Sir Jackie's return

By Rosemary Lowne • Published 4 Mar 2010 10:54

THREE times formula one world champion Sir Jackie Stewart thrilled fans when he returned to his home town yesterday (Wednesday), writes Rosemary Lowne.

Known as the 'Flying Scot', the racing legend, 70, who grew up in Dumbarton, spoke of his remarkable career in the sport to hundreds of fans at 'An Audience with Sir Jackie Stewart' chaired by leading sports journalist Neil Drysdale at Dumbarton Football Club last night.

Sir Jackie said: "It's nice to be back home in Dumbarton, it's a very special place."

Talking at ease to the packed venue, Stewart who braved the racing circuit between 1965 and 1973, an era when so many of his friends and rivals were dying around him, talked openly.

He said: "I remember one month a driver was killed every day. Between 1963-73, there was a one in three chance I was going to live and a two out if three chance I was going to die."

He also spoke of his battle with dyslexia.

He said: "My school days were the most unhappiest of my life. I had a lack of confidence and self-esteem and people gave you a hard time. Children are getting more help now but still not enough."

Today, Sir Jackie not only strives to improve learning facilities for children with dyslexia but also hopes that Scottish prisons will follow suit.

He added: "I went to Saughton prison recently to do a talk as sevent per cent of prisoners can't read or write."

F1 fan, Raymond Brown,55, and his wife Shona, 52, from Milton in Dumbarton said they thoroughly enjoyed the night.

Raymond said: "This is the second time I've seen him. He's very to the point, very helpful and always has a great story.

"He always has time for the people and that's what it's all about. He's had a great life and tonight it shows just how respected he is."

After the talk Sir Jackie signed copies of his autobiography Winning is Not Enough.

Earlier in the day he visited Dumbarton Library, which is celebrating its centenary year, to open a new children's library.

Full full reports and pictures from both events don't miss the next edition of the Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter, out Tuesday.

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