Interviews of John Scoular

Biographical interview with John Scouler (b. 1930s) a retired journalist and hotelier. John begins by talking about his family connections to the Whithorn area, which date back to the early nineteen hundreds when his maternal grandfather, Captain Morrison, was one of at least 20 master mariners living on the Isle at that time. His other maternal grandfather ran the local Busby mill until it was bought by Wylies. John's father was minister at Glasserton and had served with the Black Watch during World War 1. After working as a journalist (training at the Galloway Gazette and in Fleet Street for a decade) John returned to Whithorn where he established himself as a hotelier, most notably with the Steam Packet Inn.

John shares many recollections from his life which demonstrate the history of the area and how it has changed over time. In the days when it was 'easier to get to Liverpool by sea than Glasgow by road' the sea was central to local life. He talks about the relative wealth of those connected to the sea in relation to those who worked on the land and recalled visiting tied farm cottages with his father when he was young.

About the economics of the area, John reflected on the number of properties now owned as holiday lets or by people who have retired to the area. A lot of this is put down to economics and John notes that the local council has always tried to balance the needs of the local population with the benefits of bringing in new people who bring in capital and knowledge from other areas and which have always been a force for good in Whithorn. John also talks about his time at the Steam Packet (which is now run by his son, Alastair) and the economics of running a pub.

Towards the end of the interview, John reflects on his early education, which he felt was much better when he was a child. He also talks about the huge impact the loss of the seven crew on the Solway Harvester had on the local community and of the generosity of people in the aftermath. Ian Jordan, from the local authority, is singled out for high praise for the work he did during this time. John also talks more about local historical and maritime links and remarks on the long history of certain families to the area, for example The Stewarts.