Capturing Passion

A Quick-Fire Q&A with Duncan Simpson

Join us as Duncan Simpson, author of Portraits of Passion, takes part in our series of quick-fire Q&As!

What is a quick-fire Q&A?

We have our interviewee pick a number at random and we ask them the general question listed next to it.

Shortly after we switch to asking book-specific questions, to give you a brief insight into our wonderful writers and their books.

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If you could win an Olympic medal for any sport, what would it be?

Speed climbing (which was a great watch) as my seat is right at the back of the stand.

What are you currently reading?

I'm reading a book called More Than Maradona: The Birth, Death and Rebirth of SSC Napoli by Kirsten Schlewitz.

More than Maradona highlights this cast of characters, spotlights the side's most intriguing years, and ties both back to the history and culture of Naples, a rare one-club town. Primarily written prior to the 2023 scudetto, the book concludes with an ecstatic finale covering the season in which Napoli dominated Serie A

What advice would you give to aspiring authors and photographers?

I would say never be intimidated by anything. If you have an idea, don't be daunted by it, just try and persevere with it, because people can get frustrated with a lot of things and give up.

When I first started on press calls, you're there to get the same picture as everyone else. Simply, don’t be shy. I just persevered. Don't be intimidated. Go for it.

If you could spend the day in anyone's shoes, who would it be?

There are many a photographer I’d choose. The likes of Albert Watson, Anton Corbijn and Don McCullum – all the stuff Don’s done, and now he's doing landscapes. 

These people are amazing. So, to just be in a situation where you could try and get a picture like they do. Just to spend the day like they do. I don’t know how I would fare in the likes of Gaza, but it is of interest to me. Getting the opportunity to report on such matters.

What would you tell your younger self?

Go for it. Don't be afraid. Nobody cares. And even if they do, people are nothing. Apart from the Hibs fans of course!

What attracted you to writing and the genre of football books?
The reason I wanted to do this book is quite self-explanatory. It is the celebration of 150 years of Hibernian FC, and 150 years of Hibs fans, with portraits of 150 of them. The writing itself was namely by Jennie Renton [Luath Press’ typesetter and editor]; she was a massive asset in the creation of this book.

What is something you take everywhere with you?

I've got a picture of my son when he was a baby. Just a wee keepsake.

Is the finished book what you expected when you first started the process of it?

To be honest with you, I didn't know there was going to be much of a book in it until I met Don Morrison [a freelance sales worker with Luath Press, but also a Hibee man through and through] and Jennie Renton. Alongside Kira Dowie [Luath Press’ Events and Editorial Co-Ordinator] put it all together.

I knew I had to gather some words from people, but it was really the assistance of the team at Luath Press that helped me put it all together. So, I'd be lying if I were saying, ‘Oh, it was all my vision,’ because it wasn’t. But it's nice to see it in the flesh; it was quite a bit of work, even though people may think it was straightforward.

Why did you choose the title that you did?

Originally, I had just wanted to call it 150 Years of Hibernian FC fans, or something along those lines. However, Gavin McDougall [Luath Press Director], had said it maybe wouldn’t punch as much. So I came up with Portraits of Passion, which I think works well.

What is something people would not know about this book just by reading it?

The effort it took to put this book together.

I had a lot of issues during this, the whole process. I had a computer die on me, which resulted in me having to edit on my phone (which is as much of a headache as it sounds). I went all the way to Blackness Castle to meet someone, and when I arrived, my £1500 portrait lens had broken. No one could fix it – it is still scratching my head. My car had also packed in. I had received it from my late father, and it had only done 10000 miles, which was another obstacle.

Arranging to meet people also took its time. One person cancelled on me around six times – I only pestered them because they had an interesting background that I really wanted to include.

Also, all the work that the Luath Press team helped me with. Both Kira and Jennie sat with me, typing all the words into the book. They were amazing.

What were your favourite entries or photographs from the book?

I was quite pleased with the Pat Stanton picture. Mickey Weir with the pigeons is also quite good. The woman with the dogs was a crazy experience. I walked into the house, and she had six dogs, all barking. The noise was unreal.

What was your favourite thing about the process of this book?

Just meeting all the different people. And, obviously, the former players. When I was a boy, Keith and Mickey were my heroes. Getting to talk to them and discover they are just normal guys was certainly memorable. I mean, I am talking about my favourite subject – Hibernian FC – so it was so much fun.