Here is a taster of our current memoirs, from some well known Scots. Use these for inspiration and don't forget to send your own into us. You can email [email protected] with all your stories and happiest memories and feel free to send any pics to us too, all of our memoirs will be on display at the festival for all to read and enjoy.
"Although I was born and bred in the East of Scotland, I have spent a lot of time in the Highlands of the West of Scotland. As a student, and even after I was elected to Parliament, I have walked in Skye, Kintail, the Hebrides, Argyllshire and Sutherland, often with parliamentary colleagues such as the late John Smith MP. I have many fond memories of days on the hill and in the glens; and of good hospitality and entertainment in the evenings, as often as not accompanied by a dram. I send best wishes to the organisers of Spirit of the West."
- Gordon Brown, Prime Minister
"The west coast of Scotland has a beauty and a soul that is unique, memorable, relaxing and inspiring. It is a special part of the world, especially for those of us who grew up in the islands which lie off that coast."
- Rt. Hon Jack McConnell MSP
"Like many Scots Argyll & Bute and the rest of our West coast is not only beautiful and dramatic, but also evocative given its history and the connection offered by the timeless quality of the landscape and the picturesque towns and villages, which link us to our past and connect newcomers to our future.
Not only that but it is also the custodian of our culture, heritage and history with museums, visitor centres, castles and talented people keeping our distinct contribution alive, well and developing.
And on top of all that there is the very major contribution from our food, drink and the warm hospitality on the West Coast that is capable of hosting the most memorable and enjoyable visits that bring people back and sends them home keen to tell their friends and share the experience.
That is why the West Coast is a world class place and a must visit destination for any discerning traveller."
- Jim Mather MSP
“Although I am known as a landscape painter what I am really painting is the light.
The West has the most beautiful light of anywhere in the world. From Switzerland to China, I have painted beautiful light but the light of the west of Scotland is the most beautiful. No matter what the weather, blue sky or grey, sunshine or rain, the Spirit of the West has the most fantastic ever changing light!"
- John Lowrie Morrison (Jolomo)
Talisker Bay: - “Leaving the car at the end of the public road, I walked by a garden with peacocks strutting, then under an avenue of conker-dropping chestnut trees and down to the bay under the looming bulk of Preshal More. The stony beach was hemmed in by cliffs and sea stacks and at the top of the cliff opposite, a stream ran over to form a waterfall. Such was the wind on that day that the water went up as it ran over the cliff, instead of down; quite a rare sight. There I sat with a dram of Talisker, on Talisker Bay itself, looking out to the misty Outer Hebrides and feeling very close to the elements.
- Robin Laing
WHY I LOVE DUNOON -
“I was born in Glasgow but my mum was brought up in Dunoon so the family used to visit my grandparents all the time when I was little. Getting the ferry across always made it feel like an adventure and I loved the buzz about the place, especially when the American troops were posted there - there was a real sense of glamour about the place especially with the amazing cars.
One of my first memories is going to the Cowal Games when I was little and seeing the pipe bands - they really made an impression on me with their grand outfits and the camaraderie between the band members so I suppose it's no surprise then that I ended up playing in the Red Hot Chilli Pipers! I also remember roller skating in the Queen's Hall when I was a little boy and imagining myself performing there -my dream came true when the band played there in March last year and we got a great response from the local audience.
As an adult, I still go back to Dunoon when I want to relax and take a break. My parents have actually moved up there now and I love going for long walks and nice meals when I'm there - my favourite restaurant is Chatters, we've always gone there as a family and it holds a lot of memories for me. I still remember being a little boy and the fun I'd have on summer holidays at the swimming pool and playing crazy golf - Dunoon's a great place to go when you want to get away from it all.”
- Gregor McPhie, Guitarist in the Red Hot Chilli Pipers www.redhotchillipipers.co.uk
Memoirs of Tiree
“One of my favourite places on earth has to be Tiree, one of the furthest islands in the Inner Hebrides.
The four hour ferry journey from Oban is a beautiful introduction to the paradise-on-earth we are destined for - a glimpse of Tobermory (or Balamory as my children know it), a visit from the passing basking sharks as well as the stunning views of Mull, Coll and the amazing islands of the West of Scotland.
Tiree itself is magical. Long, white, sandy beaches - all unspoilt and usually inhabited by little more than a passing herd of highland cows or an impressive sandcastle. For the culture-vulture the island boasts some impressive history, famous inhabitants and intruiguing local folklore - and for our family (dominated by the under 5's) the perfect flat quiet roads for learning to ride a bike, the best sort of sand for castle-building, some great ice creams, fish and chips on the seafront and the endless sunny days. Tiree apparently has more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in Great Britain..
We have had many happy holidays on Tiree - all through the year, but especially in the summer when we hold intensely competitive family competitions of the best photograph of the island bathed in endless sunsets (bonus points for including Island House, a swimming otter and a flying swan), the highest, most original sandcastle and the best picnic bun, cooked on the beach, while the children explore the rock pools, and made up of the best of Tiree's wonderful foods - usually dominated by Mrs McLean's infamous black and white puddings and oozing with fried eggs. Not healthy, but definitely a highlight of a holiday in paradise!”
- The Duchess of Argyll
