This episode is a conversation with Anne Scott about Java and Craignure from the late 1940’s into the 1950’s.
Anne grew up in Falkirk, lived in Edinburgh for many years and now resides in Largs.
Alexander Maclachlan, Anne’s Grandfather, was the head gardener at Java Lodge.
Anne offers up a unique series of insights into the communities around Craignure in the mid part of the last century and the arrival of the Soay folk to Java.
Anne is an academic, who is still teaching to this day. She’s been a broadcaster working with Radio Scotland, featuring on the wonderful Jimmie Macgregor’s programmes and she’s also an author.
Her book, 18 Bookshops is an absolute delight. If, like me, you’re a bit of a bibliophile, then this is the book you’ve been waiting for!
Many listeners will also know the work of Anne’s son, Mike Scott of the Waterboys, whose music has brought so much joy to millions of listeners.
Anne mentions so many names from the past, I’m sure many listeners will get a smile at the mention of a relative or friend from all those years ago.
Thanks for listening!
Episode Links:
Mike Scott – Mike’s autobiography
Batavia, Dutch East Indies, now Jakarta
Mull, The Island and Its People – Jo Currie
Oakbank, home and studio of the artist John Archbold
Isle of Soay
Soay Sheep
Arrival of Soay folk to Salen
Darling’s Princes St, Edinburgh
Romanes and Patterson, Princes St, Edinburgh
What We Do In The Winter 