Malcolm Alexander
Close to Where the Heart Gives Out
Friday 28th August
5.30pm
In his thirties, Malcolm Alexander responded to an ad – ‘Urgent: island doctor needed’. Find out what happened next as Malcolm reads from his book, Close to Where the Heart Gives Out, already an Islay favourite, and reminds us of the importance of listening to our hearts, as well as to the rhythms of the landscape.
In stories that range from the humorous to the deeply moving, this is an unflinchingly honest memoir of Malcolm’s life as a doctor in the remote landscape of Eday, part of the Orkney archipelago.
How to watch this event
This event starts at 5.30pm on Friday 28th August. To watch the event just visit this page at the start time and you'll be able to watch the event for free.
Subtitles/Closed Captions
If you would like to access YouTube's automated subtitles while you're watching the event, just click on the small 'CC' icon, which you'll see at the bottom right of your video screen, and then the subtitles should appear for you. Please note that as these are automated they are not always 100% reliable.
Audience participation
Malcolm Alexander will be online during his event screening to answer questions from the audience. Simply type a question via Twitter by tagging @Doc_Malcolm_A in your tweet and using the hashtag #IBF2020.
Donations
Donate via PayPalWe are paying all of our contributors, so although the events are free we do still have costs. All donations, however small, are very gratefully received and will support our authors and our festival during a difficult time.
About the speaker
Malcolm Alexander graduated from Edinburgh University in 1980 with the single thought of becoming a General Practitioner. Life had other plans, and he became Medical Director for Orkney Health Board and he finished his career working for 11 years as Associate Medical Director for the Scottish National Telephone Triage service, NHS 24, before finally returning to face-to-face practice in his local GP practice on one of the Scottish islands. He lives in an old Victorian home on the Isle of Bute. His book, Close to Where the Heart Gives Out (Michael O’Mara Books, 2019), is an unflinchingly honest and moving memoir of his life as a doctor in the remote landscape of Eday, part of the Orkney archipelago. @Doc_Malcolm_A
Browse all the books featured in the Islay Book Festival 2020 at The Celtic House