Back hame from Glastonbury Festival and Tattie (i.e. KCR Trad Time host Natalie Chalmers!) had a chat wi mi about Annie Shirer and the “Loons an Lassikies” project – ye can hae a listen here!
Peterhead Tours and Stories over the Summer Holidays
A fantastic turn out for today’s Peterhead Tour and for the storytelling session afterwards! Thanks so much to everyone who came along and of course to the kids and big kids that participated in the stories!!
“Thank you to everyone who attended our Peterhead Trail guided walk and storytelling session today by Pauline Cordiner, A Scottish Storyteller.
The guided walk and storytelling sessions take place again on Tuesdays 15th & 29th July and 5th August. Book online via https://www.peterheadtrail.co.uk/blog/step-into-the-past-free-family-friendly-peterhead-trail-guided-walking-tours-and-storytelling-sessions-this-summer-at-peterhead-drummers-corner?fbclid=IwY2xjawLbqgdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBycXZpeUJDQXBSeVRrdDFCAR402sU5z9SiWhj8VhuIUGbpp0GQQu09AUJ8oCKo8zuIcwaoPKDnyYovwpRsVA_aem_kyn6q34LMGBCkmKTG4KX6g
Teddy Bears’ Picnic at Banff Castle, 6 August 2025
Banff Castle Teddy Bears Picnic!
Wednesday, 6th August – Banff Castle (as if the title wasn’t clear 
)
“Pack your picnic blanket, grab your favourite teddy, and join us in the orchard at Banff Castle from 12:30 to 2:30 for a joyful time filled with stories, snacks and surprises!
Tuck into tasty treats from the Castle Garden Café or bring your own picnic, and enjoy fun and games for all ages (and all bears). The brilliant Scottish storyteller Pauline Cordiner will be spinning her magical tales – and that’s just the start!
There’ll be lots of lovely little surprises throughout the event – just the kind of fun and friendly magic people have come to expect from Banff Castle. Come ready to explore, play and make some brilliant memories!
Tickets are for ages 2 and up.
Suitable for all ages and all teddies – from tiny cubs to big kids at heart.
Accompanying adults go free – just bring your picnic blanket and join the fun.”
Peterhead Tours and Storytelling – throughout the Summer Holidays
Now that we are back… Back… BACK!! From Glastonbury, it’s time for the first Peterhead Tour and Storytelling Session – TOMORROW at Drummers Corner!
Tomorrow’s tour is booked – but if you’re unable to attend the tours coming up on the 15th July, 29th July or 5th August, why not join us for the 1.30pm storytelling session! Stories will be catered to the audience there on the day – so I can cover some of the best tales from the walking tour.
“Peterhead Trail Guided Walking Tour
Are you eager to delve into the fascinating past of Peterhead? Join us for an unforgettable Peterhead Trail Guided Walking Tour.
Embark on a historic adventure and step back in time as our knowledgeable guide, Pauline, leads you through the streets of Peterhead. From familiar landmarks to stories of krakens and witches, uncover the stories that have shaped this coastal town into what it is today.
Explore hidden treasures whilst discovering hidden corners and secret spots that even the locals might not know about! This tour takes you on a journey to reveal the lesser-known tales and intriguing anecdotes that add depth to Peterhead’s history.
Learn from local expert Pauline who is a passionate historian and storyteller ready to share her expertise and insights with you.
Gain a deeper understanding of the town’s heritage, from its modest beginnings to its pivotal role in maritime trade and beyond.
This tour is aimed at families with children aged 8 and over due to the amount of walking and the stories that will be told.
Can’t manage the walking tour? We’ve got you covered! We are also hosting a free storytelling session on the same day from 1.30pm – 2.30pm in the Drum at Drummers Corner. Please note some of the same stories may be shared at the storytelling session as on this tour.
Tickets are FREE of charge and must be reserved in advance.
Meet at the Drum in Drummers Corner 10 minutes before start time to check in.
Register for FREE at www.peterheadtrail.co.uk
After Glastonbury 2025!
Well that’s Glastonbury over for another year and what a fantastic time I had telling stories in the Green Fields and Kidz Field with all the other wonderful storytellers!!
When I return there’s a LOT going on, so here’s my list for the next couple of weeks!
Tuesday 8th July – Peterhead Trail walking tour followed by storytelling session at Drummers Corner – details here – https://www.peterheadtrail.co.uk/…/step-into-the-past…
Friday 11th July – Forvie NNR fun day. Details – https://www.nature.scot/forvie-nnr-fun-day-1
Friday 11 July to Sunday 13 July – @stonehavenfolkfestival including family storytelling, adult storytelling and singing/puppet workshops! Details –
https://www.stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk/programme/thursday/
Tuesday 15 July – another Peterhead Trail walking tour followed by storytelling at Drummers Corner
Thursday 17th July – storytelling at Wild About Aden – details –
https://adencountrypark.org.uk/event/wild-about-aden-5/
Saturday 19th July – storytelling at Aberdeen Tall Ships family stage – details –
https://www.tallshipsaberdeen.com/whats-on/
With lots more to come later on in the summer!! Watch this space!
