Graeme's PhotoBlog from Fife, Scotland

It is now a year since old family friend, Willie Laird, passed away. Willie was a train driver, a Special Constable and keen gardener. In this photograph of his garden, he managed to merge his railway and gardening interests. I was privileged to be asked to take photographs of his garden in 2003.

Willie should be best known for organising the biennial Model Railway Exhibition in the Corn Exchange, Cupar. The funds raised from these shows helped local hospitals and the like, to buy essential equipment.

Willie was also an old friend of the late, great, Sir Jimmy Shand of Auchtermuchty. Willie was instrumental in the naming of the Class 37 railway engine 37 188, 'Jimmy Shand' at an Open Day in Oban on 11th May 1985. This locomotive, although withdrawn from service has been bought by Peak Rail and is currently scheduled for restoration.