BUTLIN’S MEMORIES REBORN – GREENOCK AUTHOR REVIVES AYR HOLIDAY MAGIC

Greenock-born author Frank McGroarty is bringing back the magic of Britain’s seaside past with the release of a second edition of the Butlins Ayr Trilogy, marking the 90th anniversary of Butlins.

Combing a fictional story with historical fact, this newly released edition revisits a much-missed holiday camp, the Scottish contingent of the Butlins Holiday Empire, for decades an integral part of special memories for generations of holidaymakers and former employees.

Set in the early 1980s, for many, the latter days of the Hi-De-Hi era, this second edition offers readers both a nostalgic journey and a reflection on a unique chapter of Scottish social history.

For Frank, these books were a labour of love as they were inspired by his three-life changing seasons working as a Redcoat at the old Ayr Camp, where he met his wife and fellow Redcoat Wendy.

Said Frank: “When I first considered writing a book for the first time almost 12 years ago, I thought, what a perfect starting point than a time that meant so much to me and changed my life. “

This resulted in the publication of What Time Does Midnight Cabaret Start?, the coming of age story of introvert Terry McFadden, who closes the door on his childhood life, working as a Butlins Redcoat, discovering confidence he never thought possible as well as finding love for the first time.

Originally well received for its evocative storytelling, the trilogy paints a vivid picture of life at the Ayr camp during its peak years, reminding readers of a time when holidays were simpler, communal, and full of character.

“I was so pleased with the response What Time Does Midnight Cabaret Start? received along with the follow on books that became the remaining instalments of the Butlins Ayr Trilogy, Don’t Mention Hi-De-Hi and How Do You Get The Donkeys Up The Stairs.”

Frank continued: “I like to think I have developed as a writer since that first book came out in 2015. I am now working on my next book that is totally different to my holiday camp stories, which I intend to publish later this year.”

“But with this being Butlins 90th anniversary, it seemed to be an ideal opportunity to publish this new version of the Butlins Ayr Trilogy, as well as open it up to a new audience.”

“These stories are about people and memories,” said Frank. “Since the first book was published, those memories remain as strong as ever on social media, with my Facebook group currently attracting over 4000 members so far. "

“Like the first edition, this new version of the Butlins Ayr Trilogy is first a fictional story mixed with historical fact. And in this 90th anniversary year, I hope that it will bring back special memories of Butlins only Scottish Camp that is now no longer there.”

Butlins Ayr Trilogy 2nd edition is available now from all online and retail outlets in Paperback and E Book download.