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The Storyteller Passes

Contributed to The Capital Scot by
Roderick W. Clarke

Nigel Tranter, the novelist and architectural historian, died on 9 January 2000 at the age of 90. His family said that he died peacefully at his home in Gullane, East Lothian. He had contracted the flu and been bedridden for a week.

He was a prolific author, producing over 130 books of which more than 90 were novels with a Scottish historical theme. His most popular books are his Bruce Trilogy which has sold more than three million copies. His latest novel, Envoy Extraordinary, was published in November 1999. He was also recognized for his five-volume series, The Fortified House in Scotland and his leadership in preserving those houses that survived into the twentieth century.

In spite of his years he led a very active life and continued to write "on the hoof" -- while walking daily by the shores of the Firth of Forth and Aberlady Bay -- to the very end. Last summer he showed me the unpublished manuscripts of five completed novels and spoke of at least two more stories "in the works". He was a strong supporter of many causes, particularly for the creation of a devolved Scottish parliament. During a visit to the newly created Scottish Parliament shortly before Christmas he told the assembled members that he was "full of optimism" for his country. Michael Russell, the Scottish National Party's shadow culture minister, described him as a writer whose genius was exciting new audiences with imaginative and detailed stories of Scotland's past. His achievements were widely recognized and among his honors were his commission as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. Most recently First Minister Donald Dewar presented him with a silver quaich from the Society of Scottish Authors.

Tranter was born in Glasgow and brought up in Edinburgh. He was educated at George Heriot's School there but he did not go on to the university for financial reasons. He began work with an insurance company but pursued his ambition to be a restorative architect through writing. His first book, The Fortalices and Early Mansions of Southern Scotland, 1400-1650, was published when he was 26. His first novel, Trespass appeared in 1937. When he became a full-time writer in 1946 he had 10 books to his name, several of which he wrote while on active duty with the RASC and the Royal Artillery. He was often described as a historian, a title that he rejected. Rather he wanted to be known as a "storyteller". In spite of this, Alan Massie has pointed out that he has taught more Scots about their history than anyone else. Scotland's Storyteller is survived by a daughter, several grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Ed. Note: More information about Nigel Tranter may be found at the following locations on the web: a) Nigel Tranter writings;  b)Introducing Nigel Tranter -- The Most Prolific Scot (also by Roderick W. Clarke)

Credits:
© Copyright Roderick W. Clarke1999. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Reproduced by The Capital Scot® by permission of Roderick W. Clarke.

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