Alice talks about the kindness of Glasgow people and her happiness in Scotland.
AM: So I have enjoyed my new country.
INT: Yes.
AM: I have never lost my foreign accent because when I was evacuated I was in with so many different accents I copied them all. In the end I stayed in Scotland and I copied the Highland girls’ accents but as I’ve no contact with them out comes my mother’s accent. That can’t be a bad thing. I think it’s the best country in Europe for me.
INT: Why’s that?
AM: Scotland?
INT: Yes.
AM: Because they’re wholesome people. Unfortunately I have very poor sight but I like to be independent. I take my life in my hands when I go out but when somebody sees that I’m struggling to go on a bus or crossing a road they help me. Some people just grab me and I am afraid of who it might be but others say, “May I help you?” I don’t think I would find that anywhere. In other countries people are afraid to speak to strangers. I can only say good things. I’ve made good friends here Unfortunately many of them are no longer here, and I’m still making friends.
INT: It’s a good reason to make friends with people younger than you isn’t it?
AM: Yes, well that’s more difficult because the younger people today don’t want the older. A generation ago; 60s, 70s, yes. But not today. They’re being re-educated now.
INT: So is there any final things that you want to say before we turn this off?
AM: I said that I’m happy in the country here?
INT: Yes. You said all that.
AM: But I’m sad that my family is not here. I am now here alone. One is in New York where I have four grandsons and one is in Cambridge, who has never found a Scottish lass yet.
INT: Yes, Ok so thank you very much for your time.
AM: I would like to hear it. Thank you for coming.