A Meeting by the River

Mary Macdonald is a logical soul; a much-loved teacher and crofter whose busy Hebridean life leaves little room for flights of fancy. But when a windfall comes her way, Miss Macdonald decides it’s time to sample some clear mountain air – on the other side of the world. A story in celebration of travel, karma and broadening the mind, all while staying true to your principles.

After a spiritual encounter in Kathmandu, Miss Macdonald's ascent begins in earnest.

Read by Ceit Kearney
Written by Alexander McCall Smith
Produced by Eilidh McCreadie

Ceit Kearney trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and has worked professionally in Theatre, Radio, TV and Film for almost 40 years. She is also a qualified drama teacher and acting coach.

Before turning to writing fiction, Sir Alexander McCall Smith was a professor of Medical Law and worked in universities in the UK and abroad. He has written and contributed to more than 100 books including specialist academic titles, short story collections, and a number of immensely popular children’s books. His Botswana-set series The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency made him a household name, selling over twenty million copies in the English language alone.

Alexander has received numerous awards for his writing and holds twelve honorary doctorates from universities in Europe and North America. In 2011 he was honoured by the President of Botswana for services through literature to the country. In 2022 he received the Lifetime Achievement in the Saltire Literary Awards. And in 2024, he was honoured as Knight Bachelor by His Majesty King Charles III for services to literature, academia and charity.

A BBC Audio Scotland Production for BBC Radio 4.