CAPTURING A SENSE OF SCOTLAND

As a new book highlighting some of Scotland's most scenic spots is launched, Hilary McNally speaks to author Andy Hall.

Stonehaven-based author and photographer Andy Hall is justifiably proud of his new book, A Sense of Belonging to Scotland, which captures areas of the country best-loved by a host of Scottish celebrities.

He has, after all, managed to persuade the likes of Hollywood star Ewan McGregor, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and award-winning author Ian Rankin to take time out from their hectic schedules to take part.

They and another 46 Scottish celebrities agreed to write about their favourite part of the country which Andy then photographed.

His images have been described by Ewan McGregor as "the most beautiful collection of photographs of Scotland" that he has seen.

Andy, who also works as a primary school teacher, thought up the idea for the book after finishing work on an earlier book devoted to the Mearns area in north east Scotland where he lives.

"I produced a modest book, The Mearns at the Millennium, which was very well received and lots of people from abroad wrote to me to tell me of their affinity to the area," he said.

"Some older people wrote to tell me about when they lived in the area and how much they appreciated seeing their home area portrayed in such atmospheric photography.

"That got me thinking and I decided to contact some Scottish personalities and ask them what their favourite places were."

Andy was delighted and more than a little surprised at the response.

"I sent a copy of the Mearns book to the people I wanted to take part and the criteria there was people I admired. I said I would like them to be involved and if they were interested to contact me. Within six months I had 49 replies.

"Jimmy Logan was one of the first to write back to me. He died in April and the book is dedicated to his memory."

Andy added that there is a range of people in the book from internationally celebrated figures to local celebrities and a range of places too including some quite unusual selections.

"Alex Ferguson chose Govan. He wrote to me and said he used to get the ferry from Patrick to Govan and in these days he was surrounded by ships. Now there are none left so I had to try and recreate that industrial scene.

"Kaye Adams place is Grangemouth Refinery. She's from that area and she remembers seeing it all lit up at night when she was a wee girl. And Ian Rankin's favourite place is the sign above the Oxford bar. That's his local and it's where his Rebus books are set.

"I think that's part of the charm of the book, that some of the places are a bit different. It's not just all landscapes."

The book does include, however, a number of scenes for which Scotland is renowned.

"Ally McCoist's place is Glencoe and he said to me he didn't mind where about in Glencoe I took the photograph because it was all beautiful," said Andy.

"I decided to go at wintertime and the atmosphere was fantastic. I took the photograph just before the sun came up and the river was frozen.

"I also caught Loch Morar, Cameron MacKintosh's favourite place in the afterglow which was very atmospheric.

"People reading the book will recognize the places and it will maybe make them think about their own favourite places. It also shows Scotland at its most diverse and atmospheric. Hopefully it will also encourage people to come here."

Seeing the book in print for the first time was, admits Andy, a "fantastic feeling."

"I poured myself a whisky and had a look through it. I am immensely proud of the photography and the quality of the writing from the contributors is very evocative. Many have written back to me to say how pleased they are with the photography. I drove over 15,000 miles over three years to get all the photographs but it has all been worth it."

For more information about the book which is published by Mercat Press visit the website www.asenseofbelonging.com

Why not enter our competition to be in with a chance of winning a copy of A Sense of Belonging to Scotland . Click here to enter.
(31/10/2002)

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