I lived with my parents and sister at Dalveagh estate - now Forest Hills Hotel. I was born there in 1926 in the garage cottage and we lived there until 1934. The owners of the estate were Admiral of the fleet Sir Arthur Fanshawe and his family. My father was chauffeur and my mother was cook to them. The field and the woods behind Dalveagh was where we would go there for a picnic and gather hazelnuts. I remember going over to Ledard farm and always helped in the hayfield and played with the children from the farm.

My sister (Bunty) and I used to go out at Halloween to the big estates where the butler used to give us treats. My parents would also dress up in fancy dress and go on to a party at the school with us. Kinlochard school was used for Sunday school, whist drives and dances - the teacher was Miss Watson. I had happy days at Kinlochard School and remember the slide (a large boulder), this was our only playtime entertainment) out in the back yard.

I remember names from school - Dulcey Wiggins & Toot McKerrechar. I used to go out fishing in the boat with my father on Loch Ard and went for picnics to the Silver Sands.

I have since visited on a few occasions with my family and found the slide to be still there with the shiny surface (but not quite as big as remembered).
I have happy memories of my life in Aberfoyle. We left because the owner died and the house was sold.