March 2025

Welcome to My Blog: A Journey Through Computing, Health, and Self-Reliance

Hello, and welcome!

I’m Charles McCrimmon, a computing lecturer based in the Scottish Highlands. I teach, learn, and explore ways to become more self-reliant in an increasingly digital world. This blog is a space where I’ll share insights from my work in computing and education, my experiences in health and fitness, and my journey toward greater independence in both personal and practical aspects of life.

Computing & Education

With a background in software development and cybersecurity, I work with students of all levels, helping them navigate programming, databases, and computing theory. I also engage in curriculum development and remote learning strategies, which are particularly relevant for those in rural and remote communities. Expect posts about coding best practices, emerging trends in computing, and insights into education technology.

Health & Fitness

Like many who spend long hours at a desk, I’ve realised the importance of maintaining physical health. I’m working on improving my fitness, learning new skills (including swimming), and making gradual lifestyle changes to support long-term well-being. This blog will document my progress, share lessons learned, and perhaps encourage others on a similar path.

The Road to Self-Reliance

Beyond computing and fitness, I’m also interested in self-reliance—whether through learning practical skills, improving problem-solving abilities, or finding ways to be less dependent on external systems. A big part of this is my acre of land, which I plan and develop to grow my food. This long-term project involves learning about soil health, sustainable growing techniques, and how to work with the land in a challenging climate.

Meet Rusty

No introduction would be complete without mentioning Rusty—my border collie and loyal companion. Rusty is mostly quiet, except when the car is moving, at which point he transforms into an enthusiastic commentator. He’s a constant presence in my daily routine, whether I’m working, out on the land, or trying to get him to understand that the car isn’t actually an enemy. Expect the occasional Rusty-related anecdote in my posts.

If you’re interested in computing, education, personal growth, self-sufficiency, or just want to follow along with my experiences, I hope you’ll find something of value here. This blog isn’t just about expertise—it’s about learning, adapting, and sharing knowledge along the way.

Let’s see where this journey takes us.