Mike Tomkies - where is he now?

tinsoldier · #1 (**permalink**) 08-08-2008, 10:58 AM

Folks

I'm trying to find the wherabouts of Mike Tomkies,the celebrated naturalist and writer.I've just finished another book of his and really i'm curious as to how he is keeping these days - he must be into his 80's by now.

Thanks

TS.

Lance Morgan · #2 (**permalink**) 08-08-2008, 11:09 AM

'naturist'

tinsoldier · #3 (**permalink**) 08-08-2008, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lance Morgan

'naturist'

Edited now - wheres the DOH! smilie?!

Lance Morgan · #4 (**permalink**) 08-08-2008, 11:35 AM

I think he's still on his remote 'wildernesse' island in scotland. He probably is a naturist at times.

ron1863 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-08-2008, 08:02 PM

He was born in May 1928, 80 years young and still alive, I think.

larachmor · #6 (**permalink**) 09-08-2008, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinsoldier

Folks

I'm trying to find the wherabouts of Mike Tomkies,the celebrated naturalist and writer.I've just finished another book of his and really i'm curious as to how he is keeping these days - he must be into his 80's by now.

Thanks

TS.

I too am a keen Mike Tomkies reader, and have most of his books.
He left his remote Highland home at "Wildernesse" in the early 90's then lived in the village of Hawick in the Scottish Borders for many years, but I seem to recall that he moved to Sussex fairly recently. He is still alive in his 80's, having overcome a battle with bowel cancer. I think he has very recently released another book, which is a compendium of his earlier books.
If you are interested - his "Wildernesse" home, (which I worked out many years ago by little clues in his books) is marked on the Ordnance Survey maps as "Gaskan" which is on the northern shores of Loch Shiel near Glenfinnan. During summer they run wildlife cruises along the loch from the Glenfinnan hotel, and this takes you past his former home.

Dillibags · #7 (**permalink**) 14-08-2008, 10:05 AM

That's lovely to know that he's still alive..........I first discovered his books about 20 years ago, my first one was about Scottish Wild Cats, fantastic photos. I must get them out and read again!

Moobli · #8 (**permalink**) 23-09-2008, 09:19 PM

As you may be able to tell from my username I am a big Mike Tomkies (and German Shepherd!) fan. I met Mike a couple of years ago, after being in touch with him by letter and telephone. He now lives in a remote farmhouse in Sussex, and is still alive, although with failing health.

I have visited Gaskan or "Wildernesse" a number of times and adore that area.

eeyore · #9 (**permalink**) 25-09-2008, 10:19 PM

His location is at a ruined farmhouse and nature reserve near henfield in west sussex- i think you can write to him via his publishers if you wish.

his most recent book was "rare, wild, and free" which differed slightly from his previous books in that it was a look back at the various species he has worked with in his life.

BTW in my opinion it is a great shame that people have identified the location of wildernesse and posted it in cyberspace (note i'm not blaming anyone here as it is also on wiki) as tomkies went to great lengths to disguise his true location so that eggers couldnt use his books to locate golden eagle erries, diver nests etc.

canny · #10 (**permalink**) 29-09-2008, 01:13 PM

I think it is fairly common knowledge where it is anyway due to the cruise on Loch Shiel which is designed to take people to this area to see the cottage.

The DVD Last of the Scottish Wildcats' by Coffee films is due out very soon and can be preordered features some film of Mike I do belive.
Have a Google and you should find some info and a clip from the DVD. It looks fantastic. I can't wait for mine to arrive.