(The notes I made during the Edinburgh Festival were lost when my room was cleaned by a friend while I was in the USA and were only refound in early January 1995, so expect a lot of memory loss.)

      Wednesday, 10th: Emmanuelle Tremblay arrives from Canada. She and I met in St. Petersburg. She is a delight. I go out to pick up my Air France ticket. Sarah Bendersky and Thomas Kleinherne fly in from Berlin. She and I met via Kyle Roderick; Thomas and I met years ago. He translated WORKERS into German-language. Jack cooks a delicious fried chicken dinner. Fax Italy for Ted Joans. Fax Stephan Clauss in Hamburg. Call Laetitia and leave a message on her machine. Later she calls and comes over. Wonderful Laetitia!

       Thursday, 11th: The usual madness getting ready to depart for the air port and London. Arrive early at Charles de Gaulle and manage to get the 11.30 flight instead of the 12.15 one. Sit between a pretty young woman who reads a romantic novel in French and a woman from Japan. Call Peter Rigby and Alan reports Peter is on his way to the air port to collect me. Wait outside in the cold and rain, then back inside. Outside again, then back inside. Finally Peter arrives. He apologizes for being late, but the traffic was heavier than usual. Also there have been heavy rains. We drive through crowded back streets and rain to Ulla Larson's apartment in Fulham Road. Peter insists upon waiting for me. I have forgotten Ulla's apartment number, so press No.4 in the hope that it is correct. A very sweet elderly woman comes down to open the door. I apologize for my error, tell her I am looking for Ulla Larson, and she comes up in the elevator to show me Ulla's apartment. Ulla opens her door and we embrace. After we have thanked the woman, Ulla announces she cannot travel to Edinburgh with me. Her mother is ill and she must go to Sweden. I tell Ulla that Peter is waiting downstairs, so after a short talk, I return to Peter. We drive to Kings X and I manage to get a train minutes before it departs for Edinburgh.
      Read all the way to Scotland. Telephone Stephanie Wolfe Murray on arrival. She is home and waiting for me. The taxi driver used to drink in the Charles Tavern and he remembers my bookshop. I am greeted by Stephanie and her sweet friend, Consuelo. After my bags are deposited in my room, we three have tea and toast. Stephanie says there is "The List" party tonight in the Traverse.
      Later the three of us head for the Traverse and the party. See and talk with lots of people I know: Tom MacGrath, Ian Brown, Robin Hodge, the publisher of "The List" and our host, Espeth Latimer and her fellow, Martin (both architects), Lila Rawlings, the lovely editor of "The List" and our hostess, Alex Linklater, Bingo Mavor, Charles McLean, and countless others. Outside in the courtyard, there is Mexican music. Later loud drums drown out the music and the conversations. Stephanie is tired, so go out and find a taxi for her.
      I walk to Film House, one of my favorite places in Edinburgh. Then back to the Traverse where I pick up a lot of programs and leaflets. Spot Helen duToit and we talk once again about film festivals. She is, like me, a festival-junkee. More talk with Lila Rawlings. Alex Linklater and I talk about his mother and father, Veronica and Magnus, and his brother, Soul. I ask that my greetings to sent to them. Later I slip away with Consuelo and find a taxi to St. Leonard's Bank. Pay Ian, the driver, with a copy of Workers.

      Friday, 12th: Begin the day with tea with Stephanie and Consuelo. Stephanie departs for Frederick Street. Consuelo and I have coffee. Go shopping in the neighborhood for toothpaste, etc. Back to St.Leonard's Bank. Call Rex Pyke and we promise to meet next week. Then head for Princess Street, down the Bridges, pass the old (now remodeled) Empire Theatre. Briefly stick my head into the Old Quad and remember my glorious days as a student. I also remember the time I was an extra in the film, "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" with James Mason. I was filmed in the Old Quad with hundreds of other students. I think we were paid about $5 and a ham sandwich. Jump on a bus in Princess Street. Sit next to an eight-year old angel who gives me the most beautiful smile I have received in years. Fire one back to her.
       Walk to Canongate. Good morning to Nevil Moir, kisses for Sheila McAinsh & Fiona Murray. Hug Jamie Byng. Am introduced to the lovely Susanne, who says a journalist from "The Sunday Times" telephoned for me. Jamie reports he is going south today for the weekend and that he will marry the lovely Whitney McVeigh in three weeks time.
Go upstairs to see Stephanie and learn that the journalist was Chrissey Iley. Call her at her home number. She departs this afternoon for Manhattan to interview Naomi Campbell. We discuss her recent article about Andrea Dworkin and Catherine MacKinnon. I talk with her about Betty Dodson and her book, Sex for One and Sallie Tisdale's new book, Talk Dirty to Me. Chrissey says she plans to come up to Edinburgh before the end of the festival.
       Stephanie passes me the pages for the Russian book and I read all that Mary Neat has been doing to put it in order. And she has done an excellent job. Thanks, Mary!
       Stephanie produces tea for us. I talk with her about Magda Dorobek and her wish to become a journalist. Stephane suggests that I talk with Rupert; maybe his foundation could use Magda.
       Eartha Kitt is staring in a one-woman show in Edinburgh based upon James Joyce's Ulysses. Her autobiography was recently published in the USA by my friend, Lyle Stuart. Maybe with this connection, I might be able to meet her and tell her about the film Jack is making about her. Sit quietly and prepare a letter to her.
       Fax a letter to Paul G in London. Then fax a letter to Jack in Paris. Ask Jack to contact John Calder before he departs and give him a jeans jacket and the suit Barbara Hoff gave me. John can bring it up in his car. Later Jack and I talk and he says that Sarah and Thomas have departed for San Francisco. I tell him that Eartha Kitt is performing in Edinburgh.
       Stephanie tells me that she will go to Russia the 3rd of September and will boat down the Volga. I tell her about my boat trip from Moscow to Nizny Novgorod. Also insist that she meet Nadia Bourova, Meg Bortin, Natasha Perova when she is in Moscow.
       Stephanie and I decide to give a party during the festival. We decide it shall be Thursday, the 18th, between 18:00 and 23:00 hours. We go out for a snack to discuss where we will hold it and who shall be invited.
Afterwards I stroll through Princess Street gardens to the Drambuie Film Festival press tent and pick up my press card and collect a pile of press materials.
       Then bus to York Place and down the lane to Ricky Demarco's opening. He and I meet immediately. After the warm welcome, he begins to introduce me to dozens of people. I wander about his vast premises. In one room, there is a pile of my autobiography, Thanks For Coming!, and my manifesto, Workers.
       Walk back to the restaurant and am given a large glass of orange juice by a lovely young woman. Sit at a table in a corner and watch the room slowly fill. Three people approach and ask if they can join my table. Introduce myself and learn that two of them are Malcolm & Lssley Mory. Their foundation is supporting Creelers, the Argylshire restaurant that is being formally opened today. Soon Ricky is addressing the packed room. Food begins to be passed out by the young waiters and waitresses. And it is delicious! Carol Wightman comes over to say hello. She is now with the BBC. She used to be Ricky's assistant. She tells me that a friend, Murdo MacDonald, did a short piece about my People to People travel series for the BBC travel programme.
       See lots of people I know: Roza & David Petherick, Adrian Henri who introduces me to a lovely friend of his from Paris, Virginia Ryan-Izzo & her husband, Gian-Carlo Izzo, Paul Harris who introduces me to Geraldine Coates. Later Paul and I walk to Belford Church, but no sign of Stephanie or Frances Anderson. Paul and I decide to return to Khushi's restaurant and have a feast. Two lovely ladies sit next to us, they have ordered a take-away meal. One is Julia Gloeer, a sculptor, from Hamburg and the other is Effie Paleologou, a photographer, from Athens, both are involved with the Demarco gallery.
       Later back to Demarco Gallery and sit in Creeler's, eat an ice cream and talk with dozens of old and new friends.

