The rooms are named after our mothers, Flora was George’s and Nancy mine. Before we ever found this house, when moving was just a plan for the future, I thought I would like to name our rooms this way.
Flora and Nancy at our wedding
Two women, born 15 years and several hundred miles apart. They had quite contrasting lives and differed in many ways, but shared love for their families and superb baking skills. Both came from a family of three sisters, Flora the eldest daughter and Nancy the middle one.
Flora was born in 1920 in Greenock, her father was a mariner her mother a teacher before she married. All three Paterson girls were encouraged in their education and graduated from Glasgow University. Holidays were spent on their mother’s home island of Jura. Following graduation Flora taught in Greenock but her future was determined when she was rescued from an “assault” by her best friend’s little brother by the friend’s handsome cousin, on holiday from Skye. Flora and Jim married in 1944 while Jim enjoyed a brief leave; their eldest son Roddy was born while he continued active duty in the east.
After the war the couple settled in Glasgow and then Lenzie, where George was born, before setting off on their great adventure in 1956. The war had precluded travel during her university years so Flora’s first trip away from Scotland was aboard the SS Strathmore to India where they would live for the next six years and where youngest son Bill was born. Future postings took the family to Scotland, Leeds and finally Germany before retirement back in Scotland. The travelling didn’t stop though, Flora and Jim returned to Germany several times and travelled to the USA and France to visit their sons. They also loved Scotland and made frequent trips to Jura.
Our suite Flora reflects this life, from the old map of Jura which used to hang on the wall in Greenock, to the watercolours bought on holiday; the textiles are Scottish and there are souvenirs of life in India. Much of the furniture has been up cycled from homes in Jura and Greenock. I make scones trying to emulate the ones Flora made and my shortbread recipe came originally from Jim’s sister.
