I am a Scottish Patriot with pride in both my Scottish and Irish ancestry and in my Catholic faith. My folks arrived in Scotland in the early eighteenth century to fight for the Jacobite cause. Some of them fought at the disastrous last battle at Culloden Moor. I am working on a research degree concerning the Catholics in Scotland. Scotland bears the wonderful title of Mary's Crown.

     I left school a few days before my fifteenth birthday and went to work in an explosives factory. I also worked in a distillery and then a car ferry between Scotland and Northern Ireland. I studied at night school and went into higher and college education. From childhood I wanted to be a writer and was always deeply interested in Scottish, Irish and American history, culture, folk lore and folk music. I often drive way up North to our beautiful tranquil places where I can ponder God's wonderful creation on become immersed on the history of the places I go to. If I go to places like Glencoe and our battlefields where there was terrible traumatic happenings and massacres, I always feel drawn to say the rosary for the Holy Souls.

     I felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to write this novel and I have plans for a follow up. I am a frequent traveler to the USA and Canada and have been to Fatima, Lourdes and Medjugorje. I speak Russian and have been in Russia many times also.

     My hobbies are my cats, Angus -Tabitha and Samantha , researching history, drawing and painting and music. I enjoy making bread and traditional food, growing herbs and vegetables. I play the guitar and the classical flute. I am active in my church and I belong to a big interdenominational prayer group in our town as well as our own Padre Pio group and Catholic Charismatic Renewal. I wear the Brown Scapular and I am devoted to the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and the Rosary.

     When I was a child I would rather write a story than read a book although I did my share of reading and particularly enjoy historical novels. I would like to write a Scottish novel about growing up here in the west of Scotland in the 50's as well as a follow up to Tribulation These Are The Times. I am involved in voluntary work in the prisons with those with addiction problems particularly alcohol addiction. I myself am a grateful recovering alcoholic by the grace of God and I work the program of recovery on a daily basis and do my stint on the AA help -line. I was led to AA after a trip to Medjugorje where I got healing and strength to deal with the problem. I feel that Almighty God has been leading me in a particular way in the last twelve years or so.

     I love meeting with and talking to new people and would love to hear from anyone that wants to write to me. I have always had an infinity with the USA and go there as often as I can.

Title Page and Clickable Index

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10