My fascination with China began in Scotland
However, regularly living on the island there also developed a Chinese connection. Located on a street within the older town between the historic castle and harbour was a tiny restaurant whose menu offered virtually the same dishes I would have in Glasgow’s then developing Chinese restaurants. I became a regular patron, sometimes in midwinter, occasionally being the only diner! In August this year I travelled by train and boat to spend a day reliving memories of those carefree experiences. That little restaurant now long gone but several excellent cafe-bars had opened. A new generation of visitors are coming, interested in archaeology, history, nature and photography amidst the surrounding outstanding scenery.
On the eastern shores of the Firth of Clyde is Ayrshire, a land associated with the 18th century poet Robert Burns. He composed Auld Lang Syne, sung at the New Year, popular worldwide and across China. I recall in 1987 on the through train between Guangzhou and Hong Kong almost being in tears hearing it played over the carriage loudspeakers! In August I returned to a small Ayrshire coastal fishing village, Maidens. Spending many childhood summer holidays there it was where my life in photography began, photographing seabird scenes near the harbor. This year with advanced digital equipment I was recapturing those golden moments.
