MAIRI HEDDERWICK was born in Gourock, Scotland. At seventeen she took a job as a mother's help on the Isle of Coll in the Hebrides, beginning a life-long love affair with islands and their small communities.

Her children were brought up there and now some of her grandchildren. Mairi Hedderwick has recently moved back to the island after a stint at being Granny Mainland.

Mairi's island world is delightfully reflected in the imaginary island of Struay where Katie Morag and her family live. As well as creating children's books Mairi writes and illustrates travel books for adults. She spends a lot of time visiting schools and is always accompanied by Katie Morag's teddy that travels with her in a black bag.