      Saturday, 13th: Up at 9.30 and have tea with Stephanie. Because it is a beautiful and warm morning, she suggests we go outside and have tea in the grass. Arthur's Seat looms just across from us. Then back inside and I have a bowl of bran flakes and more tea. Stephanie takes a cup of tea to Consuelo. Consuelo joins us and once again makes a wonderful cup of coffee for me. Stephanie calls Rupert to confirm arrangements for our party. Then she calls the chairman of Scottish European Aid, Henry Lorrimer, to see if he is OK with our having our fete in the foundation's Hanover Street offices. Yes, he thinks it is a good idea. So we are on. Shave, shower, and shampoo. Then begin telephoning people to invite them to our party.
       Walk along the Meadows in the warm morning sunshine to the Church Hill Theatre. Eartha Kitt arrives tomorrow. Purchase a ticket for her opening next Monday evening. And leave my letter with the manager for her.
       Bus down to the Lothian Road and bump into Hiroko Goevers outside Film House. She is here until next Tuesday. We agree to meet at the party tonight. In the Drambuie Pavillon am told by David Smith, one of the Press Officers, that there are no more tickets for the opening screening, "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert." Somehow successfully manage to talk him out of two tickets for the party after the screening. A beautiful young woman behind the press desk greets me and it is Clea Silins Tammes. She looks completely different from a year ago. She says that Astrid & Andre will be at the party tonight.
       See Ferg in the distance and shout out his name. He comes over and I congratulate him on the improvements to the Pavilion in the past 24 hours. He smiles but says he cannot claim credit. I tell him I am a hero because I warned a young woman about leaving her purse unguarded yesterday. He congratulates me.
       Walk up to Film House and have a bowl of tomato soup. Sit and scribble a few notes, then read today's "Scotsman". See Willie Milliken enter and sit on the other side of the room. The cover story in "The Scotsman" states that John Paul Getty Jr has donated One Million Pounds Sterling in order to keep Canova's sculpture, The Three Graces", in the U.K. I wish that he had given one fifth that sum to help us launch our film, "Dietrich Songs". There is also a cover story about Woodstock 94, the 25th anniversary.
       I read that Roger Graef will give the Post Office Grierson lecture this year on Friday, the 26th. Alas I suspect that I will no longer be in Edinburgh.
       Willie comes over to join me. He asks if he can buy me a drink. I decline the drink, but accept an ice cream. Frances Anderson enters and joins us. She introduces me to a friend, Chad McCail. He and I have a delicious conversation. They ask if I would like to participate in a film they are making and I say sure. Angus Reid comes over to thank me for letting him stay in my atelier and I didn't even know that he had stayed there. He invites me to a film he has made, "Brotherly Love", and I promise to try to attend.
       Walk to the Drambuie Pavillon, sit quietly in a corner and read Martin Walker in "The Guardian". Teen & Gus Macdonald enter and come over and join me. We exchange greetings and news. Then Sean Hignett joins us.
Gus, as Chairman of the Film Festival, formally opens the festival and introduces Penny Thompson, the festival director. Penny introduces a director of Drambuie who says how pleased he is to be supporting the film festival again this year. He presents an "Oscar in drag" (Bonnie Prince Charles) to Stephen Elliot, the director of "The Adventures of Priscilla", the film that opens the festival tonight. Stephan makes a short & witty acceptance speech.
Sean and I talk, as usual, about Mike Sissons. Sean also tells me about his recent trip to Louisiana.
       Walk to the Traverse, then decide to dine in Creeler's in the Demarco Gallery. Walk through Princess Street Gardens to George Street, pass the Assemby Rooms. Bump into Rupert Wolfe Murray and we briefly discuss the party that Stephanie and I plan to host.
       I have a wonderful dinner and talk with dozens of people. Then I remember that I have been invited to Herzmark's tonight. Walk the short distance to her place. As usual it is filled with exciting people from all over the world. Herzmark & I attempt to catch each other up to date with our news, but this is really an impossible task. Leave Royal Terrace and head for the East End of Princess Street and the film festival party.
       It's a crazy affair. Many people have come in drag to honor the film. See lots of people I know. I talk a long time with a pretty student who has a job with the film festival.
       Very late walk down the Bridges to Stephanie's. A woman stops me. She once stayed in my atelier in Paris. Nina now lives in Barcelona. No key under the pot, so reluctantly ring the bell. Consuelo opens the door. I go downstairs and read Paul Harris in "Scotland on Sunday".

