The Sunday Post quiz is a big hit on the island

TIM BOWLES spent his lifetime in the printing ink industry.

Although work took him all across Britain, Norfolk-born Tim, 59, was never happier than when he was in Scotland.

So, when redundancy gave him and wife Jenny a chance to re-evaluate things, they decided on a total change of lifestyle and location.

They chose a home on the Isle of Seil near Oban, which is linked to the close-by mainland by the famous 18th Century humpback Bridge over the Atlantic.

That was in 2006 and Tim initially planned to enjoy an earlier retirement, but his chemistry skills led to him being lured to work at the Oban Distillery.

But the pace of life on the four mile-long island has been right up his street.

Tim and Jenny loved catching up with the locals at the pub, Tigh an Truish.

On Sunday teatimes, though, it was usually really quiet, with hardly anyone in.

That was until a November night a decade ago.

Local Archie MacLeod – a bit of a character – always comes in on the Sabbath to collect his favourite paper that’s picked up and kept there for him.

As it was quiet, Archie decided those there should do the famous Sunday Post quiz with him in the question master’s chair.

Archie has, as Tim admits, a very individual delivery and much hilarity ensued.

So much fun was had, the small band agreed to reconvene the following week and do it all over again.

But word had spread and the next Sunday there were a few more in the bar ready to be quizzed.

The week after a few more appeared – and things grew from there.

Every Sunday since, come rain, hail or shine, Archie’s in the chair with 20 to 30 people eager to answer our quiz posers.

There’s no Mastermind silence or seriousness, it’s just a case of shouting out if you know.

While it’s become a big attraction for islanders, visitors are very welcome to take part.

And that’s included a couple of well-known faces, Balamory actress Juliet Cadzow and Del Amitri singer Justin Currie.

Next week Seil’s Sunday Post quiz will mark its milestone 10th anniversary.

And Tim reckons the pub, which has enjoyed an amazing business boost, might just lay on a little celebration!