Tag: Crofting
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The Buchan Birl
The women of New Leeds near Fraserburgh put on an annual dance – which (like the Buchan Banquet) is also bedlam.
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Piggeronomy, Book Two
The Biblical tale about a pig concludes. When the Rabbi’s son collects the pig, it escapes. Eventually, the Rabbi’s son returns home – without the pig.
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Piggeronomy – Book 1
The Chief Rabbi’s son ventures forth to Buchan to buy a pig for a family feast and comes upon Barrowsgate.
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Peats – a Peetifu’ Tale
Mrs Barrowsgate remembers cutting peat as a young girl and, after they move to a new area, she sends Barrowsgate out with a spade to look for some. Taking instruction from Wull o’ Mormon, Barrowsgate finds out that cutting peat is harder than it looks.
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Win’, Jist Win’
Barrowsgate finds his new place very windy and, there being few trees for kindling, has to keep his fire going overnight with peat.
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Flittin’ an’ Flytin’
Barrowsgate moves to house, and gets told off for his lack of removal abilities.
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Spring is Wi’ Us
The coming of Spring leads Barrowsgate to think that Spring on the croft is not how it used to be and bemoans the loss of the old customs, particularly around ploughing and ploughmen. Note: Castel o’ Auchry was a large farm near Turriff and Barrowsgate is quoting from a bothy ballad. Bothy ballads were songs…
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Jeems an’ Tilly
Craigshannoch didn’t come with enough land to keep a cow so Barrowsgate buys a goat, but it doesn’t end well.
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Whusky an Soda
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.