Judy McCutcheon

I was born on King Island, off the north-west coast of Tasmania, at the entrance to Bass Strait, arguably one of the roughest seas in the world. The island is pounded by the Roaring Forties when in a foul mood and bathed in sunlight the rest of the time; the perfect place for a child to grow up, with endless beaches, hills to roam and cliffs to explore on the south-west coast. The great great granddaughter of Scottish immigrants, my great grandparents settled on King Island in 1911. They called their farm, 'Siberia'. I have always had a love and respect of wild and challenging regions.

History and geography have always appealed and my family reckon the first word out of my mouth was, "Why?" This has stood me in good stead over the years, although there have been times when it has gotten me into trouble. I love people and the stories they tell and enjoy discovering the "why" of somewhere settled, something done, sometimes a road not taken.

My education was in the school of life until in my mid 30's when I went to university and discovered just how much I didn't know and how much more of the world there was to discover and explore, with wonderful people to guide me on the journey.

Travel and people have brought me a richness in spirit for which I am immensely grateful. My husband insists I must have been a Gypsy in a previous life and this trait seems to have been passed on to my three beautiful children.

My husband's great grannie was a Catanach. I may never have written 'The Spirit of Badenoch' had I not asked two questions in particular of my mother-in-law, "Where does the name Catanach come from?" and "Why did your Grandpa come to London?" This started me on a journey that introduced me to Clan Chattan, led to correspondence all over the world, and the discovery of Badenoch. ‘The Spirit of Badenoch’ is the culmination of 15 years research and the basis from which many strong ties and friendships have grown.