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THE

SHIRE
Issue 2 | AUTUMN 2017 MAGAZINE

HERITAGE M O CK T A I L

Magic
FASHION
THINGS TO DO
MUSIC
FOOD & DRINK

FREE
INSIDE

19 HIGH STREET, TURRIFF


TEL: 01888 568067
10 20
Exploring the hidden gem The Platform in Macduff
of Aberdour beach offers a unique take on this
seasons trends
Open Monday to Saturday 9:30am - 5pm

“One Stop Christmas


Shop for Ladies”
So excited to show you
31 42
Follow a North-east pipe Freelance food writer Foodie
band as it takes on the Quine shares her most

the New KAGA Shop world championships popular recipe-pulled pork


with a modern Scottish twist

Now stocking affordable


Ladies Clothing, wide range
of Handbags, Purses,
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47 53
Try our refreshing mocktails We talk to a North-east
for a touch of glamour with woman about a life-changing

Accessories and Gifts. a clear head. moment that led to an


escape room business.

EDITOR | JAN MACKIE jan@theshire.scot

WEEKLY SPECIAL OFFERS ADVERTISING & MARKETING | DAVID GEORGE david@theshire.scot


DESIGN | DUNCAN STEWART duncan@theshire.scot
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Hair and Beauty
Serving the community since 1983
M
ERAKI has Owner Sharon West says: Meraki uses Matrix Hair A full list of treatments
established “We pride ourselves in Colour products with a is available online at
itself as the giving that extra special qualified Matrix Colour Merakihairandbeauty.
premier hair attention. Master Sarah present co.uk
and beauty destination in the salon providing
on the Banffshire coast “At Meraki we apply each In-house Special
cut and colour with careful advice, consultation
during its first year in and aftercare advice. Occasion Hair stylist
business. consideration, highlighting Zoe and the make-up
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Meraki means To Do features and sense of range of products create that amazing
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The ongoing commitment of a hot shave, with premises in June 2015,
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6 7
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the beautiful views, maximising
natural light and making the
Thoughts for Meraki
salon as open as possible so
customers could truly feel
began early in 2015
relaxed and comfortable.

After an extensive rebuild of


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The breathtaking views from and so much more...
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8
Exploring a hidden
was then Mormaer of Buchan, The feast of Saint Drostan was
gave them the cities’, as it was celebrated on December 14
translated around the turn of - The Aberdeen Almanac for
the 12th century in the Book 1703 commemorates “Dustan
of Deir. fair at Deer” and “Dustan fair

gem of the North-east


at Kirktown of Inch in The
They went on to found a Geirie” which were both held
monastery at Deer, of which on December 14.
St Drostan was left in charge
when St Columba returned to When he died at Glenesk his
Iona. mortal remains were said to be
taken back to rest in Aberdour.
with Nicola Prise-Porter ‘St Drostan’s well’ is right by
the beach on Aberdour and Nearby is the cave that
the spring water was said to Alexander Forbes, 4th

H
be used by the saint to baptise Lord Forbes of Pitsligo was
IDDEN in a wee neuk on the North- Dr Who or a scene from Star Trek (be careful if local people, as well as helping reported to have hidden in
east coast is a historical gem. The you wear a red top). him to provide miracle cures. when he was attainted (his
beach at Aberdour, near the village land and title were forfeited
of New Aberdour, is a great place to Near the beach is a ruined church, possibly In the 1880s stone seating and
built on the site of one of the oldest Christian because he was sentenced to
explore with a ruined church, caves and plenty ‘shell’ cover were constructed death for treason) when he
of shallow formations full of clear water at the churches in Scotland, and giving a snap shot of by local people to frame the
shore for some excellent rockpooling. local history with grave markers and memorials spring.
both hundreds of years old and of the current
The shingle beach itself is almost like a pictorial generations.
essay in the evolution of the seashore, with big
boulders, then pebbles giving way eventually to Legend has it that St Columba and his disciple
wee patches of sand. St Drostan came to Aberdour from Iona and
were given the ‘city’ of Aberdour and the
The red sandstone caves and cliffs carved out ‘city of Deir’ by Bede the Pict around 580, or
of the shore by millennia of waves seem almost “How Columcille and Drostan came from Hi
otherworldly, like a backdrop for an episode of to Abbordoboir, and how Bede the Pict, who

10 11
opposed the union of the Scottish and English steamship William Hope wrecked at Aberdour
Parliaments. on October 28, 1886.

It was said to be: “A cave where no daylight Born in King Edward, she had married farm
enters, but cats and badgers are forever bred.” servant William Whyte, with whom she
produced a family of nine.
He had fought in the Jacobite Uprising in 1745,
despite being in his late 60s and an asthmatic. When her second last child was 15 months old
she spotted the steamer the William Hope,
After he was attainted the following year he which had run aground in the bay at Aberdour
proved himself so good at staying out of the during a storm, with 15 men clinging to the
hands of the authorities that he died a free man wreckage.
in 1762.
She walked into the sea to catch the end of a
In a testament to the affection that his poor rope, wrapped it around her waist and created a
neighbours held him that, despite having a lifeline for all the men to get to the shore.
price on his head for a decade, no-one could be
found to turn informer. She then served them hot food in her small
home.
The nearby village of New Aberdour was built
near a hamlet as a planned village at the turn of
the 19th century.