      Sunday, 14th: Up at 9.30 and have tea and toast with Stephanie. She tells me she has read Mary Guggenheim's novel and has started Susi's autobiography. I report that I met Isabel Hilton & Neil Ascherson last night and invited them to our party. We sit and read "Scotsman on Sunday" and yesterday's "Guardian". Consuelo joins us. Stephanie's fellow, Stuart, and her son, Rupert, have gone climbing. We discuss our party next Thursday and what we have to do. Moona, Stephanie's youngest son, calls from Bosnia to say that he and his girlfriend, Monika, plan to marry in October. We discuss Susi's autobiography and she agrees with me that it could be a world best-seller. Stephanie cooks some pasta for our lunch. The pasta is wonderful. Simple and delicious.
      We walk at a fast clip to Frederick Street. Consuelo comes with us. Stephanie out-paces us and is already sitting on the roof when we arrive. I don't watch the parade in Princess Street; elect instead to make telephone calls to invite people to our party. Manage to reach Geraldine Coates, Virginia & Gian-Carlo, Claire Henry and a few others. Talk with Jim Campbell in London and he tells me that John Ralston Saul is in Edinburgh. Make a big effort to find him but no success. Also try to find Michael Coveney without success.
      In the evening, dine in Khushi's with Effie Paleologou, Julia Gloeer, and Sally Dunstone. Sally is helping Ricky. Three very wonderful and attractive women.
      Later we four go to the Traverse for a drink. They drive me to St.Leonard's Bank. We sing "The Girl from Ipamena" all the way.

     Monday, 15th: Up at 8am. No sign of life from Stephanie. Wash, shave, dress. Then Stephanie appears and produces a pot of tea. We continue to discuss party preparations. Stephanie makes a few phone calls. Bob Kingdom calls from London to say he will come up to Edinburgh next week.
      We walk to the High Street together via a secret path Stephanie knows. All the way we discuss solutions to urban problems. She leaves me at the Scandic Hotel. In the festival press room, Amanda reports that Michael Coveney arrives today. She also extends best wishes from Fiona Morrison. I suggest that all three of them come to our party.
      Walk to the old Traverse in the Grassmarket and have a pee. Continue to the Drambuie Pavillon and talk about Dusan Makavejev"s "A Hole in the Soul". Talk with Angus Reid and his friend, Barbara. Chat with David Shaw. There is an 11am press conference with Mark Cousins in the chair. Slip an invitation to Sheena McDonald. Talk briefly with Clea. Meet Phoebe Grigor and tell her that I called her sister "Phoebe" at the film festival party, but she knew it. Sarah told me. Thanks, Sarah.
      Decide to go for a stroll. An attractive young couple from Italy stop me for directions. They have just arrived in Edinburgh and are completely lost. I ask them where they are from and when they reply "Bologna", I tell them I attended "Erotic 93" there last Spring and that their city is wonderful. This pleases them. I also tell them that they are now in a wonderful city. George Keregan walks up and I introduce them. We continue walking toward Toll Cross and I continue to introduce them to people: Gay Cox, Jim Hickey, Ferguson Robb. They ask me if I know everyone in Edinburgh and I reply in the affirmative. Give them directions to the Royal Mile and to the Demarco Gallery. Suggest to them that they dine in Creelers and that I will try to join them. Point them in the direction of the Grassmarket and West Bow. I continue to the Cameo Cinema. Bump into Yolande Forafo; she helps run a film festival in Cherbourg. I treat myself to a chocolate doughnut. The young woman who sells it to me has a wonderful smile. I congratulate on her smile.
      Spot Willie immediately on entering the Cameo. We compare notes on what he has seen and what is to be seen. Also talk briefly with Ferguson and with a woman from Munchen. Enter Cameo 3 to see the Swedish film, "Speak Up! It's so Dark." Spot Angus Wolfe Murray in the cinema and go over and invite him to our party. I find the movie stimulating, an attempt to come to the roots of fascist behavior.
      Meet Hiroko Goevers outside in the street and she asks if I know where she can send a fax to Paris. I tell her that I will do it for her. Jump in a bus to Princess Street. Help a young mother with two babies. Unsung heros: Mothers.
      Walk to Canongate and with Sheila McAinsh's help, fax Hiroko's letter to Paris. Go up to Stephanie and she tells me that Bob Shure is in Edinburgh, that they have been talking all morning and that he will come to our party.
      Leave Canongate, walk down Rose Street toward Charlotte Square, and pass the apartment I once rented from Michael Shea. Post several letters. Continue to Mr Boni's near the King's Theatre and purchase an ice cream. This makes me think of Scott & Barbara. Walk to the Church Hill Theatre and purchase another ticket; this one for Stephanie. Call her at Canongate and we agree to meet at the theatre at 21.15. I look for my ticket, but cannot find it. Most embarrassing. Talk with the theatre manager and he remembers me and says that if I do not find it, he will be at the door and will let me inside. I thank him and report that I used to run the Traverse and two theatres in London. He says that he is involved with a theatre in Cardiff. I ask if he knows Geoff Moore's company, "Moving Being". He does. I ask him to pass on my best wishes to Geoff and the company.
      Go for a walk, then jump on the #23 bus. Get off at Forrest Road and go to Merchants for garlic bread and hot chocolate. David Black walks pass and I insist he join me. He has just come from a dentist. We talk about Edinburgh in the old days: The Paperback Bookshop, the Traverse in the Lawnmarket, Jack Henry Moore, and Stephanie Wolfe Murray. I urge him to come to our party.
      Walk to St.Leonard's Bank, purchase milk for the house on the way. Have a superb nap! And find my Eartha Kitt ticket.
When I wake up, my small travel clock states the hour is 22.30. Oh shit, I have missed Stephanie and the opening. Panic. Quickly dress and rush out. It is not dark, so begin to suspect the clock might not be correct. Spot a pretty blonde and she tells me it is 20.30. What a relief. Walk slowly pass the location of the Paperback Bookshop (long ago demolished and now a car park), pass the McEwan hall (where John Calder, Sonia Orwell, Kenneth Tynan and I organized the Writers' Conference in 1962 and the Drama Conference in 1963), to the Royal Infirmary (where old friend, David Baird, brought Jesper into the wold). Hail a taxi and within minutes, arrive at the Church Hill Theatre.
      See Owen Dudley Edwards and he thanks me for the party invitation. We, as usual, talk about George Shepperson and he tells me that "Sam" is doing well. Chat with Hayden Murphy.
      Stephanie arrives and we go inside and find our seats. Owen Dudley Edwards sits next to us.
      Eartha Kitt is Eartha Kitt playing Molly Bloom. What else can one say? She has to be prompted many times. But it makes no difference. She sings two songs in her own special way. She is bigger than life. Everyone in the audience seems to feel we are participating in something special. I debate going behind the stage to congratulate her. In the end, I don't.
      Talk with Tom Morris after the performance. Tom suggests that watching Eartha Kitt play Molly Bloom is like going to see Churchill play Hamlet. He apologizes for not bringing the Maly Theatre actors to dinner when they were performing in the Odeon Theatre in Paris. He also gives me John O'Mahony news. Tom says that he has a new editor at "The Independent" and that everyone is a bit nervous wondering what to expect. Ask Tom if by any chance he is going to Demarco's and yes he is. Suggest we share a taxi.
      Introduce Tom to Stephanie. She wants an early night, so we drop her on the way. We invite him to our party.
We go straight to Ricky's office and he produces his new festival programme for us. It has just arrived from the printer. Isabel Hilton enters and I tell her the address is 18 Hanover Street and not 8 as I had said at the film festival party.
      Go back to Creelers and join a table with Tom and lots of "Independent" journalists. When they depart to see a performance, move to another table and join Isabel, Neil, and Lynda Myles. Order a chicken salad and it's delicious.
      Joyce McMillan enters with two women and sits at a nearby table. She comes over to our table to greet us. I invite her to our party.
      Very late, Ricky drives me to St.Leonard's Bank. I ask him to pass my love to Ann. Don't go to bed until very late because I read Ricky's festival programme. It's been a wonderful evening!

