Q & A with Archie Macpherson

JOHN CRANOCHAN spent 39 years as a cop, a career that shaped him into both an optimistic cynic and a man of quiet wisdom. During his decades in law enforcement, John saw humanity in all its complexity—encountering people at their worst, in moments of desperation, cruelty and loss, as well as at their best, displaying resilience, kindness and the ability to change. This duality taught him to appreciate the good in people while never fully letting his guard down. He’s the kind of man who knows that life is unpredictable, but he tries to meet it with humour, pragmatism and a deep sense of personal responsibility. John believes in people, but he’s wary of those who take themselves too seriously, those who lack the humility to admit their flaws.
Married to the same woman for 39 years, together, they raised two daughters who are now grown, each navigating their own lives.
Countdown to Scotland's first game against Haiti in the 2026 FIFA World Cup (UK time).
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Here’s to the players who wear the shirt, thank you for giving us something worth rallying behind, and here’s to the supporters who kept believing even when we were out in the wilderness.
28 years of heartbreak are over, Scotland are back in the World Cup. With a pen dipped in passion, McNeill explores the emotional landscape of football, bringing to life the highs and lows, triumphs and tribulations that define the beautiful game in Scotland.
Praise for We Are Scottish Football:
In this unique and vivid collection of poems and photographs Julie McNeill makes sure we don’t forget the impact our footballing history has had on the world. STUART COSGROVE, author & presenter
A must read for any fan of football, history, poetry and Scotland. IAN MAXWELL, CEO SFA
In this wonderful book of poems and photographs Julie McNeill ties together the past and present of the game and highlights some of its outstanding moments, personalities and controversies. ROSE REILLY MBE, World Cup Winning Footballer
A poetic tribute, capturing the soul-stirring drama and devotion that make Scottish football an enduring and enchanting spectacle. PAUL ENGLISH, The Herald
Timely and well-written by a fine poet [who] acknowledges the popular roots of the male game while inflecting these through a modern female gaze. ALISTAIR FINDLAY, Morning Star
JULIE McNEILL, poet, author and workshop facilitator, specialises in creative writing workshops and talks, focusing on mental
health and supporting individuals with additional needs. Author of Mission Dyslexia and two poetry collections, she’s the Poet in Residence for St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation and the Makar for The Scottish Women’s National Football Team Poets Society. Her performances include notable events like Wigtown Book Festival and StAnza International Poetry Festival.