Memories of a rural Aberdeenshire school in the 1930's. In 1999 dad presented a copy of this tale to Strathdon School for it's Millennium project, and thoroughly enjoyed an opportunity to meet and talk to the current scholars. Lilian Field the current Dominie (Head Teacher) gave my father copies of the school register showing himself and his father being enrolled on their first day as pupils of the school. You can find a link to the Strathdon School website on the Links page. Note: You can now download an updated pdf version of the file.

2. The Metropolis of Roughpark 1930's - Under Construction (but nearly there).

Memories of the small village and it's inhabitants. Once known as Parkvilla the village of Roughpark could boast a smiddy, shoemaker, and carpenter in 1841. Little had changed 90 years later when my father knew the village. These are my fathers memories and the people on his walk from the Faichla to Strathdon School in the 1930's.

3. A Day at the Grouse Beating - Conrieside 1937

Boyhood memories of a man whose life spanned many changes in the way of life in the glen.
"Granddad had been 70 years of age when I was born. Through the eyes of a young boy I remember him as a placid, stocky mannie, who wore a round tweed bonnet, plus fours, and had a moustache. I wonder how my grandsons will remember me?"

Memories of Strathdon during the Second World War. A project undertaken for the children of Strathdon Primary School to assist with their history lessons.

".......War was declared against Germany at 11am on Sunday the 3rd of September 1939. I can remember being at home and listening to Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain making the announcement on the radio. We had expected war for some time with Germany; and the announcement left us in a sombre mood. The whole country knew that a great burden had been placed upon it........"

Note: This is a large file and will have to be downloaded as a pdf; which means you will require Adobe Acrobat Reader.

The Ice Pit at Candacraig;  The Fitba League and more fitba memories;  More Postying Memories; The Keeper's Sheetin Match.

  Tinkies and ither gan aboot folk

9. Childhood Memories of Lonach in the 1930's

Childhood memories of games day.

"......An enterprising soul even transported a dead whale to the games on the back of a lorry but was kept from entering the field. The decomposing mammal had been washed up near Aberdeen and had a tent erected over it for viewing."
This story was written for and published in the programme of the 164th Lonach Highland Gathering and Games 2005.

10. An Unusual New Year - Germany 1949

".....So there was I, near midnight on January 1st 1949, walking alone along an unlit tree lined country road in Germany. Thankfully the weather was dry and not too cold. Having taken a right fork in the road as directed, I eventually met up with some German workmen...."