Raymond Henderson is one of the longest-standing and most-loved residents of Shieldinch. Always quick with a comment on all that goes on around him, Raymond's the life and soul of the party. The real truth of Raymond is a little darker. For all the jokes and carry-on Raymond has a tendency to take himself very seriously indeed. This might lead to a few laughs for the likes of Eileen but it also means poor Raymond gets his delicate feelings hurt - a lot.
Eldest child of Shieldinch worthy George Henderson, Raymond did not have a particularly cheery childhood. His bigoted father was at war with his sister, Alice, while their mum, Moira, had countless affairs. It was a house in which very little was ever spoken about honestly and, as a result, Raymond is, on the surface, every bit the buttoned-up west coast male.
Raymond is a lot softer in the middle than he would like people to believe. Raymond's first great love was Eileen Donachie. Childhood sweethearts, it seemed natural that Eileen and Raymond would marry and marry they did. It was a mistake. Two children down the line it was clear the pair was desperately unsuited as a couple and they split following Eileen's affair with Lewis Cope. Raymond was deeply wounded by the betrayal and by Eileen's subsequent marriage to Tommy Donachie.
Raymond opened tanning salon Lazy Rays where he met his second wife, Roisin Macintyre. Roisin was more than a match for Raymond and love grew slowly. When Raymond discovered Roisin's daughter, Alanna, had been sexually abused Alanna swore him to secrecy. Raymond agreed, afraid Alanna would harm herself if he told.
When Roisin discovered he kept the truth from her she was unable to forgive Raymond and the marriage ended. Raymond sought comfort in the arms of Roisin's sister, Shona. The relationship divided opinion but the pair won everyone round and they finally married, but all was not well from the off. Shona was already married, thrice. Her bigamy was exposed and Raymond was left broken-hearted again.
Enter Sharon, a gold-digger who took Raymond to the cleaners but finally left the way clear for Raymond and his true love, Shona, to make a go of it.
Having lost his pub when the scheming Sharon sold it out from under him to Lenny Murdoch, Raymond and Shona went off to make a new start of things in the Highlands. Happiness was short-lived and Raymond was left heartbroken after Shona died following a short battle with a brain tumour. Raymond vowed to get back The Tall Ship in Shona's memory and he did, with a little help from his friends.
Despite everything, Raymond has managed to get his life back on track. He may be back where he belongs in The Ship but it's lonely there without Shona. An older, wiser Raymond was looking to do something worthwhile with his life.
He decided fostering was the answer, convinced Eileen to join him and the two become close - in more ways than one! They were both surprised to learn of the resulting pregnancy but are excited to be expectant parents. Will Raymond be able to put his feelings for Eileen aside and make the situation work?
Related Links
Eileen Donachie - Ex-Wife
Deek Henderson - Nephew
Iona McIntyre - Sister-in-Law
George Henderson - Father
Alice Henderson - Sister
Brian Henderson - Son
Most recent posts about Raymond Henderson
- Fabulous Brodie Brothers... (27 July 2011)
- Raymond Tank Annihilator...(06 July 2011)
- Want you back for good.... (29 June 2011)
- Showered with affection (07 December 2010)
- Romancing Scarlett(14 October 2010)
- Hot from the doc's(25 June 2010)
- Maybe baby...(15 June 2010)
- 25 May 2010 - Sealing the deal?(25 May 2010)
- Things not to mention when being interviewed by a social worker(13 May 2010)
- Shieldinch Christmas Panto - TV Trail(09 December 2009)
