An Arran Life - Life on Arran
Posted: Wednesday, 03 January 2007 |
My father was born on 30th September 1944 in Lamlash Hospital. He lived in Arran until 1955 when he left to complete secondary education on Bute in Rothesay Academy after which he returned. The following is a short interview with my father on his life and experiences of Arran.
What is your earliest childhood memory?
I remember experienicing a thunderstorm whilst living in a house called Ardlui in Kings Cross. My mother and father were renting it prior to buying a house next to the bank in Brodick and then finally buying our family home in Lamlash. I have fond memories of having adventures whilst in Ardlui, including taking the spare wheel from my father's car and rolling it down the hill with my next door neighbour.
How would you describe your expereince of leaving Arran to go to school on Bute?
It was a completely new experience for me as I was used to living as part of a much smaller community. On the whole did not enjoy it as I felt in the mionrity and I had to stay in digs which I did not enjoy. However, there were some aspects that were positive. I made some good friends, I played rugby for the school team and I achieved the necessary qualifications to go on to further education.
What ways did you earn money when you were growing up?
I worked on my Uncle's farm, ViewBank in Whiting Bay. I worked for the Post Office in Lamlash delivering telegrams and working in the shop. I worked for Sinclair's the buthchers.
How did you spend your time growing up on Arran?
I went out on boats. At that time many Naval Vessels came into Lamlash bay and I went on board some of them. For example, from the Canadian Navy I visited the Lausanne and the Fort Eerie. I also walked in the hills and at night I went to dances and to see bands play. Some of the bands were Gene Vincent, Ian Menzies and the Clyde Valley Stompers, Forrie Cairns and Esquire Band.
How would you describe the changes to Arran's economy now?
I would say there are many more big businesses on Arran now.
What do you think remains unchanged?
I think the hills and the access to the hills are the constant aspect.
What is your favourite place on Arran?
Cir Mhor which is between Glen Rosa and Glen Sannox.
What is your earliest childhood memory?
I remember experienicing a thunderstorm whilst living in a house called Ardlui in Kings Cross. My mother and father were renting it prior to buying a house next to the bank in Brodick and then finally buying our family home in Lamlash. I have fond memories of having adventures whilst in Ardlui, including taking the spare wheel from my father's car and rolling it down the hill with my next door neighbour.
How would you describe your expereince of leaving Arran to go to school on Bute?
It was a completely new experience for me as I was used to living as part of a much smaller community. On the whole did not enjoy it as I felt in the mionrity and I had to stay in digs which I did not enjoy. However, there were some aspects that were positive. I made some good friends, I played rugby for the school team and I achieved the necessary qualifications to go on to further education.
What ways did you earn money when you were growing up?
I worked on my Uncle's farm, ViewBank in Whiting Bay. I worked for the Post Office in Lamlash delivering telegrams and working in the shop. I worked for Sinclair's the buthchers.
How did you spend your time growing up on Arran?
I went out on boats. At that time many Naval Vessels came into Lamlash bay and I went on board some of them. For example, from the Canadian Navy I visited the Lausanne and the Fort Eerie. I also walked in the hills and at night I went to dances and to see bands play. Some of the bands were Gene Vincent, Ian Menzies and the Clyde Valley Stompers, Forrie Cairns and Esquire Band.
How would you describe the changes to Arran's economy now?
I would say there are many more big businesses on Arran now.
What do you think remains unchanged?
I think the hills and the access to the hills are the constant aspect.
What is your favourite place on Arran?
Cir Mhor which is between Glen Rosa and Glen Sannox.
Posted on twinkletoes at 20:35
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