A Toast to the Old Stones: A Tale from Kinloch

Description

'a wonderfully atmospheric tale ... offers a brief, magical escape to a kinder, simpler time' - Roger Cox, The Scotsman It's 1968, and the fishermen of Kinloch are preparing to celebrate the old New Year on the twelfth of January. The annual pilgrimage to the Auld Stones is a tradition that goes back beyond memory, and young Hamish, first mate on the Girl Maggie, is chuffed that he's been invited to this exclusive gathering - usually reserved for the most senior members of Kinloch's fishing community. Meanwhile, it appears that the new owners of the Firdale Hotel are intent upon turning their customers teetotal, such is the exorbitant price they are charging for whisky. Wily skipper Sandy Hoynes comes up with a plan to deliver the spirit to the thirsty villagers at a price they can afford through his connections with a local still-man. But when the Revenue are tipped off, it looks as though Hoynes and Hamish's mercy mission might run aground. Can the power of the Auld Stones come to their rescue, and is the reappearance of a face from Hoynes' past a sign for good or ill?

After studying politics, Denzil Meyrick worked as a police officer, distillery manager, freelance journalist, and company director. He is originally from Campbeltown in Argyll, but now lives with his wife Fiona on Loch Lomondside.

'a wonderfully atmospheric tale, best consumed on a chilly winter's night in front of a roaring fire with a bottle of single malt close to hand ... this book offers a brief, magical escape to a kinder, simpler time' -- Roger Cox * The Scotsman * 'superb, feel good, laugh out loud... just wonderful' * Waterstones Horsham * 'A superb page-turner packed with humour' * The Herald, 50 best books to give this Christmas * 'an excellent read, with echoes of Whisky Galore and Para Handy' -- Graham Drew * Dundee Courier, Book of the Week 10/10 * 'A Whisky-Galore-style caper' * Sunday Post * 'Denzil Meyrick sure knows how to conjure details of character and place that keep readers invested in knowing what happens next, and those skills are very much on display in this atmospheric tale, alongside the author's trademark humour' * LoveReading.co.uk * 'Funny, beautiful, and capturing the spirit of the seafaring community of Kinloch, it is most definitely recommended' * JenMedBookReviews * 'This heartwarming and seasonal tale is a joy. An open fire, a deep armchair and a peaty dram are all that required for the perfect afternoon to overcome a dreich day' * Journal of the Law Society of Scotland * 'It's atmospheric, it's witty, and has a touch of Whisky Galore about it.' * Scottish Field *