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?
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.
Pauline Cordiner - Scottish Storyteller 