Ken McRae - self employed tree surgeon
In the early 1970s Ken started up his own tree surgery practice, before returning to Edinburgh District Council to deal with the Dutch Elm disease.
Ken's experiences in the forestry industry inform much of his humourous writing, including the story, "Glenelg - Way out West" telling of his early days in Ratagan forest. Download this by clicking on the PDF tab above.
Groups: Groups of people, Miscellaneous, Other Vehicles and Machines
Group: Gale 1953 - 66 pictures
4 Comments
My late father was Iain MacDonald, who was known as 'Goatie' whom you mention in this story. A lot of these old characters have gone now and it's great to hear stories of the old forestry crew that were based in Moyle back in the day. Thanks for sharing these memories.
Comment left on 19 May 2014 at 21:01 by Kenny MacDonald
The man on right is Des Flynn, Benmore Forestry School 1959-1961. Spent short time at Port Clair Forest then Mull before going Private
Comment left on 22 May 2014 at 11:20 by Frank Thom
Enjoyed working with Kenny and Des after college, I thought I knew it all but learned a lot more from Kenny!
He was a great instructor and always said he wouldn’t ask me to do anything he wouldn’t do himself. I say the same to tree climbers now. Comment left on 22 December 2019 at 13:15 by Alan Marks
He was a great instructor and always said he wouldn’t ask me to do anything he wouldn’t do himself. I say the same to tree climbers now. Comment left on 22 December 2019 at 13:15 by Alan Marks
Form Goes Here
I was fortunate to have gone over 'The Mam' to Glenelg in the late 1970s when I was posted there as a Forester for about 7 months. At that time the main activity in Moyle was trying to replant much of the area after it had been clearfelled. I clearly recall the little trees that we were planting being covered in very hungry pine weavils and many of them dying and having to be replanted for several years on end. Comment left on 30 October 2008 at 08:55 by Norman Davidson