I've seen that -- coming out of the First World War, everyone was so joyous and then suddenly there was the crash. Then it was rebuilt. So I'm always optimistic. DM: Have you written your memoirs? FM: Yes, there are 13 chapters, over there (points to a bookcase in the corner). It will be published at some point. DM: You have a photo of Flora MacDonald's gravestone on your wall. Tell me about that. (Flora MacDonald helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape capture on the island of Benbecula after the Battle of Culloden and then accompanied him under cover --  he was dressed as her maid -- to the Isle of Skye.) FM: That's the woman I'm named after. There has always been a Flora MacDonald in my family, through the generations. (Reads the headstone) "Flora MacDonald, preserver of the life of Prince Charles Edward Stewart. Her name will be mentioned in history, and if courage and fidelity be virtues, mentioned with honour."