My maternal grandfather is Scottish and I have always felt an affinity for Scotland and its people.

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My maternal grandfather came to Plymouth from Italy a century ago to work in what was then a bustling industrial center.

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My maternal grandfather served in HMSAN in both world wars and had the misfortune to have his ship torpedoed in both.

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My genetic heritage had flaws: My father had a triple bypass at age 66 and my maternal grandfather died of a heart attack at age 56.

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