An islands adventure
Arran and other islands of the Clyde archipelago
Of the all the books which have been written over the years about Arran few include the other islands of the Clyde.
However, that has been rectified with the publication of ‘Arran and other islands of the Clyde Archipelago’, which has just hit the bookshelves.
It has been written, and self-published, by husband and wife team David and Alison Kilpatrick as something of a labour of love and is already selling well.
And as David admits from the outset: ‘We have not written this book in order to make money.
‘After paying the cost of publishing, we propose to donate any royalties to the John Muir Trust, a charity very close to our hearts.’
The book itself is handsomely illustrated by some images of the islands and the birds, animals and flora and fauna which inhabit them.
And it is not the first time the couple have collaborated in their writing – but why a guide book?
David said: ‘First we just like writing about things that interest us. Second we wanted to produce a guide that specifically contains the sort of information that we ourselves would like to have, in a fairly concise and readable form.
‘At the very least, potential visitors interested but ignorant of the Clyde islands should garner some idea of the characteristics of this archipelago and therefore what to expect.
‘A third reason for this is that it provides an excuse for publishing some rather pleasant photographs.’
The guide gives an overview of the nine main islands found in the Clyde archipelago with the major emphasis on Arran and then Bute and Great Cumbrae.
The other islands featured are: Holy Isle, Pladda, Little Cumbrae, Inchmarnock, Sanda and Ailsa Craig, with a passing reference to the other much smaller islands scattered around the Clyde.
The most interesting fauna and flora are described in some detail, as are archaeological sites and numerous other places of interest.
Finally a variety of walks, both short and lengthy, are also outlined. Dr David Kilpatrick was born in Edinburgh in 1950 and first visited Arran in 1965.
He spent his career as a consultant immunologist in medical research and has authored around 120 research reports and reviews and written the autobiography of Professor Sir John Crofton.
His wife Alison was also born in Edinburgh in 1952 and spent her career in education as a primary school teacher during which time she wrote several books for schoolchildren and teachers.
The couple were married in 1980 and have two children.
They bought a house in Pirnmill in 1995 and, since retirement in 2012, spend around half their time there.
They previously collaborated on a medical education booklet in 1987 simply titled Aids, aimed at teenagers.
The book published by FastPrint Publishing costs £10 and is available at The Book and Card Centre in Brodick and other outlets.
It is also available on Amazon.