u/Ok-Procedure-3083

Moved to Glasgow a few years ago from sunnier climes and have always dreaded this time of year when it seems like the sun just shuts off for several months, but this year I am determined to not be so miserable and instead embrace the season, so am looking for any tips anybody might have for making the shorter days and colder weather a bit cosier and more enjoyable.

I work entirely from home, so I don't have to worry about commuting in the cold, but it can be a bit isolating, particularly when I clock in before the sun rises and clock out before it sets. I'm aiming to take a longer break at mid day to get outside, but it can feel like such a slog! I'd love to take my bike out, but it's hard to get motivated!

For those of you who have managed to find ways to embrace this time of year, how do you do it?

Hello! My partner and I will be in Peru next month, including a few days in Arequipa. We're planning to do a guided 2-day/1-night trek into the Colca Canyon (most of these seem to include Cruz del Condor, Sangalle and Cabanaconde), but I'm looking for advice/recommendations on either incorporating some rock climbing into the trek or planning a separate climbing outing. I know there are plenty of tour operators who offer treks, but I imagine climbing will be more niche/specialised so if it's possible to include climbing, I would prefer to book in advance with a reputable guide.

Is there climbing in the canyon? And if so, are there climbing guides that offer a combined trek/climbing excursion?

If there isn't climbing in the canyon, I'm still keen for any guide recommendations for a separate outing.

For context, I'm a reasonably capable climber, but almost entirely indoors, so would probably be looking to do some fairly straightforward/readable routes (especially since I'll have been traveling for a couple weeks!). I also know there are other areas that are probably better for climbing, but this is more "fit climbing into the plans we have" rather than vice versa :)

Thanks in advance for any tips!

Hello! I'm in a dispute with a trader regarding some the quality of some work done on my property in Glasgow. I've tried to work out the issue with the trader directly, including via ADR, which they declined. I'm not looking for legal advice here, just some recommendations on where I can find it.

I have had some talks with Consumer Advice Scotland about the matter, and although they have been helpful, they have suggested the situation might require a more formal legal process. They cannot directly recommend a solicitor, but referred me to the Law Society of Scotland.

The trouble is the Law Society's register is immense, and I have not had much luck getting responses. It seems many are either small firms that are at capacity and not taking new cases or very large firms that have said their rates are probably not commensurate with the value of the dispute (below the simple procedure threshold of £5k).

Does anybody have experience engaging a solicitor on these kinds of claims (i.e. tradesperson disputes)?

Weather is getting better so looking to plan some nice days out on the bicycle out of town with a stop (waypoint or endpoint) at a pub in nice surrounds -- I used to stop at The Stables along the canal between Bishopbriggs and Kirkintilloch, which was a great place to sit with a pint, but quality got to be more miss than hit so haven't been back lately. Have also tried the marina at Auchinstarry, which was similarly a decent vibe, but am generally looking for options away from the canal!