Writer, Filmmaker, Mother, Grandmother
Today marks 15 years since former Celtic player and manager, Tommy Burns, died. He was just 51 years old. He was an incredible man who loved his family, his Catholic faith and Celtic intensely. He also had a deep affection for Kilmarnock too! I knew Tommy as a work colleague and he was incredibly fun,… Continue reading The ‘Tommy Burns’ Times
It was lovely to be asked to write a piece for the Sunday Post today. The remit was France 98 and I wrote about my memories of watching my children watch the Scotland men's team play their opening match against Brazil. I had the absolute honour to travel to France to follow Scotland's women's team… Continue reading Hope springs eternal in football.
Last weekend, there was an extract from the opening chapter of my novel Almost Then published in the Sunday Post newspaper. Two of the central characters of the novel are twins, sister and brother Rathlin and Breacán. In the article, alongside the book extract, there's an interview with me about the extent to which twins… Continue reading Make mine a double, several times over.
Twins have always fascinated me. For a start, I am one, born twenty minutes earlier than my twin brother in the days when a twin pregnancy could be a surprise to the expectant parents. My mum and dad didn't know the wee bundle of joy they were waiting for was in fact double trouble until… Continue reading An Easter blessing for the future.
The 1st of April might be April Fools Day (traditionally known as Gowk Day in Scotland) but after all the frivolities of the pre-midday pranks why not grab a chair and a glass and join me to celebrate the publication day of Almost Then. I can't promise fools errand gowk (cuckoo) hunting in costume, but… Continue reading Gowk Day Launch Party
I'm delighted to announce that Linen Press has signed my second novel, Almost Then, and will publish it in early 2021. Almost Then belongs to twin sister and brother Rathlin and Breacàn Doherty. Despite their closeness, the twins have carved out lives in isolation of one other, having reacted differently to the same childhood tragedy. They… Continue reading ‘Almost Then’ to be published in early 2021.
This last five months or so have been incredibly busy, but immensely rewarding. My Tommy Burns film, for my company purpleTV and commissioned by BBC ALBA, had its TV premiere on Friday night. Given the volume of engagement online about the film 'Tommy Burns' was soon trending on Twitter and stayed a prominent trend with… Continue reading Reflections on the making of the #TommyBurns film.
It's raining; a mist so soft it is weightless. It's powerful though, its strength masquerading in a subtlety that would pass unnoticed if it wasn't for the damp that muzzles your bones and flows deep into your soul. Autumn is upon us, the crimson rowans rich, the dark nights skulking in preparation for months of… Continue reading It’s a nice day for a white wedding…
Somewhat unexpectedly, and with a whirlwind of haste, my lovely aunt died this afternoon. Fortunately, we were able to spend some precious time with her, and chat, as families always do, over her and around her as we recounted tales of days gone past, and despite the heaviness in the air, looked ahead to another tomorrow.… Continue reading Farewell to a lovely lady.
A mostly storm-bound week spent working, writing and sea-watching at my home on Rathlin Island concluded yesterday, and with it came tears as I packed up my computer and made for the city. Standing on the pier, my heart wonderfully weighted with contentment, I prepared to mourn the emptiness I would soon feel as its goodness thinned. Like… Continue reading An #Irish act of union – a #Rathlin island welcome.
Margot McCuaig 