Willie Scobie was born in Helensburgh. Several generations of his ancestors, on both sides of the family, worked in the textile industry (Paisley weaver, Paton's Mill, Clackmannan, United Turkey Red). Willie has spent his life living and working in the Vale of Leven and Dumbarton area. He was a local government officer for thirty-five years.
His interests are history, religion (he is a Christian), reading and painting. He had a novel published last year, and has had poetry and short stories published in the past. He writes regular historical articles for one of his local newspapers.
Willie has loved tartan since childhood. As a young man, reading the "MacGregor Trilogy" by historical novelist Nigel Tranter, kindled his interest in the history of tartan. Then discovering "Tartan - The Highland Textile" by the late James D. Scarlett M.B.E., led to a sixteen year friendship which was something of a master - disciple relationship.
Much of the research Willie conducted for his own book - "Whisky in the Jar" related to the history of military tartans. As an active member of the Dumbarton & Lomond Group of Amnesty International, it was Willie who suggested an Amnesty Tartan and persuaded Jamie Scarlett to design it.
Willie is fifty-six. He is married to Mary and has two children, Jamie (5) and Johnny (3). Now "retired", Willie says he has never worked so hard in his life.