Yes we can, but only with your help. Donate to the build at our online store: www.royalblind.org/schoolappeal

Timber £10.00

18

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Scottish Memories • September 2009

Charity number SC017167 Knitting is a lot more complicated than you might think. Find out why on page 37

Picture postcards can reveal much about your home town’s history, page 44

SCOTTISH

mories

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

Deputy Editor: Rachel Bellerby rachelb@writersnews.co.uk Tel: 0113 200 2922

Consultant Editor: George Forbes Contributors: Jean Brittain, Steven Doherty, Myra Douglas, Kath Gourlay, Patrick Laurie, Graham Mole, Dolina Munro, G Barclay Robertson, Richard Stenlake, Alan Stewart. Landscape photography: Dennis Hardley

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

ADVERTISING Advertising Sales Representative: Alison Fraser scottishmemories@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 0141 946 8708

MARKETING Lauren Roberts lroberts@writersnews.co.uk Tel: 0113 200 2916

SUBSCRIPTIONS Collette Dimbleby Tel: 01778 392030 scottishmemoriessubs@warnersgroup.co.uk

PRINTED BY Warners (Midlands) plc, The Maltings, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH

DISTRIBUTION BY Warners Group Publications plc West Street, Bourne, Lincs, PE10 9PH

ON SALE: December issue on sale: 19 November 2009

BACK ISSUES Back issues are available from the Scottish Memories subscriptions department on: 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.

COPYRIGHT No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted without the prior written permission of the publisher.

© WARNERS GROUP PUBLICATIONS PLC 2009

Welcome to SCOTTISH

MemorieMe

Being involved in a magazine can be so exciting, even if those deadlines often leave me pulling my hair out (which may explain my hairline!)

Getting to read the contents before anyone else is a real treat, but seeing other people enjoying the magazine is the most rewarding part. It’s good, then, that there’s something for everyone in this busy issue, whether you love the drama of medieval battles or prefer the more sedate pastime of knitting! Those who like stunning views should turn to page 20 to see how the country has developed over the years, while our heart-warming guide to fireside superstitions confirms that some things, like our love of snuggling up in front of the fire, never change.

Another perk of the job is the sense of community that flows through each issue of Scottish Memories. You only have to look at our Scotland remembered. pages to see how keen readers are to share their stories of the past, and I’m sure you’d agree, it’s wonderful to read them. So please, keep them coming in (photographs are also very welcome).

This issue also sees an appeal for memories from Canadian historian Melynda Jarratt, who is writing a book on the Canadian lumberjacks who worked in Scotland during the war. It’s an incredible story and perhaps you can add to it with your own memories. If so, be sure to share them with us and Melynda, and help keep this wonderful – and exciting – piece of history alive.

Contents 5 Then and Now

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

Matt Hill, Editor

34 Oor ain fireside

The superstitions associated with preparing the fire and keeping warm

10 Unsung heroes

Why thousands of Canadian lumberjacks made Scotland their home during the war

15 A royal flush

The story of Methven Castle, near Perth

16 Memories Mailbox

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

18 Bringing medieval Scotland to life

Recreating the drama of the Middle Ages

20 Scotland from above

Stunning aerial views show how the country’s landscape has developed

24 This month in Scottish history

Anniversaries and events from yesteryear

26 WIN! Royal Yacht Britannia prizes

Family tickets, DVDs and guide books to be won. Plus, 20% off admission at Britannia

27 Destination Edinburgh

Rediscover the capital with our comprehensive travel guide, including View of the Month in the centre pages

33 WIN! A night in a luxury hotel

Win a fabulous overnight stay for two at Edinburgh’s luxury Le Monde hotel

37 A Fair Isle formula

The secrets of knitting revealed

38 From the archives

Send in photos of your antiques and oddities

40 Scotland remembered

Readers share their memories of rabbiting and Saturday at the pictures. Plus, Wartime Heroes and Fearless Females

44 Postcards from the past

How collecting picture postcards can reveal the history of your home town

47 Wee Harry

Harry livens up a visit to his aunt’s house

48 A taste of Scotland

A delicious recipe for beetroot tart with crumbled goats cheese

49 Finding your roots

Your monthly guide to gathering information on your ancestors

50 Sights and sounds of Scotland

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

52 Puzzles WIN!

Answer our question on the Scots language for the chance to win a dictionary set

Subscribe today. see page 25 for details