Almost on the beach is a memorial to Jane


Whyte, who helped rescue the crew of the

(sources: Antiquities of the Shires of Aberdeen and Banff ): printed for the Spalding Club 1847)

12 13
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14
On a recent trip 11 local Tablers travelled down to
Loughborough to represent Aberdeenshire (Area
44) and compete against over 300 other tablers
from all over the country at their national sporting
weekend.
Loughborough didn’t know what hit them and not Aberdeenshire tablers raise a new campaign recently to keep meetings exciting and
only did they compete against areas with three and donate over £50,000 each starting. challenging.
times as many people they beat almost all of them year to local groups and good
The country is divided into
to come second overall and narrowly missed out
causes in the local community 4 club family regions, areas, and tables with
all raised from events they
on a second trophy given on an average points per host like the fireworks and Round Table was open to individual tables forming areas
Tabler basis. santa sleighs that have been men aged 18-41 but this was and areas forming regions.
seen in local towns. recently raised to 45.
After this massive success now is the perfect time Our local area is area 44 which
After you reach 45 you can includes clubs in Turriff, Banff,
to tell you about Round Table as an organisation Last year over a million
pounds was raised for Children then move onto the 41 Club Ellon, Inverurie, Stonehaven,
and hope you feel inspired enough to come and Banchory, Peterhead, Westhill
in Need and our own Round where ex-tablers can still work
join them at your local table next event. closely with Round Table and Aberdeen.
Table Children’s Wish recently
held their Big Wish event endeavours.
New members are always
where families with sick Our sister club is the Ladies welcome and anyone is free to
children from all over the Circle which was started in come along to try it out before
2017 SEES Round Table Britain From there it skyrocketed and by the then Prince of Wales country were treated to a day 1932 by the wives of Tablers joining.
and Ireland celebrating 90 as WWII began there were and future king Edward the out at Thorpe Park.
years since it first started over 4,600 members and 8th to the British Industries and is now where women from
where it has grown from one 125 tables in Britain as well Fair where he said “the young Anthony Nolan Trust has its 18-45 attend until moving up Events
man’s idea to a worldwide as the first overseas table in business and professional beginnings in Round Table to Tangent. All four clubs form
an organisation that raises Each table runs their own
organisation with over 2,700 Copenhagen (1936). men of this country must get as in 1974 Round Table raised events and use them to try
clubs in over 57 countries. together round the table, over £20,000 and got the very millions for worthwhile causes
Little did Louis Marchesi every year. and raise money which they
adopt methods that have first person onto the donor can then donate
It all started in 1927 when know that 90 years later men proven sound in the past, register and in 1986 organised back into the
Rotary club member Louis from all around the world adapt them to the changing a campaign where in only 6 Structure community
Marchesi felt the need for would still know his name needs of the times and weeks they managed to get
a club which catered more and follow his idea that given Each table usually meets via
wherever possible, improve over 100,000 new people groups
towards a younger generation the opportunity we can all do twice a month where the
them.” registered which is an amazing or
of men. more with our weeknights. members partake in any
feat even by today’s standards
This means as a club we are number of things ranging from
He rounded up some of his and is still referred to as ‘The
mates and formed the very
The Round Table always trying to be better and Great Campaign’.
talks or demonstrations to
to do more. paintball or whitewater rafting,
first Round Table in Norwich Motto Both organisations still work over the years there really
and after just a year 85 men
had joined with a second club
The Round Table Motto is Charity closely together to help raise has been some weird and
funds and awareness with wonderful activities created
Adopt, Adapt, Improve which
starting up in Portsmouth. Round Table do an immense
was inspired by a speech given
amount for charity as well.

16
good causes. Many tables have
an annual fireworks night or santa
sleigh but the full list of events is Discover your
dream car at
endless and ever growing as new
members join and bring their own
ideas to try.

There are also a number of


national yearly events like the
chairman’s ball and national
sporting weekend where all the
tables can meet up to socialise
or compete for trophies and
bragging rights over other areas

International
Round Table is now going strong
in 57 countries around the world is nowadays and how easily we like to say #domore with With more than 150
and counting. friendships can be forged your spare time.

Meeting up with tablers from


given the opportunity.
New members are always quality used cars in
around the world is one of the We now even have an online welcome and with over
more amazing things that are an presence with our very first 500 tables in Britain alone Aberdeenshire, a
option in table, visiting AGMs in E-club so even if there is it couldn’t be easier to
other countries or even just local
tables if holidaying abroad really
not a table close by you can join, simply text join + your customer-driven
still join and be part of an postcode to 60066.
brings home how small the world amazing organisation and as dealership of more
than 25 years’
experience, and a
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21
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Abbie in Lauren Vidal (new and
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Facing page: Kelly in Lauren Vidal Detail
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Alison in Lauren Vidal Shirt with Tie Detail
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Above: Abbie in Superdry Jeans, Jumper


and Jacket
Ryan in zipped hood and tee by Gym King

Left: Katie in French Connection Chunky


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Alex in Superdry Quilt Jacket, tee by Sik
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Ryan in Denim/jersey
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07971 212115
CITY & SHIRE
ASSET FINANCE AND LEASING GRAHAM FRASER
07802 688431
MusicScene
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formed in 2009 and is an ever themselves to building the business
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in the heart of Aberdeenshire. profile and volume of the
We are a finance broker business since they started.
arm for Morrison Motors Their experience has taught
and are established suppliers them that no one finance
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Fraser who joined him in financial requirement, from
2009 after 18 years with
the Bank of Scotland where
he was an Asset Finance
straight forward to the most
complex of financial packages.
You can find our most up to
Duncan Peter takes a look behind the
Manager, together they set up
City and Shire Asset Finance
date offers on our Website and
Facebook or follow us on Twitter. scenes of a North-east pipe band
Greengates, Banff Road, Turriff, Aberdeenshire AB53 5TA
www.cityandshire.co.uk • Tel: (01888) 569678 • admin@cityandshire.co.uk
competing at the world championships
31
Tuning up to take
on the ‘Worlds’
A
NYONE who has ever performance in August to Glasgow has hosted for more
heard the so called take the World Pipe Band than 30 years continuously.
’skirl’ of the pipes and Championship title for 2017.
witnessed the inimitable sight While the top title is of course
of tartan en masse will tell you They fought off stiff the most coveted, the Worlds
that there is no greater sight competition from defending are about so much more than
nor sound on this planet. champions Field Marshal that - they encompass fun,
Montgomery Pipe Band on camaraderie and tradition.
And it’s fair to say that what was the 70th anniversary
Inverary and District Pipe of what are affectionately After a 10 year absence
Band produced a stellar known as the ‘Worlds’ which from participating, Ellon and

32 33
District Pipe Band were one of just a
Diary on the day
handful of Aberdeenshire-based bands,
taking their place at Glasgow Green
alongside more than 200 others from
4.00 am: 9.15am:
countries as far afield as New Zealand Leave Ellon bound for Glasgow - anyone March up to “the line” and take the band
and Argentina, as well as a number of sleeps in they’re not coming, simple as on for a (hopefully) good performance.
British and European representatives. that!
Once we have played and marched off, it’s
On the bus down we have a few folk trying time for a good yap and feedback from the
With over 30 members, ranging from 12 to get a sleep and generally dozing, we
years old to an experienced 70, Ellon’s pipers around the circle.
also play bingo to shove in the time!
ethos has always been on encouraging Then we chill out and await the qualifying
participation and enjoyment. results!

