Category: Bitties Fae Barrowsgate
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The Very Devil – Alias “Nicky Ben”
Barrowsgate describes meeting a man in uniform on the train who has vowed to drive the Devil out of Drumndroggit, Kildronan and Kilmaur. Barrowsgate suggests that the Devil is possibly not as bad as everybody makes out.
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War in Peace
Barrowsgate wonders why modern-day wars can’t be settled like they were in bygone times. Context: In October 1935, Mussolini invaded Abyssinia (now Ethiopia).
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Society, Tribbles an’ Ties
Barrowsgate weighs into a debate about the “correct” wearing of neck ties.
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The Fire Alarm
Barrowsgate continues his history of the Kippertoon Fire Brigade with an account of its first call-out.
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Kippertoon Fire Brigade
Barrowsgate describes the grand opening ceremony for the Kippertoon Fire Brigade. Context: Fraserburgh only got its first professional fire brigade with engine in 1931. Before that, it only had handcarts and volunteers.
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Washing – Plain and Fancy
Barrowsgate does the weekly clothes washing, a job he thinks that women make too much of a fuss about. His services will not be required for this task again in the future.
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Class Distinction
Barrowsgate compares the leadership qualities of church ministers and shepherds and concludes that neither can lead their flocks with their noses in the air.
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The Airt Polite
Barrowsgate recalls the time he pushed his sister Jean into the mill stream, politely remembering to say “after you”.
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Moses Esq. – Promoter
Barrowsgate is convinced that Moses was a Scot, and that he raised money for his church by organising sales of work. Note: The only printed copy of this Bittie is almost illegible but the typescript that was submitted to the BBC around 1958 can be downloaded below.
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Mistress Barrowsgate Explains
Mistress Barrowsgate goes away for the weekend and leaves Barrowsgate four pounds of meat that he can roast. Instead, he decides to make a pie, boils the meat dry and rolls out the pastry with Mistress B’s clothes mangle.