Tall Stories: Andy Jackson a Biography

This book is a celebration of the life and adventures of Andy Jackson, Scottish kayaking legend. In December 2004 the kayaking community was stunned by the premature death of Andy Jackson. "Tall Stories" collates accounts and photos of the tall man's adventurous life. As we follow him around the world, Andy's gregarious good humour comes across at every turn. From his native Scotland to Nepal, New Zealand and North America on his 'World Tour' and on to Iceland and Chile, Andy made a friend of everyone he met.Every first weekend in September, kayakers from around the world gather at the Wet West Paddlefest to celebrate his life and paddle two of his favourite rivers. Andy will remain an inspiration for generations to come.Ron Cameron first encountered Andy Jackson in Tain, Easter Ross when Andy was 19 and he was 43 and kayaked, skied and climbed with him regularly until the time of his death, suffering no significant injuries as a result. He was stupid/smart enough to rent Andy a house for about six years. Sometimes he thinks he should have stuck to climbing but paddling and skiing with Andy was a life enhancing experience.

Age: Classified secret (61).Race: Native Lochaber person.Education: Highly resistant to (prefers not to talk too much about that).Occupation: Crofter (although he seems to remember teaching history at one time. Taught African history to Africans in Kenya 1971-76).Recreation: His early adult life was mainly devoted to climbing hills (best climb West Face of Mt Kenya with John Temple, 7th ascent). He has done all the Munros and a variety of other silly things. His first kayaking experience was about 1970 but he didn't continue in Kenya (crocs and hippos plus too many hills to climb). Started paddling again in Kelso c1979. Best river, the Affric with AJ and Bridget c1995.Started skiing in 1985 (aged 37) with intent to ski tour. Best hills: West Face of Aonach Mor with AJ, Toubkal (Morocco), Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, and the Gran Paradiso.Ron first encountered Andy Jackson in Tain, Easter Ross when Andy was 19 and he was 43 and kayaked, skied and climbed with him regularly until the time of his death, suffering no significant injuries as a result. He was stupid/smart enough to rent Andy a house for about six years. Sometimes he thinks he should have stuck to climbing but paddling and skiing with Andy was a life enhancing experience.Writing and broadcasting: Ron has written an number of School history books and magazine articles (in both Gaelic and English) on a weird variety of topics. He has appeared on quite a lot of Gaelic Radio and TV slots.