Current Pipe Major Stuart Robertson


7.30am: For Stuart and the band, the performance
commented: “We are not a massive Arrive in Glasgow Green parking area and on the day contained a few mistakes but
competing band, mainly at minor local unload bus. thanks to the critique sheets from the
competitions and the odd major. Band equipment must be taken in to the judges (four in total), the band will have
park to the designated tuning areas where something to work on over the Winter
In the run up to a competition like the the gazebo is set up. months to help them come back stronger
Worlds we have practice nights for the in 2018.
competing pipers and drummers only. Tuning up must be done away from
residential areas - no sounding the pipes Said Stuart: “Unfortunately we didn’t get
“This allows us to try and get to the or drums at the bus parking area! on too well as expected to be honest.
nitty gritty and arrange the people who “That’s the last one of the season so we
will be there in a formation that suits
best.” 8am: must work on what was said.
“Generally if people make mistakes in the
Sign in at the Secretary’s tent. performance but not during practice, it’s a
With almost 35,000 of a crowd visiting
the two day event on August 11th and This is a chance for the band to scope out good indication that nerves has caused it
12th, the experience of being part of the park and refresh themselves. “I try not to get too upset as we’ve all been
such a spectacle is something that there.”
Drum Leader Elizabeth Robertson
doesn’t underestimate.
8:05am - 9:10am: So how does a trip to the Worlds end?
Get down to tuning. Well of course some took the chance to
She noted: “You forget how big the Pitch reeds, tune drones, and drummers take in the other pipe band performances
scale of this competition is. check the tuning of drums and tension if while others wandered around the venue
need be. enjoying the many attractions which
“It was overwhelming for many but was
included Highland Dancing.
great for the youngsters. Time for a few runs through the set as a
complete band - but try not to over do it! For the rest, there was the solace of the
“I was really chuffed with the drum refreshments tent to drown their sorrows
corps - for the majority of them this Sometimes the boot of a bus can be warm
and discuss what might have been!
was the first time they had played or and can affect the instruments so care
should be taken to ensure instruments Like all good road trips, the day
even been to the competition.
aren’t too close to the engine bay when culminated in a visit to the chip shop - a
“There was a lot of nerves and loaded! fine reward after a long day.
excitement because of that.” I’m only guessing but perhaps the pipers

9.10am: enjoyed a ‘reed’ pudding supper (sorry


that was bad)!
Move to the final tuning area for the arena.
Time for a final check over the pipes and
drums. 

34 35
your complete property
and legal service
• Property Sale
• Leasing and Factoring Services
• Wills, Trusts and Executries
• Family & Matrimonial
The band have been affiliated Said Stuart: “They are all • Court Services
with the Royal British Legion marches in 2/4 time signatures
since shortly after their
formation back in 1974, under
- we must select four of these
and playing times should be Over the years the • Agriculture
their first Pipe Major Douglas between two and a half, and band have been to
Findlater. four and a half minutes.
Belgium numerous
• Licensing
Drew Robertson took up the Any deviation of this will result times and most • Adults with Incapacity
role as Pipe Major in 1977 in disqualification!
and continued the role until
notably played at
2007, receiving a BEM last Some people have lucky items the royal military • Immigration
- one has a lucky penny in his
year for his commitment and
waist coat pocket and another
tattoo in 2011.
dedication.
has lucky clothing. • Renewable Energy
Over the years the band have
been to Belgium numerous Personally I like to try and
forget where I am and pretend
Branches throughout the Shire
times and most notably played
at the royal military tattoo in we’re in the practice hall - I
2011.  think most people generally

www.stewartwatson.co.uk
do this.
Ellon were part of the Grade
4B field at the Worlds, with There are certain individuals
the selection of music chosen who also feel the need to take
from a prescribed list of 70 herbal remedies to keep the
tunes set by the Royal Scottish nerves at bay!”
Pipe Band Association.

Ellon and District Pipe band are always happy to welcome new members, who
can pop along to their practice sessions at 7.30pm on Mondays and Thursdays,
downstairs in Ellon Royal British Legion.

If you are keen to find out more then visit www.facebook.com/ellonpipeband or


email ellonpipeband@gmail.com.

BANFF • BUCKIE • CULLEN • FRASERBURGH • HUNTLY • MINTLAW • OLDMELDRUM • PETERHEAD • TURRIFF


36
Last year’s production of Puss In Boots blew the
audience away. Photograph by Graham Reid at PhotoGFX

A touch of magic
at Inverurie panto
W
HEN His Majesty’s form an important part of the Sets In Motion is a family
Theatre was closed community and have a social based company who strive
for refurbishment responsibility. to have the family ethos in
in 1980, the people of the all aspects of the production,
North-east were left without a Each year the principal from the cast, crew and
Christmas pantomime. characters take a charitable production team through to
bucket collection at the door the front of house staff and
That same year, the Inverurie on exit in return for a sweetie. the audience experience.
Panto was established and
has grown from a small Additionally each year they The shows take place each
amateur show to a full scale donate thousands of pounds year in Inverurie Town Hall,
professional production seen worth of tickets to local and this years production of
by over 10,000 people each charities, raffle prizes and Cinderella is sure to be as
year, receiving rave reviews.

