Novel approach to publication
Moidart author launches his sequel as Fort bookshop celebrates first year
The Highland Bookshop was the venue for the official launch of We Fought for Ardnish, the sequel to bestseller, Ardnish Was Home, on Wednesday July 11.
The book, penned by Moidart author Angus MacDonald, tells the story of a Lovat Scout in the Second World War who meets a young French Canadian Special Operations Executive agent in the Alps. After the latter is injured at war, the pair are finally reunited and plan to live together in his beloved Ardnish.
Mr MacDonald was interviewed by his brother Peter ‘Peeps’ MacDonald on the methods, inspiration and work that went into crafting both books, but especially the latest publication. There were plenty of questions and interaction from a warm and enthusiastic crowd.
Afterwards, there were one-to-one signings of both titles, for those who had read, and for those wishing to jump into, the series. So far copies have been posted to Australia, Canada and the Netherlands, proving the affection for the Lochaber area and illustring how the stories that come from within it are loved globally.
The book launch coincided with the Highland Bookshop’s first birthday, which was celebrated by the staff on Saturday July 14 with a tasty slice of cake and a look back over the past year.
Shop manager Sarah-Louise Bamblett said: ‘We’ve doubled our floor space, with room for photo and art exhibitions, and extended our stock of outdoor books and maps to cater for locals and visitors. We’ve also been very lucky to enjoy visits from several authors and been part of local schools’ push for reading.’
The shop has also been shortlisted as a regional finalist for Scottish Independent Bookshop of the Year in the British Book Awards 2018. ‘Above all, we are most grateful for the support of our local community, felt all year round and we are looking forward to building on this last year’s success,’ added Sarah-Louise.