Tag: Peterhead Tour

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?

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.

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

A Bloo Toon Tour

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Fit a grand day for a tour of Peterheid!
Thanks so much everyone who came along to today’s tours of Peterhead based on The Peterhead Trail

The sun was out and it was truly the start of spring as we had tales of magistrates with double lives, the De’il causing a stooshie in kirk, a disorderly drinking den and of course Fa Hingit The Monkey!

Hopefully the tours will run again during the summer holidays as they proved to be very popular. And thanks so much to everyone who gave me their own stories of The Bloo Toon or emailed me resulting in more intriguing information! 🙂