The View of the Month, on page 28, shows a night scene of Inverness with the castle in the background

This month’s cover image shows a chimneysweep kissing the bride for luck, after her marriage to the local scoutmaster, in 1951. (Copyright Herald and Times Group)

SCOTTISH

M m i is published by Warners Group Publications plc, 5th Floor, 31-32 Park Row, Leeds, LS1 5JD, UK website: www.scottish-memories.co.uk

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Consultant Editor: George Forbes. Contributors: Jean Brittain, Frank Bruce, Myra Douglas, G Barclay Robertson, Iain Gray, John Scott, Alan Stewart, Aileen Torrance. Landscape photography: Dennis Hardley

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BACK ISSUES Back issues are available from the Scottish Memories subscriptions department, tel: 01778 392030. ISSN 0968-7874 DISCLAIMER The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every care is taken to ensure that the contents of the magazine are accurate, but the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any resulting unsatisfactory transactions, but will immediately investigate any written complaints.

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SCOTTISH

M m i

W lc m t You only need to look at the contents of this month’s Scottish Memories to see why our heritage is celebrated all around the world.

This month’s pages are packed full of wonderful characters, such as the little known James Tytler, whose hot air balloon rose over the eighteenth-century Edinburgh skies; or the comedy double act Francie and Josie (remember them?) who had them rolling in the aisles in the 1960s. Staying on the subject of humour (April Fools’ Day is almost upon us, after all) our fun feature charts the history of Scottish joke books and cartoon strips, and shares a few wisecracks along the way.

eighteenth-century Edinburgh skies; or the comedy double act Francie and Josie (remember

Elsewhere we celebrate the iconic images used to represent Scotland on labels, letters and stationery in an intriguing collectors’ guide, explain the heart-warming story of Kirkoswald’s Shanter Head statues, which celebrate some of the Ayrshire village’s most popular characters; and explain the many superstitions surrounding wedding days.

With this rich heritage it’s no surprise that people around the world join together to remember their Scottish roots. In our feature on Tartan Day, the annual celebration of all things Scottish, we describe the global celebrations that happen each April. The events are each different in their own way, but are all geared around having a good time!

I’m sure you’ll share this sense of fun as you read this month’s treasure trove of stories!

C t ts5ThenandNow

News and events, headlines from the past, and interesting facts

Matt Hill, Editor

36 Finding your roots Alan Stewart explains how family history societies can help with your research

10 Flying the flag

A look at the growing numbers of communities who celebrate Tartan Day

37 WIN! A hamper worth £75! Your chance to win a Galloway Lodge Preserves hamper, worth £75, in our fantastic competition

15 A glimpse of the Middle Ages

Myra Douglas takes a walk around medieval Neidpath Castle

38 Years of laughter Frank Bruce looks at the books and comics which chart our changing sense of humour

16 Memories Mailbox

Readers’ letters. Plus, George Forbes’ Writing to Remember column

40 Scotland remembered Reader memories of working in Woolies, 1960s Galas and the Scots accent abroad

18 Pieces of History

John Scott takes a look at the beautiful stationery of years gone by

22 The Shanter Heads

The story behind the curious stone carvings which take pride of place in the Shanter Hotel

24 Year to Remember: 1963

Our new series which features the news headlines, music, sport and films of previous decades

44 Scotland’s forgotten heroes The story of James Tytler, who made Britain’s first hot air balloon flight

46 Wee Harry Our hero acquires an unpopular pet

47 My Scotland Popular TV presenters Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan on their love of Scotland

48 Sights and sounds of Scotland Book and CD reviews

27 Destination Inverness

Your comprehensive visitor guide to Inverness, including View of the Month

51 Francie and Josie The comical duo who entertained audiences with their iconic brand of Glasgow humour

34 Getting mairrit Jean Brittain explores wedding traditions. Plus, Iain Gray on the trials of learning to dance

52 Puzzles WIN! Test your knowledge to win a Scottish Quest board game

SCOTTISHM m i

Remembering our railways

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SCOTLAND SOUNDTRACK

The rise and fall of Third Lanark AC

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Why an Orkney explorer was erased from history

Blackenings and hen nights: wedding rituals explained

The wartime brides who set sail for Canada

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