Blue Toon

Written by a former prison officer, Blue Toon is a recollection of one officer’s memory of a snapshot of life ‘inside’, during the late ’60s and early ’70s. The novel is broadly based on actual occurrences within Peterhead High Security Prison during the period concerned. No doubt, all officers present could narrate the various activities from a different perspective.

The writer is fully aware that each prisoner may give a different slant on the proceedings. However, Blue Toon is meant to offer a truthful version of life behind the walls of this foreboding Victorian jail.

"Oh Would some power the giftie gie us, to see ourselves as others see us"! (Burns). The author's opportunity to blow his own trumpet is somewhat wasted since he offers no claim to be a musician, other than to give a reasonable suck, suck, blaw on a trusty mouth organ.

The author is more than a little competitive, which includes a wide range of sports. More of an individual than team player though. His work experiences prior to retirement (in addition to serving in the Scottish Prison Service) includes negotiating (arguing really) at Head Office level with major supermarket buyers in UK & Europe.

This life mix allowed the author to experience various unique occasions which included walking arm in arm with Her Majesty Wueen Elizabeth The (late) Queen Mother enjoying a hefty dram straight from the Scottish cup at Ibrox, locking up some of Scotland's most dangerous criminals and realising the futility of war when visiting both UK & Argentinian War Graves in The Falkland Islands.