In 2008, production company


worthy causes.

This gives people who would


spectacular as previous years.

Running from Saturday,


9th - 24th December 2017
Sets In Motion took over the
running of the Inverurie Panto,
otherwise not have had the
chance to enjoy the show.
December 9 to Sunday,
December 24, tickets are
Tickets On Sale Now!
with a vision of returning it
to traditional pantomime at
Since taking over, Sets In
Motion have donated over
available by calling their ticket
hotline on ☎ (01467) 207 000.
www.inveruriepanto.com
the heart of the community.
Although run as a business,
£46,000 to both local and
national charities. Box Office: 01467 207000
celebrating 10 magical years
the team recognise that they
38
Frozen Fraserburgh will
help take the financial heat
off families at Christmas
S
UPER Saturdays in entertainment and special different generations mix with
Fraserburgh are giving attractions to tie in with each one another.
something back to month’s theme.
the community which has “This is a very sociable
provided the support since its Local businesses support the community event and is
inception writes Grant Milne. events by organising in store having a very positive impact
events themselves or putting in Fraserburgh.”
The project is one of the on special offers for visitors. Furthermore, the project and – this initiative can change which starts at 6pm from the
town’s most innovative in Although the regeneration the key organiser partner, the that, a major attraction right British Legion car park.
recent years and was launched Some local shops have even budget supplied by Fraserburgh Development on their doorstep and equally
showcased by taking stalls on Aberdeenshire Council Trust, were highlighted at accessible for all. The festive event will also have
in an effort to bring both social children’s attractions, music,
and economic regeneration to the day, hitting an audience provides sound financial Holyrood by MSP Stewart
who may not ordinarily visit backing to the cause, it is the Stevenson as “a fine example Continuing, Leona said: “This street food and refreshments
the town. December, we plan to put the as well as lots of Christmas
their business and therefore volunteers themselves who of town centre regeneration.”
In an age where the world unaware of what their specific make the event what it is. town on the map for the right offers from local shops and
wide web has consumed a trade is. To take the heat out of cash- reasons. restaurants.
plethora of aspects within The team were nominated strapped families at Christmas,
Organisers noticed swelled for the Scottish Urban organisers have teamed up “We want to show visitors The following day (Saturday,
the public domain, the what the Broch has to offer December 9), the Frozen
requirement for goods straight crowds at the last summer Regeneration Forum (SURF) with the Rotary Club and
event in comparison to Awards for Best Practice in arranged for a temporary and that they don’t have to Fraserburgh event will be
from the High Street has travel more than 40 miles to officially opened by Santa and
wavered somewhat. previous editions, a heartening Community Regeneration in ice-skating rink to be installed
sign that this project is on the 2014, succeeding in being in the town centre for families Aberdeen to spend a fortune the local pipe bind, with the
Local is no longer king. right track, as co-ordinator recognised at national level to use for free – a gesture of on a family day out. ice rink as the main attraction
Leona Findlay explained: “This being placed among the top goodwill at a time for giving for the day.
But Super Saturdays want to “Talk of an ice rink coming
year has been a great success. three projects in Scotland. and celebration. to Fraserburgh has created a The event will feature the RNLI
change that.
“Locals and visitors have Admittedly, this has taken a buzz in the town and everyone Santa’s grotto, along with a
Now in its fourth year, it has fully supported each event is excited for the Frozen wealth of stalls bringing lots
significant deal of fund raising
continued to grow the number and given us great feedback, Fraserburgh event. of inspirational gift ideas for
and string-pulling.
of visitors coming to discover and it is wonderful to see the big day, varied selection
Fraserburgh - or even re- However the genuine affinity “We took the decision to make of street food, live music and
so many people in the town the ice rink free for everyone
discover it - and the number centre at a weekend who for the community has taken much more.
and mix of stall-holders end up shopping locally and
“Talk of an ice centre stage to allow this to use so that everyone
can afford to enjoy the
and entertainers attending supporting local businesses rink coming to opportunity.
experience.”
continues to grow. thus contributing to the Fraserburgh has For many families, the financial For more information or
long-term survival of the High The weekend-long event will to keep up to date with all
The event is held on the
Street.
created a buzz in strain is too great even for the
kick off on Friday, December the news and information
second Saturday of each traditional exchanging of gifts,
month from May to September
the town and let alone children being able 8 in Saltoun Square with about Super Saturdays,
“It’s also great to see the social
and also a Christmas edition in benefits of our community-led
everyone is to connect with the Yuletide Fraserburgh’s Christmas late visit their Facebook page:
night shopping experience www.facebook.com/
December. event. excited for the spirit by being ferried through
featuring the ice rink. fraserburghsupersaturdays
to the likes of Aberdeen’s
They feature stalls to bring “People stop to speak to
Frozen Christmas Village. or www.facebook.com/
As always, there will be a
additional choice to those each other and as there Fraserburgh special visit from Santa who
festivefrozenfraserburgh,
shopping locally, with other Some kids don’t have the and get in touch via email:
features such as live music,
is something for all ages, event.” luxury of swapping stories will be arriving on his sleigh fraserburgh.super.saturdays@
local performers, children’s about Christmas treats or trips after his parade around town gmail.com.
40 41
W
hen I’m asked to describe my style of cooking
I always struggle as it’s a bit of a mish mash of
cuisines combined with a passion for seasonality,
cooking from scratch and family friendly recipes. However
if there is a particular area of speciality it’s probably ‘Quirky
Scottish’ or ‘Scottish with a Twist’. Over the past five years I’ve
blogged quite a few outlandish creations such as Chocolate
Haggis, Shortbread Kilts and Tunnock’s Teacake Rocky Road
but it’s a couple of recipes featuring Scotland’s other national
drink that have really hit the spot with my readers both in
Scotland and further afield.

