A retired Angus pig farmer has embarked upon a new career as a game designer.
Sandy McLeish’s new puzzle game app has just been launched after he took a surprising change of direction in his retirement.
Alexzander’s Maze is now available to billions of mobile phone and tablet users across the globe after being designed by Dundee-based MTC Media Ltd.
Mr McLeish, who lives in Barry, spent 40 years as a pig farmer before coming up with the idea for the puzzle game after retiring 15 years ago.
He took the idea to various games companies but they all turned it down and he thought his dream was over.
But two years ago his granddaughter Eliza, 25, downloaded an app and Mr McLeish saw a way of resurrecting his idea.
He said: “I didn’t know what an app was but I thought this could be the answer.
“Eliza made a bet with me and I was determined to finally bring the game to life.”
Mr McLeish took the idea for a puzzle game app to MTC Media which is one of Scotland’s fastest growing web development companies.
They loved the concept and its designers helped him take up the challenge of making his dream a reality.
“They showed a lot of patience and helped me on every stage of the journey,” he said.
“A lot of other companies weren’t interested but MTC Media took a chance and I’m delighted they did.
“To see my app now available on iTunes is an amazing feeling. I’m very proud and excited.”
The objective of the game is to build pictures by guiding pieces around a maze. Each level has a different image with increasing difficulty from varying grid sizes, time limits and invisible maze fences called blockers.
Mr McLeish, who has two children and five grandchildren, said he thinks it is a totally new concept.
“It’s effectively a maze jigsaw puzzle which really increases your mind powers,” he added.
Mr McLeish praised his wife Pat for believing in him and being a source of strength.