Christie Boy

THE AUTHOR

The late Chris Fraser resigned from MacBrayne's in 1961 and began a new career as a Sub Postmaster in the quiet Strathspey village of Aviemore. Far from remaining a railway junction side lined by the Beeching cuts, the famous Aviemore Centre opened in 1966 and ensured the Post Office became a busy focus for the village's booming ski industry.

A popular local figure, he was a member of the Community Council, of the local Gaelic Association, and Captain of Boat of Garten Golf Club. He was well known as a story teller, never happier than holding court on MacBrayne's or Seaforth memories, with a glass of "Highland Park" in his hand and an infectious giggle in his voice.

"Christie Boy" is the product of years of pressure from family and friends to save his stories and memories for posterity - he was delighted by its publication sadly only a few months before his death.

The hand written manuscript was transcribed first by his wife Rena, and then copied into computer files by his son Kit and daughter in law Fiona. The text was edited by Kit, a working journalist and broadcaster, who recently celebrated 25 years with BBC Scotland.

Chris Fraser in 1994

Chris Fraser in 1938