In January 2015 I cooked up a ‘Specially Selected Pork’ branding


Ham in Irn Bru for Burns Night and at your butchers or supermarket
folk seemed to like it rather a lot. which guarantees quality. You
Admittedly Nigella and her Ham can keep things even more local
in Coca Cola had provided the by getting your Pork from an
inspiration but the Girders twist Aberdeenshire producer. Louise’s
and a sticky glaze of marmalade, Farm Kitchen in Lumphannan

Slow Cooker
whisky and wholegrain mustard produce outdoor reared pork with
sealed the deal. A couple of Saddleback sows and a Mangalitsa

Irn Bru
months later I took things a step boar. It’s sold via Farmer’s Markets
further and created Pulled Pork and a Pop up monthly pop-up
cooked low and slow in Irn Bru.
The response on social media
was phenomenal and continues
to be so. It’s the all time most It’s the all time
popular recipe on my blog and I’ve most popular recipe
received messages from all over
on my blog and I’ve

Pulled
the world from people who have
made it and loved it.
received messages
from all over the
Pulled Pork has become a bit of a world from people
thing of late popping up left, right who have made it
and centre on trendy menus. It’s and loved it.
actually surprisingly easy to make
at home, particularly if you use a

Pork
slow cooker. A wee bit of time and
effort at the start to get it prepped shop from their farmhouse kitchen.
then forget about it for many Ingrams in Newburgh sell high
hours, even overnight, and on your welfare Pork online, from their own
return a veritable deliciousness farm shop and also from farmers
awaits. markets. Sunnyside Home Farm
at Maryculter produce free range
When it comes to the pork be Mangalitsa pork which is sold via
sure to choose Scottish. Look farmers markets, local shops and
out for the Quality Meat Scotland direct from the farmhouse itself.
42 43
Ingredients
5
You are aiming for at
least 10-12 hours cooking
• 1.6kg joint boneless Pork Shoulder on low in the slow
cooker, anything up to 15
• 1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika hours and it will still be fine.
• 1 Tablespoon Dark Brown Soft Sugar This can be done overnight for
the next day’s lunch or during
• 1 Teaspoon English Mustard Powder the day for an evening meal. 
• 3 Cloves Garlic  To cook in a conventional oven
give it 6 hours at 150°C (fan
• 1 teaspoon Salt  130°C) 
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper

6
• 500ml Irn Bru Place the pork in the
crock pot, pour in the
• 2 Tablespoons cornflour remainder of the Irn Bru
before putting the lid on
the slow cooker and cooking
on low for 10-15 hours.

Method
7
Once the pork has served
its time, remove it from
the slow cooker, wrap in

1
foil and leave to rest
Remove the pork from whilst you prepare the sauce.
its packaging and snip
off any string. Cut off the

8
fat and pat the joint dry Sieve the juices from the
with kitchen roll. Make small slow cooker into a pan.
incisions all over the meat with Bring to the boil and
the tip of a knife. reduce by half. Slake the
cornflour in cold water and add

2
slowly whilst whisking to
Place the smoked thicken the sauce.
paprika, mustard powder,
brown sugar, salt, pepper
and the peeled cloves of
garlic in a pestle and mortar.
Crush and grind it all together
then make it into a paste with a
Claire Jessiman is a Scottish Freelance Foodie based in
splash of the Irn Bru.
Aberdeen who has been blogging her Edible Scottish
Adventures as Foodie Quine since 2012. A mum of two and

3
Rub the meat all over wife of one, she is passionate about cooking from scratch,
with the seasoning paste seasonality, food education and family-friendly recipes. She’s
massaging it in really always keen to seek out local food specialities, markets and
well. Place the meat in a experiences whilst travelling in the UK and abroad and is eager
ziplock bag and leave to to champion local Farmers, Suppliers and Producers. Addicted
www.foodiequine.co.uk
marinate in the fridge for to social media, Claire is also partial to Cheese, Gin, Peanut
anything from 1 hour to many. Butter, Tea and Rhubarb and is permanently looking for the
recipe that can successfully combine them all.
@foodiequine
44 45
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Peace and Love
Not ready for the summer to be
over yet? Don’t worry, we’ve got you
covered with this floral number!

You will need:


• orange juice
• hibiscus, violet and jasmine flavouring
or syrup

Mix together around 50ml of each of the

Cranberry Blackberry Blue


floral flavours and top up with orange juice
– easy!

Fizzer Bloodbath Shoe


This drink takes some Looking for something There’s something quite
of the best bits of a little creepier for fun about drinks that
Christmas time – your Hallowe’en are blue, and the blue
gingerbread houses, celebrations? Then look shoe is no exception!
cranberry sauce and
cinnamon everything
– and weaves them
no further than this
sweet concoction...
You will need:
Winter Warmer
together to create
You will need: • a blue, fruity flavoured Perfect for the wintry weather, this
the perfect Christmas juice of your choice
treat...
• blackberries mocktail can be served hot or cold!
• honey • cranberry juice

• vanilla flavouring • lemonade You will need:


You will need: • Mix together 100ml of your
• lemon juice • apple juice
• ginger ale or ginger beer blue juice with 60ml of
• sparkling water cranberry juice, and top up • ginger ale or ginger beer
• cranberry juice
with lemonade. • lemon juice
• apple juice
Mix together a few • brown sugar Mix together your apple juice with a splash
• lemon juice blackberries, a teaspoon of of lemon juice and add ginger ale or beer
• cinnamon honey and a few drops of depending on your personal taste – generally
vanilla flavouring and lemon the drink should be approximately equal parts
Mix together 100ml of your juice with a splash of sparkling water, making sure that you get as apple and ginger, however depending on
ginger drink with 50ml of much juice out of your blackberries as possible. your preference and type of ginger drink you
cranberry juice and 50ml of choose to use you may wish to only use half the
apple juice. Add to that a To ensure smoothness, strain the liquid in a fine sieve or coffee amount of ginger.
splash of lemon juice and a filter as you pour it into your glass and finish off by topping it up
shake of cinnamon and you’re with sparkling water.
ready to go!

