Kintyre fish farmer lands three book deal
A FISH farm manager-turned-writer hopes to hook young readers with alien tales.
Andrew Robertson, 52, published his first book, The Dijim-flippers, part of a planned series, at the end of September in America, with the UK version appearing on the shelves earlier this month.
The tricky to pronounce title: Digi M Flipper being Mr Robertson’s suggestion is based on a work colleague’s saying.
‘Whenever he was looking for a spanner, nut or bolt he would say: ‘Where’s my Dijim-flipper?’ said Mr Robertson.
The story aimed at readers aged 8+ is about three pals who are taken by extraterrestrials back to an alien world. There is a worm that can transport humans back to earth, to the time they left and that is when things do not go to plan.
The Tayinloan-based self-taught author attended Dalintober primary for six years, followed by a year at Castlehill, before finishing his education at the Grammar school. He is happy to admit that school was a stepping stone and he could not wait to finish.
Solution
Mr Robertson’s father owned a 40ft prawn boat, Sardonyx, and for about 20 years, until he was struck down by Fibromyalgia aged 37, he worked at sea.
The illness laid Mr Robertson low for a few years and eventually he knew the solution lay within.
Professionally, he moved onto fish farm- ing, working with salmon smolts, and he has been the manager at Loch Garasdale, near Clachan, for 11 years.
At first he wrote because he was bored. His wife of 21 years, Caroline, was working away in Inverness and his son had grown up.
‘I wrote two books at first but kept quiet about them for at least a year until I was encouraged to try to find a publisher,’ said Mr Robertson. ‘I write what I think I would have liked to read as a child.’
Combined with his busy working life, Mr Robertson has what may seem a punishing schedule.
‘I get up at about 4am to write, the laptop has made it so easy, I am not sure if I would have ever started without a computer. I get lost in the story and suddenly three hours have passed and I have to go to my work.’
Mr Robertson has two more books in the series ready to print, The Holden Cross, set on Cara and Gigha, and Magdalen and the Secrets of Thunder Loch, set on Islay. In addition he is working on a book aimed at adults.