Michael Shaw was born in Inverness in 1944, third of five children. As a young man he landed short-term employment at The Doon School in Dehradun. So thoroughly was he seduced by India, that he has returned repeatedly to explore the country, and visit his many Indian friends. He trained in Scotland and France as an hotelier, and worked in tourism, economic development and conservation. His voluntary work was influenced by the example of his father, who was instumental in some of the most important legal and administrative changes within Scotland in the twentieth century. While Michael's contribution to the public service has been modest, and of the variety that attracts little attention, it affords an illuminating view of contemporary affairs. Michael Shaw has enjoyed a life of travel, variety, and, he would say, of privilege. The Indian dimension has played an interesting counterpoint to a life also much influenced by his family home on the Island of Seil, innermost of the Hebrides. In 2000 Michael Shaw published SEIL ISLAND: A PORTRAIT. (Eastop Publications)