48 49
Decorations
Still feel like something is missing?
Then why not try adding something
fancy...
Ice
One of the easiest ways to spruce up your drinks is to get
creative with the ice!
INSURANCE CONSULTANTS
Why not use food colouring for something a little different, or

Managing your risk


coat ice cubes in edible glitter for a little added festivity?

For something a little quirky, you could try freezing things into your ice
cubes – why not try little plastic spiders for a Hallowe’en party?

Or if you have access to a black light for your party, why not make your ice cubes out of tonic water
and watch your drinks glow in the dark? Safeguarding your future
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For something a little kookier this
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with a little fake blood?

Easily made by boiling sugar and water • Savings • Accident and Sickness
(roughly 4 sugar:1 water) and adding a few
drops of red food colouring and a quarter
teaspoon of cream of tartar – alternatively • Life Assurance • Household and Motor
try just adding the food colouring to runny
honey or syrup.
• Pension Planning • Specialising in
Lots of fun but also rather messy if it
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Coloured sugar rims are probably the most common way of decorating cocktails and mocktails.

Pop some sugar in a jar, add a few drops of the colour of your choice and shake it up to mix the
colour through evenly – just be careful not to add to much food colouring at once or your sugar will
dissolve together into lumps.

Use lemon or lime to moisten the rim of your glass and then dip it into the sugar.
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3 Main Street, Turriff AB53 4AA
‘YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP
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Holly
Martyniuk
unlocked the
door to her dream.
Photograph by Christy Annand

THE
LOCKED DOOR
ESCAPE GAMES
with Christy Annand
30-YEAR-old Holly Martyniuk She is now running The I was invited to have a chat
quite literally had a heart- Locked Door, Aberdeen’s with Holly, and I brought my
stopping moment in 2015 newest escape game, and boyfriend Mark along as my
when she was working as a enjoying every minute. teammate to have a go at
facilities administrator at an trying to break out of The
If you haven’t heard of an
oil company in the city centre. Locked Door ourselves.
escape game before then
Department Store and Restaurant However, she has turned a think of the ’90s TV show, The When asked about her
15 Main Street, Turriff, AB53 4AA negative into a positive and Crystal Maze, and you’ll be on experience, Holly said: “It’s
she now has a fresh outlook on the right track. quite a hard question to
Tel: 01888 563361
life and achieved her dream of answer because I have no
www.celebrationsofturriff.co.uk opening her own business. memory of the day!
Open 7 Days Every Week 53
“It was a busy time at work and I was working “It turned out that my mum and brother had
late one evening and I had gone up to the the gene so they have been put on similar heart
stationery cupboard to get a notepad for a medication to me - a preventative measure. We did it! Our time wasn’t too
meeting, and as I was chatting away to the bad for a team of two.
receptionist I fell to the ground. After her ordeal, Holly had an operation to Photograph courtesy
have a pacemaker fitted which regulates her of The Locked
“She told me what had happened when I came heartbeat if her heart begins to play up, or Door
round, that my hands started shaking, I had in the case her heart stops completely the
stopped breathing and my heart had essentially pacemaker will literally ‘kickstart’ her heart.
stopped.
Just over a year after Holly’s heart stopped, she
“I think I scarred the poor girl for life, hopefully was made redundant from her job like so many
she has forgiven me for that!”
others working in the oil and gas industry in
The receptionist then dialled the internal Aberdeen.
emergency number which connected her to
She explains: “My sister Heather and I have
the security team who are trained first aiders,
always loved escape rooms and we used to joke
to which Holly said: “It is quite funny to watch
about setting up one of our own.
the CCTV back as you see one of the security
guards rushing in like Superman.” “We knew at that time there was already
Once they arrived, they began something similar in Aberdeen,
giving Holly CPR, and in a but we thought there was
twisted stroke of luck, the room for something a little bit
stationery cupboard that different.
Holly was in at the time just “You only live
“It was only when my
happened to be the place once, or in my redundancy was announced
where the defibrillator was
kept. case, twice, but and I knew I only had about

Once her lips began to turn


it’s the silver six months left to work that
I decided I could still work in
blue, 999 was dialled and lining of a my old job and get paid while Holly runs The Locked what you see in them end, we made it out
within around 26 minutes the terrible situation setting up a new business of Door with her sister is home-made, it is along with the 'Heart of
ambulance arrived and took my own. Heather, who is incredibly impressive, the Desert' diamond in
Holly to hospital where it was and you learn to 32-years-old, and not to mention how our clutches with a time
discovered she had gone in to take risks.” “My old work was only just up Heather's partner Brian cleverly thought out of 73 minutes and 37
cardiac arrest. the road from here and my boss Geddes, also 32-years- every piece of the seconds.
was really good at letting me old. puzzle is.
She said: “A lot of people asked Unfortunately, I can't go
away during the day to take in
me about my heart attack, but She thinks the fact they Both rooms have a in to detail about the
deliveries and that sort of thing,
I had a cardiac arrest which is are a family run business camera and microphone rooms to avoid giving
but it was quite challenging at
completely different to a heart attack.” is appealing. so the team can see away any spoilers, but I
times as I was still working full-time in my old when players may need can say that The Locked
A heart attack is when the blood supply to job and setting up this place. The team have put their a clue, in which case Door is a fresh and
part of the heart stops and a part of the heart heart and soul into the there is a ding-ding
“If what had happened with my heart hadn’t innovative attraction to
muscle begins to die, you are also conscious two rooms, one called sound and a clue is
happened, I probably would have carried on visit in Aberdeen and
and aware of what is happening, but a cardiac The Heist and other typed onto the screen. we had a blast!
working in the same kind of job I was doing called Raiders, both
arrest is when your heart stops beating
completely.” before I was made redundant. of which come with When it was time for But don't take my word
intricate backstories us to have a go at it, for it, visit The Locked
As it turned out, Holly has a heart condition that “But because it did happen I thought to myself
that really get you we didn't know what to Door and see for
she wasn’t aware of and is still undiagnosed ‘that could have been it’, and it gave me a push immersed in the game. expect as we had never yourself.
almost two years later. to do what I really want to do. done anything like it
They have also put a before. For more information
She said: “I am still having tests run on me, She added: “You only live once, or in my case, lot of hard work into and to book, you can
but what they did find was a genetic mutation twice, but it’s the silver lining of a terrible making the rooms We did our best in The visit thelockeddoor.
which is linked to this heart condition, and that situation and you learn to take risks. themselves and most of Heist room and in the co.uk.
meant they were able to test my entire family to
“If there is something you want to do then
check if they had the same gene.
go for it because what’s the worst that could
happen?”
54 55
November 25th / 26th and
December 2nd / 3rd 2017
10am – 4pm

