A Scotsman took a trip down memory lane when he returned to his birth country of Bermuda for the first time in 35 years.

Alasdair McCallum and his wife, Helen, holidayed on the island for two weeks to celebrate his 60th birthday this month.

Mr McCallum spent much of his childhood in Bermuda, where his father, Sandy, worked at the Bermuda Hotel School and his mother, Josephine, at the Bermuda Sun.

He attended Tiny Tots Nursery and Saltus Grammar School until age 10, when he moved with his parents to their native Scotland, where they ran the Elderslie Hotel in North Ayrshire.

Bermudian culture remained in the family’s hearts even after leaving the island.

Mr McCallum recalled attending school wearing shorts and knee socks “like a Bermudian”.

He explained: “I hated wearing those so much that I often walked to school barefoot.”

Mr McCallum returned to the island at the age of 21 to work at the Waterlot, one of Bermuda’s oldest restaurants, as second chef.

He also worked at the Newport Room and Whaler Inn at the Fairmont Southampton, as well as a pastry chef at the resort’s main kitchen, before returning to Scotland in 1990.

Reflecting on how the island has changed, Mr McCallum said: “There are a lot more high-rise buildings and international businesses in Hamilton, but I really miss Trimingham’s and other old stores on Front Street.

“The Royal Naval Dockyard also changed; there’s a lot more things to do there now and I was surprised to see two cruise ships there.”

Like many Bermudians, Mr McCallum also noted the island’s high cost of living.

He said: “Bermuda is much more expensive than when I first lived here. Some people who worked with my dad said they can’t retire and have to keep working because it’s so pricey.”

During their visit, Mr and Mrs McCallum explored Tobacco Bay, Elbow Beach and other beaches, enjoyed food and culture at Harbour Nights, and even revisited the Waterlot.

Mr McCallum thanked Sabrina Kirby, from Bermuda Connections guest house, for making his return to the island so memorable.

He explained: “Bermuda Connections is appropriately named because Ms Kirby and her team exemplify Bermudian hospitality in every way and go above and beyond for guests.”