      Tuesday, 16th: Stephanie brings tea about 8:30 to me in bed, but I continue to sleep another hour. Finally get up just as she is departing for her office. Eat a large bowl of bran flakes.
      Manage to catch John Ralston Saul at the Howard Hotel. Tell him about our party Thursday, but it is only 50-50 he will be able to attend. he and his wife plan to go to the Highlands and they have a flight to Canada on Friday. Ann Thompson calls to say that she, Chris, and a daughter will come to our party. Caroline, Paul G's secretary, calls to ask if Friday the 26th might be OK for our lunch. Yes, of course!
      Shave, shower, shampoo. Contemplate the day ahead. Suddenly decide to rush to the Cameo Cinema to see a press screening of three erotic films. I suspect that I will be late, but will be able to see most of the programme. Yes, even with a speeding taxi, I am late. To my surprise, am refused entrance.
      I have no notes and no memory of how the rest of the day unfolds, but I suspect that I wandered to the Film House, the Drambuie Pavilion, the Traverse, Canongate offices, and down to Ricky's empire. I know that I attend Yvette Bozsik performance of "The Countess". This year she dances with Kata Pentek. It's the fourth year I have seen Yvette perform at Demarco's Gallery and each time she is something very special.
Have ice cream in Creelers with Jacqueline Jamal and Wendy Buonaventura. Two dancers performing at Demarco's.
      Later join Justin & Jane Dukes and four people from Yvette's company. Tell Yvette & Kata how much I enjoyed their performance. Jane, Justin and I catch each other up with our news.
      Ricky insists I attend "Dead Fish"; it is written and performed by Nicola Dahlinger. Sit next to a pretty woman from Virginia; we talk before and after the performance which we both enjoy.
      Ricky tells me about his Bosnian/Serb problem. The Bosnians want to pull out their exhibition if the two theatre companies from Belgrade perform. I feel it is important to support the liberal elements in Serbia, to open a dialogue, etc. I can understand the Bosnian position, but feel they would be foolish to withdraw their exhibition. Ricky takes me briefly down to the basement to listen to some Brazilian musicians.
      It is once again getting late. Goodbye to Nina Mehta, Nicola Dahlinger, and a pretty 13-year old. Ricky once again gives me a ride home and we talk about mutual friends, the old days, and his current problems.

      Wednesday, 17th: Once again Stephanie brings tea to me in bed. I tell her she must come to Paris and allow me to spoil her in the same way. She reminds me that Mary Neat comes to the office this morning and that I have an appointment with her to go over the Russin manuscript. Stephanie also says she is going to London for the weekend and will be back on Sunday to go to three parties: Charles McLean's, a BBC reception, and the Italian consulate's. She says I also have been invited.
      Take the #21 bus to Princess Street and walk the short distance to Canongate's office. Have a superb morning and afternoon session with Mary. She is an excellent editor. I wish that she could continue with the book and see it through to publication, but she departs soon for Venezuela to rejoin her boyfriend.
      Walk to the Traverse and have a brief visit. Then over to the Drambuie Pavilion and Fergus treats me to a large glass of orange juice. We talk about the video projector he has had to repair. Sit with Penny Thompson and Lila Rawlings we discuss the festival and tomorrow's party.
      Very late leave the Pavillon and walk to the Demarco Gallery. It is another delightful social gathering.

