FISHING STALKING

SHOOTING HORSE RIDING BIRD WATCHING SURFING CYCLING SCUBA DIVING

RECENTLY refurbished, The Ulbster Arms Hotelin beautiful Caithness offers luxurious yetpractical accommodation, informal and relaxinglounges and sumptuous dining using local andseasonal produce.

There are also eight chalets on site, which are particularly popular with guests that have dogs with them.

An ideal location for many exciting outdoor activities, including fishing, stalking and shooting, plus coastal walking, horse riding, bird watching, surfing, cycling, scuba diving and more.

Contact us for information about breaks and special offers: The Ulbster Arms Hotel, Halkirk, Caithness KW12 6XY

T: 01847 831641 • F: 01847 831206 info@ulbsterarmshotel.co.uk • www.ulbsterarmshotel.co.uk Do you remember these treasures from the past? Find out on page 44

Radio 2 DJ Ken Bruce recalls growing up in Glasgow, on page 47

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

PUBLISHER Janet Davison janet.davison@writersnews.co.uk

EDITORIAL Editor: Matt Hill mhill@writersnews.co.uk Tel: 0113 200 2912

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Consultant Editor: George Forbes. Contributors: Jean Brittain, Steven Doherty, Myra Douglas, Kath Gourlay, Iain Gray, Patrick Laurie, Dolina Munro, Chris Paton, G Barclay Robertson, Alan Stewart, Aileen Torrance. Landscape photography: Dennis Hardley

PRODUCTION Senior designer: Nathan Ward nward@writersnews.co.uk

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ON SALE: February issue on sale: 21 January 2010 Ask your newsagent to reserve your copy today or receive your copy directly by subscribing (see page 21)

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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© WARNERS GROUP PUBLICATIONS PLC 2009

SCOTTISH

M m i

W lc m t There’s nothing quite like sharing a story with others, and since we began inviting readers to send in their memories back in the summer, we’ve heard some wonderful tales of evacuation, Christmas shopping, potato picking and going to the football, to name just a few subjects.

What has been even more exciting is the response to these stories from other readers, who have recognised a place or person, or had a similar tale to tell from their own youth. Imagine the surprise one reader got when opening up our November issue and seeing his sister and nephew staring back at him from one of our Time Capsule photographs! The postcard picture of a fairground ride at Troon (shown again on page 16) was taken in 1972. Who’d have imagined 38 years after their seaside trip, they would be on the pages of Scottish Memories magazine!

We’ve also had a great response to the appeal for information from Canadian historian Melynda Jarratt in our November issue, with many readers sending in their memories and stories of the Canadian lumberjacks who worked in Scotland during the war. It’s wonderful to know that the magazine, as well as being an entertaining and informative read, is allowing people across the world to share their experiences of Scotland and its people. So keep the letters, memories and feedback coming in!

C t ts5 Then and Now

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

Matt Hill, Editor

27 Destination Aberdeen

Your guide to Aberdeen, including View of the Month

10 Girl Guides centenary

Girl Guides share their memories of meetings, camping and sing-songs

15 An inspiring tower

Myra Douglas explores Smailholm Tower, and its exciting and romantic history

16 Memories Mailbox

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

18 Making a splash

The bravery of the New Year Dookers

20 This month in Scottish history

Events and news from years gone by

22 Sunday School remembered

Aileen Torrance looks back at the highs and lows of Sunday School life

24 The Ruhleben Scots

Civilians imprisoned behind enemy lines in World War One Germany

25 A life in fi lm

We recall the career of actress Deborah Kerr

26 WIN! Dine out in Aberdeen

Your chance to win a £45 meal voucher for Aberdeen’s four-star Atholl Hotel

34 Scottish Superstitions

The faerie folk of auld Scotland

36 Finding your roots

Your monthly guide to genealogy

38 Setting the record straight

Memories of a Dalbeattie lad who served on the Titanic

40 Scotland remembered

Readers memories of New Year in Eriskay and a 1930s fl itting.

44 High jinks at Hogmanay

New Year in 1940s Dundee

46 Wee Harry

Our diminutive hero makes a discovery

47 My Scotland

Ken Bruce on his Glasgow childhood

48 Sights and sounds of Scotland

CD and book reviews, plus the music of yesteryear in Hit Parade

50 Puzzles WIN!

Test your knowledge to win a Scottish Quest board game or a dictionary set

51 A taste of Scotland

Try this recipe for a warming winter stir fry

Cl FREE t rt u n ad r r t sc p i r S ag 21 r d s…Cl FREE t rt u n ad r r t sc p i r