Fascinating a fire with Ada Jenkins
ADA .. I was drawn to write a book about Scotland’s fires as fire is such a potent and uncontrollable force. It has always been with us and causes great loss and destruction. Despite this, it is something which has rarely been written about. I wanted to highlight the role which fires have played in Scotland’s past.
ADA .. The fires I have written about have had many different effects on Scotland’s history. Some of them are emblematic of what is happening at a particular period of time, such as the destruction of Elgin Cathedral. Others resulted in changes to the way buildings were constructed, and the way in which fire safety was tackled. Often, it takes a great tragedy to bring about change.
ADA . .There are many fires which I left out. The intention with the book was not to discuss the fires that caused the greatest destruction, or the greatest loss of life, but rather to present a snapshot of a range of different fires. This is the reason why the book is a miscellany, rather than a history. There are many more fires which could have been included . . . . . . . .
ADA . .It was just a coincidence that I ended up with thirteen fires, just as I was also about to say, that when it comes to more fires, of course that is for someone else to delve into, although it is strangely appropriate. I would also say, of that 13, the most interesting fire to write about was the Gaumont Cinema, Edinburgh. Even though it was not the biggest or most significant fire I wrote about, I very much enjoy going to the cinema, and it was poignant to write about a little-known and not really remembered cinema from the past. I’m glad that lesser known buildings — such as the Gaumont and Scotway House — will be remembered in my book.
AFA . . Yes, it is said that the Hellfire Club were responsible for starting the Tron Kirk fire in Glasgow. As with so much about the Hellfire Club, it is shrouded in secrecy. But given some of their other activities, it is entirely possible that they were responsible for this fire. It was interesting whilst researching the book to uncover stories like this. Most fires start with a person who either makes a mistake or deliberately starts a blaze; uncovering these stories was a very interesting part of the process.
ADA . . I have a few projects which I am working on at present, although until they are a bit more developed . . . . . . .
I’m keeping them under wraps for now! I very much enjoyed the process of writing Scotland’s Fires, so there will be something from me in the future.
SCOTLAND’S FIRES-A MISCELLANY
Fire is a dangerous and destructive part of Scotland’s history. It has destroyed buildings of all types, ruined towns and cities, and taken countless lives. This short booklet contains a miscellany of stories from these fires and remembers some of what has been lost. It does not seek to record all the fires that have occurred in Scotland, or even the most destructive. Rather, it tries to show that fire has always been with us, and to demonstrate the heroism and sacrifice of those who have sought to tame this most destructive of forces.
My Reivew……
All right, so the author already had me at Scotland. Then there was the fact it was possible to download this book for free as part of a special newly released offer from the author. The fact there was a chapter recounting a fire in my home towm I knew nothing about, meant I delved in there and then. The fact the writing style was so quietly ‘chatty’ while offering so much history in such short chapters, meant I then read the rest in one sitting. This isn’t a book of facts dully presented, it is a vivid and historically detailed recounting of devastating fires that were either part of Scotland’s history–such as the deliberate destruction of Elgin Cathedral by the Wolf of Badenoch–or that importantly shaped change in building techniques in Scotland’s cities. This book is dedicated to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and in memory of firefighters who have lost their lives. Ada Jenkins does them proud. I highly recommend.
A LITTLE ABOUT ADA . . . I have always had a love of reading and books. Having studied English Literature at university, I have found that books and reading have been a constant part of my life ever since. I set up my website, The Introverted Bookworm, to review books which I have read. This has been a very interesting experience and has allowed me to connect with authors, readers, and other reviewers. I’m looking forward to continuing this and my writing journey going forward.