      Thursday, 18th: Up very early and once again Stephanie brings tea to me in bed. We discuss all the things that need to be done today. I promise to be in her office soon.
      Quickly shave, shower, shampoo, dress. Rush out the door. Spot a plumber parked in St.Leonard's Bank who looks like he is about to drive somewhere. Ask him if by any chance he happens to be driving toward Princess Street and, if so, could I ride with him. Yes, he can drop me at Waverly Station. And away we go. It is an absolutely gorgious morning. He is very talkative and seems happy to have me for company. I give him newsletter #269 and invite him to tea if he ever finds himself in Paris.
      Walk through the crowds of beautiful women to Frederick Street. Purchase "The Scotsman" and a doughnut. Go upstairs to tell Stephanie that Rupert called just before I left St.Leonard's Bank with the message that Valvona & Crolla will be helpful with our catering tonight. Ruperb also suggests we have a lottery. I offer a weekend in my atelier in Paris as a possible prize. Stephanie immediately calls her travel agency and arranges with them and Air France for two tickets to Paris. OK!
      Astrid Silins calls me at Canongate to say that Clea needs an Hungarian translator at the Film Festival. I tell Astrid "no problem" and call Ricky Demarco at his home to ask someone from Yvette's company to call Clea at the Drambuie Pavillon. Then call Clea, but learn she has departed for the air port. Leave a message for her.
      Walk to Waterstone's and try to purchase Ryszard Kapuscinski's Imperium. They say they do not have it, it will be published next month. Stroll down Princess Street to American Express and get 150 pounds with my card. Walk to the Drambuie Pavillon and invite various people to tonight's party.
      See Dusan Makavejev and he says that he and Bojana are upset with me because I did not attend the first screening of their film, "Hole in the Soul", last Tuesday. Shit. I kept asking the Press Desk every day when it was scheduled and no one mentioned this screening. Dusan says he went to the Traverse press officer and asked about me and the fellow did not know who I was. Typical.
      We taxi to Gilmour Place. Bojana is not dressed yet. So Dusan and I have a large ice cream at Mr.Boni's. And a lot of talk. We discover we will both be in the USA next month. He will be teaching at Harvard. Bojana joins us. As always we tease each other. I insist they come to my party tonight and they promise to do it.
      I take the bus to Hanover Street and go upstairs to the Scottish European Trust offices. And for the rest of the day, I rush about the city collecting food and drink.
      The party is a big success. It seems hundreds attend. We sell lots of lottery tickets for the tombola. The bar does a roaring business. Alas as I write these words nearly six months have passed since that fabulous night and I cannot remember all that transpired or everyone who attended. But some of the people who were there include the following: Bingo Mavor, Isabel Hilton & Neil Ascherson, Lizzie McDougall and two kids, Roza & David Petherick, Jamie Byng, Ann, Chris & Charlotte Thompson, Geraldine Coates, Xaviera Hollander, Paul Harris & a friend of his from Holland, Bill Russell & a pretty blonde, Sheila McAinsh & her friend (they run the bar), Andre, Astrid, & Clea Silins Tammes and Clea's fellow, Ian Griffith & Elspeth Murray, Robin Hodge & Lila Rawlings, Yvette Bozsik, Kata Pentek and several of their male friends, the two dancers Wendy Buonaventura & Jacqueline Jamal, Lorraine Fannin & her husband, Joe & Elaine Gerber, Sean Highnett, Gay Cox & Jim Hickey, Bojana & Dusan Makavejev, Milan & Jasmina Knezevic, 2 doctors from Romania, several film-makers from Bosnia, Frances Anderson, Barbara & Angus Reid, Jane & Justin Dukes, Anne Goring & her two daughters, Alex Linklater, Bob Shure, and all the staff of the Scottish European Aid. Lorraine Fannin wins the trip to Paris, but I cannot remember who wins the evening in Amsterdam with Xaviera Hollander.

      Friday, 19th: Up at 8am and have tea, chicken soup and toast with Stephanie. We go over last night's events once again and agree it was a big success. We raised a lot of money for the foundation, brought its activities to the attention of a lot of people, and everyone had a great time. And lots of people are now friends as a result. Xaviera Hollander and Sean Hignett for example.
      Stephanie departs for her office and an afternoon flight to London. She will be back on Sunday afternoon and will go straight to Charlie MacLean's party in the country. I tell her that I may or may not meet her at Charlie's, but will certainly see her at Virgina & Gian-Carlo's.
      After I shave and dress, walk to a local shop for milk, cookies, and two bottles of wine. Take it all back to St.Leonard's Bank.
      Then walk to the Italian Cultural Centre in the Bridges and visit a knock-out poster exhibition.
Stroll around the Old Quad and think about Jane Quigley, Rod Macdonald, Emily Ann Possehl, Professor Shepperson, and the "good old days" when I was a student at Edinburgh University...
      Bus to Frederick Street and walk to Canongate. Greet Sheila and thank her for all her help last night.
      In the evening, dine with Bob Shure in an Indian restaurant. Lizzie McDougal joins us. They discover that Lizzie's theatre project is in a town north of Edinburgh that Bob used as a location in a short story of his. It's nice to be with Bob and Lizzie. Bob has a one-act play at the Demarco Gallery that both Stephanie & I plan to see next week. Many, many years ago I produced a play of his at the Traverse.
      Back to Creelers for a long talk with Effie. Later get involved in a long discussion with Ricky, Paul Harris, and the Bosnians about Ricky playing host to the Serbian theatre companies. Paul and I fail to convince that one must support positive elements in Belgrade and, two, that Edinburgh is a neutral ground for dialogue. The Bosnians seem to think there are no liberal elements in Belgrade.
      When I go to say my farewells to Ricky, he puts me on the telephone to a composer in London to continue my arguments in defense of Ricky playing host to the two theatre companies. But the fellow refuses to accept our arguments.
      Lizzie drops Rupert and X at St.Mary's street and drops me near Stephanie's home.

