Thanks as well to Mark’s gorgeous wife, Robin. Also, to Simon Thomson, Lucy Wilkins, Clinton and Rosie Steele — all part of the Single Malt Motorcycle Club. Also, Mike Crew, the lovely Robbie (the Glaswegian Taswegian) and his beautiful wife and my friend, Emma Gilligan, and wee Harvey as well.

To one of my closest friends, the marvellous Stephen Bender — you are an inspiration in so many ways. Kiarna, Chris, Jake and Samuel Brown — thank you. To my most special friends, with whom I share political diatribes, joy in images, poems, films and books as well as celebrating each other’s triumphs and mourning the setbacks, Professor Jim McKay, Dr Helen Johnston, Dr Liz Ferrier, Professor David Rowe, Professor Malcolm McLean, Professor Mike Emmison, Dr Janine Mikosa and Linda Martello, thank you.

I also wish to thank (though they might not know it directly, they have been a great support and presence), Dr Frances Thiele, Dr Lisa Hill, Sheryl Gwyther, Mark Woodland, Mimi McIntyre, Gav Jaeger and Jason Greatbatch, Margaret Wenham, Natalie Gregg, Geoffrey Shearer, Fiona Inch, Mick and Katri DuBois, Christina Schultness (How), Trevor Dale and Jeff Francombe, Donna Williams and Kerrie Ashwood, Rebecca and Terry Moles and Wendy Moles, and my lovely step-mum Moira Adams and her fabulous but now deceased Scottish parents. They, along with my nanna, Margaret Ross, had such a passion for Scotland, its myths and history, and I like to think they began to instil it in me as well a long time ago.

I also want to thank the IASH at University of Queensland where I am an honorary senior research consultant and the University of the Sunshine Coast, where I am an Honorary Senior Fellow.

Thanks also to the talented Tony Mak and Sharn Hitchins for their wonderful music and friendship.

I also really want to thank my readers. Where would I be without you? Or the booksellers and librarians, the custodians of stories — the matchmakers of the imagination — thank you to each and every one of you for being the guardians at the gate.

Thank you as well to my gorgeous Facebook friends on my author page and on Goodreads, Twitter and Instagram — you are simply terrific.

Also, a huge thanks to the friends of Captain Bligh’s Brewery and Distillery. Every time I see you, you cheer me on and support what it is Stephen and I do — whether it be with beer, spirits or books. Thank you so much.

I also want to thank my much-missed inspiration and cherished friend, Sara Douglass.

Now it’s time for my last thanks — my family. Starting with my remarkable sister, Jenny Farrell, whose unshakeable belief in what I do astonishes me always. Thank you.

Grant Searle — thank you for being one my (and Stephen’s) best friends and a true support in so many ways — and when life has not been as kind as it could be to you. Here’s to that changing and soon. Love you dearly.