'It's about family and music': Scottish singer's debut book revealed

“We lived in a state of chaos for many years when our five kids were aged between new-born twins and six-and-a-half,” she says, with a laugh.

“In the middle was Matilda, creating havoc at every turn and ensuring we lived our lives in a way we could never have imagined.”

Matilda in the Middle is the provisional title of Katy’s debut book, a memoir of musical musings and family life with Matilda, now 20, who has Down’s Syndrome.

As part of one of Scotland’s musical dynasties – Katy’s bands include The Fizzbombs and The Secret Goldfish; she is married to musician and record producer Douglas MacIntyre; and her brother Stephen and sister-in-law Clare Grogan founded Altered Images – this book has been in the works for many years.

Altered Images (Image: Newsquest)

“I have been writing my whole life since school - poetry, short stories and songs - but then parenthood came along and it has taken me the best part of 24 years to get this together,” says Katy, who is originally from East Kilbride and now lives in Strathaven.

Katy in her Secret Goldfish days (Image: Katy Lironi)

“Somewhere along the line I lost the confidence of youth and also time became rather scarce. This book combines my previous life as a singer in a band, my own family connection with music growing up in the 70s and 80s and what music means to us as a family now.”

Matilda and her older sister Amelia are both singers - Matilda released her own single, Invisible, to raise funds for Down's Syndrome Scotland, in 2021, while Amelia and Naomi McKay are about to release their third single as up-and-coming duo Quad 90.

Katy adds: “Music has been a massive part of Matilda’s life and has enlightened us to how it can have such a positive impact on her and others who are neurodivergent or have learning disabilities.”

Katy, who works for Down's Syndrome Scotland, is taking part in We Could Send Letters x Into Books, a special event at the Strathaven Hotel on February 16.

Organised by Douglas and Katy, who run the Frets Concerts series at the hotel, in conjunction with Glasgow publisher Into Books, it will also feature journalist David Belcher, established authors David Cameron, Gillian Shirreff and George Paterson, and music by The Secret Goldfish.

Katy with her husband Douglas MacIntyre (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest)

The evening will be hosted by cultural commentator and podcaster Alistair Braidwood.

“It’s incredibly exciting to be taking part, but also very nerve-wracking,” admits Katy, who says she hopes her book captures Matilda’s “vivid personality and her own unique place in this world and in our family.”

“Matilda opened our eyes to a whole new world.”

She pauses. “I hope the book comes with plenty of laughs, and possibly some tears. It's really just a story about family, and music.”