      Saturday, 20th: Up about 9am and have breakfast with Stuart. He and I have a good talk, then he departs for Perthshire and will return on Sunday night. Mrs.Colvin calls to tell me that John Calder arrives tomrrow evening. Consuelo comes down for her tea.
      I go to the Demarco Gallery for lunch and, to my pleasant surprise, meet old friend Roderick Macdonald. It seems he talked with Geraldine Coates earlier today and my name came up and she said that he could find me at Ricky's. And here he is! We met in the late 50's when we were both students at Edinburgh University. And we have kept in touch over the years, usually meeting in Edinburgh during the festival. For years, Rod was a Professor of African Studies at Syracuse University . Now he tells me he has retired and living in Fife.
      At 12.15 I attend Jacqueline Jamal and Wendy Buonaventura's dance performance. It is surely not PC for me to say, but Jacqueline certainly has lovely breasts. If she can show, why can't I proclaim? Anyway I like their performance.
      Lunch afterwards with Rod and Ben in Creelers. I have stuffed mushrooms. Congratulate Wendy & Jacqueline when they appear and tell Jacqueline my "environmental production ideas" on how their show could be more fun. Bob Shure passes and suggests I come to his production next Monday afternoon and I agree.
      Stroll through Princess Street Gardens to Traverse. Chat with Helen Wyllie, the box office sweetheart. Am told I have two messages downstairs in the office. Meet Nicholas de Jongh in the Traverse bar and he introduces me to a fellow called James, who reviews for "Time Out in London". He also introduces me to Jane Edwards; she, too, reviews for "Time Out". Nicholas and I agree to meet for lunch tomorrow.
      Cross Lothian Road to the Drambuie Pavillon. There is a party inside. Spot Penny Thompson, Robin & Trish Crichton, Juliet Cadzow, Gay Cox & Jim Hickey. Someone tells me that Rainer Kolmel is in Edinburgh and that I just missed him in the Pavvillon. Sit outside in the warm sunshine with Leslie Reyner and his friend, Sheila. Leslie has been coming to the Edinburgh Festival even longer then I have.
      Join Fergus. He is with a very pretty woman from Spain. Her name is Eva Vazquez and she lives in Brighton and Madrid.
      Frances Anderson asks if now is a good moment to videotape an interview with me. And we do it. She is fantastic. What a lady!
      Gus & Teen give me "Scotland on Sunday". They are having dinner across the street in the Great Wall of China with Juliet Cadzow and her husband and I am invited to join them. I politely decline. Not sure why because I like them and Chinese food. Silly me.
      Sit and talk with a young woman studying law and for some reason I tell her my troubles with Emile the Rat.
Walk with Chris and Eleanor to Frederick and Queen, then continue with Eleanor down Queen Street. Talk with a couple standing on the corner of Queen and Hanover. They are looking for a taxi. Patrick De Vos is from Belgium and Kim Ri-tye is from Korea. They both live in Tokyo where he is a professor at the University of Tokyo. Out of the blue, I ask him if he knew Shuji Terayama. He did. I tell Patrick that Shuji was a dear friend of mine. I also ask if he knows Hugo Claus, Harry Mulisch, and Cees Nooteboom. It is bizarre to be having this conversation at midnight in the middle of Edinburgh with a total stranger, but it is also fun. We exchange addresses and both ladies are amused. I continue to Creelers and spend another superb evening with lots of friends. Roderick is there. He needs a place to stay the night. I take him back to St.Leonard's Bank and let him sleep on the couch in Stephanie's front room. I don't think she and Stewart would mind.

      Sunday, 21st: Herzmark calls to remind me we have a date. I get up and wake up Roderick. He drives me to Royal Terrace. Join Herzmark, Chris, Xaviera Hollander and lots of lovely people for a wonderful breakfast. Herzmark introduces me to a woman from Russia and I tell her about my People to People: Russia book and she fills in a form in order to be included. I call Nicholas de Jongh at his hotel and discover he is just down Royal Terrace. He asks me to come to the hotel and join him. Apologize to everyone for having to depart. Herzmark kindly understands and gives me a warm embrace at the door. Next festival they will be in a new home at 57 Inverleith Row.
      Walk the 20 meters or so to join Nicholas. We have coffee and croissants in the back garden. Much talk and gossip. Nicholas suggests we go to a Tex-Mex restaurant for a bit of lunch. Why not? We stroll in the warm Sunday morning sun to Hanover Street. We are four: Nick Curtis, James from "Time Out", Nick and me. I learn that James and I have something in common: we both attended Edinburgh University. Lunch is excellent. As usual, I fall in love with our waitress and I invite her to visit me in Paris.
      We stroll up to Princess Street and bump into Ennio Marchetto and his friend from Holland. I introduce them to James and Nicholas. Ennio asks about Jack Moore and Paris and I tell him that Jack has sent a videocassette which I would like to give him. Ennio says he will have two tickets for me at the door tomorrow night. I promise to bring the Eartha Kitt cassette.
      Walk to the Drambuie Pavillon. I learn that Drambuie have promised a 600,000 pound sterling contribution over the next three years. Hooray for Drambuie! See Chris from last night. Talk with him and with Phoebe Grigor, Clea Silins, and Ian Finn.
      Purchase "The Sunday Independent", "The Observer", but no "Sunday Times" or "Scotland on Sunday" in the shop. Taxi down Leith Walk and drop off James and Nicholas along the way.
      Continue to Astrid's. Learn that they are also leaving this fantastic apartment; this will be the last festival. See lots of people I know: Judy & David Steel, Mona & Mike Shea, Norman & Hackett, Indrid & James Kempston, Sara Cameron who lives in Barbados, Simon (Clea's friend) and lots of others. I talk a long time with Sara Cameron who tells me about a novel she has written which won, recently, a Ted Turner Prize. We also talk about Rickie Haynes. Mona & Mike Shea tell me about their new home in Ramsay Gardens. I tell them I almost owned an apartment there years ago. They also ask me about Carmen Tribler, a dear mutual friend. James Kempston still promises to come to Paris and cook one Sunday evening.
Taxi to York Lane and linger a bit at the Demarco Gallery. Talk with a girl with red hair and blue eyes and ask her if she would like to attend Ennio Marchetto's performance with me tomorrow night. She says yes. Talk with the wonderful Glasweigen sculptor, George X. And talk with a fellow called Max Weiner.
      Leave them and taxi to Virginia & Gian-Carlo's party. Pay the taxi driver with a copy of Workers. They too plan to sell this magnificent town house because Gian-Carlo's tour of duty in Edinburgh is nearing the end. Edinburgh will certainly miss them! I know that I will certainly miss them. Maybe they will arrange to be in Edinburgh during the festival. Lots of lovely people! And lots of lovely food and drink! (I stay so long that I forget to meet Nicholas de Jongh in the Assembly Rooms for a late night performance.)