Delgatie Castle’s Victorian Christmas weekends have become a legend in


Aberdeenshire since they began over 20 years ago. It is the original, biggest

Country Comes
and best Victorian event in the area.
We offer a filled visit that is very good value for money. Enjoy an authentic
Victorian atmosphere in the decorated castle with staff dressed in Victorian
clothing. You will find crafters in the rooms as you explore the castle and

to Town
children can enjoy a visit to see Santa, who will have a present for every
child.
After a walk round the castle come down to the award winning
‘Laird’s Kitchen’ to enjoy delicious food and the very best in home baking.

Admission £5 per head per person


Nicola Prise-Porter traces the history of this
Tel: 01888 563479 You can find us off
iconic institution celebrating it’s 100th year
email: joan@delgatiecastle.com the A947 Aberdeen
www.delgatiecastle.com to Banff Road
session and making a bracelet The Rurals
with Crafty Divas. are proud of
their history
On the island of Mull Sheelagh and keep
Still said: “We recognise that records and
women want flexibility and albums of
may wish to dip in and out photographs
of meetings as their other of their
commitments allow. institute.
“It’s great to see new interest
being generated in the SWI.”

SWI national chairwoman


Christine Hutton is encouraged
to see new members coming
to search
on board and taking an
for Institutes, but the
interest in the organisation The
newer groups complement the
and says it bodes well for the original SWI
existing network of traditional
future. badge was designed to
meetings that have been held
all over Scotland since the represent love and friendship
Adding: “The new institutes
organisation’s foundations in of power for good - the
being formed, is a positive
1917, when the first Scottish white heart stands for purity
step in the right direction.”
Rural was formed in Scotland surmounted by the crown of
The new style meetings have at Longniddry, East Lothian. womanhood in gold denoting
come about as part of the courage and steadfastness.

Celebrating fun and friendship over the decades rebranding of the movement
to address the organisation’s
A year later Muir of Alford
formed the first SWI in The war years limited many
Aberdeenshire. WRI activities, with the
ageing membership and to
blackout meaning monthly
WOMEN across Celebrity supporters of their which are being trialled in inspire women to join an
Initially the WRI was run by meetings were arranged to
Aberdeenshire, and the rest campaigns and cookbooks different parts of Scotland. organisation more reflective
the Board of Agriculture, coincide with moonlit nights
of Scotland, have celebrated include Nick Nairn, Tony Singh, of modern lives where women
The less formal gatherings but over the years the WRI’s and sometimes abandoned.
a huge anniversary this year Lady Claire Macdonald OBE work, have family and busy
encouraged women to meet central council became
– the 100th birthday of the and TV favourite Lorraine lifestyles. But this did not deter the
with other like-minded women stronger and the movement
‘Rural’! Kelly. Rural members who turned
to make friendships and learn A new website was also became self-supporting apart
from a number of grants. their energies and enthusiasm
The SWI, formerly the WRI, But as well as celebrating their new skills and interests at launched to make it easier
to the war effort.
began in Canada in 1897 as history the SWI is a forward times of the day and week that
a scheme to help women thinking organisation. best suit their lifestyles. Those who had attended
in rural environments by Schools and obtained Test
preventing social isolation and In 2016 a new style of SWI was A pilot began in Aberdeen
Certificates helped to teach
encouraging education and launched in Leith, Shawlands, last August 19 and Ann Milne,
crafts in isolated camps and
was adopted in Scotland 20 Aberdeen and Dervaig on the the driving force behind the
hospitals.
years later. Isle of Mull. Granite City’s Deen Divas said:
“There has been tremendous The Guilds Committee at
The SWI remains one of In cities, towns and rural areas interest in an informal group headquarters soon organised
Scotland’s most loved of Scotland, a new generation of women getting together the distribution of wool
institutions with a membership of women began to discover to socialise, enjoy shared for comforts and also
of around 17,700 women. the appeal of the Scottish interests and above all have arranged for a van to tour
Women’s Institute - trying fun. the more isolated districts to
The word ‘Rural’ has now activities like speed crafting,
demonstrate the cooking of
been dropped from the going on brewery trips, “About 40 people attended
home-grown vegetables and
name, to reflect the growing making cocktails and learning our first meeting and we’re
the preservation of fruit, both
membership in urban areas, to play the ukulele at the new looking forward to developing
canned and bottled, and to
while a new logo has been branches. and growing in the coming
encourage the Grow More
designed to give a fresh months.”
Moves to introduce the SWI to Food campaign for small
look along with the strapline The Mrs Bell Perpetual Challenge Silver Rosebowl was presented
a broader reach of women led In September a ghost walk gardens and allotments.
‘Women Together’. to Ardmiddle WRI in the mid 1970s at the Turriff Group’s
to the birth of pilot meetings round Aberdeen was planned
Bulb Show (from left) Mrs M Jaffray, Mrs J Milne, Mrs Bell, Mrs There are three levels and
as well as a ‘Book Blethers’
Hepburn, Mrs R Gibson and Mrs Cooper. opportunities to get involved
in them all - from the local artistic events such as AS well as holding regular make them look older than In British folklore, black dogs
institute monthly meetings drama contests and meetings where they can hear they are. often appear as evil forces that
to federation level ( a group choir competitions. from a guest speaker, try their represent death to those who
of institutes within a defined hand at a competition and Their teeth also look see them.
area) to the national level For many Rural enjoy a ‘welcome cup of tea’ comparatively whiter and this
which is governed by the members the institute the SWI can become a media can make black dogs appear But the SWI stripy woollies
The
central council. has been a source of sensation while doing good more threatening than those struck a global chord with
Stoneycreek
lifelong friendships. works. with lighter coats. digital coverage alone
Trophy was
The Aberdeenshire Federation reaching an estimated two
Member of Fyvie and presented to Superstition has given black
was established in 1930, In its centenary year, the SWI million people and being
District SWI for 19 years, Fyvie and District dogs bad image too.
although its first four Rurals was seeking projects to show shared online almost 5,000
Carole Eddie explained how SWI for gaining
started in 1918. the range of traditional craft times.
they managed to keep the the most new members.
skills within the organisation.
Aberdeenshire organises a group running.
variety of activities throughout And they found a good
the year for its members “Four years ago one member “That year we got 13 new cause in helping to prevent
ranging from Baking and died then three years ago members which more than ‘ruff justice’ caused by Black
Crochet to Drama and Golf. three ladies died. doubled our membership Dog Syndrome which results
and in fact Fyvie won the in dark-coated dogs being
Their annual calendar includes “We were down to 10
trophy for getting most new overlooked by potential new
regular competitions and joint members and were almost
members in Scotland.” owners in favour of those that
activities including Bulb shows folding, I was on for president
again and I said we would For more details of how to are lighter-coloured.
in which competitors can
show off their horticultural, have one more year and would find your nearest institute, Working in partnership with
handicraft and baking try to recruit new members. or advice on how to set up a the Scottish SPCA, homeless
skills; showcase of the year new one, visit www.swi.org or hounds were helped by SWI
“I wrote a bit for our
Country Comes to Town, go to its Facebook pages. members knitting coats of
community newsletter and
sporting events such as golf, I also asked the school to If you’re not sure if you want many colours.
bowling and curling and the put a bit in their newsletter to be a ‘Rural wife’ you can
Ruralympics; quizzes and Dark animals tend not to
explaining our situation. initially attend as a visitor. photograph well and it can be
difficult to distinguish their
features.

