Andrew´s post-war childhood in Scotland. His parents met during the second world war, his father being lucky to survive as his warship was the only one of its class to survive the Arctic convoys to Russia. Andrew´s primary school (in the Kingdom of Fife) maintained discipline with "six of the best" from a heavy leather belt but the children proudly learned Scotland´s history and culture. His grammar school journey took him over the Forth Rail Bridge to Edinburgh every day. Initial enthusiasm for model planes, starting fires and blowing up derelict buildings with fireworks was replaced by kissing girls and playing electric guitar in two bands and bagpipes in a third. An English teacher ignited a love of poetry and prose that led on to acting, drama and writing.