) youtu.be/2l2RqzVG4ag
An absolute must-watch. (Starts at 20:10 but the entire interview is a joy.) youtu.be/2l2RqzVG4ag
"There's Nothing I Enjoy More Than Acting In The Theater" - Ian McKellen EXTENDED INTERVIEW
YouTube video by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
youtu.be
February 5, 2026 at 8:46 AM
This is superb. Ian McKellen delivers a blistering pro-immigration monologue written by Shakespeare, that makes you want to punch the air with exhilaration. Wow, wow, wow.
An absolute must-watch. (Starts at 20:10 but the entire interview is a joy.) youtu.be/2l2RqzVG4ag
An absolute must-watch. (Starts at 20:10 but the entire interview is a joy.) youtu.be/2l2RqzVG4ag
Need the children's book and the film asap. The hero children need.
sorry to be sentimental but this is the most amazing heartwarming story
February 4, 2026 at 10:25 AM
Need the children's book and the film asap. The hero children need.
First Hamnet and now Bridgerton.
British swimmers were not doing front crawl until the late C19th at the earliest.
British swimmers were not doing front crawl until the late C19th at the earliest.
February 3, 2026 at 9:14 PM
First Hamnet and now Bridgerton.
British swimmers were not doing front crawl until the late C19th at the earliest.
British swimmers were not doing front crawl until the late C19th at the earliest.
Vernon Bartlett has possibly the best ever picture in any MP’s memoir, of the Westminster Home Guard. Duchess Kitty’s husband, the 8th Duke of Atholl (a retd Brig-Gen) volunteered until he became too ill.
That is actually a brilliant scenario for a Dad’s Army reboot….
That is actually a brilliant scenario for a Dad’s Army reboot….
February 3, 2026 at 10:24 AM
Vernon Bartlett has possibly the best ever picture in any MP’s memoir, of the Westminster Home Guard. Duchess Kitty’s husband, the 8th Duke of Atholl (a retd Brig-Gen) volunteered until he became too ill.
That is actually a brilliant scenario for a Dad’s Army reboot….
That is actually a brilliant scenario for a Dad’s Army reboot….
Can we not have a Scot?
Speculations around the new James Bond casting place Jacob Elordi as the new 007, sparking excitement over a younger take on the iconic spy.
New James Bond: Jacob Elordi rumors shake up contenders for our next 007
www.newsweek.com
January 30, 2026 at 2:12 PM
Can we not have a Scot?
Spotted in the Parliamentary shop off Westminster Hall this week. I signed all the Red Duchesses, in case you're looking for a gift for the discerning politico in your life... (Also what a thrill be on the same shelf as Mary Beard, Kate Mosse and Philippa Gregory!)
January 30, 2026 at 2:11 PM
Spotted in the Parliamentary shop off Westminster Hall this week. I signed all the Red Duchesses, in case you're looking for a gift for the discerning politico in your life... (Also what a thrill be on the same shelf as Mary Beard, Kate Mosse and Philippa Gregory!)
Reposted by Amy Gray
Let’s not sacrifice our arts on the alter of generative AI!
86% of authors say GenAI has already reduced their earnings
72% of authors say job opportunities have already been cut
57% of authors say their career is no longer sustainable
#JusticeForCreators and #TheWriterBehindTheWords
86% of authors say GenAI has already reduced their earnings
72% of authors say job opportunities have already been cut
57% of authors say their career is no longer sustainable
#JusticeForCreators and #TheWriterBehindTheWords
January 30, 2026 at 11:46 AM
Let’s not sacrifice our arts on the alter of generative AI!
86% of authors say GenAI has already reduced their earnings
72% of authors say job opportunities have already been cut
57% of authors say their career is no longer sustainable
#JusticeForCreators and #TheWriterBehindTheWords
86% of authors say GenAI has already reduced their earnings
72% of authors say job opportunities have already been cut
57% of authors say their career is no longer sustainable
#JusticeForCreators and #TheWriterBehindTheWords
Had an event in Parliament yesterday and was thrilled to see Red Duchess in the Westminster Hall giftshop. I signed them all, in case anyone's looking for a good gift.... 😉
January 29, 2026 at 2:17 PM
Had an event in Parliament yesterday and was thrilled to see Red Duchess in the Westminster Hall giftshop. I signed them all, in case anyone's looking for a good gift.... 😉
Reposted by Amy Gray
One of the things we expect of law enforcement agents is to be able to deal with people who are behaving in ways that may be uncooperative or even illegal WITHOUT MURDERING THEM.
BBC News says it has authenticated a video that shows Alex Pretti kicking and damaging a vehicle used by federal agents nearly two weeks before he was fatally shot in Minneapolis. [Mediaite]
BREAKING: BBC Confirms Authenticity of Viral Video Appearing to Show Alex Pretti Kicking Agents’ Car 11 Days Before Shooting
After much speculation online, the BBC has confirmed the authenticity of new viral footage appearing to show Alex Pretti kicking an agent's car on Jan. 13 — 11 days before he was shot to death by Bord...
www.mediaite.com
January 29, 2026 at 2:07 PM
One of the things we expect of law enforcement agents is to be able to deal with people who are behaving in ways that may be uncooperative or even illegal WITHOUT MURDERING THEM.
Giles Coren cancelled his US holiday because it doesn't feel safe. I'm not sure any family could feel safe taking young children when US herd immunity is about to plummet.
Holy moly this chart: Cumulative US measles cases
January 29, 2026 at 2:15 PM
Giles Coren cancelled his US holiday because it doesn't feel safe. I'm not sure any family could feel safe taking young children when US herd immunity is about to plummet.