Andrew Wilson is 67 and has run Beltie Books & Café for the last eight years. Beltie Books is in Wigtown, and it was opened as a new addition to Scotland’s National Book town. He moved with his partner Nick ‘back’ to Galloway in 2010. Dumfries & Galloway is Andrew’s home region, while his partner Nick is from New Zealand and works as an NHS Psychiatrist. They’ve been together for 30 years, and Nick is Andrew’s success story!
Andrew feels he should have done more with the educational and social advantages he has enjoyed. He has two degrees from Edinburgh University, involving an awful lot of Scottish History. He did intend to become a Church of Scotland minister – which would have no doubt hit the rocks, as he is gay, and was never cut out to be a pillar of society.
Running his own bookshop and cafe is ideal; he likes cooking for and entertaining people, and enjoys jabbering about Scotland, history, Galloway, books and food. He would freely admit to being a total misfit and not one to tolerate the conventional and narrow minded of this world.
Tell us 4 important facts about yourself:
- I am Scottish
- I have learnt Gaelic
- I prefer dogs to people
- I cannot abide silences or snobs
What is your favourite age that you’ve been so far in life, and why?
The age of 36 when I met my life partner, just when I had given up meeting anyone. Just before I met him was also when I got my very first dog. I had waited for years to get a dog, until I was going to be at home to look after one properly.
Who is your favourite fictional character or famous person over 60?
Gandalf/ Sir Ian McKellen
You are alone in your house (no pets). You have three minutes to get out before the house collapses and burns to the ground. What one possession would you grab and take with you?
I would just get out – as long as the dog and my man were safe.
What’s your favourite creative pastime?
Writing poetry.
Tell us something about yourself that’s surprising or unexpected
I trained to be a Church of Scotland minister.
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