Man stands in front of a building, hands in pockets, thoughtful expression.

From The Heart Of Portobello

Kevan Christie was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. Raised in Craigentinny, Portobello and Leith he was politely asked to leave school at 16 and started work in a builder's merchant. He spent the next two decades working in the City's financial institutions where he learnt little about finance and a lot about alcohol abuse. He gained a degree in journalism from Napier University in 2006, working as a bookseller, youth support worker and taxi driver to help fund his studies.

His 14-year journalism career began with the Newsflash Press Agency before stints at the Daily Record, Dundee Evening Telegraph, Scotland on Sunday and The Scotsman where he wrote a weekly column. His favourite band is New Order and his place of worship is Easter Road Stadium the home of Hibernian Football Club. Kevan has been sober since August 2018.

To Be Frank is his debut novel.

Contact Kevan To Be Frank

Kevan's Journey

Concrete diving tower with multiple platforms against a clear blue sky background.

Man smiles at the sea. Wearing a jacket, jeans, and a hoodie.

Where It All Began

1980s

Schoolkid, Daydreamer.

Kevan grew up in Craigentinny, Portobello and Leith—a childhood spent between long summers at the open-air pool, quarters of sweets from Mrs Webber's, and being politely shown the door at school aged 16.

What followed was two decades in Edinburgh's financial institutions, where he mastered the art of looking busy and developed a deep appreciation for liquid lunches.

Historic building reflecting in water near a large concrete area; exterior view.

The Turning Point

2006

Student, Grafter.

Somewhere between the spreadsheets and late nights, Kevan decided he had something to say. He put himself through Napier University—working as a bookseller, youth worker and taxi driver to pay the bills—and emerged with a journalism degree and a dangerous sense of purpose.

Fourteen years at the Daily Record, Scotland on Sunday and The Scotsman followed. He wrote a weekly column. Some people even read it.

Margaret Thatcher and man stand in empty stadium, about a visit.

The Payoff

2025

Author, Finally

After years of badgering editors, Kevan turned to badgering publishers instead. To Be Frank hit the shelves in September 2025, sold out at Portobello Bookshop, and proved that spite and stubbornness can get you quite far. He's now working on the sequel—so the nightmare continues.

Fire engulfs buildings, with fire trucks and people in the street.

A Note From Kevan Himself

Torn piece of paper with a textured, wrinkled look on black background.

I spent years telling other people's stories before it dawned on me I might have one of my own. To Be Frank took two years, five drafts, and more walks around Fife than my feet would care to remember. There were moments I wanted to chuck it in—but stubbornness runs in the family.

If you've ever thought about writing that book, starting that thing, or finally having a go at whatever's been rattling around your head—do it. The world doesn't need another excuse. It needs your story.

Thanks for reading. Now leave me alone, I've got a sequel to finish.

-Kevan Christie