MY FAVOURITE PLACE

WHERE IS IT?

Tyndrum. As a crime author, I have travelled all around the world. I’ve watched whales in Alaska, photographed rare moths in Costa Rica’s rainforests and traipsed the snow on the peaks of the High Atlas in Morocco. I’ve even eaten a second scone in Rothesay while waiting for the ferry. But my favourite place is Tyndrum.

WHY DO YOU GO THERE?

It is a haven of peace to think and gain inspiration to write, despite it being such a busy hub of people on the move.

Everybody knows the Green Welly Stop, the Real Food Cafe and the petrol station with its everpresent gathering of friendly bikers from all over Europe sitting outside having a coffee before they head up the Great Glen or over to the Western Isles. During the day, it is the ideal people-watching spot.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU GO?

For a few days at least once every six weeks or so, mostly when there is a writing deadline and I need peace to get the novel finished.

HOW DID YOU DISCOVER IT?

My childhood holidays were spent there. Our family camped close by, and, as kids, we spent hours trying to catch minnows in the burn or playing in the woods.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY OF BEING THERE?

As a child, I was never allowed to go as far as the Lochan of the Lost Sword. This hugely atmospheric pond is one of our regular walks now. We go very early, often at dawn, and once we sat on the

Lochan stone watching the mist drift and swirl on the surface of the dark water. It was totally silent. As the mist cleared, we saw a stag down at the water’s edge, having a drink. He stayed with us for a while before going about his business. It was an incredible sight. The village can be busy during the day. At dusk, it changes character, and tranquillity descends in the glen. The hills are bathed in gentle lilac light and there’s a palpable sense of isolation.

In the glen, the night sky is free of pollution, a midnight walk to go bat watching reveals a sky lit up by a myriad of stars.

WHO DO YOU TAKE?

My other half, myself and the faithful hound Mathilda.

WHAT DO YOU TAKE?

The wee campervan. It’s really a mobile writing room equipped with a desktop, a printer and a lot of chocolate.

WHAT DO YOU LEAVE BEHIND?

The internet.

SUM IT UP IN FIVE WORDS.

Peaceful. Beautiful. Rugged. Isolated. Inspirational.

WHAT TRAVEL SPOT IS ON YOUR POST-LOCKDOWN WISH LIST?

Our trip to the Grand Canyon has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic but I’m quite glad I’ll get back to Tyndrum before we go rafting down the Colorado River. I shall be sitting by the Cononish instead, notebook in hand, planning a murder or two. The Sideman by Caro Ramsay is published by Black Thorn Books, priced £8.99