Behind the Words: Two Nights in Dundee

Back in my undergrad days, I did a creative writing class with Alan Spence. Also in that class was Michael Callaghan, who you should know from directing such movies such Trifle. Two of the things we covered in that class were the short, short story form exemplified by a James Kelman story I don’t have to hand (if anyone knows where my copies of Not Not While the Giro and Greyhound for Breakfast went, please let me know), and the idea of keeping a notebook for overheard snippets of conversation that could be used later. This very short, short story, “Two Nights in Dundee”, incorporates both of those things, being an exchange overheard by Mike and I in the Under the Hammer bar (as featured in In the Shadow of Piper Alpha). Aberdeen and Dundee have always been rivals so the idea of spending TWO WHOLE NIGHTS in the city was anathema. It makes less sense now since investment in Dundee has far outstripped anything Aberdeen has managed for decades. Still, this story makes me smile, reminds me of fun days and nights being free, creative, and inventive with like-minded friends. I’m not going to claim any “best days of your life” bollocks but I do miss some of those days, and remember them with fondness.