Sue Lawrence is the author of absorbing historical thrillers that cast fascinating light on the perils and injustice that characterised women’s lives in Scotland through centuries past: The Green Lady, The Unreliable Death of Lady Grange, Down to the Sea, The Night He Left and Fields of Blue Flax – and her latest novel Lady’s Rock. She is also one of the UK’s leading cookery writers and broadcasters. Having studied French at Dundee university, she then trained as a journalist.
After winning BBC’s MasterChef in 1991, Sue wrote regular columns in The Sunday Times, Scotland on Sunday and many leading magazines. She also appeared on tv and as a regular panellist on BBC Radio 4’s Kitchen Cabinet. She has written 20 cookery books, the latest of which is New Scottish Baking which will be released just before the Book Festival begins. She has won two Guild of Food Writers Awards and a Glenfiddich Food and Drink Award. Born in Dundee, Sue has lived in many countries – France, Finland, Germany and Australia – and now lives in Edinburgh.
Sue told us “I have been to Islay many times. From when my own children were little and we stayed in Ballygrant and Port Charlotte and then in the past five years in Port Ellen, where we come as an extended family with the now very much grown up children – and the grandchildren. It is our favourite place for family holidays.”
Not only has Sue been to the island often, but she continued, “I have also been to the IBF before, so feel very privileged to be returning, and especially since some of the novel Lady’s Rock takes place on Islay. And in my baking book there are many recipes from Islay people.”
When we asked Sue if there were any of the other Festival authors she was particularly excited to hear from, she said “I am excited to hear every single author at this year’s festival. What a line up!” Us too, Sue!
Sue’s latest historical fiction is Lady’s Rock and her latest delicious bakery book New Scottish Baking will be released in August.
Sue will join Islay Book Festival at the Gaelic College on Saturday morning (31st August), with an event chaired by Les Wilson. She will also host a special event on Sunday afternoon (1st September) at Craigard Kitchen where we will enjoy some tasty treats and hear more about New Scottish Baking. Tickets are available for both events – visit Ticketsource now to make sure you have your place reserved!