Approximately 60 people attended the launch and I was bowled over by everyone’s kind words and support. I like to think it wasn’t just the bubbly and great food that prompted their enthusiasm! I have 15 photos on display until the end of July – a mix of puffins, meerkats, Scottish weather and the beauty of, among other things, The Enchanted Forest.

It’s my first public exhibition (I exhibited some of my work in BBC Scotland shortly before I left last year) and it was pretty nerve-wracking for more reasons than I dare to bore you with. Happily, it was hailed a success. I had fantastic help from friends on the day (Alison Hutcheson, Rob Beer and Nick Storey), it was an excuse to buy a new frock (and matching handbag – no, I won’t stop talking about it), it’s been featured on three great websites (Glasgow Podcart, Folio 14 and VisitScotland), there’s a press story in the works, many lovely people on Twitter have told their followers about it again and again (thanks to whoever started the #excitedforjulie hashtag – it made me laugh!), and I sold a few prints on the night.

As hostess, it was hard to take photos of the event but, as you can see above, I managed a few at the end of the night (one of my friends said that seeing me behind the camera was the most relaxed I’d been all night). Thanks to Sara Christie for taking the pictures of me, and Ali for the one of me and Patricia Elliot. The event was filmed by Woods Noble Media and I’ll share the videos shortly.

In the meantime, please allow me to share some of the lovely comments from Twitter folk who came along to the launch:

“At @juliebee’s very busy exhibition launch with @Kenflaw and @LadyMiller. Looks awesome! Tres classy!” – @different_light

“Well done @juliebee photos looked great as did you. Hope you enjoy the rest of your special evening.” – @caroledunlop

“A success. An unqualified success. @juliebee’s photographic exhibition in @curlers_rest was a resounding success. #excitedforjulie” – @stuglen

“Well done to @juliebee, the meerkats totally rocked! X” – @AnnieBeee (no relation)

“@juliebee Congrats on the opening night – a resounding success! #excitedforjulie” – @armadillojam

“Excellent launch yesterday by @juliebee at @curlers_rest. Photos are fab, definitely a must-see (Byres Rd). Well done!” – @heatheralex

“@juliebee Congrats on a wonderful evening @curlers_rest It was an excellent exhibtion, your work looked great. Well done! #excitedforjulie” – @elizakitten

“@juliebee Thanks for throwing a great party last night and making the Curlers’ walls a damn sight prettier!” – @Anna_Cook

“Had a great time at @juliebee’s photo exhibition at @curlers_rest last night. She is one talented lady!” – @hollyjunesmith

“Congrats on last night!! Excellent show and amazing images!!” – @kenflaw

“Some wonderful pictures to see http://www.juliebee.co.uk/curlersrest/ via @juliebee Why not drop in Curlers Rest on Byres road and look” – @wendyatidrach

“an exhibition I won’t miss!” – @dillytalk

“Some gorgeous pics! Have a look x” – @sue_mulholland

Thanks again, everyone – you were amazing! My exhibition photographs are now available to view and purchase online.