Nicky Cannon

I came to Dorothy Dunnett courtesy of my mum, who watched me exhaust the historical fiction section of Kirkcaldy Library. She recommended the Lymond series, and I fell completely in love. When the Niccolò books were published I read and enjoyed them when they were published, even though that meant waiting forever for the next one.

I grew up in Fife and now live in Edinburgh. I read the Chronicles aloud to my husband, who demonstrated his devotion by letting me. His favourite character is Marthe, but mine will always be Francis Crawford of Lymond. By day I’m a Psychiatrist working in the NHS. It’s busy but rewarding and involves working with some lovely people. Philippa’s sensible advice to Lymond, from Disorderly Knights “The world will look after itself for a night without your hand on the rim” is just perfect for encouraging tired staff to take a break. By night I’m a reader of history and fiction: historical drama, crime or fantasy by preference.

In my extra Dunnetteering life I play board games and tabletop role-playing games with my husband and friends. Maps and pre-contemporary history are my long-term interests. I did some historical enactment at university, which involved wearing a truncated hennin on a float through Edinburgh, feasts, occasional sword fighting and refashioning a lot of old curtains.

I was honoured to write the Edinburgh guide to Dorothy Dunnett’s books and am part of the Guides Team, making maps for the series. Having been a member of the board and have served as Chair of the society since 2024, and I am very aware of the talented individuals that have gone before me. I’ve treasured meeting new friends through the Society more than I can say, and hope to see the society continue to be welcoming to new members.