Interviews of David Macdonald

In this interview, the fieldworker speaks to her husband, David, about his early life and childhood. David's grandfather came from Mull and had moved to East Lothian where he set up his six sons in business (in Haddington, Greenlaw, Duns and Kelso). When David was 4, he was taken to Nigeria where his father had secured a job with the United Africa Company (a division of Unilever). David then returned to Haddington, aged 7, to stay with his grandparents and attend school (Haddington public school, Knox academy).

He reflects on his early life with his grandparents and remembers coming home from school at lunchtime to a 3-course meal - which was the main meal of the day. He also talks about his schooldays: He particularly liked spelling at school and was a diligent pupil. He was streamed into the A-class following his 11+ exam.

David also talks about his love of sport and being outdoors. Towards the end of the interview, David recalls some of the games, comics etc. which interested him as a child - recalling especially small firgurines known as swoppets.