Lads’ Love: written by S. R. Crockett, C. and similar items

First published in 1897, the fictional Alec MacQuhirr tells his own love story which is both cheeky and charming by turn. Crockett's ironic humour is evident throughout as we discover what goes on at the 'back end of the byre.' S. R. Crockett was born at Little Duchrae, Balmaghie, Kirkcudbrightshire, Galloway on 24 September 1859, the illegitimate son of dairymaid Annie Crocket. He was raised by his Cameronian grandparents on the tenanted farm until 1867 when the family moved to Cotton Street, Castle Douglas (later fictionalised as Cairn Edward). He won the Galloway bursary to Edinburgh University in 1876, where he studied for an MA. He began his journalistic career to supplement his bursary, writing for magazines from 1877. He left University in April 1879 without formally graduating.[1] He travelled throughout Europe as a tutor between the years 1879 and 1881 returning to study for the ministry at Edinburgh's New College. He became minister of The Free Kirk Penicuik in November 1886. He married Ruth Mary Milner (daughter of George Milner) on March 10, 1887. He played a large part in gaining justice for the relatives of victims in the Mauricewood Pit Disaster of 1889.[2] He became a member of the Scottish Arts Club in 1894.[3] He left the ministry in January 1895 to pursue a full-time writing career.