Tag: North East Storytelling

Clockie’s Hoose Skeletons – Peterhead Trail Tours

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For the lady on the last Guided Tour of Peterhead, an answer for you!

I was telling the tour about a couple of skeletons which were unearthed during the site clearance of the old Peterhead Music Hall following its fire in 1936. The Peterhead Trail suggests that they may have been militia men – maybe even deserters – who came to a sticky end at Clockie’s Hoose (full story here https://www.peterheadtrail.co.uk/the-peterhead-trail/blade-2 )

The question was – what happened to the skeletons? Where were they buried? I was half way through writing an email to the Aberdeenshire Burial Admin and thought I’d attach a newspaper clipping or two for context. Re-reading this one from the Buchan Observer and Aberdeenshire Advertiser (21st June 1939) it seems that the skeletons were unceremoniously “dispatched to the refuse tip at Keith Inch” !!

“No competent authority had the opportunity to study them as they were found, and in the surroundings in which they lay, with the view of passing judgement on their origin and probable antiquity.”

Can’t see that happening these days! Surely archaeologists would be called in?

Aberdeen Tall Ships 2025!

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Wow, wow, wow! What a fantastic time I had today at the Tall Ships!
I had three sets on the Family Stage at Blaikies Quay and despite a rainy start, there was soon a super audience for my first set! Elsie the fishwife joined me to tell the story of a grumpy fishwife and there was time at the end for a tale from the Arabian Nights of a fisherman and a genie!

Then for the second and third sets, I was joined by Sam Stephen, Makaton interpreter extraordinaire!
Fizzy the Fairy had to get a story in there of course – with her help (and Sam’s!) we told a version of Mark Fraser’s Flotsam Fairy which went down very well!
After that it was… plain sailing. And we had a whale of a time. (And many other fish related puns)!

Thanks to The Tall Ships Aberdeen for having us along to perform and to WeToo for organising Sam’s interpretation for the audience!

ON SEA MONSTERS AND PETERHEAD PRISONS!

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I had a super time today in Peterhead telling tales from The Peterhead Trail on a walking tour – thanks to everyone who came along and who asked some great questions and who told us their own memories and knowledge of the area!

I said at the end of the tour that I was amazed to find that my G-G-Grandfather’s run-in with “The Kraken” was not the only one. Sea Serpents and Monsters really were being spotted all round the coast! Here’s one of my favourites from the 9th February 1898 edition of the Dundee Courier – this time it’s The Buckie Sea Serpent!

I spoke to the storytelling group about my “globster” theory – Globsters are often thought of as “sea monsters” when they wash up on beaches, but are usually just decomposed whale carcases. Here is a photo of one which washed up on a beach in the Philippines in 2018. You can see the “hair” (which is just heavily decomposed muscle fibres) which I suspect the Boddam Kraken was covered in.

29 PRINCE STREET JAIL! I was asked when it was built and didnae ken! So I said I’d find oot –

Here’s where you’ll find how old the old jail on Prince Street was – https://www.peterheadtrail.co.uk/the-peterhead…/blade-18

The first Tolbooth – 1616 to 1645 – location unknown, burnt down to cleanse the area of the plague after contagious folk were “housed” there.

Second Tolbooth – Built some time between 1651 and 1660. Location was close to Threadneedle Street.

Current Townhouse – built 1788 on the site of the Tolbooth. It did have a cell known as “The Black Hole” (Trove link – https://www.trove.scot/place/21187 )

Prince Street Jail (now no 29!) – built 1842 and closed in 1874. Thanks to the ladies that told us the cells are still in the basement of the building which is now an affa nice hoose!

Peterhead Prison opened officially in 1888 (building started in 1886). It finally closed in 2013 with the new HMP and YOI Grampian opening in 2014.

Stonehaven Folk Festival and Forvie NNR Open Day

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I have had a wonderful and busy weekend at Forvie National Nature Reserve Fun Day AND!! Stonehaven Folk Festival!

Of course it would be totally in character for me to have taken NO PHOTOS AT ALL (well – not of the storytelling) – so here’s an image of Fizzy the Fairy in the new outfit she unveiled this weekend. Yes! She’s gone all nautical (makes a change from naughty)

After stories (and moths!) at Forvie, we sped off to Stonehaven for Friday evening’s family storytelling at Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum. (Thanks for hosting folks!) The weather was hot and sunny and the harbour area was busy with families and folks enjoying the sun and music and I had a fantastic crowd for tales of the sea, lifeboat men and salty old sea dogs!

On Saturday I started the day with a couple of workshops – Sea Shanties for Families in which the attendees (from an 8 week old to the gent who knew ALL the calls and responses – thankyou sir!) amazed me with their enthusiasm and vocal skills. (In return they were entertained by the sight of me drinking water out of a massive jug because I’d forgotten my water bottle oh well.)

– Then family storytelling where I must apologise for the biological details of septicaemia – it was all in context of a very bad joke spun out into a 20 minute story… honest! 😉

On Saturday evening I had a fantastic audience for Adults Only storytelling at the 65 Club. Thanks so much everyone for coming along and I hope you enjoyed the mix of spooky and ridiculous!

On Sunday afternoon I had a dedicated group of Shadow Puppet Makers who went above and beyond on the design – this deserves a post of its own (pics and vid to follow!)

Today I’m having a wee rest before tomorrow’s tour and storytelling session at Peterhead, Wild About Aden on Thursday and the Tall Ships on Saturday!

(Must also mention how much we enjoyed The World Paper And Comb Championship – of which Wee Imp is now the Junior Champion, hehe; the Aquaceilidh at Stonehaven Open Air Pool and I must also thank everyone at @Stonehaven & District Mens Shed for running such a great camp site for the Festival!)

Peterhead Tours and Stories over the Summer Holidays

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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

Peterhead Tours and Storytelling – throughout the Summer Holidays

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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

Free History Walking Tours of Peterhead – This Summer!

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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 – 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=IwY2xjawK44ONleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBkSGVOZ3RxTjBhdlBvZHo3AR5EZjurVdVtO3hhfZ-CuZYX5xPP5qaxSODVZAxKQl95YWrv8e76PyQ0ET9xKw_aem_HSAOD_s2DH94J8ZA6_64tg

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 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

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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!

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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!!