I spent my early years in the Lake District. After attending Sussex University I worked in the civil service. Subsequently, I became a Social Worker and worked in child protection, twenty years in the UK and twenty more in Australia. After retiring, I moved to Thailand.
I’m blessed with a wonderful partner and three amazing children who enjoy great success despite their erratic and unpredictable father.
Years ago, I was captivated by a magical day spent on Iona and dreamed of writing a book on St Columba, an inspirational man far ahead of his time, who challenged the institutions of church and state, and created a monastery that became a beacon of spiritual and artistic light during the dark ages.
It took fifty years to realise my own dream. My aim was simply to describe his impressive life and cut back on the miracles and prophecies which overwhelm previous histories. Then I stumbled across evidence suggesting he had a secret relationship with a princess and fathered a son who later became a monk like himself.
Thus my story became the life and loves of St Columba.
Tim Hetherington
‘Years ago, I was captivated by a magical day spent on Iona and dreamed of writing a book on St Columba, an inspirational man far ahead of his time, who challenged the institutions of church and state, and created a monastery that became a beacon of spiritual and artistic light during the dark age...