Free History Walking Tours of Peterhead – This Summer!
Looking for something fun and educational to do with the family this summer? Step into the past with History Walking Tours of Peterhead led by Pauline Cordiner, A Scottish Storyteller !
From tales of plague and smuggling to the Scottish witch trials and WW2 secrets, discover the hidden stories that shaped Peterhead. These tours are based on the wonderful research done for The Peterhead Trail and will be packed with fascinating (and at times gory) history – perfect for curious minds aged 8 and up!
Tour Dates:
Tuesday 8th July
Tuesday 15th July
Tuesday 29th July
Tuesday 5th August
Tour Time: 11:30am – approx. 1 to 1.5 hours
Tours leave from Drummers Corner
Click here to book – 
Can’t manage the walking or prefer a more relaxed experience? Join us at Drummers Corner after each tour for a lively Storytelling Session — full of the same rich history, brought to life for all ages!
Storytelling Sessions: 1:30pm – 2:30pm Drummers Corner, Peterhead
Family-friendly & accessible
Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month (GRTHM) at Mintlaw, Wednesday 11th June
I’m delighted to be telling stories this coming Wednesday at MACBI Community Hub in Mintlaw as part of Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month.
Although not from a traveller family myself* I have been lucky and privileged to have learned stories and ballads from the wonderful Stanley Robertson and many other Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and New Age Traveller storytellers and singers that I’ve met over the years. I owe them all a huge debt of gratitude!
I’ll be telling some of my favourite stories from Stanley, Duncan Williamson and Lucy Stewart and can’t wait to meet the bairns from local schools who’ll be coming along for the day.
*(Actually we do have Smiths, Williamsons and Stewarts in the family tree – but those were hawker g-g-grandparents all making themselves difficult to find in the censuses in the 1800s!)
“To celebrate this years Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month, (GRTHM) there is a Community Event in MACBI Community Hub on Wednesday, 11th June from 9.30am to 12.00pm. Davie Donaldson, Traveller Activist, podcaster and charismatic speaker will be doing a “Show and Tell” of Gypsy/Traveller objects. Pauline Cordiner an amazing Storyteller who studied under the great Stanley Robertson will be telling us one of her great stories. This will be a very interesting and fun event and all are invited. It will take place in Hall 3. Hope to see you there!! Many thanks.”
Portsoy Haal 2025!
Here I am playing catchy up with the socials again!! 
This time I’m catching up from last weekend where Sheena Blackhall and I were telling stories at the Portsoy Haal!
We had a hurley up on Thursday afternoon so we’d be up nice and early to visit local schools – stories and songs all the way! 
On Friday morning we had a lovely visit to Macduff Primary School where some of the loons and quines surprised us by reciting a couple of poems – Snailie and Meg the Midgie – written by Sheena and masel respectively
Wonderful!
Then it was on to Portsoy Primary School where the P1s and 2s joined in with songs and had a whale of a time! 
On Friday evening it was the late night session with loads of contributions from the floor. Some affa spooky! 
Of course i forgot to take photos the entire weekend, so thanks Tattie for taking this one!
On Saturday we had a well attended workshop in the grain store – some grand songs and rhymes produced by all attending!
Saturday afternoon I have to mention the participation in the Greig Duncan competition. Bill Gray came first with his rendition of the Hairst o Rettie, Sheena came second with The Dottered Auld Carle and oor Tattie (aka Natalie Chalmers) came third with the Butchers Boy.
(With Wee Imp listening to the lyrics and looking shocked )
Wee Imp and I entered as a duo and sang the Bonnie Ship the Diamond which earned her the Junior trophy (which we didn’t know existed!) Will share some photographs from that later 
Finally we had a braw storytelling session on Sunday morning ootside the grain store (not the original plan, but the weather was beautiful and the audience did well with rocks and mossy humpties down by the harbour for seats!) 
(Oh and Wee Imp and I managed a brief dip in the harbour afore the heavens opened!!)
Thankyou so much Portsoy Haal for having us both along to tell stories for a second year – we had a wonderful time!!
A Tour Group From Aberdeen To Drum
A fun days work for me today, starting off at the new Aberdeen Harbour with visitors from the Viking Saturn cruise ship – which is MASSIVE!
Then off to Drum Castle for their tours. It’s a beautiful sunny day! 
I was asked some great questions by the visitors about culture, history and clans/tartans – it’s great to be able to tell folk about my wee part of the world.
Aberdeenshire Promise Groups
A braw day today finding out more about Aberdeenshire Promise Groups!
Held today at AFC, I met pupils and teachers from 2 local primary schools as well as other facilitators. We had a story and a fun game (while watching the mannie with the smallest lawn mower see to the biggest lawn!)
They even let this numpty (with no football knowledge at all) touch the Scottish Cup – which must be nothing short of sacrilege!
Photos below are of Sarah of Windswept Stories photography and myself with Angus The Bull – It was Sarah who originally told me of the work she’s being doing in schools; Me and the Scottish Cup!; Sarah and I are VERY excited to see Pittodrie; The wee man with the tiniest lawnmower who must have the world’s most satisfying job!
Pauline Cordiner - Scottish Storyteller 