A golden age of Scottish football will be recalled at Wigtown Book Festival by Archie Macpherson– the man who brought the biggest matches to our TV screens.
Known as the voice of Scottish football, Macpherson covered all 18 of Scotland’s World Cup matches from 1974 to 1998.
His latest book Adventures in the Golden Age: Scotland in the World Cup Finals 1974-1998has been described as “a magnificently insightful read” by Craig Brown.
Macpherson’s Wigtown audience will get to share his brilliantly entertaining accounts of the matches, from Brazil to Peru, of managerial rages to nocturnal antics, and that last painful evening in France.
He says: “At the time it was taken that Scotland was failing because it didn’t progress far in World Cup tournaments – but we actually got to them and sometimes with apparent ease. This was a big achievement for a small country.”
Macpherson’s appearance, on 25 September, will also be a chance to hear about life on the other side of the TV screen with all its challenges and opportunities.
He will be sharing anecdotes about such as his role in helping Jock Stein become Scotland manager, about the highs and lows of the game and the towering figures he feels privileged to have met.
Adrian Turpin, the festival’s Artistic Director, said: “Archie is a legendary figure – a much admired personality who informed and entertained football fans all over Scotland for decades.
“He has a host of stories and anecdotes that people will love to hear, and we are very much looking forward to welcoming him to Wigtown.”
Wigtown Book festival takes place in Scotland’s National Book Town from 21 to 30 September and involves a host of events and activities including theatre, film and music.
For full details go to http://www.wigtownbookfestival.com
