Chapter One
Contribution by Lord Lothian
Letters 1960-1963
Contribution by Mr William F Petrie
Chapter Two
Contribution by Mr Walter Coles
Letters 1964-1965
Personal Perspective of 1964/65
Election Campaigns
Letters 1965
Chapter Three
Contributions by Dr David Stevenson
Scottish Opinion Survey 1966-1967
Letters 1967-1971
Reflections – Radio Tweed
Chapter Four
Contribution by Mrs Winnifred Ewing
Letters 1974
Contribution by Mrs Beatrice Ware
Letters 1975-1976
EEC Vote – Hawick News Extract
Chapter Five
Contribution by Mr Alisdair Hutton
Letters 1977
Contribution by Mr J.R. Scott
Letters 1978
Chapter Six
Contribution by Mr Iain Lawson
Callant’s Address at Ferniehurst
Letters 1979-1981
Contribution by Mr William Hunter
Chapter Seven
Contribution by Mr Graham Fleming
Letters 1985-1986
Chapter Eight
Summing up by Mr Andrew J.T. Kerr
Taking Issue – BBC Radio Scotland
Letters 1987
Contribution by Mr Gavin Kennedy
Article by Mr Peter Wright
Quotations of Anthony J.C. Kerr
Address to Roxburgh & Berwick
SNP Constituency Association
|
The purpose of this book
is to remember the contribution that my late father made to public life,
and with particular reference to his involvement in the debate on
Scotland's future. However, this book will also try to capture the
character of my father. For his character epitomised many of his letters
and speeches and general activity.
First and foremost he was
a Nationalist who believed in independence for Scotland. Yet I think
that of all his many assets, his most important asset was his ability to
relate to and work with members of other parties. He often spoke about
this ability to work with members of other parties passionately for he
saw in it, his overall philosophy for the well-being of Scotland.
The letters I have chosen
for use, reflect his ability to speak out on a wide variety of issues.
This ability to speak out was a great asset to the national movement,
and it is a matter of some regret that his talents were, at times, not
fully appreciated and harnessed effectively in the quest for Scotland's
freedom. Whether it was a matter of jealousy, it is difficult to say.
What is certain is that his work is, and always will be, with us all.
It is up to all who are
concerned with Scotland's future, that his work should be remembered in
the debate that continues daily about the future of our country.
I referred earlier to his
character; that is not always evident in political activists and
philosophers. His insistence on his own mode of transport and his
maverick line on a range of issues reflected the fearlessness of the
man. A couple of incidents are mere examples of his character and
spirit:
(1) Six years after he
was born, he attended his first political meeting at the Hilton Hotel in
Geneva and promptly howled down a leading Nazi, Dr. Goebbels, a high
ranking representative of Hitler. It took a raw sense of nerve in front
of all the prominent guests present to sing an anti-Nazi song.
(2) On his travels in the
sixties, he was passing through Basqueland, and was apprehended by
locals, during a stop-over, who thought he was an agent provocateur
acting in liaison with the British and Spanish Governments. In a moment
of very real danger, he pulled out his SNP membership card to reassure
locals that he was not an agent provocateur, and he was allowed to carry
on his journey without any further ado.
I would like to thank all
those who have helped in the production of this book in memory of a very
special man. In memory of my late father, I dedicate this book to my
mother, family and friends both inside and outside politics.
ANDREW J.T. KERR
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
My very special thanks
are due to all who took part in development of this book. To
contributors who brought out the strength and character of my late
father. To researchers on Radio Scotland, Radio Tweed and The Southern
Reporter who provided me with valuable material. To the Jedburgh Press
and Press Your Point (Advertising) who have helped to put the book
physically together. Also to libraries for making material available to
me on request.
Above all, it was a shop
floor effort to keep my father's memory alive. He may no longer be with
us physically but his writings and overall contribution to public life
and debate in Scotland must be utilised for the well being of our
country.
I must say a word of
thanks on behalf of my late father to letter editors who gave him the
opportunity to contribute to public debate. Without their co-operation,
it would not have been possible for him to speak out as he did.
Finally, I must pay tribute to my family
and close friends who have given me great strength in the dark days
following the death of my father. Their encouragement made it possible
for me to pick up the pieces and develop the idea for the inception of
this book about a very special man, not just to me but to countless
others.
|
