Malcolm Leask

Hi

I am 41 years old and have spent all my life living in Shetland, most of it being on the small island called Whalsay. Until the age of 12 years old, I attended the Symbister Junior High School on Whalsay, and then like all of the youngsters who live on the outer isles, had to go to the Anderson High School in Lerwick. This meant staying in the Janet Courtney Hostel Monday to Friday and only returning home at the weekends. To many of you it may sound strange having to leave home at such a young age, but is something that we in Shetland are used to.

I have always had an interest in cars and motorbikes, and at the age of 12 years, I ‘fixed up’ an old BSA Bantam motorbike. I was proud of it at the time, but looking back now, it probably wasn’t that road-worthy. Other interests I have include sailing, hill walking keeping fit, and football. Last season I managed to get a few local lads together and we formed the Wast Linga Football Club, and played in the Work's League in Shetland. It was good fun and we developed quite a good following, even though we lacked the skill and finesse of the other clubs. Like nearly everyone else in Shetland I have an interest in music, and attempt to play the banjo, mouth organ, and fiddle, very badly.

By profession I am a Joiner and have to travel daily on a ferry to work. This can sometime put a couple of hours on my working day, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.