MAIRI HEDDERWICK is a writer and illustrator, best known for her children's stories recounting the adventures of Katie Morag. Born in Gourock, she moved to the island of Coll in the Hebrides when she was 17.
She then studied at Edinburgh College of Art and taught for a few years before returning to Coll in the 1960s with her husband and young family. There she began writing the Katie Morag books, based on her experiences on the island.
Mull Theatre's
stage production of Katie Morag is currently touring Scotland. It will be at the Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh (0131 248 4848) from May 15–17; Lonach Hall, Strathdon, on May 20; and Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, from May 22–24.
For details, contact Mull Theatre (
www.mulltheatre.com).
Describe your perfect weekendWalking in wild places for the day, whatever the weather, returning to food, wine and friends around a big table and by a big fire for the evening.
What would you do if you ruled the world?Send everyone to art school.
What one thing would improve your life?If I could finish regenerating the bitter ground of a bare hillside for a vegetable garden.
What's your guiltiest pleasure?Reading my current book with tea and toast in bed, but not later than 7.30am.
What do you wish you'd never done?Eaten so many packets of crisps last night.
What's the most you've ever spent on a purchase?My brand new 40-inch telly (only for watching films and Jon Snow, you understand).
What is your earliest memory?Seeing a Second World War plane on fire falling out of a night sky above my home town of Gourock.
What song is the theme tune to your life?'Over the Hills and Far Away' (specifically, as a child, the Cowal Hills behind Kirn and Dunoon).
Who would play you in the movie of your life?The cast of Mull Theatre.
Should you vote? If yes, how did you vote?Yes. For the right (with a small 'r') party.
Who was your favourite teacher and why?My piano teacher, Miss Collett. She was the only teacher who had half an understanding of me. But Jimmy Cumming at Edinburgh College of Art came close.
Who is your fantasy date?Harvey Keitel. But Thelma and Louise have to be there too.
What would you do if you were invisible?Watch everybody: any time, any place, and really close up.
Is Katie Morag based on you as a child?No. But she is the little girl I always wanted to be.
Which is your favourite Hebridean Island?Guess!
Is it true that Grannie Island was originally written as a male character?Yes it is (I like old men).
How do you feel about the depopulation of the Highlands and Islands?The Inner Hebridean island of Coll, where I live, is unusual in that it is not being depopulated – quite the opposite. It certainly was the first time I came here in the late 1950s, but over the years, with land having become available as the estates and farmers have sold off property and plots, and now that we have daily boats in summer and a fledgling airport, there is a growing buzz of repopulation.
What do you think about post office closures?It's not looking good. Mrs McColl at the Isle of Struay PO is very worried. As am I, with no e-mail and drawers full of envelopes and stamps. Also, where will we get all the craic?
Where is your favourite travel destination?Somewhere at the end of at least three days of continuous first-class rail/sleeper travel through the wilds of Europe, Russia, Canada or New Zealand, with a glass of wine at the end of each day of magnificent moving pictures.
The full article contains 639 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
