28 AUGUST 1982, Page 17

Compton Mackenzie

Sir: I have been commissioned by Chatto & Windus Ltd to write a biography of the late Sir Compton Mackenzie who, amongst other things, contributed the column Sidelight to your pages in the 1950s. I should be most interested to hear from any of your readers who knew him, and would be particularly grateful for the chance to see any letters or documents which might help me towards a fuller understanding of his career and personality.

Andro Linklater

Isle Martin, By Ullapool, Ross-shire