Brian Whittingham

Name: Brian Whittingham
Age: 57
Born in: Scotland

Brian Whittingham was born in Glasgow's city centre then his family moved to a new housing scheme, called Drumchapel, which was just being built and was where he was brought up.

"I always worked in industry and during that time I tried a variety of creative pursuits because they held my interest. Music, painting, drawing, photography etc. but I never persevered with any of them, I treated them more as hobbies, as I do to this day. Then, approx 20 years ago, I joined a writer's group in Paisley, started writing and for whatever reason I started to take that seriously and I haven’t stopped writing since then.

"The things that inspire me to write are things that capture my imagination which I feel is primarily stimulated by sensual imagery. Also people, language, the working life, art, people’s mannerism, etc.

"I enjoy the flexible hours which allow me to indulge in my passions of walking round art galleries and reading. I enjoy meeting new people in new settings and meeting the various challenges that continually pop up. Most of all I guess I enjoy the central content of my work which is the many facets of language and the communication process.

As well as writing, Brian runs writing workshops.

"I set students practical tasks to produce writing stemming from a theme and then get them to perform/read out their work to the group. All the time encouraging discussion to allow students the space to express themselves. They will also listen to audio recordings, watch clips of films or educational DVDs etc.

"I enjoy the diversity re. people, challenges, subject matter, places they are held, and generally find that when people are involved in the creative process it brings them many rewards as human beings."

So what is special to Brian about Scotland?

"My mother was German and my father was English but I was born in Scotland and have always lived here and as Dorothy says, "there's no place like home" and that's my answer, IT'S HOME!

"For me, the climate, which for most of the time is temperate, and this I feel is reflected in my nature therefore it makes me feel comfortable.

"I have many favourite Scottish writers - to name a few, Des Dillon, Janet Paisley, Janice Galloway, Jim Kelman, Jeff Torrington, Tom Leonard, Alan Spence, Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Burns.

"There are two places in Scotland in particular that are special to me. First is Glencoe. I went there as a 16-year-old and have been going back ever since. I love the serenity, the solitude, the barrenness, the history, the scenery, the Clachaig Inn and the King’s House hotel. I love the feeling of being somewhere that hasn’t changed in umpteen years.

"Second is Balmaha with it’s walk beside Loch Lomond up towards Rowardennan. It's beautiful, scenic almost idyllic with a ‘to die for’ picture postcard outlook. It’s the perfect place to go for a leisurely stroll with that someone special in your life."

So how does Brian think Scotland's literary scene compares with other countries?

"I can only compare it with Eastern Europe and the States. Poets are revered a lot more in Eastern Europe. In Scotland, recognition doesn’t come easy and maybe that’s a good thing. Sometimes it seems that writers are supported better outside of Scotland although the SAC in Scotland support many good fellowships and have quite a few bursary opportunities.

"On the whole Scotland is friendly, relatively genuine, temperate, a getaboutable size, a bit wet at times. The thing I miss when I'm away is the feel of it. The feel of being home amongst my ain folk so to speak. I also miss the climate."

Related links

• Brian Whittingham
• Luath Press
• Kelvingrove Art Gallery
• Mitchell Library