Writings – Page 38 – Barrowsgate

Kissin’ Time

Mar 29, 1935

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in Bitties Fae Barrowsgate, Observations, Writings

Before the first tune at the local dance, there was always “Kissin’ Time”. Gentlemen and ladies started out sitting at opposite sides of the room but, when the fiddler took up his bow, both sides rushed towards each other. There then followed a whole range of approaches to kissing, from the bashful to the positively…

Whusky an Soda

Mar 22, 1935

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in Bitties Fae Barrowsgate, Observations, Writings

Barrowsgate’s Granny “accidentally” gives the cow dealer washing soda to drink, which leads to a successful sale. “Birse tea” is where a dram of whisky is added to the last cup of tea in the pot.

Rural Harmony

Mar 15, 1935

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in Bitties Fae Barrowsgate, Observations, Writings

The parishioners of the divided community of Drumnadroggit decide to come together as one congregation for a Social Evening at the Auld Kirk. Needless to say, they still manage to fall out with each other.

Toots Fae the Past

Mar 8, 1935

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in Bitties Fae Barrowsgate, Observations, Writings

Barrowsgate comes across an old coaching horn that used to signal the approaching coach bus service at the Kildronan Arms. Barrowsgate wrote more about the service in another Bittie – Coaches and Cargoes. Note: In 1934, Leslie Hore-Belisha, as Transport Minister, had introduced a 30mph speed limit in built-up areas. The Kildronan Arms was, in…

On wi’ the Dance

Mar 1, 1935

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in Bitties Fae Barrowsgate, Observations, Writings

Barrowsgate looks back with affection at dances where as many as sixteen tunes were played in each half.

The Vow

Mar 1, 1935

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in Other verse, Verse, Writings

A man promises his dying wife that he will make peace with his mother-in-law – but regrets it.

Fich an’ Feech

Feb 22, 1935

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in Bitties Fae Barrowsgate, Observations, Writings

[continues] Barrowsgate explains the difference between the meanings of “feech”(an exclamation) and “fich” – the latter being the knob on the bottom of a certain variety of French clay pipe. Note: the end of this article is missing in the original cutting but has been substituted with a scan. An almost identical version appeared two…

Speed

Feb 15, 1935

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in Bitties Fae Barrowsgate, Observations, Writings

Miss O B Carefu gives a cautionary talk at the Kildronan Women’s Rural Institute about not rushing into things – before speeding off in her car.

Rise an’ Fa’ in Pigs

Feb 8, 1935

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in Bitties Fae Barrowsgate, Observations, Writings

Geordie Tamson tricks the blacksmith into buying a pig that turns out to be smaller than it looked at first sight.

The Feein’ o Tam

Feb 1, 1935

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in Other verse, Verse, Writings

The farmer apparently can’t pay his labourers higher wages (fees) but still manages to afford to run a car and seems to have plenty of money for drinking. Published in the London Scottish Regimental Gazette.

Category: Writings