A PROLIFIC author who fell in love with the history of Haddington when he moved to the town more than 20 years ago has released a new book.

Gerald Urwin grew up in Gateshead before moving to Edinburgh and lecturing at Falkirk College.

Since retiring in 2000, he has turned his hand to writing, with more than a dozen books published.

The latest – A Rough Wooing – once again delves into the history of Haddington.

He said: “It is about Henry VIII and his attempt to marry off his son to Mary Queen of Scots, the events which inspired it and the Siege of Haddington.

“I have always been interested in local history and since the Siege of Haddington forms a big part of this story, that is what inspired me, I suppose.

“We moved down from Edinburgh and I was totally ignorant about the history of Haddington.

“It was a complete eye-opener when we came here.

“I seized upon it with delight and the more I got into it, the more involved I got.

“It’s an absolutely fascinating place, Haddington.”

The 86-year-old has been an avid reader from a young age and had always hoped to turn his hand to writing.

Twenty years in the private sector and a further 20 years in the public sector meant he did not have the time but retirement finally brought the chance to realise his dream.

His books have spanned both fiction and non-fiction, and Gerald described it as “a real sense of achievement” when he got his hands on one of the books he had written.

Gerald, of Haddington’s Gateside Avenue, said: “I have always been a keen reader, right from as far back as I can remember.

“My mother taught me to read and she used to sit me in front of the fire and read me comics.

“I grew up in Gateshead on the Tyne and now live in Gateside!”