      Monday, 22nd: Toast and tea with Stephanie. She tells me she had a very restful weekend down south. I try to call John Calder and the phone has no dial tone. Stephanie goes upstairs and when she comes down, she says now I can have a dial tone. Call John Calder and he says that he has been trying to call me all morning. He sends greetings to Stephanie. He and I agree to meet at The Bank Cafe in the Bridges at 10.30. Get a call from Michele and we agree to meet at Creelers at 14.30. Ann Thompson calls to invite me to go with her and Chris to a reception next Wednesday for the Russian and Ukrainian performers in the festival.
      Quickly dress and walk to The Bank. Read "The Herald" until John arrives. He and I walk to his car and we deliver my bag to the Canongate office. John tells me that he has two review copies of John De St. Jorre's biography of Maurice Girodias and that I can have the copy that's in Paris. Then he drops me near the King's Theatre.
      I walk to Film House and have a bowl of mushroom soup. Tell Penny Thompson about "her twin sister" that I met at a party last Sunday.
Go to Dusan Makavejev's "Hole in the Soul" in the Cameo at 13.30. It's vintage Makavejev! Superb!
      Walk to Film House with a sweet film student from Glasgow. Invite her to dine when she comes to Paris.
      Taxi to Demarco Gallery and have lunch in Creeler's with David & Michele and John Calder.
      I simply cannot remember how the rest of the day evolved. But about 10pm I stand outside The Queen's Hall and await Rachel, the red head I invited to attend the Ennio Marchetto performance. Two young women from Japan ask me about Marchetto and I encourage them to see him. They purchase tickets and enter the theatre. No sign of Rachel, so leave her ticket at the box office.
      Ennio Marchetto gets better and better every time I see him perform. What energy! What pizzaz! What creativity! The audience seems to agree. The applause goes on and on. See him after the show and congratulate him and wish him continued success. Also give him the videocassette of Eartha Kitt and Judy Garland that Jack made for him. He introduces me to his agent and her husband. We chat a little while and then I depart. Walk the short distance to Stephanie's and have an early night.

      Tuesday, 23rd: Early tea and toast with Stephanie before she departs for her office. Shave, shower, shampoo.
      Rupert calls to cancel our Thursday dinner date; he has to go to Glasgow. He invites me to a party Wednesday night instead.
      Rainer Kölmel calls and we agree to meet for lunch at Creelers at 12.31. I call Stephanie and we discuss Nancy Cole.
Take a bus to Canongate. Sheila hands me a note to call Michael Shea. Michael asks if I am free to lunch with him & Mona tomorrow. Yes, with pleasure. We agree to meet at Creelers. Lorraine Fannin and Sheila talk on the telephone and I send L.F. messages of eternal love. Jan Fairley arrives and we go next door into Jamey's office for an interview about the late Nancy Cole. It seems Jan is as fascinated about what has happened to Nancy as everyone who ever encountered N.C.. (Later, Jan comes to Paris with her BBC producer, Fiona McLean, for more interviews. The programme, entitled "Missing in Austin, Texas", is broadcast the 29th of December 1994. And it is tender homage.) Jan and I go to Thins Bookshop in George Street for coffee and more talk about Nancy and about Finland.
      Arrive early at Creelers. Spot no one I know. Sit and scribble a few notes. Four women are speaking French at the table next to mine and I do not enter their conversation. Talk with Nicola Dahlinger and Manuela - two sisters from Heidelberg. Nicola wrote and performs in "Dead Fish".
Rainer arrives. I get all his news and give him mine. He tells me about wonderful Sabine. We talk about marriages and all the stresses that one finds in couple relationships. I tell him that I could never be one half of a couple, that I think he and Sabine are very brave. Rainer will attend the Frankfurt Book Fair in early October and I tell him about my annual party during the Messe. We will meet next at the Fair.
Pick up my laundry and taxi to the Traverse. No tickets available for the Russian play. Go down to the press office and talk with Fiona Clazy and she arranges for me to have tickets next Thursday.
      Go to St.Leonard's Bank and have a delicious siesta. Jump up and dash to Demarco Gallery for the Antonia Smits one-woman Tmu-Na theatre company production. It is directed by Nava Zukerman but she is not in Edinburgh. That's sad. I like Nava.
      Tom Morris buys me an orange juice and we talk about the festival. Talk briefly with a friend of Mark & Linda Goldberg and send my love and greetings to them. Then Herzmark's son, Jason, passes and we chat briefly. Sit with Tom and we discuss the Tmu-Na production. Antonia is a joy to watch.
      Bus to West End and walk to Drambuie Pavillon. Meet Frances Anderson and she is always a joy to see and to be with. See Gus Macdonald, Lynda Myles, Saul Linklater, and lots of others. Go over to the Traverse and see the Yellow Rabbit production of X's play "Superman" . (Thanks, Helen Wyllie.) Afterwards have a long talk with Aaron Thomas who tells me he has moved to Seattle. I introduce him to Tom Morris. And we meet Tom's co-scribers: Claire Bayley, Roberta Mock, and Matthew.
      At some point I make it to me bed. Again alone. No justice.

