I was inspired to write No Safe Anchorage by the story of my great-great-great grandmother who lived on the tiny island of Rona, off the coast of Skye in the Inner Hebrides. For many years, she kept an oil lamp in the window of her house to help seafarers in the treacherous waters. She was visited by Captain Otter, who conducted many surveys of Hebridean waters and had a distinguished naval career. He was so impressed by her dedication that he wrote to Allan Stevenson, engineer to the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses in 1851, recommending that she be paid for the oil needed for her lamp. Coxswain Richard Williams who served under Captain Otter is buried near the remains of an ancient chapel on the Scorrybreac shore, near Portree on the island of Skye. All three appear in my story. As it is a work of fiction, I have changed some of the details of events while remaining true to the spirit of their characters. For example, Janet MacKenzie probably emigrated to Australia rather than Canada.
Robert Louis Stevenson also appears in the book, both as a child and an adult. He certainly traveled to various Scottish islands with his father, Thomas, who was busy building lighthouses. Although there is not a specific reference to Louis visiting Rona, he became familiar with the Highlands in his youth and their influence permeated his later writing. One of the first books I remember being given as a present was, A Child’s Garden of Verses. Behind the simple joy in childhood pleasures in these poems lurks the sadness of a boy who was often ill and confined to bed. The Land of Counterpane is especially poignant and is alluded to in my story.
I should like to dedicate my book to these people who have inspired me. I should also like to give special thanks to Linda Henderson who edited my manuscript with shrewdness and sensitivity. My husband, Steve, has been an invaluable support in both the technical and creative aspects of writing this book. I am grateful for the efficiency and professionalism of John Hunt Publishing.
—Liz MacRae Shaw