I was born in Northampton, England, though my paternal ancestors, from my paternal grandfather onwards, lived in South West Scotland. The name 'Scott' is a clan name, of course, and the history of the clan can be traced back to around the second century before Christ, in fact to Northern Ireland, specifically to a place called 'Dalriada'. My paternal grandmother had the surname 'Sault' which sort of implies that her family originated in France. She had a withered arm, caused by an accident on the A5 when a car drove over it after a collision. My maternal grandmother originated from Windsor. Her family name was 'Mason'. Her father was one of the Buffs, ninety-nine of whom attended his funeral. My maternal grandfather was a master butcher, or so they said. His family name was 'Clarke'. All I remember of him is that he complained about my putting too much jam on my bread and butter, but, though he boasted of his ability to make a pot of jam last a year, he was not otherwise known for his frugality.

I now live in France.