      Wednesday, 24th: The doorbell rings at 8am. I get up to open the door and it is Saul Linklater. He has come to have breakfast with me. He makes coffee for us. Consuelo arrives and produces a pot of tea. Stephanie arrives in her bath robe. She has over-slept. Last night she dined at Creelers with Timothy Clifford, the Director of the National Gallery of Scotland, and with Drue Heinz.
      I call Mary Neat and she will come into town today to edit with me. I call Mick Shea and we agree to meet at Creelers at 12.30.
Quickly shave and dress. Stephanie, Consuelo and Saul depart. Twenty minutes later I am out the door and in a bus to Princess Street. Purchase "The Independent". (Every day I seem to buy a different newspaper. I have friends who write for them all.)
      Go upstairs to Canongate. A fax has arrived from Nomi Victor in Boston. It is her last fax to me because her summer job with Zephyr ends today and she returns to Manhattan tomorrow. Andrew Horton has not been able to raise $550 for my talk in New Orleans. Oh well, easy come, easy go.
      Jamey asks me to call Jon O'Mahoney in London. John says he will come to Edinburgh tomorrow afternoon.
      Go out and purchase milk for Canongate.
      Up to Stephanie's room and she is upset about all the things she has to do. Call Paul's secretary and it looks like it is OK for Friday at 1pm. Call Ernie Eban and Matthew Tynan says he is in New York City. Call Elsie Donald and she says I am welcome to stay in her guest bed room.
      Later Sheila goes out for pastry and gets a chocolate doughnut for me. Someone makes tea for me. Sit quietly and read "The Independent". Just as I am about to depart, Mary arrives and we have a brief editorial session together. Give her the new name to be added.
      Taxi to Ricky's. Sit upstairs in Creelers and rad "The Scotsman" until Mona and Mike arrive. John Calder arrives and I introduce him to Mike and Mona. Mike announces that he and John met in 1962 when Mike played host to Norman Mailer at our "Writers' Conference". We ask John to join us, but he is expecting someone and politely refuses. Timothy Clifford arrives with two attractive women and they sit at a table next to ours. Introductions all around and the wo tables are pushed together. Michael is a member of the National Gallery Board of Trustees. Suddenly our intimate lunch has become a big affair.
      Then Ricky arrives. He soon succeeds in getting us to go downstairs to see a Bulgarian troup perform. Five semi-nude women chant to a bagpipe drone. They make bizarre movements and I am not at all sure what it is supposed to mean. Their faces are covered in a white chalk substance. Just before I agreed to go down to see them, I asked Ricky the running time and he reported 35 minutes. Since it had already started when we arrived, I did not expect to stay very long to see the finale. Needless to say, it was longer than 35 minutes.
      In the afternoon see a Russian film and a Latvian/Australian co-production.
      Taxi to Ann and Chris Thompson. We taxi to the City Chambers for the reception.
      Somehow or other I get talked into going to the Public Baths behind James Thins to see a company from The Ukraine perform.
Very late go to Rupert's party.

      Thursday, 25th: Bus to Waverly Station and book a 7pm train to London. Lunch at Creelers with Mona Shea and a friend of hers from North Berick. Later sit briefly with a fellow who says he invested $30,000 in the original "Oliver" production in the West End and earned millions from it.
A bunch of us attend Bob Shure's play in the afternoon. It's a two-hander and Bob plays the fellow. He does a good job. He still has a delightful ear.
      Sit with Richard Covington in Creelers and we alk about the Edinburgh Festival and its evolution over the years. he is doing an article for the "Smithonian Magazine". (Later the magazine arrives and he has written a lovely article.)
      Walk to Waverly and change my booking to tomorrow at 6.30am. Walk to Jeffrey Street and visit with Gavin Wolfe Murray.
      Taxi to Traverse and pick up a press ticket for "Superman". Discover that Rainer Kolmel also is attending. And a pretty blonde friend of Yves Pommerance who comes up to me and introduces herself. It is a superb production!
Drink in the bar afterwards with rainer and Aaron Thomas.
      Frances Anderson has invited me to a party in Charlotte Square, but for some bizarre reason I go to Demarco's to see a dance company from Paris perform. They are excellent. One of the dancers in the company pulls me out of the audience to dance with her. We dance well together. Effie takes photographs.
      Later Ricky tells me that he has been offered the position of official historian of the festival.
      See Herzmark and Eric having dinner in Creelers. Also Jacqueline who tells me she loved Ennio Marchetto.
      I go downstairs to hear a singer from Poland perform.
      Then drinks with Tom Morris and his associates.

      Friday, 26th: Manage to sleep a few hours from 2am to 5am. Call a taxi and am at Waverly by 5.30. Talk with two kids from Berlin. Buy some orange juice and short bread. Read and sleep all the way to London. The train is late because of a stalled train ahead of us blocks the tracks.
      No more notes. I stay with Elsie Donald, have lunch with Paul G, and dinner with Elsie and her friend, Louisa Service. And late night drinks with Chrissy Iley.
      Fly to Paris. Two days later fly to USA.