If they have any white or grey


hairs, these show up against
Sisters are doing it their black coats and may

for themselves An SWI survey carried out • Lowers blood pressure The main barrier to
two years ago showed continue knitting is what
• Induces a sense of well
dressmaking, knitting to do with the output – a
being
and crochet in the top 10 keen knitter can produce as
skills women in Scotland • Counters depression many as 15 baby hats in an
would like to learn. The poll afternoon.
• Slows the onset of
included cooking and arts
dementia Knit for Peace (an initiative
and crafts among the top
skills women would like • Can be continued into of the Charities Advisory
to develop, other areas in extreme old age, despite Trust) provides an outlet for
which the SWI is renowned deafness, loss of sight or 20,000 knitters in the UK,
for. reduced mobility. distributing donated knitting,
such as blankets, clothes
Knitting for Peace published And for those over 60 and twiddlemuffs to 300
a report this summer on The knitting can make them feel outlets that help those in
Health Benefits of Knitting, more resilient and better need in the UK and abroad,
backed by a survey of able to cope, with knitting including homeless projects
over 1000 knitters, which for others making them and hospitals in Britain,
provided evidence based feel part of the community, street children in India and
research showing that still of use and less socially refugees from Syria and Iraq
At their 100th celebrations, the Turriff Group knitting: isolated. in Kurdistan.
were able to have a go on a segway.
Gin & Tonic Truffles

Rural Grace Ingredients


200g Dark Chocolate
We thank Thee 50g Butter
Father for Thy care. 2 tblsp Double Cream
Food, friends and 2 tblsp Gin
kindliness we share. 2 tblsp Tonic
May we for ever mindful be ½ Lime Juice and Zest
Of home and country White Chocolate to cover
and of Thee.
Method
Melt chocolate, add cream then mix in other
ingredients. Put in fridge for 3 hours. Roll into
little balls and put in fridge for at least ½ hour.
Dip in melted white chocolate.

Some recipes from the SWI


100 Delicious Years recipe book Cranberry & Coconut Energy Bars GI YS
F TS
Ingredients TO
100g Syrup
200g Light Muscovado Sugar HOM ANT
200g Butter EWA RE RESTAUR
150g Porridge Oats
100g Rice Krispies
100g Sultanas

For all the family


50g Coconut
50g Sunflower Seeds
50g Dried Cranberries

this Christmas
Method
Banana & Date Muffins In a large pan melt syrup, sugar and butter.
Ingredients Add the dry ingredients and mix well.
6fl oz/¾ cup Sunflower Oil Press the mixture into an oblong baking tray
3 large Eggs and chill in fridge for at least 1 hour.
5oz Light Muscovado Sugar Cut into bars
3 medium Bananas, mashed
½ a large Cooking Apple, grated
4-6oz Dates, chopped
8oz Doves Farm Plain Flour
2 tsp GF Baking Powder

For Indoor & Outdoor Living


Method

Beat oil, eggs, sugar and fruit together then add


the flour and baking powder and gently fold in.
Carefully spoon into paper cases in a muffin tray.

Bake in pre-heated oven at Gas 5, 375°F,


Insch, AB52 6SN | On the A96, between Inverurie & Huntly
190°C for 25 minutes or until well risen and
cooked through.
Food plays an important part in the SWI,
whether it’s the accompaniment to their tea
Open 7 Days, 9.00am - 5.00pm • Tel: 01464 851114
at their monthly meetings or as part of their www.kellockbank.co.uk
Makes 12-14. competition.
RESTAURANT • FASHION • GIFTS

MORGAN MC VEIGHS • COLPY • ABERDEENSHIRE


Tel. 01464 841399

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