John Nicolson

It was, they said, a beautiful night. The moon was full, its luminous presence dominating the clear night sky. They came in droves, exploiting the clear night flying conditions.

I’ve been visiting Palestine and Israel for decades. As a journalist I interviewed many of the big players – Benjamin Netanyahu, Yasser Arafat, and memorably the great Edward Said, amongst many others.

As a new MP in 2015 – and a new user of social media – it took me some time to adapt.

I WILL be the Member of Parliament for Ochil and South Perthshire only until the next election. After that, OSP – as it's affectionately known – will be no more.

I DON'T think I have ever been at a service where the celebrant swore so much.

LAST week my friend and staffer Irene Hamilton died. I hope Irene knew how loved she was.

MY MUM always remembered a wee German girl who arrived at her primary school in the late 1930s.

"FIRST of all, are you okay?" That was Holly Willoughby's knuckle-bitingly-excruciating opening to camera, addressing her This Morning audience at home when she returned to the studio sofa, Phil-less.

ONE of the (many) joys of being M.P. for Ochil and South Perthshire are the visits with amazing people in wonderful places.

I DIDN'T think it would be possible to pack the student union debating hall on a Saturday morning at 10am.