Shona MacLean

Shona MacLean was born in Inverness and raised in various Highland towns, including Muir of Ord, where her parents ran a hotel. She is the niece of adventure novelist Alistair MacLean. She now lives near Banff with her husband and four children. After completing an M.A. and a PhD in 17th century history at the University of Aberdeen, she moved to Banff with her husband.

It was while looking after her young children that she developed the character of Alexander Seaton, as featured in her first novel The Redemption of Alexander Seaton. The novel, set in 17th century Banff, was difficult to place with an agent and publisher, but has now been sold worldwide and two sequels have been written.