Football Queens & Kings

Malcolm Anderson, Iain Falcon and I stand amongst a large gathering of excited spectators waiting for the competition to begin. I look down at the match card and absorb all the players’ names. The order of play comprises three rounds of twelve holes, all completed in one day.“The match commences in thirty minutes. Malcolm, you … Continue reading Chapter 243 – New Sporting Periodical →

Malcolm Anderson, Iain Falcon, and I retire to the drawing-room, where I decant Kilnave whisky into three crystal tumblers. Light dances through the crisscrossed mosaic lines as we raise our glasses and toast the 1872 Open Championship."What's Malcolm's new job?" enquired Iain."Malcolm is a journalist. We met at Kennington Oval in February, where England again … Continue reading Chapter 242 – Forest Flowers Banned →

Iain Falcon and I arrive on 12th September 1872, settle into our lodgings, and have dinner looking out over Prestwick Links."The Prestwick Golf Club created The Challenge Trophy in 1860 as an annual test of the 'Royal Game'. The competition is open to any golfer from the three kingdoms and seeks those wishing to rise … Continue reading Chapter 241 – A Fifer’s Compliment →

Emelia rolls one of Thompson & French's world maps onto the golden sand, "The world is growing smaller by the day, and we need to expand Kilnave to compete effectively. We have split the world into three - Angus will manage the Americas, Dougal: Europe and Africa, and Lachlan: Asia and Oceania.""And your new role?""I … Continue reading Chapter 240 – Fluent In Whisky →

The following two weeks on Islay are joyous, filled with endless sunshine, exploration and relaxation. We spend the time teaching our children their new responsibility, whilst Duke does not let me out of his sight.On our last day, we leave the children in the capable hands of Iain Falcon, who has become an important and … Continue reading Chapter 239 – Island Beach Retreat →

Five sets of arms lock into one family embrace. A ring of emotional steel, strengthened by a long summer of separation."Long time, no see.", I joked.Emelia thumps me on the upper arm with a smirk and fiery gaze.Meanwhile, Arabella, Adair and Lewis are looking at the suitcases and locate one anonymous wicker basket."So, who's been … Continue reading Chapter 238 – The Wanderer Returns →

A carriage, coated in the purple hues of Kilnave House, awaits at the end of the Harbour entrance. The Footman loads all our belongings, except for the wicker basket, which I retrieve and peak inside, finding three bundles of fur sleeping soundly. “We’ll need to keep quiet.”, I whispered to Iain Falcon. The rolling fields … Continue reading Chapter 237 – Islay’s Golden Heaven →

The Optimist's funnels billow, curling clouds of smoke into Glasgow's sky. The feel of the sea is different from the solid foundations of dry ground, where movement and change are the only constant.I stand, gripping the handrail on the ship's stern, and look to my left, where the sprawling mass of Glasgow's centre is a … Continue reading Chapter 236 – Clutha’s Optimism Shimmers →

I board the carriage and pick up the Fife Herald, where a handwritten note falls out.'Everything is packed for your trip. Please give the children a big hug from me. I am travelling to Irongray to visit my family. I wish you the safest of travels. Agnes.'Our Housekeeper, from the parish of Kirkcudbrightshire in the … Continue reading Chapter 235 – Next Plan Unfolds →

Mary accompanies me to the carriage, where David Mackintosh awaits, "Iain Falcon will meet you at the quayside. But before you go, I have three gifts for you and the family."As we approach the carriage, I hear muffled whines from within a large basket tied to the back of the carriage."You cannot leave for Islay … Continue reading Chapter 234 – Caesar, Lady, Marquise →