Highland man recalls his working life as solider, lighthouse keeper and police officer in fundraising book
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A north man has written a book about his experiences in the army, the lighthouse service and the police force to raise money for people with motor neurone disease, in memory of his late wife.
David Fraser (70) originally intended it to be a project for close family members only, but he was encouraged to make his story available to a wider readership. The first 250 copies have sold out and a reprint is in progress.
The book's title, Sodjer – Lichtie – Polis: Lochaber to Caithness (And Places In-Between), reflects the three key themes of David's varied and far-travelled working life.
He was born in Inverness but considered himself "a Lochaber boy" due to his upbringing in Banavie, beside the Caledonian Canal, where his father was stationed as a policeman. The family would later move to other locations across the Highlands and Islands, from Kingussie to Lochmaddy.
On leaving school, David joined the army and served in Germany and Northern Ireland.
He went on to become a lightkeeper, working at lighthouses as far afield as Mull of Kintyre in the south-west and Noss Head in the far north.
David then spent 30 years in Northern Constabulary, serving across the Highlands and Islands.
He and his wife Isabell moved back to Caithness in 2016. Isabell died of motor neurone disease in 2020, aged 67.
It was Isabell who had suggested the idea of writing a book. On completion of his original manuscript, David handed it to history researcher and writer Ian Leith, a Wick Society trustee, for proofreading.
David, of Port Dunbar, Wick, explained: “It was originally written for my children and my grandchildren – just my life experiences, that was all. I was just going to publish about a dozen copies in A4 booklet size but Ian said 'you've got the makings of a book here'.
“He put me in touch with Chris Nicolson. She came straight back to me and said 'yes, you should publish this'."
Chris was responsible for editing, typesetting and publishing the book under the imprint Teeniemaleek Publications.
“So that's how it came about," David said. "And I thought, well, if I'm going to do that, let's make it worthwhile and all proceeds are going to motor neurone disease.
“I would far prefer to see the money being spent locally. If we can identify folk in Caithness, Sutherland, Ross-shire, wherever, that are in need of just a helping hand I would rather do it that way.
“I had to jump through hoops to try and get things done. I was in the fortunate position that I could afford to do the things that the NHS wouldn't do for me, or some of the other agencies wouldn't do.
"Other people are not as fortunate. Therefore I just feel that if I can help them, I'll do it.”
In a foreword to the book, family friend Jim Heddle writes: "From his early days growing up in the Highlands, through his service in the military, his time as a lighthouse keeper, and his experiences during his years as a police officer, the biography reflects the warmth he felt for those he met... I think, too, that through the book we can recognise that the people and communities he policed enjoyed an officer who approached his duties in a measured, no-fuss, common-sense, drama-free, fair-minded and compassionate manner."
Sodjer – Lichtie – Polis: Lochaber to Caithness (And Places In-Between) is on sale at various local outlets and from David himself (email fraser617@btinternet.com) and costs £10.
He added: “They are selling very well.”
